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The Ultimate Guide to Visiting the Galapagos Islands
The Galapagos Islands are a once-in-a-lifetime destination where you can come face-to-face with fearless wildlife and explore otherworldly volcanic landscapes found nowhere else on earth. This Ecuadorian archipelago is located 600 miles off the coast of South America in the Pacific Ocean. It’s renowned for its unique biodiversityendemic species like giant tortoisesand its role in inspiring Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution.
Planning a trip here takes advance preparationbut the chance to snorkel with sea lionshike atop ancient cratersand observe Darwin’s finches in their natural habitat is an adventure you’ll never forget. Our website is a full guide to help you plan the perfect Galapagos vacation.
A Brief History of the Galapagos Islands
The Galapagos Islands were formed by volcanic action over the past 4-5 million years. The oldest existing islandEspañolais estimated to be around 3.5 million years old. The Galapagos archipelago consists of 13 major islands6 smaller islesand over 100 rocks and islets.
Though uninhabitedthe islands were known by indigenous South Americans and discoverd by the Spanish in the 16th century. The Galapagos get their name from the Spanish word for saddledue to the shape of tortoise shells. The islands became part of Ecuador in 1832.
Charles Darwin brought scientific attention to the area after visiting in 1835. His observations of the differences between similar species on separate islands led to his groundbreaking theory of evolution by natural selection. Todaythe Galapagos remain over 90% protected national park with conservation efforts focused on maintaining this one-of-a-kind ecosystem.
When to Visit the Galapagos Islands
The Galapagos have two distinct seasons:
Dry Season (June to December)
- Coolerdrier weather with average temperatures around 25°C.
- Ocean waters are colder with increased nutrient levelsattracting more wildlife.
- It is the ideal time to visit for the snorkeling and diving enthusiast. The downside is that the sea is not at its calmest.
- High tourist seasonso attractions are busier.
Wet Season (January to May)
- Wildlife breeds during this timeso birdwatching and turtle nesting are at their peak.
- Ocean waters are warmer and clearer for swimming and snorkeling.
- Low tourist numbersbut heavier rains and calmer seas.
How To Get To and Around the Galapagos Islands
Getting to this remote archipelago involves flying into one of two small airportsIsla Baltra or Isla San Cristobal. Visitors then explore the islands either on a cruise or via daily boat trips and flights while staying in hotels on the inhabited islands.
Flights to the Galapagos
- Fly into Baltra or San Cristobal from Ecuador’s mainland cities of Guayaquil or Quito.
- Roundtrip flights take around 3 hours from the mainland and cost $400-$500.
- Arrive at least 1 day before any cruise departure to avoid missing the boat!
Getting Around By Cruise
- Multi-day cruises are the most popular and efficient way to experience the Galapagos.
- Cruise itineraries range from 3-7+ nights circumnavigating various islands.
- Most cruise ships depart from either Baltra or San Cristobal.
Recommended cruise lines: Celebrity CruisesLindblad ExpeditionsEcoventuraLatin TrailsQuasar.
Getting Around Independently
- Stay in hotels on inhabited islands then take day trips by boat or flight.
- Ferry services like the Expedition route islands hop between Santa CruzIsabelaFloreana.
- Inter-island flights allow you to see farther flung islands in less time.
Booking your trip with the help from a travel agent
Here are three key ways a travel agent can help plan an amazing Galapagos Islands trip:
- Recommend the optimal time to visit and tailor the perfect itinerary based on your interestsbudget and preferences. Their expertise saves you research time.
- Get access to discounted rates and exclusive deals on flightscruiseshotelsand packages that aren’t publicly listed.
- Handle logistics like permitsbookingstransportationand provide local tips and recommendations. This allows you to make the most of your limited time on the islands.
Our Travel Guide is complete and will give you a step by step detail to planning a trip to the Galapagos Islands. Yet the Galapagos require intricate planningand if you do not have a lot of time it is best left to a specialized agent. Their knowledge and connections lead to a dream trip full of once-in-a-lifetime wildlife encounters and scenery.
Recommended Travel Agents: Voyagers Travel CompanyPeru For LessTravel EdgeAdventure Smith Explorations.
Where To Stay in the Galapagos Islands
Most visitors stay on a cruise boatbut there are some hotel and eco-lodge options primarily on the four inhabited islands:
Santa Cruz
The most populous island with the widest variety of hotelsresortsand budget options close to attractions like the Charles Darwin Research Station.
San Cristobal
Charming port town of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno with boutique hotels plus lodges in the highlands. Great base for scuba divers.
Isabela
Laidback island with scattered accommodation choices. Ideal for nature lovers and those who want a quieter experience.
Floreana
Smallest inhabited island with few hotels. Known for its black sand beaches and rich history as one of the first settled islands.
Eco-friendly Lodges
Offer close wildlife encounters in natural settings on islands like Santa CruzIsabelaand Floreana. Recommended options: Pikaia LodgeScalesia LodgeHotel Ikala.
Top Things To Do in the Galapagos Islands
The Galapagos offer endless opportunities to interact with wildlife and take in the archipelago’s striking volcanic formations. Top activities include:
Wildlife Viewing
See native and endemic animals thrive up closelike:
- Giant tortoises
- Blue-footed boobies and red-footed boobies
- Galapagos sea lions
- Marine iguanas
- Waved albatross
- Galapagos penguins
- Darwin’s finches
Snorkeling & Scuba Diving
Hiking & Land Tours
Relaxing on Beaches
Unwind on white or black sand beaches like Tortuga BayLas BachasBartolomeand Gardner Bay.
Seeing Giant Tortoises
Visit reserves like El Chato on Santa Cruz to get up close to these gentle ancient giants.
Visiting the Charles Darwin Research Station
Insider Tips for Visiting the Galapagos
Follow these expert tips to make the most out of your Galapagos adventure:
- Avoid the crowds by going to lesser-visited islands like EspañolaFernandinaSantiagoand Genovesa.
- Pack motion sickness tablets – boat rides between islands can be rough.
- Bring binoculars to better observe wildlife from shore and boats.
- Wear lightweightquick-dry clothing. Temperatures are hot year-round.
- Don’t touch or feed the wildlife – be respectful of their habitat.
- Try delicious local foods like cevicheencocadoor churrasco.
- Book cruises well in advance – ships fill up quicklyespecially during high season.
- Purchase park passes and transit cards in advance through your travel agent.
- Pre-book day trips from your hotel or just take a cruise (cruises include all shore excursions) to avoid last-minute chaos.
Sample Itineraries for 5-7 Days in the Galapagos
With over a dozen islands to exploreit’s tough choose what to prioritize in just a few days. These sample itineraries will help jumpstart your planning:
5 Day Cruise Itinerary
Day 1: Arrivevisit highlands of Santa Cruz
Day 2: Snorkel with sea lions at Champion Islet off Floreana
Day 3: Española Island – hike Punta Suarezsnorkel at Gardner Bay
Day 4: Bartolomé Island – Pinnacle Rockvolcanic formations
Day 5: North Seymour Island to see boobiesmarine iguanas
6 Day Cruise Itinerary
Day 1: Arrivevisit Tortuga Bay on Santa Cruz
Day 2: Snorkel with penguins off Bartolomé Island
Day 3: Genovesa Island – hike and birdwatching
Day 4: Santiago Island – Sullivan Bay lava fields
Day 5: Rábida Island’s red sand beachcoastal walk
Day 6: Santa Cruz Island highlights – tortoisesDarwin Station
7 Day Land-Based Itinerary
Day 1: Arriveexplore Santa Cruz Island
Day 2: Day trip to South Plaza Island
Day 3: Isabela Island – snorkel Concha y Perla lagoon
Day 4: Ferry to Floreanarelax on its black sand beach
Day 5: Day trip to Seymour Island’s wildlife
Day 6: Santa Cruz highlandssee giant tortoises
Day 7: Visit Fausto Llerena Breeding Center before departure
With its captivating mix of wildlifelandscapesand adventurethe Galapagos deliver an incredible experience for nature lovers. Use these tips and itinerary ideas to plan your perfect trip!
Our Story
The GalapagosIslands.travel website is an interactive travel guide dedicated to help travelers plan their trip to the Galapagos Islands and Ecuador. This website will share picturesvideos and blogs of Galapagos travel experiences from the perspective of visitorsguides and travel companies.
ABOUT US
We are guidesphotographerswritersyet our main task is to offer help in planning Galapagos trips through creative story guides.
PASSION
We have a true love for these islands and are keen to sharing travel planning tips to help you organize your Galapagos vacation.
Amazing photo stories
Get inspiration from some of the worlds best wildlife photographers on our virtual tours of the archipelago.
Fun facts about the Galapagos Islands
Read through our stories and blogs to learn more about the isles of fireour team of travel writers keep this site updated with first hand knowledge and essential tourism information. We are confident you will be able to plan a better trip once you read through our website.
See what your hotel or yacht looks like before you book.
The Islands are 1 hour behind Ecuador continental time.
WiFi is usually terriblewant to know were to get a good signal?.
The Galapagos are home to the only equatorial penguin species.
Being at the Equator you can visit 365 days a year.
The islands are not cheapbut we will tell you how to save money.