Do You Want to Explore Galápagos?
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The Galápagos Islands operate under a Special Law that prioritizes the conservation and preservation of their unique ecosystems. The Galápagos Governing Council is responsible for managing the archipelago, ensuring a harmonious balance between inhabited areas and protected zones. Because of this, visitor and resident movement to and from the islands is meticulously regulated to safeguard their natural beauty and biodiversity.
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Traveling to Galápagos
Most visitors travel to the Galápagos by air from mainland Ecuador. Daily flights depart from the main airports in Guayaquil and Quito (Tababela). Two companies currently offer flights: LAN-Ecuador and Avianca. Airfares are similar between the companies, but you may get lucky and find a promotional offer. In general, you should expect to pay between $380 and $500 for a round-trip ticket. Non-residents cannot buy a one-way ticket to Galápagos.
REQUIREMENTS
REQUIREMENTS
1. Passport & Visa: Tourists visiting the Galapagos Islands must have a valid passport and, in most cases, can obtain a visa upon arrival in Ecuador.
2. Luggage Check: When leaving Ecuador's mainland, tourists' luggage will be checked for restricted items by the Tourist Control and Certification (TCC) to ensure the preservation of the islands' unique environment and wildlife. This check costs $20 USD and is done at the airport in Quito or Guayaquil, before checking in for your flight to Galapagos.
3. Entrance Fee: A Galapagos National Park entrance fee must be paid upon arriving in Galapagos.
4. Travel Insurance: A travel insurance that covers emergency evacuation and medical expenses is highly recommended, and even obligatory on board some ships.
5. Vaccinations: You need to be vaccinated against COVID-19 or present a valid PCR-Test. If you enter Ecuador from a country where yellow fever exists, you must have a vaccination against yellow fever. Other recommended vaccinations, depending on the region you travel to, are: Hepatitis A, Typhoid Fever, Tetanus (if not up to date) as well as any other routine vaccines that you may not have had.
PAYS AND FEES
PAYS AND FEES
You must obtain a mandatory $20 tourist transit card. Upon arrival in Galápagos, you will have to pay an entrance fee, in cash, to the Galápagos National Park of$200 for non-Ecuadorian adults and $100 for children.
LIMITATIONS
LIMITATIONS
There are two main airports in Galápagos, one on Baltra Island and the other on San Cristóbal. Before checking in at the airport in mainland Ecuador, you will be required to have your bags inspected by the Galápagos Biosecurity Agency quarantine staff—make sure to check the permitted products that can enter the islands.
TIME OF YEAR
TIME OF YEAR
Galápagos is a terrific place to visit anytime of the year. Because of the Islands’ location on the equator, air and water temperatures remain relatively stable year round. During peak seasons (mid-June through early September, and mid-December through mid-January), it is particularly important to make your travel arrangements well in advance.
From December through May, the water temperature (avg. 76°F/25°C) and air temperature (avg. low/high 72-86°F/22-30°C) are slightly warmer. Seas tend to be calmer. Rainfalls are common for a short period of time each day, but the remainder of the day tends to be very sunny resulting in high humidity. Flowers come into bloom and vegetation is more colorful. This is a good time to observe birds mating, or sea turtles nesting on the beaches.
From June through November, the Humboldt Current brings colder water (avg. 72°F/22°C) and cooler land temperatures (avg. low/high 66-79°F/19-26°C). It also brings nutrient-rich water that attracts fish, and sea birds. Albatross arrive on Española and penguins are easier to encounter. This is also the mating season for blue-footed boobies. During this time of year, clouds fill the sky, and a misty rain called Garua is common. Winds tend to be stronger and seas a bit rougher. The abundant marine life makes this the preferred time of year for experienced divers.
DAY TRIPS
DAY TRIPS
One can visit Galápagos on a live-aboard experience lasting from 4 days/3 nights to 12 days/11 nights. Boats range from 12–110 passengers and are divided into four categories of service: economy, tourist, first class, and luxury. In order to arrive at the next visitor site refreshed and ready to explore, cruise itineraries take advantage of night hours to travel long distances between islands.
CRUISES VS. HOTELS
CRUISES VS. HOTELS
Groups of 12 or more might want to consider chartering an entire boat. Not only can this approach be less expensive per person than joining an organized tour, it can also provide opportunities for tour customization.
Another option is to stay ashore in a hotel on one of the larger populated islands (Santa Cruz, San Cristóbal, or Isabela) and take day trips to nearby uninhabited islands. Visitors take speed boats or public transportation between inhabited islands, staying overnight at hotels,exploring local sites, and enjoying activities near the towns. Day trips are most often arranged from San Cristóbal and Santa Cruz, but can also be arranged from the less populated islands of Floreana and Isabela where lodging is more limited. While this option can be less expensive and provides an interesting perspective for travelers, the range of islands and variety of wildlife that can be visited becomes more limited.
Day trip operators range widely in comfort and safety standards, and it will be important to choose a reputable tour provider. There are many providers to choose from, and we recommend that you visit our Travel Partners page for a list of our trusted providers.
VISITOR SITES AND GUIDES
VISITOR SITES AND GUIDES
Ninety-five percent of the land area of Galápagos is designated as protected by the Galápagos National Park Directorate (GNPD), and tourists are permitted to explore specific visitor sites only with Park-certified naturalist guides. The GNPD coordinates group visits to these 60+ sites and carefully monitors ecological conditions. Different sites are known for their specific scenery, vegetation, and wildlife. However, many species, such as sea lions, marine iguanas, lava lizards, and a variety of coastal birds such as herons, tattlers, plovers, turnstones, and whimbrels, are commonly seen at most locations.
Each visitor site has a marked trail, most of which are less than a mile long — often passing over rough lava or uneven boulders. Some sites have “wet landings” (visitors wade to shore from rafts or dinghies) and others have “dry landings” (passengers step foot directly onto dry land). All live-aboard cruises and reputable day-tour outfitters employ licensed guides who must accompany travelers to these sites.
DIVING IN GALÁPAGOS
DIVING IN GALÁPAGOS
Galápagos is a world-class destination for scuba divers because of the abundance of sharks, sea lions, fur seals, marine turtles, rays, mantas, marine iguanas, and reef fishes. The GNPD has granted permission to a select number of tour providers. If you plan to dive on your trip, check with your provider to make sure the company is authorized to offer this activity.
Our Travel Partners
Visitors play a critical role in ensuring the long-term health of the wildlife and habitats of Galápagos by choosing sustainability-minded tour providers and accommodations.
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