The government of Ecuador has designated 97% of the land area of the Galápagos Islands as the country's first national park.

The remaining 3% is distributed between the inhabited areas of Santa Cruz, San Cristóbal, Baltra, Floreana and Isabela.

Additionally, the same year, the Galápagos National Park was included in the list of Biosphere Reserve because of its unique scientific and educational worth that should be preserved for perpetuity.

A favorite of visitors to the Galapagos is Tortuga Bay, located on the Santa Cruz Island, about a 20-minute walk from the main water taxi dock in Puerto Ayora.

Marine iguanas, galapagos crabs and birds are seen dotted along the lava rocks in Tortuga Bay.