A first-time guide to the Galápagos Islands

A paradise for anyone who loves wildlife and raw naturethe Galápagos Islands contain wonders you’ll find nowhere else on earth.

Plying the islands’ shores and coastal waters are Galápagos giant tortoises that weigh more than 500 pounds. Marine iguanas that swim and eat seaweed and algae.

Blue-footed boobies (seabirds)Galápagos penguins and many other incredible creatures. Such unique biodiversity has earned the archipelago a UNESCO World Heritage Site designation.

Many visitors see the islands on a multi-day small-boat cruisewhile others explore on landhopping on ferries to get between islands. Either wayyou will need to be with a certified guide at visitor sites in the national parkwhich composes 97% of the islands’ landmass.

As you plan your first trip to this wondrous placeread on for more tips to keep in mind.

When should I go to the Galápagos Islands?

The most popular time to visit the Galápagos Islands is during the warm seasonfrom December to May. This time of year sees only intermittent rainfallwhile air temperatures stay in the high 80s to low 90s F (30–34°C) – making the water lovely for swimming and snorkeling.

The June-through-November cooler season brings stronger winds and cooler air temperaturesbut it’s still a nice time to visit. Since the islands are located near the equatoryou can expect around 12 hours of sunlight each day year-round.

How much time should I spend in the Galápagos?

If you come all the way to the Galápagosyou’ll probably want to spend at least a week here – with four or five nights a bare minimum. Two weeks is a good length of time for more in-depth exploration. Many cruise companies split the islands into eastern and western itineraries. 

Since the islands are both remote and fairly spread outyou should research in advance which ones you want to call at.

Keep in mind you will need to get between islandswhich can take some time when traveling independently. If you join a multi-day cruiseyou’ll likely be in transit between islands at nightallowing you to fully enjoy activities during the day.

Is it easy to get in and around the Galápagos Islands? 

It takes some effort to get to the Galápagos Islandswhich are 600 miles (956km) off the coast of mainland Ecuador. Most visitors fly from Quito or Guayaquil into one of the islands’ two main airports.

Keep in mind there are strict agricultural regulations in placeincluding a declaration and inspection. You’ll need to pay a park entrance fee of $200 for adult international visitors (this must be paid in cash upon arrival)as well as a $20 Transit Control Card.

Multi-day cruises are very popularwith vessels and amenities that range from budget to luxury; just about all cruise operators offer activities like snorkelinghikingkayaking or scuba diving. 

Independent travelers can find accommodations on a few islandsincluding Santa CruzSan Cristóbal and Isabela. To get between some islandstake an inter-island ferry (tickets are available at shops and ticket booths); there are also a few propeller-plane flights between select islands.

To see the sitesbook half- or full-day excursions – but keep in mind you need a certified Galápagos National Park guide with you to visit most sites. To get aroundtake a taxirent a bike or just walk.

Top things to do in the Galápagos Islands 

Spot blue-footed boobies on a hike

Join a guide to hike and explore the terrain on foot. North Seymour Island is just one of many locations with great places to walkincluding a popular trail where a stroll among prickly pear cactus and palo santo trees will let you see species like like blue-footed boobiesgreat frigate birdsGalápagos sea lions and marine iguanas.

Snorkel with penguins off Bartolomé Island

While many species stick to landmany more are in the seaand snorkeling provides an excellent vantage point for encountering them. (If you have your own maskconsider bringing it from home to ensure just the right fit).

Join a tour to go for a snorkel in locations like Bartolomé Island – a great place to see penguins.

Set out on bucket-list SCUBA opportunities 

Experienced scuba divers place the Galápagos Islands on their bucket lists for good reasonfor the Galápagos Marine Reserve teems with underwater wonders.

On a scuba tripyou’ll see spotted eagle raysmanta raysGalápagos garden eelsbonitoshammerhead sharksGalápagos sharksPacific seahorsesGalápagos giant sea turtles and much more.

Keep in mind that the area’s strong currents and swells make it a challenging environmentone best suited to experienced divers.

Get a scientific take at the Charles Darwin Research Station

In Puerto Ayorastop by the Charles Darwin Exhibition Hall at the Charles Darwin Research Station to take in exhibits about scientific research on the islands and see natural-history specimensincluding whale skeletons.

Be sure to spend some time strolling around the native gardensand grab a ticket for a tour of Ruta de la Tortuga (“Tortoise Route”)along which you’ll spot Galápagos giant tortoises.

My favorite thing to do in the Galapagos

Some places have their “Big 5.” The Galápagos are so wildlife-rich that they have a Big 15.

Every time I visitI love to check off as many species as possible – penguinsiguanastortoises and blue-footed boobiesof courseas well as such other species as flightless cormorantsred-footed boobiesGalápagos hawksSanta Fe iguanasNazca boobiesGalápagos flamingosGalápagos albatrossesGalápagos fur sealsland iguanas…have we gotten to 15 yet?

How much money do I need for the Galápagos Islands? 

Ecuador uses the US dollarbut since there are a limited number of ATMs on the Galápagosyou should bring cash with youespecially smaller denominations. Tipping is customary for guides and boat staff.

The cost of a visit to the Galápagos Islands can vary widelywith a wide variety of multiday cruise ships and accommodations availablefrom basic rooms to luxurious ecolodges. If you book a cruisebe sure to find out what is and isn’t included – think mealsguides and activities.

Every visitor will need to budget for the park entrance fee and Transit Control Cardwhich may be included in the cost of some cruises.

• Transit Control Card: $20

• Park entrance fee: $200 (for adults from outside Ecuadorpayable in cash)

• Basic accommodations: $40–100+ per night

• Luxury accommodations: $500–1000+ per night

• Meals: $20-40 per day

• Inter-island ferry: $30–60 one way

• Liveaboard boatbasic to luxury: $2000–20,000

• Tours: $60–250

Do your part to protect Galápagos National Park

Be sure to follow all the rules in Galápagos National Parkincluding sticking to trails and permitted areasand giving wildlife plenty of distance. Never disturbtouch or feed any animalsand be sure not to use a flash when taking pictures.

Respect plants by leaving them beand be sure not to transport anything – even sand –between the islands. Before you leaveread up on all the biosecurity rules of this unique ecosystemand be sure not to bring any agricultural products to the islands.

You’ll need to complete a declaration and are subject to inspection.

Packing tips for the Galápagos Islands

Since the equatorial sun is always strongbe sure to bring sunglassesreef-friendly sunscreenSPF lip balma wide-brimmed hat and UPF clothing. Insect repellent and a water bottle to stay hydrated are also musts.

For clothingyou’ll want to bring a water-resistant day packrain jacket  and rain pantsswimsuits and rash guards along with a dry bag or plastic bags to keep out the moisture.

You won’t need to dress upbut you’ll want comfortable walking shoes and sport sandals for water landings in the boat.

Pack sturdy sandals rather than flip-flops for thissince you don’t want to risk walking barefoot on sharp corals.

Most importantlybring binoculars and camera gear to see and photograph the incredible scenery and wildlife you can count on spotting.