Galapagos Islands Travel Brochure? Quick Answer

Traveling to the Galapagos Islands has been on my bucket list for a long time and I finally ticked it off last month. The islands are hands down the most unique place I’ve ever been, so it has to be on your bucket list too.

1. The Galapagos Islands are one of the most protected places on earth.

There are few spots left in the world untouched by human development and preserved in their natural form. Located 600 miles from mainland Ecuador in the Pacific Ocean, the archipelago consists of 61 islands and islets with 13 main islands, all surrounding the equator. In 1978, UNESCO named the Galapagos Islands its first World Heritage Site. It is also one of the few places in the world that does not have an indigenous population. The first documented visit to the islands was in 1535, and only five of them currently inhabit 25,000 residents.

Most islands in Galapagos are remote, devoid of human life. There is a limit on the number of visitors allowed into the Galapagos National Park each year and you must travel to protected areas with a licensed guide. Even if you’re on your cruise ship, you’ll find that most islands lack loading docks or landing ports. It simply means that visitors must hop off the yacht into a panga (a humble raft) and make a wet landing on the beach without disturbing the local ecology.

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Photo by Sucheta Rawal

2. It is an open-air classroom where you can see evolution and Darwinism in action.

The Galapagos Islands are a natural laboratory where you can closely observe land and sea creatures in their natural habitats. You may be familiar with El Niño (ocean weather patterns) or have read Charles Darwin’s book The Origin of Species, but you’ve never had the opportunity to go behind the scenes and see these theories unfold before your very eyes. Darwin’s concept of evolutionary adaptation through natural selection became central to modern evolutionary theory and has now become the unifying concept of the life sciences. Galapagos National Park naturalists will point out specific species and their evolving traits that prompted Darwin to complete his research.

Photo by Sucheta Rawal

3. It’s a rare opportunity to get up close and personal with endemic wildlife like you’ve never had before.

From the giant tortoise, fur sea lions and marine iguanas to the blue-footed boobies and Galapagos penguins, the endemic wildlife is abundant and fascinating. Nowhere else in the world can you get so close to wild animals without threatening their territory. The animals here are relaxed and not disturbed by humans. They will allow you to walk around them and take photos and they will go about their daily lives as usual.

Photo by Sucheta Rawal

Photo by Sucheta Rawal

You might pinch yourself watching a synchronized procession of dancing sea lions, a fast-swimming Galapagos penguin, a pelican dive followed by a hammerhead shark and a whale in a matter of minutes. It feels surreal, like you’re in a giant aquarium watching an orchestrated show.

4. You might have the opportunity to swim with Galapagos penguins, snorkel with sea lions or overcome your fear of sharks.

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They’re hundreds of miles from the nearest continent and have nothing but wide open waters and a handful of boats. Water lovers can enjoy the rich marine life by diving, snorkeling, swimming or kayaking. Note, however, that this is not a theme park where you can swim with trained dolphins. Playful sea lions and even sharks can get very close to you and politely share their playground.

The Galapagos Islands are the second largest marine reserve after Australia’s Great Barrier Reef National Park. Over 444 species of fish have been documented in this area, 10% of which are endemic. Expect to see sea cucumbers, sea urchins, crabs, shrimp, sponges, rays, manta rays, black coral, sea snails, chitons, scallops and starfish alongside hundreds of other colorful marine life. There is hardly an area that is not suitable for snorkeling, a daily activity recommended by naturalists when visiting the Galapagos Islands.

Photo by Sucheta Rawal

5. At the end of the trip you will become a professional photographer.

Unique landscapes like the Galapagos carpet, volcanic mountains, dramatic rock formations, perfect skies and breathtaking sunsets over the Pacific Ocean call for National Geographic quality images. And when you’ve got dancing blue-footed boobies, mating frigatebirds, smiling giant tortoises, motionless golden iguanas, slow-moving families of crabs, and animated sea lions two feet away, you really don’t need a special lens to capture that perfect shot.

Photo by Sucheta Rawal

With ideal scenery, close proximity to animals and frequent wildlife sightings, even if you’re not a professional photographer, you’ll leave the island with some of the most amazing photos of your life.

6. The Galapagos Islands have some of the best beaches in the world.

Turquoise water, unadulterated by pollutants, white sand that has hardly been walked on, and not a soul far and wide – this is what a typical beach on the Galapagos looks like. Don’t expect umbrellas or fizzy drinks here, but you do have to share the beach with the resident sea lions, pelicans, penguins, and sometimes even sharks. Many locations are also great for snorkeling off the beach.

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December to May is very warm and sunny on the islands, making it ideal for swimming in the pleasant shallow waters.

Photo by Sucheta Rawal

7. It’s cheaper than you think.

Due to the location of the Galapagos Islands and the limited number of tourists allowed, traveling around the islands is not very economical compared to most other destinations. However, there are several ways to reduce the cost of travel by land, air or sea.

It is possible to fly from Guayaquil to San Cristobal ($400 round trip) and then travel by speedboat between the cities of San Cristóbal, Santa Cruz, Isla Isabela and Floreana Island. Speedboats cost USD 30 one way and hotels/hostels are available on each of these islands from USD 10 to USD 500 per night. Alternatively, mid-range cruises start at $1400 (for four nights), while luxury yachts cost $3000 and up per person.

Some of the larger cruise ships carry 100 passengers and may be cheaper, but you sacrifice the intimacy of day trips. It is always best to check the tourist to naturalist ratio (minimum 1 guide for every 15 tourists) as well as the itineraries as they are mandated by the national park.

Photo by Sucheta Rawal

I’ve been to the Galapagos Islands with Ecoventura, an Ecuador-based tour company that organizes yacht cruises on three 20-passenger boats. A week-long cruise is perhaps the best way to see the islands, as you can visit a few different locations and enjoy the open waters and diverse landscapes while having a home base in the yacht’s cabin. Ecoventura also has a 10:1 tourist to naturalist ratio, which facilitates learning and safety.

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Dubbed a unique “living museum and showcase of evolution,” the Galapagos Islands were listed on the Danger List in 2007 for threats from invasive species, rampant tourism and overfishing.

The committee noted that Ecuador had made significant progress in resolving these issues.

“The removal of this unique site of global human importance is somewhat premature,” said IUCN Director-General Julia Marton-Lefevre. “IUCN stands ready to continue its work with the Ecuadorian government to fully implement the recommendations of the World Heritage Committee.”

“The IUCN recommendation for the Galapagos Islands was that they should not be removed from the Danger List as there is still work to be done,” said Tim Badman, Director of the IUCN World Heritage Program. “But we recognize the great efforts made by the Ecuadorian government to rectify the situation there.”

“Threats from tourism, invasive species and overfishing are still factors and the situation in Galapagos remains critical,” adds Badman. “We will need continued strong commitment from the Ecuadorian government in the coming years to resolve these issues.”

For more information or to arrange interviews, please contact:

• Pia Drzewinski, IUCN Media Officer, m +55 61 8125 8748 e [email protected]

• Brian Thomson IUCN Media Manager, m. +55 61 8219 4408 e [email protected]

Galapagos is an extremely safe travel destination. There is very little crime on the islands and as tourism plays an important role in the economy of the islands and the Galapagos National Park there are strict rules for migrating to the islands.

In town, especially around Puerto Ayora, it’s important to use common sense and obey traffic laws, and when visiting accessible beaches or attractions on your own, staying on marked trails is imperative.

Danger only arises in the Galapagos when tourists break the rules that are in place for their own safety, not just the safety of the special and unique wildlife found here. Look out for signs that may warn of poisonous plants and never leave established trails for a special photo as the lava rock terrain can be unpredictable and rugged.

When transferring between islands on boats, it is best to wear a PFD (life jacket) at all times, even in calm seas. Using the Galapagos handshake (grabbing each other’s forearms instead of hands) when entering and exiting boats is also important as it gives you stability and allows others to help you should you lose your balance.

The weather on land can get very hot and muggy at certain times of the year, and the currents can create surprisingly cool waters. Essential items like sunscreen and a sun hat, as well as a wetsuit for snorkeling, will keep you comfortable during your stay.

Dangerous animals in the Galapagos Islands…

Wildlife is the most common potential hazard when visiting the Galapagos Islands. But by just following the rules and keeping your distance, you’ll be safe. Remember that the sea lions, iguanas and birds don’t know the rules – that’s why they come at you sometimes! In such cases, be careful and try to keep your distance.

Your Galapagos naturalist guides will always advise you when a situation presents potential hazards such as: B. An aggressive male sea lion patrolling a beach. In general, however, animal bites are extremely rare and there are no land predators to worry about. Sharks and sea urchins are commonly sighted at sea, while lionfish and other venomous fish may also be present. Again, these creatures are generally not aggressive towards visitors and the danger is very low if you keep a safe distance.

All good tour operators will ensure their guides are first aid trained and able to deal with the more common travel injuries that can occur anywhere such as: B. scratches, cuts and bruises. Be sure to ask your travel company what their staff training and safety programs include if you are concerned about your safety in the Galapagos.

Soft, snow-white sand. Burping sea lions at your feet. Brightly colored fish swim in front of you. These are the things that come to mind when one dreams of visiting the Galapagos Islands.

For many, that’s all Galapagos ever is – a mere daydream. Due to its exorbitant cost, it is often dismissed as unfeasible.

But what if you could tour the Galapagos Islands on a premium, all-inclusive cruise with a personal guide for up to a third of the retail cost? What if you could dine and sleep for <$60 a day in one of the world's most desirable vacation destinations? I am happy to tell you that this is not a dream but a doable reality that we have done ourselves. Fascinated? Here's our ultimate guide on how to see Galapagos cheaply! Galapagos 101: What you need to know First of all, yes, you can visit the Galapagos Islands without a tour. This is the most important myth to dispel as there are four islands where tourists can stay without having to join a tour. These islands are Santa Cruz, San Cristobal (aka Chatham), Isabela and Floreana (aka Charles or Santa Marta). The islands are served by ferries. You can fly to the Galapagos Islands yourself and stay overnight on any of these islands. Santa Cruz and San Cristobal are the busiest and most populated islands and have the most to offer in terms of tours, restaurants and accommodation. However, all islands have beaches, sights and activities that you can explore on your own for cheap or free. Check out our post here for tips! How much does a trip to Galapagos cost? This depends on how you want to explore the Galapagos Islands and the flexibility of your trip. If you want to take a pre-booked, multi-night cruise, this is the most expensive option. An intermediate alternative would be to book a last minute cruise after arrival. It is cheapest to stay on one island and do day trips. In this post, we compare all of these options! NOTE: The right credit card can save you hundreds of dollars on your trip. For example, international transaction fees for most credit and debit cards are as high as 3%, which quickly adds up during a trip. Consider using a card with no foreign transaction fees like the Chase Sapphire Preferred to avoid these fees, earn travel points with every purchase, and receive a massive sign-up bonus of 60,000 points (worth $750) when you reach the $4,000 minimum the first 3 months with your daily purchases. Alternatively, if you pay for your tour in USD at Viator/GetYourGuide, the Chase Freedom Flex card offers a $150 sign-up bonus after spending $500 on your daily purchases in the first 3 months, plus 5% cashback up to $1,500 $ on a bonus purchase category each quarter you activate it and 1% cashback on all other purchases. So if your first purchase was a $500 tour, you'll get $157.50 back - that's a 31.5% discount! Check out our full guide to free travel with credit cards here. Last Minute Cruise Concept: Stay on an island and try booking a discounted last minute cruise Pros: Significant savings to visit more distant islands Cons: No guarantee, finding a cruise requires flexibility Average Cost: $800-$1800+ USD for a 5+ night cruise (breakdown below) Day Tours Only: Cost Breakdown Settling on an island and going on day tours is the cheapest way to see the Galapagos Islands. Note again that there are only four islands in the Galapagos that tourists can stay on without a tour: Santa Cruz, San Cristobal, Isabela, and Floreana. Detailed cost breakdown: Lodging: Prices start at $25+ USD/night for a budget single room. A basic budget double room averages about $40/night. HotelsCombined.com is comprehensive for Galapagos and includes hostels. AirBNB also has similar offers. : Prices start at $25+ USD/night for a budget single room. A basic budget double room averages about $40/night. HotelsCombined.com is comprehensive for Galapagos and includes hostels. AirBNB also has similar offers. Food: $5-$15+ USD per meal (cheaper outside of the tourist zone!) : $5-$15+ USD per meal (cheaper outside of the tourist zone!) Tours and activities: $50-$200 USD per tour (land tours cheapest, dive tours most expensive) TOTAL: $550-$800+ USD for 5 nights (varies depending on accommodation, number of tours operated and where you dine e.g. local or homemade meals vs. tourist restaurants) Booking a last minute cruise: cost breakdown This approach works for those who are flexible with their travel duration and are comfortable with the possibility of not finding a last minute cruise. If you can't find a last minute cruise, you can easily do land based day tours/island hopping. Here is a cost breakdown for finding a last minute cruise: 5-night cruise: $800-$1700 total (varies by cruise class, duration and itinerary). This includes the accommodation costs. : $800-$1700+ USD total (varies by cruise class, duration, itinerary). This includes the accommodation costs. Meals: included : Included Tours and Activities: Included (Note: Tips and other items such as wetsuits may be extra) TOTAL: $800-$1700+ USD Note: Remember that you will also need to split any additional accommodation and/or activity costs before and after your cruise. Pre-Booked Cruise: Cost Breakdown A pre-booked cruise is the most expensive way to see the Galapagos Islands. Because of this, people think of Galapagos as an expensive place. Prices vary by company, class and route, but you pay a premium to have a secure seat on a particular ship in advance. There are endless company options, but Viator, Intrepid Tours, and G Adventures are popular and have accessible reviews. 5 Night Cruise: $2500-$5000+ USD (varies by class, ship, itinerary, etc.). Accommodation costs included. : $2500-$5000+ USD (varies by class, ship, itinerary, etc.). Accommodation costs included. Meals: included : included Tours and activities: included (note: tips and other items such as wetsuits for diving may be extra) TOTAL: $2500+ USD Note: Remember that you will also need to split any additional accommodation and/or activity costs before and after your cruise. Prices vary widely by company, class, boat size, route and more. Why last minute cruises exist Cruise lines are charging outrageous upfront prices for their tickets and are chasing vacationers who have a fixed annual vacation window to fill. In reality, these seats are not always sold out, and as a departure date approaches, the remaining tickets are heavily discounted in price to fill the seats. Both the Galapagos and mainland Ecuador (Quito and Guayaquil) have companies that only sell last-minute cruise tickets. Now you can never guarantee a booking within a certain time frame, but there are usually at least some options within a few days window. The worst-case scenario is that you don't book a multi-night cruise and instead make a land-based approach. This might not be a bad alternative, given the abundance of wildlife and top-notch beaches that can be seen for free or on day tours. We did this on our second trip to the Galapagos and it worked out great. At the end of this article is a map with important reference points. It includes where to book last minute tours and cheap/free activities. How to book a last minute cruise in Galapagos As the name suggests, last minute cruises need to be booked at short notice - usually a few days before departure. Last minute cruises are booked in person, usually at tour shops that specialize in selling vacant cruise seats. Where to book a last minute Galapagos cruise? There are shops offering discounted tours in Guayaquil, Quito, and the Galapagos Islands (especially Santa Cruz and San Cristobal). Below is a list of shops offering last minute tours. Personally, we only booked on arrival in Galapagos (in Santa Cruz), which is usually the cheapest option. Mainland tourist shops will find cruises as well as Galapagos-based companies; that is, by making a call to contacts on the islands. However, cruises sold on the mainland often come with increased booking pressure and (false) claims that you definitely won't find any cruises on arrival. Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz Moonrise Travel Agency About: This is a family run business specializing mainly in last minute cruises. We used them to book several day trips in 2013 and were happy with their service and the tours themselves. Address: Avenida Charles Darwin near the corner of Charles Binford (see map) Website: www.galapagosmoonrise.com Telephone: 05/2526-589 Joybe tours About: This is another family run business that sells day tours and last minute cruises. We used them to book our last minute multi night cruise in 2013 and were very impressed with our first class cruise! Address: see map Website: N/A Telephone: N/A Quito and Guayaquil Ecoventura About: Located in Quito and Guayaquil, this company occasionally posts last minute deals on their website, otherwise visit in person in Quito. Note: This recommendation is from Frommer's (we have not used it personally). Address: Quito – Almagro N31-80, Edificio Venecia. Guayaquil – in the Edificio Samborondon business center, Torre A Piso 3. Website: www.ecoventura.com Telephone: Quito - 02/2907-396, Quayquil - 04/2839-390 Quasar Expeditions About: One of the larger cruise operators and also has an office in Puerto Ayora. Note: This recommendation is from Frommer's (we have not used it personally). Address: Quito – Almagro Plaza, Ponce Carrasco E8-06 y Av. Diego de Almagro, Offices 1101-1106 Website: www.quasarex.com Telephone: USA - 1.866.481.7790, UK - 0.800.883.0827, Australia - 1.800.463.266 Zenith Ecuador Travel Info: Has access to ~100 boats and can reach out to contacts to try and find a last minute deal. Just fill in your dates and requirements and ask to speak to the owner Marcos Endara (tell him you are a Frommer's reader). Note: This recommendation is from Frommer's (we have not used it personally). Address: Quito – Juan León Mera 453 and Roca Website: www.zenithecuador.com Telephone: 02/2529-993 Booking a Last Minute Cruise: Important Facts Choosing a route, boat and company Routes & Itineraries Don't blindly book a last minute tour. Find out your preferences in advance, including which islands you would like to see. Each island and cruise itinerary offers unique wildlife and scenery. Some itineraries focus more on scenery, while others offer diving or wildlife. There are more "typical" cruise itineraries that involve visiting islands that you can see independently on day tours (e.g. Floreana, Bartolome, etc.). These routes tend to be cheaper as they are closer to the main islands, while those that lead to more distant islands are more expensive. Companies & boat types When deciding on a boat and company, try to look at reviews beforehand. If possible, find out who the naturist guide will be as this will be the wildlife narrator of your entire trip! Trip Advisor is a good place to get travel reviews of companies, boats and tour guides. It can also be a useful place to find the usual full price and last minute bargains for ships, routes and classes. As you research, make a shortlist of boats and itineraries that match your approval (we have a handy list below). It's going to be difficult to remember on the spot, so we really recommend making a "must have" list. You can then compare this to the last minute options available. You may wish to print this out beforehand in case WiFi is not available. Allow for buffer time and bring CASH When your vacation time is set, you might want to book two weeks free if you want to go on a 5-7 day cruise. Buffer space is essential. In our experience we had 12 days which was enough to book a 5 night cruise in two days. It may take a few days of hopping in and out of cruise shops to find a ship/route that you like and that fits your departure date. Note that most last minute tour agencies only accept cash for tour bookings. Make sure you know your bank's daily withdrawal limit, bring some cash in advance, set your tour budget and make sure you can withdraw that amount a few days in advance to pay for your cruise. Find out what is included in your tour When booking, be sure to clarify what is included in the price (meals, dive gear, tours, etc.). Most alcohol isn't included, so if you want a drink, factor that into your onboard cash. Finally, a tip is expected. Be sure to bring cash so you can tip the crew members after your tour is over. Be wary of rock-bottom deals Step carefully around extremely cheap cruises. Reduced costs may be due to underqualified guides with limited English, or overcrowded or unreliable boats. There's nothing quite like spending a bundle of money on a disappointing trip. Know what you want, be prepared to ask questions, then drop by and see what's available. Last minute cruise booking checklist Here is a checklist when booking! Cost Saver Cost Inflater Accommodation Shared room Private room Meals No meals included All meals included Route Typical route Unique/specific route Boat type and class Sailboat or simple boat (more prone to rocking), lower class Normal boat (less prone to rocking), higher class Guide Less experienced guide Renowned or more experienced guide (Look for reviews) Nights Fewer nights or not tied to a specific number of nights Longer trip or fixed to a specific number of nights Season Rainy season (December - May) except Dec-Jan Dry season (June - May) – November) or peak times e.g. Dec-Jan Our experience booking a last minute tour In 2013 we booked a 5 night first class cruise for less than a third of the retail price. We did so within two days of arriving in Santa Cruz and booked with Joybe Tours. Our boat was The Odyssey, a 16 person yacht visiting Isabela, Fernandina and Bartholomew islands. We had a very knowledgeable and friendly guide, great food and tours. When we visited it was the rainy season (December) which meant occasional drizzle, warmer sea water for swimming and fewer tourists. In total we paid $840 each for our all inclusive first class cruise. We set out to have this once-in-a-lifetime experience, but there were cheaper alternatives. The less expensive options were lower class boats visiting islands which we could (and later did) access via day tours. When to visit Galapagos When is the best time of year to visit the Galapagos Islands? The truth is that there are advantages to visiting in different months. Birds, fish and animals in the Galapagos have different breeding seasons, so you can see an increase in certain species at different times of the year. The warm rainy season lasts from late December to June. This means warmer water for swimming but the possibility of clouds and showers (although these often pass quickly). is of . This means warmer water for swimming but the possibility of clouds and showers (although these often pass quickly). The cool dry season lasts from late June to December. "Cool" is a relative term here, as the days are still warm but the water is cooler. As temperatures are a little more comfortable this is the breeding season for sea lions, shorebirds, fur seals, marine iguanas which is exciting for wildlife viewing. is from cool is a relative term here as the days are still warm but the water is cooler. As temperatures are a little more comfortable this is the breeding season for sea lions, shorebirds, fur seals, marine iguanas which is exciting for wildlife viewing. Peak periods are Christmas/New Year's (late December/early January) and June to September. Keep in mind that it will be harder to find last minute cruises and accommodation during these periods. It may be advisable to book at least one accommodation in advance during busy times. Getting there: Inter-island flights and transfers fly in The cheapest way to get to the Galapagos from Ecuador is between Quito, Ecuador and Baltra Airport, Galapagos (GPS). Baltra is Santa Cruz's airport, although it's physically on a different island. After landing in Baltra, tourists are immediately transferred by bus and ferry to Puorto Ayora, Santa Cruz. Make sure you have some cash with you for these transports (a few dollars will do). Alternatively, you can pre-book an airport transfer direct to your hotel, which includes all ferry tickets and bus transfers, as well as the option to stop at Charles Darwin Station. Departure transfers are also available. If you wish, it is possible to plan an open jaw flight, flying to one island and from another. You can travel between the islands by ferry (book in advance with Viator) and fly in or out at San Cristobal Airport (SCY). airfare If you book in advance (about 6+ weeks) a flight to Baltra should cost around $200 each way from Quito. You can find the best fares by searching Skyscanner and we recommend selecting 'all month' when looking for the cheapest day. If you're not planning on starting or ending in Quito, try searching from your previous destination to Baltra Airport anyway. There's a good chance Skyscanner can find a cheap route between the two points, usually connecting via Quito or Guayaquil. For more tips on finding cheap flights to Galapagos, check out our other posts: How to get between islands in Galapagos? A handful of islands in the Galapagos can be reached by transfer ferries. You can book these yourself by appearing at the appropriate pier. Island transfers are essential if you wish to book an Option Jaw flight (flying to one island and from another). In general, there is an early morning (e.g. 6:00am) and an afternoon (e.g. 2:00pm) ferry between the islands each day. These are general time estimates which are subject to change and you will need to confirm this on arrival as it varies from island to island. It is recommended to buy the ferry tickets the day before so you know the schedule in advance. Prices range from around $20 to $60 each way, depending on the island. As of 2016, fares between San Cristobal and Santa Cruz were $30 each way. This website provides a timetable, but we accept no liability for any errors in the timetable or price (reconfirm your travel plans in person and in advance). Alternatively, you can pre-book your island transfer with pickup directly from your hotel on Viator (San Cristobal to Santa Cruz and Santa Cruz to San Cristobal). Where to sleep Before you fly to the Galapagos Islands, you will probably start your journey in Quito or Guayaquil. From there you can fly to Baltra or San Cristobal and stay on one of the four islands that tourists are allowed to stay on. These include Santa Cruz, San Cristobal (aka Chatham) and Floreana (aka Charles or Santa Marta). Quito, Ecuador Hotel Plaza International The Hotel Plaza Internacional is what I call a budget "boutique" hotel. This colonial style accommodation will set you back $26 USD/night for a private double room with ensuite bathroom. My best friend and I stayed here in November 2015 on our "flashpacking" trip (ie you can get cheaper but it's good value). We loved the generous complimentary breakfast (eggs are extra but worth it!) and the beautiful city views. The hotel staff were very helpful and were always happy to hail a taxi on our behalf to ensure a fair price. Guayaquil, Ecuador Inn Villa Garza The Villa Garza Inn (Read the reviews) is another mid-range budget option that's clean, spacious, and with friendly onboard staff. Most appealingly, this hotel includes free transportation to and from the airport. The price per night is $44/USD, but when you factor in transportation, free wifi, and a private ensuite room, this is a pretty good option. Ask the owners for local food recommendations, we had phenomenal asado (barbecue) up the road! Santa Cruz Island, Galapagos Santa Cruz is the busiest of the four tourist islands. The capital, Puerto Ayora, is full of tourist shops, travel agencies, bars and even a small grocery store. Several land activities are possible here, including lava tubes, a turtle sanctuary and a lagoon (see our post for ideas). Santa Cruz has the most booking agencies for day trips and last-minute tours, so this is probably your best place to start when trying to snag a discounted cruise. Hotel Spain We stayed at the Hotel España (read the reviews) in 2013 and again in November 2015. This is a clean, centrally located budget option that starts at ~$29/night for a single room with a private bathroom. It's definitely a great "flashpacker" style option, especially if you get a room in the newer half of the building. Free functional WiFi and a TV are included. The main lobby has hammocks perfect for snuggling up with a beer at the end of a busy day! San Cristobal Island, Galapagos San Cristobal is the second largest of the islands where tourists can stay. It's noticeably less busy and built-up, but still dotted with tourist shops and restaurants. The peace and quiet can certainly be a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of Santa Cruz, and it offers some stunning hikes and snorkeling views within walking distance. Hostal Laura de Casa This cute little hostel is clean, fairly close to the main street and colorfully decorated. When we visited in November 2015, the wifi was strong and so was the hot water. The owners have created a delightful garden here for guests to laze about. Single rooms start at $25/night. Floreana Island, Galapagos Floreana is the quietest inhabited island with only 150 inhabitants. Unfortunately (or fortunately!) the quiet means far fewer options for accommodation and dining. Tourists most often stay on Santa Cruz and/or San Cristobal, but if your budget allows, there's definitely more off the beaten track here. Isabela Island One of the most volcanically active places on earth, this is the largest island in the Galapagos. Here you will find many volcanic landscapes, the second largest volcanic crater on earth and colorful wildlife, including flamingos and sea turtles. We did not stay on this island but made a day visit during our multi day cruise in 2013 and it was amazing! Transfers from Santa Cruz to Isabela Island can be pre-booked with Viator. Do you book in advance or on arrival? Galapagos accommodation is slightly more expensive to pre-book online, but can be essential during peak travel periods such as Christmas and New Years. We have been there twice (in November and February) and booked accommodation on arrival on these visits. While it's definitely a gamble not to book ahead, you can usually tell just how busy it is by remaining availability on sites like Booking.com. Keep in mind that many accommodation options in South America are not listed online. Countless times while backpacking we've panicked when we couldn't find any available accommodation online, only to find that there were plenty (unlisted) places available when we arrived. If you're hesitant to book on arrival, you can always book your first night or two and then explore your options when you get there. For more tricks and websites to help you get the best hotel rates while traveling, check out How to Book the Cheapest Hotel Possible! What if you don't book a last minute cruise? Simply put, it's not a bad way to explore the Galapagos while on land. If you don't want to visit remote islands or specific sites for scuba diving or scuba diving, you probably won't be disappointed with this option! If you want to see Galapagos' top highlights — sea lions, volcanic craters, turtles, marine iguanas, shimmering beaches and the like — you can do it all from land. Remember, you can also island-hop without a tour to San Cristobal, Santa Cruz, Isabela, and Floreana for your own DIY island exploration. Day tours are highly recommended (at least a few!). This allows you to see islands that you can't get to without a tour (which most of them are). Prices range from $70 to $200+ USD and most include a meal (diving/snorkeling trips are the most expensive). Bartolomé Island is an excellent tour for breathtaking scenery. South Plaza Island (Isla Plazas) features yellow land iguanas and beautiful contrasts of red and green flora of cacti and shrubs. In addition to booking tours, you can also visit beaches, lagoons, lava tubes and turtle sanctuaries on your own. Would you like to snorkel or kayak? You can even rent this equipment yourself. For in-depth ideas on how to explore the islands yourself, see our article on cheap and free Galapagos activities. Eat cheap and local Leave the tourist area If you hike a little, you'll find mom and pop restaurants lining the side streets north of the tourist strip. Prices are around the $5 mark per meal. Note that these are real holes in the wall (to stay healthy, read our health tips here to avoid food poisoning!). If in doubt or lost in translation, just ask for the platos del dia or almuerzo (plate of the day), which is usually a tasty, filling combination of soup, salad, rice, and a meat (often fried fish or chicken ) is. Delicious! Prepare your own food and snacks or bring them with you Preparing your own meals helps stretch the funds here. San Cristobal actually has a small grocery store where you can stock things like tuna, bread, and produce for a DIY picnic anywhere. Prices are still shockingly higher than on the mainland, but these DIY meals are a lot cheaper than a meal on the tourist strip. Remember that you cannot bring any products (e.g. fruits, vegetables) here from the shelter of the flora. Even some packaged goods like nuts can be released by airport security. The frugal essentials Consider a land-based approach to see Galapagos via day tours or free/cheap activities on your own If possible, avoid booking a multi-night cruise in advance If you are booking a last minute cruise, be sure to bring cash and/or know your bank's daily withdrawal limit Erwägen Sie eine einfache Unterkunft, packen Sie einige Ihrer eigenen Mahlzeiten ein und / oder besuchen Sie lokale Restaurants, um die Kosten zu senken. Sparen Sie Ihr Budget für Touren und Erkundungen! related posts Haben Sie die Galapagosinseln mit kleinem Budget bereist? Wie haben Sie die Kosten gesenkt? Haben Sie eine allgemeine Frage oder einen Kommentar dazu, wie man die Inseln günstig erkundet? Share below! Thrifty Nomads ist eine Partnerschaft mit CardRatings für unsere Abdeckung von Kreditkartenprodukten eingegangen. Thrifty Nomads und CardRatings können eine Provision von Kartenausstellern erhalten. Die hier geäußerten Meinungen sind allein die des Autors. Die Antworten werden nicht vom Werbetreibenden der Bank bereitgestellt oder in Auftrag gegeben. Die Antworten wurden vom Werbetreibenden der Bank nicht geprüft, genehmigt oder anderweitig bestätigt. Es liegt nicht in der Verantwortung des Werbetreibenden der Bank sicherzustellen, dass alle Beiträge und/oder Fragen beantwortet werden.

So you have decided to visit the Galapagos Islands. Should you come by land or by sea? Three of the most common questions we hear are:

“Should I choose a Galapagos cruise or island hopping?” “What is the best way to visit the Galapagos Islands?” “What is the best way to support sustainable tourism in Galapagos with my trip?”

The unanimous answer to all three is to choose a small ship cruise. Why? The facts may surprise you. Read all about the pros and cons of each travel style below. We outline how to plan the best tour for a sustainable Galapagos – whether you’re staying in a hotel or on a cruise.

Since cruises aren’t for everyone, there are ways to get hotel travel right. If you end up traveling by land, this post will help you understand the reality of responsible travel in the Galapagos Islands.

Start here to make an informed decision on whether to go on a Galapagos cruise or a Galapagos island hopping land tour. And finally, find for yourself the best way to visit the Galapagos Islands.

IN THIS POST: Cruise or Galapagos Island Hopping

Why choose a cruise?

Pros and cons of a cruise

Why choose a land tour?

Pros and cons of land tours

Cost Comparison – Cruise vs. Land

Galapagos sustainable tourism

Educate yourself – sustainable resources

Tips for responsible land travel

What is the best way to see Galapagos?

Why Choose a Galapagos Cruise?

The Galapagos archipelago consists of 13 large islands and dozens of smaller islands. The Galapagos National Park encompasses more than 3,000 square miles of islands and sea, with virtually all visitor sites accessible only by boat. Even tourists on land have to take a day boat to explore the islands unique nature and wildlife.

Overnight cruises aboard expedition ships and yachts are permitted to visit islands inaccessible to day tours from cities. Exploring by boat offers the most comprehensive exploration of a variety of islands in the most efficient way. You will visit more islands in less time and so see a greater variety of wildlife.

Wake up to a new destination every morning. Explore actively on land with professional naturalist guides. Snorkeling and small boat excursions are included on every cruise. Some even offer kayaking and paddleboarding. Return to the ship each evening for a hot shower, a delicious meal, and a leisurely rest while your captain takes you to the next destination. Onboard lectures entertain and enhance your understanding of the island’s history, environment, and conservation efforts.

Eco cruises are the most sustainable travel method with the least impact on the environment. Because cruising is heavily regulated and has minimal impact on the islands’ limited infrastructure, they are the most sustainable way to explore the islands. In addition, guides aboard small ships and yachts are the park service’s eyes and ears. The park does not have the resources to patrol all 3000 square miles due to illegal fishing. Cruises can help extend their reach. Read more about sustainable tourism in Galapagos below.

Find out more about how to choose your cruise to the Galapagos Islands.

Benefits of a cruise

Discover a greater variety and a greater number of remote islands.

Cruise at night and maximize your time to explore on land during the day.

See a greater abundance and variety of Galapagos animals.

Two daily hikes plus snorkeling and small watercraft exploration.

On board, naturalist guides lead guided hikes, snorkeling, and lectures.

No need to pack and unpack every few days.

All inclusive accommodation, activities, tours and meals.

Cruise tourism is regulated to minimize its environmental impact.

Disadvantages of a cruise

Seasickness can be a problem. Find out when is the best time to travel to the Galapagos Islands and how to prevent and treat seasickness on cruises.

Cruises can be more expensive than land packages, but not by much.

Fixed departures mean travelers coordinate their plans with the ship’s schedule.

Cruises are active explorations with limited downtime during the day (unless you choose not to participate in a landing).

Why Choose a Galapagos Island Hopping Land Tour?

There are two ways to explore the Galapagos Islands by land. You can join an organized guided Galapagos land tour. Or you can buy a plane ticket, book a hotel and explore the region on your own. The best way to see the Galapagos Islands by land is with an organized tour package with a reputable operator. Learn how independent travel is harming the Galapagos Islands in the Sustainable Tourism in Galapagos section below.

Organized guided tour packages ashore offer a unique alternative to cruising. The experience is obviously different than a cruise as you will be staying in hotels. Each day, explore with guides on day tours around town, on the island, or on boat trips to nearby wilderness areas.

Galapagos island hopping programs like our Galapagos Island Hopper primarily visit the three islands of Santa Cruz, San Cristobal and Isabela. These islands and associated communities offer a variety of hotels, restaurants, and activities. Other land based tour packages like our Galapagos Discovery or Galapagos Safari are based on a single lodge or hotel on an island, typically Santa Cruz or San Cristobal.

Our land based tour packages and island hopping adventures are designed to mimic the cruise experience by incorporating as much wilderness exploration as possible. Day boats are used to offer naturalist-guided hikes and snorkeling at landing sites within easy reach of town hotels.

Land holidays allow for more control over what you see and where you go. We have standard packages to get you started, but we can also create a customized itinerary to suit your interests, ability and budget.

Choosing a land-based program offers more flexibility for rest and relaxation or active adventures. You can choose to just lie on the beach or by the pool. Or plan a guided mountain bike tour or adventure tour. Be as active or as relaxed as you like.

Galapagos island hopping can be a great way to experience daily life in the cities and towns of the Galapagos Islands. Local shops, restaurants and museums welcome visitors. The nearby beaches are frequented by visitors and locals alike.

Benefits of Galapagos land tours and island hopping

Hotel rooms and common areas are larger than on board small ships and yachts.

Seasickness is only an issue on day boats. Not in the hotel or on land.

Land packages can be cheaper, but not by much.

Itineraries can be flexibly started on any day and customized.

Balance between relaxing and exploring as you see fit.

Interact with locals experiencing island culture and communities.

Disadvantages of Galapagos land tours and island hopping

Nature and wildlife exploration is limited to landing sites near cities.

Day trips to island attractions involve more transit time and less time hiking and snorkeling.

Land tours only include one landing site per day due to distances and travel time.

Small day boats can be more affected by rough seas compared to small ships and yachts.

Unregulated land visits can threaten the islands if not properly conducted.

Compare Costs – Cruise vs Galapagos Island Hopping

Of course, price is also an important factor when considering whether a cruise or island hopping is best for you. Cruises can be expensive, but a quality cruise is undoubtedly worth it.

Galapagos Islands cruises typically cost $500 to $1000 per person per day. Cruises are all-inclusive, with accommodation, meals, activities, and guide included in the price. Our cruise packages also include flights from mainland Ecuador, transfers, parking fees, permits and tourist cards at an additional cost. Galapagos deals are often available.

Quality Galapagos land tours and island hopping typically cost $400-$800 per person per day. This price includes accommodation, most meals, fully guided day tours, domestic flights and transfers. Our land packages also include flights from mainland Ecuador, transfers, parking fees, permits and tourist cards at an additional cost.

It is possible to visit the Galapagos Islands on a backpacker budget, but there are sustainability concerns and your experience will be limited. We do not book independent trips to the Galapagos.

Sustainable Tourism in Galapagos – How land-based travel impacts the islands

Anyone considering a land trip to the Galapagos Islands should educate themselves about its implications and the issues surrounding tourism growth. We advise against independent land based travel to the Galapagos Islands for a number of reasons.

First and foremost, national park regulations limit independent travelers in their ability to visit the uninhabited islands and places that make the islands famous. Second, uncontrolled rural tourism is harmful.

The increased independent travel on the islands has ecological and socio-economic consequences. Since the 1990s, the number of cruise passengers has been strictly limited and regulated. Rural tourism has been unregulated and threatens the islands’ fragile ecosystems. Between 2007 and 2018, annual visitor numbers to the Galapagos increased by a staggering 70%. Virtually all of the increase was due to independent land-based travel.

The unregulated growth of independent travel threatens the islands in a number of ways:

Increased pressure on the existing infrastructure. The island’s basic infrastructure such as energy, water and waste is limited.

An increased risk of introducing invasive plant and animal species. Invasive species are introduced by shipping goods and equipment. More hotels, restaurants and residents mean more shipments and more risk.

Encroachment on animal habitats and wild areas.

The behavior of travelers is regulated on board cruises. Guides enforce rules such as keeping six feet apart and not feeding animals. National park rules are routinely ignored and cannot be enforced in and around cities.

Restrictions on the number and size of new hotels are not enforced. Unapproved hotels, hostels and rental properties add to all of the problems listed above.

Sustainable Tourism Resources in Galapagos – Educate Yourself

The Best Way to Visit Galapagos by Land – Tips for Responsible Travel

We believe that hotel-based Galapagos tours can be environmentally responsible and make a positive contribution to the local economy if properly regulated and operated. What is the best way to visit the Galapagos Islands by land? Follow these tips for responsible travel in Galapagos:

Plan at least a week instead of just a few days.

Use approved locally owned hotels and lodges with verifiable sustainability practices.

Support authorized and licensed day tour and boat operators.

Employ local guides licensed by the Galapagos National Park.

Indulge in local restaurants and shops selling locally sourced foods and souvenirs.

Visit approved landing sites outside of the cities to see what the islands have to offer.

Support local conservation and humanitarian organizations. Book with operators who do the same.

If you choose to travel by land, we encourage you to do so responsibly. Coincidentally, the sustainable travel choice also offers the most intimate and enjoyable experience. Please consider one of our Galapagos land tour packages or contact us to customize a private tour.

What’s the best way to explore the Galapagos Islands? Cruising or island hopping?

Is the best way to visit the Galapagos Islands by land or by sea? The best way to visit the Galapagos Islands is on board a small ship cruise. Land based tours and island hopping can be a suitable alternative if operated sustainably.

Most travelers looking to visit the Galapagos on a budget are simply unaware of the potential harm caused by independent travel. Please consider our Galapagos Eco Cruises and Eco Tours when planning your vacation.

Do you have a question about the best way to visit the Galapagos Islands for sustainable travel or the best overall experience? Leave a comment below and our experts will respond. Ready to book your cruise or island hopping adventure? Contact us and you’re on your way.

MORE GALAPAGOS RESOURCES:

Galapagos Travel

Galapagos Luxury Travel

Galapagos with children

Galapagos Diving

Galapagos Cruises

Galapagos charter

How to choose the best Galapagos cruise

Galapagos land tours

Best travel time for Galapagos

How to get to Galapagos

Animals of the Galapagos Islands

Galapagos Travel Reports

Galapagos Travel Guide

Galapagos cruise deals

If you have a question or are looking for advice, please use the comments below. Our experts will answer your questions to make this Galapagos hopping or cruise guide even better. When you are ready to book your trip to Galapagos please contact us.

Last updated on February 19, 2022

Visiting the Galapagos Islands was truly a travel dream come true – a trip I had dreamed of for years! A dream trip comes with high expectations and I can honestly say that my Galapagos Islands cruise exceeded my expectations, which is rare. These far, secluded islands ended up being very different from what I had imagined.

Up until a few years ago, when I first traveled to South America, I imagined the Galapagos Islands to be far more desolate than they actually are – basically inhabited only by wild creatures. Before I booked my flights to Ecuador, I had already learned that the islands are far more populated than I thought. And while cruising between several islands this year, I learned so much more about the islands! These include a few things you should know before visiting the Galápagos Islands or if you simply want to learn more about one of the most remote archipelagos in the world.

Here are fifteen things you should know before visiting the Galápagos Islands:

1 The Galapagos Islands are far out in the ocean

While part of the tiny Andean country of Ecuador, the Galápagos Islands are actually very distant from the rest of the country – 560 miles (901 kilometers) to be exact. The islands are far out in the Pacific Ocean and it takes just under two hours to fly there from Guayaquil, the nearest airport on the mainland, and 2 hours and 15 minutes from Quito, the capital of Ecuador. Visiting the Galapagos Islands is not easy – from North America you will need to fly to Quito or Guayaquil and then take another flight to the islands. For many, that means three different flights, as most cities in the US don’t have direct connections to Ecuador.

2 How many islands are there?

The archipelago consists of 13 large islands, five of which are inhabited, and six smaller islands. Some of the smaller islands are not inhabited by humans at all, only wildlife. In addition to the larger islands, there are over 100 small islets or rocks.

The islands are right on the equator and are home to over 25,000 people. About half of them live in Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island, making it by far the largest settlement in the archipelago.

All of the islands are volcanic and were formed 4 million years ago by lava seeping up from the sea floor. Some of the volcanoes are still active today.

Most people visiting the Galapagos Islands can only step onto one or two of the islands and circumnavigate some of the others without actually docking there.

3 Unique Species in the Galapagos Islands

One thing the Galápagos Islands are famous for is their variety of wildlife. These include a number of species that are endemic to the islands meaning you will see animals you will not see anywhere else in the world such as the Galápagos fur seal, Galápagos land iguana, Galápagos sea lion, Galápagos tortoise , and the marine iguana (the only lizard that can swim). The Galápagos Islands are also the only place in the world where penguins live along the equator.

In addition to species unique to the Galápagos Islands, there are dozens of other species, none of which seem to care about the presence of visitors. Sightings of blue-footed boobies, large frigatebirds, marine iguanas, giant tortoises, hammerhead sharks, manta rays and flamingos are pretty much guaranteed.

Charles Darwin visited the islands in 1835 and his study of the local wildlife contributed significantly to his theory of evolution, later published in his famous book The Origin of Species.

Thanks to their remarkable wildlife, the Galápagos Islands were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978.

4 Many species in the Galapagos Islands are threatened with extinction

Unfortunately, many of the species unique to the Galápagos, like the giant tortoise, have been threatened with extinction for centuries, starting with Spanish explorers killing them for their meat in the 17th century and later pirates hunting them for their shellfish. 16 out of 20 species of songbirds unique to Galápagos are threatened, and some species are completely extinct.

It is sad that so many of these unique species are endangered, but the good news is that the Ecuadorian government is making great efforts to protect this unique ecosystem and its inhabitants.

You’ll notice these protections even before you board your plane bound for the islands – it’s forbidden to bring in agricultural goods (like fruit) as non-native plants and animals pose one of the biggest conservation challenges to the Galápagos Islands. That’s why every single piece of luggage is thoroughly inspected for fresh produce before check-in.

The US$100 national park tax that each visitor pays upon arrival at the airport also helps protect the islands’ natural habitat.

5 Not All Galapagos Islands Feel Remote

The Galapagos Islands are often portrayed as that desolate archipelago in the middle of the ocean – but several islands are inhabited and these don’t have the “undiscovered island” feel that you might have experienced when visiting the Galápagos Islands. In 1969, when you could only get there by ship – there were no daily flights.

Over 25,000 people call the Galápagos Islands home, almost half of whom live on Santa Cruz Island. 6,000 people live on San Cristobal Island, 1,800 on Isabela, and only 100 on Floreana Island.

6 Before booking a cruise to the Galapagos Islands

This is one of the most important things to know before visiting the Galapagos Islands: It’s a good idea to do a little research for a cruise: compare prices, see what’s included in the trip and what’s not, and Read reviews of the tour operator from previous customers.

When comparing different tour operators, you should ask yourself the following questions:

What is the itinerary for the cruise?

How many passengers are on board?

What is included in the trip?

Are there any additional fees to be aware of?

Are snorkeling gear and wetsuits included?

Will there be shared cabins (if traveling alone)?

7 An independent visit to the Galapagos Islands is possible

A cruise has long been the best way to see the Galapagos Islands, but in recent years it has become much easier to visit the Galapagos Islands on your own. For one, flights from the mainland have become more affordable (the standard fare is currently around $280 for a round trip from Guayaquil and $300 from Quito). There are more independent guest houses and hotels on the inhabited islands, and thanks to Airbnb, people on the islands can now easily rent out private rooms or their entire apartment.

You no longer need to take a cruise to visit the Galapagos Islands – you can simply fly into either of the two airports, Baltra or San Cristobal, base yourself on any of the four islands that have inhabited/hotels or other accommodation (San Cristobal , Santa Cruz, Floreana and Isabela) and take day trips from there. This is particularly interesting for those who want to experience this unique archipelago for more than just a few days. Airbnb lets you rent apartments for a month or more, with monthly rentals for less than $1,000 — much cheaper than a week-long cruise.

Day Trips vs. Cruises

Yes, it is less expensive to fly direct to the Galápagos, base yourself there and then take day trips to other islands or to some of the famous snorkeling spots. However, I really appreciated being on a cruise as there are several places around the islands that are so far from the inhabited islands that you can only reach them by cruising.

If you don’t mind not being able to reach some of the more remote locations (which are usually home to plenty of wildlife), then this is a great way to explore the Galápagos Islands without having to join a tour group (and a few days stuck on a boat with people you might not like!).

This is especially true on Santa Cruz Island, as it’s easy to get around by taxi and bus, or even on foot. You will see wildlife around town (herons and other birds and sea lions) and you can visit popular wildlife spots on the island. It is also possible to rent bikes to cycle to more distant places. The benefit of settling on one of the islands: you can get a real feel for what life is like in the Galapagos Islands.

There are ferry services and flights between the inhabited islands – see more details in #11 below.

8 Last minute Galapagos cruise deals are not a myth

If you are planning to visit the Galápagos Islands as part of a larger South America trip or a tour of Ecuador, like I did, it is definitely possible to find last minute Galápagos Islands deals. The first guest house I stayed at in Quito had its own travel agency on site selling last minute Galápagos cruise deals and in Guayaquil most hostels, hotels and a number of tour operators sell Galápagos deals. I’ve even seen last minute deals in Montañita and Cuenca, albeit to a lesser extent.

With these deals, you can get a Galapagos Islands cruise for up to 60% less than the original cruise price, it just requires some flexibility on your part – you may have to wait a few days for the cruise to depart. Keep in mind that you still have to pay for your flight to get to the islands, which isn’t usually included in the deal, but doesn’t add up as much as prices within the US if you’re only doing it for a few days would book ahead of your departure date.

One good thing to know before you visit the Galapagos Islands is that you can also fly direct to the Galapagos Islands and look for last minute cruises directly in Puerto Ayora where most cruises depart. The advantage of this is that you can see the boat before the money is handed over and meet the guide who will be on board. A good, knowledgeable guide can make or break the trip.

Last-minute cruise prices range from $650 to $1,400 (depending on the length of the cruise and the quality of the ship), but remember that the lowest price also means less comfort on the boat, not the best meals and possibly a less interesting route, so it’s important to research all of these things before committing to a boat (see #6).

IMPORTANT:

9 The quality of Galapagos island cruises varies widely

However, do not expect last minute offers in high season, ie. H. between Christmas and New Year and around Easter. If you can only travel during these times, you must pre-book your Galapagos Islands cruise.

This is especially important to know when booking a last minute deal. Prices for cruises to the Galápagos Islands vary widely – there are cruises for as little as $1,400 and cruises for as much as $12,000 (regular price, no last minute offers). Be aware that you literally get what you pay for.

What does that mean? Well, sharing a cabin with a stranger is common on budget cruises. A friend of mine who booked a last minute cruise for about $1,000 had to share a cabin with a fellow passenger – who happened to be a man. Luckily for her, it worked out well, but I know not everyone would be comfortable in a situation like this. This is definitely one of the most important things to know before visiting the Galapagos Islands, especially if you are looking to book a cruise (ask your tour operator about the room situation).

I was treated to snacks and buffet style lunches and dinners with plenty of vegetarian options after each snorkeling trip and shore excursion on my luxury cruise, but budget cruises have a more limited food selection, no snacks between meals. and food quality can be disappointing.

Budget cruises may also not have the best equipment for snorkeling and diving, or charge an additional fee for wetsuits/snorkel gear.

Excellent resource: WikiTravel has a comprehensive list of Galapagos cruise companies, from budget to luxury, along with some other tips on what to look out for when booking a cruise.

10 Boat Life in the Galapagos Islands

Galapagos cruises last between four and eight days. Note, however, that a four-day tour includes flights in and out, meaning you’re essentially only spending three or a maximum of three and a half days on the islands. I would recommend at least a five day cruise, but if you can afford an eight day cruise then by all means go for it. You will likely only visit the Galapagos ONCE, so make the most of it.

Visiting the Galapagos Islands: The ships

Ships in the Galapagos Islands range from 16-person yachts to 98-passenger boats. Medium-sized boats can accommodate 48 passengers. It makes a big difference if you are on a small yacht, where all the passengers can go ashore and go on snorkeling trips together, or if you are on a big boat, where people take turns and do the trips in smaller groups. Basically you have to be okay with spending time on the boat and just waiting your turn if you opt for a larger boat. Cruising with 97 other passengers also has less of a “remote island” feel. When my small group went on an island excursion, it really felt like we were the only ones there and I loved not having to take turns snorkeling.

What about seasickness?

I was a bit worried about getting seasick considering how far out the islands are in the open ocean, but I visited during the dry season (January – June) when the seas are generally calmer than during the wet season (July – June). – December). On my first night, I was a little dizzy when the boat pulled away, but luckily the feeling passed quickly. To be on the safe side, I would recommend wearing a seasickness bracelet, which some of my fellow travelers used.

If you’re prone to seasickness, try not to visit the Galapagos between August and October, when the seas are at their roughest.

Sailboats generally move more than wider powerboats and catamarans, so check what type of boat you’re traveling on.

The location of your cabin also plays a role. Ask for a cabin in the middle of the boat, away from the engine and as low as possible (lower deck if there are two decks).

11 How much does it cost to visit the Galápagos Islands?

Costs incurred for any visitor to the Galapagos Islands, whether on a tour, cruise or on your own are:

USD 20 transit control fee (to be paid in cash at departure airport for Galápagos Islands, usually Quito or Guayaquil)

Transit Control Fee (Payable at departure airport for Galápagos Islands, usually Quito or Guayaquil) $100 National Park Entrance Fee (cash upon arrival at Galápagos Islands Airport – Baltra or San Cristobal)

National Park Entry Fee (Payable upon arrival at Galápagos Airport – Baltra or San Cristobal) $300 Round trip flights to Galápagos

Prices for a Galápagos cruise are approximately per day:

Economy Class $240-$340

Premier $340-$450

Luxury ships from $450

One important thing to know about the Galapagos Islands is that between June and December

You are required to tip your guide and crew (budget $10 – $20 per day for tips depending on the price you pay for your cruise. As a rule of thumb, the nicer the boat, the larger the amount you are expected to tip) .

If you’re visiting the Galapagos Islands independently, you can find a private room in a hostel, guesthouse, or Airbnb for around $30 a night. Entire apartments start at $50 per night. Booking.com has many double rooms for less than $40 a night.

Inter-island ferries cost about $30 per person, and there are flights between Baltra, Santa Cruz, Isabela, and San Cristoba that cost about $160 each way.

Tours range from $60 to $180 per person depending on the length and scope of the tour.

12 Money Matters in the Galapagos Islands

ATMs/credit cards

On the subject of money, it’s worth noting that there are very few ATMs on the islands, and unless you’re on one of the islands that have ATMs, you might not even come across one. Santa Cruz Island is the best choice for withdrawing money (there are two ATMs) or San Cristóbal Island (one ATM). To be on the safe side, I would get money out BEFORE I visit the Galapagos Islands. You can withdraw money at the airports in Quito and Guayaquil. We would not have stopped at a port with an ATM at all had it not been for the national elections taking place during my visit which meant the crew of our boat had to go ashore to vote and we had some free time in Puerto Ayora.

Currency in the Galapagos Islands: The US Dollar

Ecuador introduced the US dollar as its official currency in 2000.

All ATMs in the Galapagos dispense US dollars. If you’re from the US, make sure you bring enough cash from home, as not many companies accept credit cards. You’ll need cash for alcohol onboard, to tip your crew, and when stopping at a bar or restaurant in Puerto Ayora or San Cristóbal, where cash is king. Note that most places do not accept $100 bills.

Tipping in the Galapagos Islands

The tip you are required to give will vary depending on the level of luxury of your cruise, but note that you are required to tip both the onboard naturalist guide and the crew. Amounts range from $140 to $250 for a week-long cruise – don’t forget to take this into account when calculating your Galapagos Islands budget.

13 Can you connect to WiFi in the Galapagos Islands?

If you visit the Galapagos Islands on a cruise, you will most likely be offline the entire time. Even though I had an Ecuadorian SIM card, 90% of the time I had NO coverage on the boat and my SkyRoam WiFi hotspot was not working in Ecuador.

Since we had a couple of hours a day on land, I was able to quickly check my email at a restaurant on Santa Cruz Island, but the Wi-Fi was excruciatingly slow there. If you decide to base yourself on one of the islands, don’t expect great internet speeds.

14 A tour guide is mandatory when visiting the Galapagos Islands

It is a national park rule that you cannot tour the islands alone – you must always be accompanied by a licensed Galápagos National Park guide. Don’t forget to factor this in when planning day trips to the islands. If you are visiting the islands on a cruise, the tour guide is already included in the cruise price, but you still have to tip him.

15 pack essentials for the Galapagos Islands

The good thing is that flights to the Galápagos Islands only allow you one checked bag and one carry-on bag, so you really can’t overpack. Things to Know Before Visiting the Galapagos Islands Packing your essentials can make or break your trip.

Don’t worry too much about buying special gear or outfits for the trip – keep in mind that many people visit the Galapagos while traveling across South America, carrying just one backpack for a 12-month trip. I visited the Galápagos Islands as part of a 3 month trip around Latin America so didn’t have much room for specialty items either, but here is what I bought specifically for my Galápagos Islands cruise:

Sunscreen – If you think you can buy sunscreen on the way to the islands, be aware that it is expensive at the airport. My friends paid $30 for a bottle of sunscreen at the Guayaquil airport and it’s about the same price on the islands.

Underwater Camera – I looked at the Nomadic Boys’ underwater footage of their Galapagos trip before embarking on my trip and decided I needed to be able to film underwater as well. I felt like I would miss not having an underwater camera. Not sure how I would use the camera beyond snorkeling trips in the Galápagos Islands, I didn’t want to invest in a GoPro and I’m glad I didn’t. I think the footage I shot with my AKASO is fine for the first few underwater shots and I’ve hardly touched the camera since coming back from Latin America. A GoPro is quite an investment, but looking at The BucketList Family’s footage of our trip, it’s definitely worth it if you’re into filming.

Swimsuit/swim shirt with UV protection

– Wearing a wetsuit for the snorkeling excursions is optional and you could end up snorkeling in your swimsuit most of the time like I did. So be sure to pack comfortable bathing suits.

If you don’t want to bother with the hassle of putting on and taking off a wetsuit and prefer to snorkel in your swimwear, you might want to pack a long-sleeved swim shirt with UV protection to avoid sunburn.

Sandals – For me, my flip flops were sufficient, but be aware that the outside floors on the boat are often slippery. If you’re more comfortable making the wet landings (in and out of the dinghy into knee-deep water) in shoes, I recommend waterproof sandals or some sturdy Tevas. (I did them barefoot and it was fine).

Windbreaker – This is especially important if you are visiting the Galapagos between June and December, the so-called ‘rainy season’ when cool winds occur regularly. Personally, I love my Columbia windbreaker/raincoat, and that was the only jacket I took on the trip, by the way.

Camera with zoom lens – Many of my fellow passengers on the boat told me during the trip that they regretted not having bought an additional zoom lens for the trip and that this was one of the things to like about the Galapagos Island should know. unaware. I was incredibly grateful that I packed my 300mm wildlife zoom lens. 300mm isn’t much, but it made a huge difference in the images I was able to take throughout the trip.

Waterproof Bag – When we took the dinghy out on shore excursions, I always packed my camera and phone in my waterproof bag to keep them dry. I did the same when we went on snorkeling trips and I brought my (non-waterproof) dSLR camera to take some pictures over water. The waterproof bag allowed me to just leave it on the dinghy while snorkeling without worrying about the camera getting wet.

Reusable Water Bottle – The authorities have passed very strict laws to protect the environment in the Galapagos Islands. Bring a reusable water bottle to keep your carbon footprint to a minimum. The boats usually offer drinking water that you can fill in your bottle.

Motion Sickness Pills – If you’re prone to seasickness, pack some Dramamine or even a Seaband bracelet. Better safe than sorry! See above for more information on seasickness while cruising to the Galapagos Islands.

First Aid Kit – If you are visiting the Galapagos Islands on a cruise, remember that you are on a boat with limited access to pharmacies and medical supplies. I recommend packing pain relievers like ibuprofen or Tylenol, diarrhea medicine and Pepto-Bismol if you have a sensitive stomach. Pack some band-aids in case you cut yourself on an underwater rock, an antiseptic, and everything you normally have in your first-aid kit.

Padlock – If you are on a boat where you are sharing a cabin with a stranger, you may want to bring a padlock to lock your valuables in your suitcase.

Binoculars – Especially if you are a bird watcher!

And last but not least: travel insurance

As you are far out at sea, in the event of a medical emergency it is likely that you will be flown back to the mainland for medical attention. This can get expensive, so be sure to get travel insurance for the duration of your stay in Ecuador. I chose the slightly more expensive World Nomads Explorer policy over the Standard policy because the Explorer option covers diving and snorkeling, but when visiting the Galapagos Islands you should at least have the Standard insurance.

Do you have questions that I haven’t answered in this article? Ask in the comments!

PIN IT!

The Galapagos Islands are an archipelago made up of many islands and islets. They are a national park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Biosphere Reserve. However, if you really want to explore the incredible ecosystems and wildlife of this remarkable destination, here is our definitive guide to the top 8 must-visit Galapagos Islands!

The easiest way to maximize your visit to the Enchanted Isles and see as many of them as you like is to book a cruise aboard an expedition ship with multiple park-certified guides and all the equipment you need to enjoy Activities like snorkeling, paddleboarding, kayaking and more!

What is the world saying about us? From Cruise Critic’s article So Far from Mass Tourism: How the Galapagos Islands Could Help Restart Cruises: “One company has already quietly restarted operations in the Galapagos Islands. Ecuador-based Metropolitan Touring resumed its first post-shutdown operation on August 2, 2020 aboard La Pinta with 48 passengers and has committed to operate every trip – even if there is only one passenger on board.” Interested? Read more here.

Our TOP 8 must-visit Galapagos Islands, in alphabetical order:

Bartolome Island Española Island Fernandina Island Genovesa Island Isabela Island North Seymour Island Santiago Island South Plaza Island

Things to note: The Galapagos archipelago is quite large. Its landmass measures 3,093 square miles (7,880 square kilometers) and covers an area of ​​17,000 square miles (45,000 square kilometers) in the Pacific Ocean, a size comparable to that of Greece!

In total, the archipelago consists of 21 islands, 14 of which can be visited. The Galapagos Islands and therefore expedition routes are generally divided into different regions (North, South, West, East and Southeast, offered on different ships). Each regional itinerary has an allotted number of days/nights (none of which falls below the recommended minimum of 5 days for an adequate experience in the Galapagos Islands).

The only two recurring islands you’ll find on any itinerary are the islands of Baltra – where the Galapagos’ main airport is located – and Santa Cruz, home to the largest population group (known as Galapagueños) in the archipelago.

This graphic will help you choose the itinerary where you will see no less than two of the TOP 8 Galapagos Islands that you must visit!

TOP 8 Galapagos Islands Must-Sees and How to See Them

Now read on for a look at the spectacular highlights for each Galapagos island!

Choose your itinerary and ship based on your specific interests.

TOP 8 HIGHLIGHTS OF THE GALAPAGOS ISLANDS YOU MUST VISIT

(As consistently rated by our Galapagos Experts, Expedition Leaders, Guests and Guides.)

1. Bartolome Island

Size: 0.5 mi2 (1.2 km2)

Height: 114 m

Coordinates: -0.284136, -90.549907

Estimated age: Approximately 2 million years old

British name: Bartholomew

Visitor Locations: Pinacle Rock/Beach, Hillside Viewpoint

Highlights:

“Postcard Island” – Incredible views and scenery

“Postcard Island” – Incredible Views and Scenery Famous Pinnacle Rock

Famous Pinnacle Rock 5 of 15 Galapagos BIG15 Wildlife: Galapagos Penguin, Galapagos Sea Lion, Galapagos Hawk, Marine Iguana, Frigate Bird (Magnificent and Magnificent)

Bartolome Island is famous for several reasons, one of which is the monumental and iconic raw earth tower that soars into the sky as Pinnacle Rock. A relatively long stretch of sandy beach leads to this tip, offering visitors a wonderful spot for snorkeling (as does the beach on the other side of the peninsula).

Walking up the side of the hill that is Bartolome’s great volcanic cone, visitors can climb a stairway almost to the top for sweeping views of the beautiful surroundings. This is one of the most photographed spots in the entire archipelago.

You can visit this island via the Santa Cruz II North route, the La Pinta yacht North route and the Isabela II yacht West route aboard the Isabela II yacht.

2. Espanola Island

Size: 60 km2

Altitude: 206 m

Coordinates: -1.355524, -89.663035

Estimated age: 4 million years old. Española is the oldest island in the Galapagos Islands.

British name: Hood

Visitor places: Punta Suarez and Gardner Bay

Highlights:

Stunning variety of wildlife

Stunning variety of wildlife Amazing coastline made up of dramatic cliffs

Stunning coastline composed of dramatic cliffs Largest nesting colony of blue-footed boobies

Largest nesting colony of blue-footed boobies. Only island with a colony of Galapagos albatrosses

Only island with a colony of Galapagos albatrosses Geological formation in the ocean “Blowhole”.

Blowhole Geological Formation in Ocean 7 of 15 Galapagos BIG15 Wildlife: Galapagos Albatross (Española is the only island where you can see them!), Galapagos Sea Lion, Nazca Booby, Blue-Footed Booby, Frigate Bird (Magnificent and Magnificent), Galapagos hawk, marine iguana

Think of Española Island as the Grand Central Station of wildlife in the Galapagos. Located in the southern region of the archipelago, this is an extremely popular tourist destination due to the sheer variety and number of creatures that live there. Flat and arid, the island is teeming with a variety of iconic species.

Fun fact: Española was the first island observed by Charles Darwin during his epic voyage aboard HMS Beagle in 1835, although he never landed on it.

Española Island can be visited via the east route of Santa Cruz II, the east route of yacht La Pinta and the south-east route of yacht Isabela II.

3. Fernandina Island Size: 248 mi2 (642 km2)

Altitude: 1,494 m (4,902 ft)

Coordinates: -0.280570, -91.438135

Estimated Age: Geologists estimate that Fernandina is between 80,000 and 800,000 years old. Fernandina is geologically the youngest of all the Galapagos Islands.

British name: Narborough

Visitor location: Punta Espinosa, Punta Mangle

Highlights: Youngest Island (geologically speaking)

Youngest Island (geologically) Surreal volcanic landscape

Surreal volcanic landscape Occasional volcanic activity

Occasional Volcanic Activity 7 of 15 Galapagos BIG15 Wildlife: Flightless Cormorant, Marine Iguana, Galapagos Penguin, Sea Lion, Blue-Footed Booby, Galapagos Sea Lion, Galapagos Fur Seal (large and magnificent) and Galapagos Land Iguanas (rare at lower elevations) This relatively young island is a volcanic canvas of recent lava flows that have carved its terrain like abstract dashes and swirls of black igneous rock. Scattered across this surreal landscape are clumps of semi-colorful lava cacti surrounded by rocks that look like boulders… with tails and feet. As you get a little closer, you’ll notice that there are dozens, maybe hundreds, of marine iguanas. Almost smack in the middle of the island is La Cumbre – a shield volcano made up almost entirely of liquid lava flows. Standing at approximately 4,842 feet (1,476 m), this active behemoth dominates all other nearby volcanoes by being the most active volcano in the entire archipelago. Fernandina Island can be visited via Santa Cruz II’s western route, Yacht La Pinta’s western route and Yacht Isabela II’s western and southeastern routes. 4. Size of Genovesa Island: 5.4 mi2 (14 km2)

Height: 76 m

Coordinates: 0.316142, -89.962869

Estimated age: 2 million years old

British name: Tower

Visiting places: Darwin Bay, Prince Philip’s Steps

Highlights: Relatively young lava flows on the flanks of the volcano

Relatively recent lava flows on the flanks of the volcano Reputation as a “bird island” for the large and diverse colonies of birds that nest here

Reputation as a “bird island” for the large and diverse colonies of birds that nest here 6 of 15 Galapagos BIG15 Wildlife: Galapagos sea lions, Galapagos fur seals, Nazca boobies, frigatebirds (large), red-footed boobies, marine iguanas “A world a million miles from us away.” Genovesa is one of the few islands in the northern region of the archipelago that can be visited, and not all boats in Galapagos go there. The boats that operate (like ours!) offer their guests an outstanding experience when it comes to the wide range of birds and the otherworldly landscapes on display. Genovesa is the only sunken crater in the entire archipelago where ships can enter and anchor. Genovesa Island can be visited via Santa Cruz II Northern Route, Yacht La Pinta Northern Route and Yacht Isabela II Northern Route. 5. Size of Isabela Island: 1,790 mi2 (4,640 km2)

Altitude: 1,707 m (5,600 ft)

Population share of the island: 0.78%

Population: 3,568

Coordinates: -0.944888, -90.966880

Estimated age: Approximately 1 million years old

British name: Albemarle

Visitor places: Punta Vicente Roca, Urbina Bay, Tagus Cove, Punta Moreno, Sierra Negra*, Wall of Tears*, Tintoreras*, Puerto Villamil*

*Only available through island-to-island hopping programs

Highlights: Largest island in the archipelago

Largest island in the archipelago Occasional volcanic activity

Occasional Volcanic Activity 11 of 15 Galapagos BIG15 Wildlife: Blue-Footed Booby, Marine Iguana, Galapagos Fur Seal, Galapagos Sea Lion, Nazca Booby, Galapagos Penguin, Flightless Cormorant, Land Iguana, Galapagos Hawk, Frigatebirds (Large and Magnificent), Galapagos Giant Tortoise Isabela Island is the largest island in the archipelago, home to one of the smallest cities in the Galapagos and one of the largest craters in the world. Whether it’s that idiosyncratic pattern of superlatives that adds to its enigmatic charm, or the melancholic slice of history that emanates from the Wall of Tears, Isabela Island captivates visitors in ways that transcend anything tangible. The island itself is the culmination of six shield volcanoes that have merged into one another: Alcedo, Cerro Azul, Darwin, Ecuador, Sierra Negra and Wolf. Four of these still show signs of sporadic activity (Wolf, Cerro Azul, Alcedo and Sierra Negra). You can visit this island via Santa Cruz II’s western route, Yacht La Pinta’s western route and Yacht Isabela II’s western and southeastern routes. Enjoy these Galapagos itineraries through these wonderful packages!

6. North Seymour Island

Size: 1.9 km2

Height: 28 m

Coordinates: -0.397352, -90.285394

Estimated age: 1.3 million years old

British name: North Seymour Island

Visitor Sites: Path that takes you through colonies of frigatebirds and blue-footed boobies

Highlights:

Large colonies of frigatebirds and blue-footed boobies

Large colonies of frigatebirds and blue-footed boobies nesting rituals depending on the season

Seasonal nesting rituals 7 of 15 Galapagos BIG15 Wildlife: Land Iguanas, Marine Iguanas, Frigatebirds (large and magnificent), Galapagos Sea Lions, Galapagos Fur Seals, Blue-Footed Boobies, Nazca Boobies

Small but full of surprises! That’s the best way to describe North Seymour. On this island you follow the path through the nesting areas of frigate birds (magnificent and magnificent). You’ll also catch a glimpse of the comings and goings of blue-footed boobies. Everywhere you look, wildlife abounds. Feel the energy of the archipelago! North Seymour was formed by underwater uplift rather than volcanic activity.

You can visit this island via the east route of the Santa Cruz II, the west route of the yacht La Pinta and the south-east route of the yacht Isabela II.

7. Santiago Island

Size: 226 mi2 (585 km2)

Altitude: 907 m (2,975 feet)

Coordinates: -0.259206, -90.840487

Estimated Age: Approximately 1 million years old with lava flows approximately 100 years old still forming in the southern part of the island

British name: James

Visiting Places: Puerto Egas, Sullivan Bay, Buccaneer Cove

Highlights:

Contrasting volcanic ages. Particularly interesting for people interested in geology, volcanology or succession. Part of the island is very young (Sullivan Bay), part is very old.

Contrasting volcanic ages. Particularly interesting for people interested in geology, volcanology or succession. Part of the island is very young (Sullivan Bay), part is very old. Diverse depiction of shorebirds

Varied spectacle of shorebirds High chance of seeing the rare Galapagos fur seal

High chance of seeing the rare Galapagos Fur Seal 6 of 15 Galapagos BIG15 Wildlife: Galapagos Sea Lion, Galapagos Fur Seal, Marine Iguana, Blue-Footed Booby, Nazca Booby, Frigatebirds (Magnificent and Magnificent)

This once active large shield volcano looks more like a mountain range with hills, valleys and many parasitic cones. A rugged and heavily eroded tuff coastline overlies a black lava flow. Santiago Island serves as a kind of archaeological site and still has remnants of its recent past. Most of these remains were left by the former salt miners who inhabited the islands for a while (in the 1960s) until their entire operations went bankrupt.

Charles Darwin spent most of his (short) time in the archipelago at Buccaneer Cove.

You can visit this island as part of Santa Cruz II’s northern itinerary, yacht La Pinta’s northern itinerary and yacht Isabela II’s northern and western itineraries.

8. South Plaza Island

Size: 0.05 mi2 (0.13 km2)

Height: 23 m

Coordinates: -0.584264, -90.160794

Estimated age: 1 to 2 million years old

British Name: N/A

Highlights:

Much of the island is the result of pillow lava (lava flows and cools below the surface of the sea).

Much of the island is the result of pillow lava (lava that flows and cools beneath the surface of the sea). Despite its size, it is home to many species and an exceptional variety of fauna

Despite its size, it is home to many species and an exceptional variety of fauna. Home to one of the largest colonies of Galapagos sea lions in the entire archipelago

Home to one of the largest colonies of Galapagos sea lions in the entire archipelago. Large colony of land iguanas

Large Colony of Land Iguanas 6 of 15 Galapagos BIG15 Wildlife: Galapagos sea lion, land iguana, marine iguana, frigate bird (large and magnificent), blue-footed booby, Nazca booby

Very close to Santa Cruz, North and South Plaza may be small islands but there is still a lot to see! North Plaza Island isn’t open to visitors, but South Plaza is, and it has a great little hiking trail. You arrive at the north shore of South Plaza, which consists mostly of white rocks polished by oily sea lions that have trawled this part of the island.

The South Plaza trail takes you through majestic fauna (including a decent number of Opuntia cacti) to the main highlight – the bachelor sea lion colony. South Plaza was formed by raising the sea floor.

You can visit this island via Santa Cruz II’s east route or Yacht La Pinta’s east route. (The yacht Isabela II does not currently have an itinerary that includes South Plaza Island.)

Continue reading! These are the other amazing and unique Galapagos Islands also included in the above itineraries!

The Galapagos archipelago consists of 21 islands, 14 of which can be visited. These are the remaining 6 islands that you can visit as part of the itineraries of Galapagos’ modern and comfortable, fully equipped fleet of expedition ships. Each of them is home to magnificent landscapes, Galapagos wildlife, beaches and coves that will take your breath away!

Sombrero Chino Islet (Chinese Hat)

Size: 0.08 mi2 (0.207 km2)

Height: 50 m

Coordinates: -0.370495, -90.583278

Estimated age: Approximately 1 million years old

Highlights:

400 m long hiking trail along breathtaking landscapes

400 m route along breathtaking landscapes Beautiful white sandy beach

Beautiful white sandy beach Snorkeling opportunities with white tip reef sharks and tropical fish, sea lions and penguins

Opportunities to snorkel with white tip reef sharks and tropical fish, sea lions and penguins 4 of 15 Galapagos BIG15 Wildlife: Marine Iguana, Galapagos Sea Lion, Galapagos Penguin, Galapagos Hawk

This cute little cinder cone is home to a beautiful moon-shaped white sand beach, perfect for swimming and snorkeling after an invigorating hike along a 400m coastal path. Enjoy some amazing views and learn firsthand how volcanic activity shaped this amazing archipelago.

You can visit this island via the north route of the yacht La Pinta.

Santa Fe Island

Size: 24 km2

Altitude: 260 m

Coordinates: -0.806916, -90.062273

Estimated age: Approximately 4 million years

British name: Barrington Island

Highlights:

Endemic species of land iguana known as the Santa Fe iguana

Endemic species of land iguana known as the Santa Fe iguana. Large forest of giant prickly pear cacti throughout the archipelago

Large forest of giant prickly pear cactus throughout the archipelago Beautiful bay with turquoise water

Beautiful bay with turquoise water 7 out of 15 Galapagos BIG15 Wildlife: Santa Fe iguana, Galapagos hawk, blue-footed booby, Galapagos sea lion, frigate bird (major and magnificent), marine iguana, Nazca booby

Looking for something pretty unique and special? Santa Fe Island will delight visitors with its colony of mustard-colored Santa Fe land iguanas. Guests looking to relax can lounge alongside sea lions on the sandy beaches of the turquoise bay. Studies suggest that Santa Fe Island may be the oldest Galapagos volcano, as there are subaerial rocks that are approximately 4 million years old.

You can visit this island via the east route of the Santa Cruz II, the east route of the yacht La Pinta and the north route of the yacht Isabela II.

Floreana Island

Size: 67 mi2 (174 km2)

Altitude: 640 m (2,100 feet)

Population share of the island: 1.79%

Population: 310

Coordinates: -1.279436, -90.486362

Estimated age: Approximately 3.5 million years old

British name: Charles

Visiting Places: Punta Cormorant, Post Office Bay, Champion Islet, Baroness Cove, Asilo de la Paz, Pat’s Landing

Highlights:

human history of the island

Human History of the Island Endemic Flora and Fauna (Floreana Lava Lizard, Medium Tree Finch, Floreana Mockingbird)

Endemic Flora and Fauna (Floreana Lava Lizard, Medium Tree Finch, Floreana Mockingbird) 6 of 15 Galapagos BIG15 Wildlife: American Flamingo, Galapagos Sea Lion, Frigatebird (Magnificent and Magnificent), Marine Iguana, Blue-Footed Booby, Galapagos Penguin

Bursting with human history and a handful of visitor sites, Floreana is known for its eccentric past. The presence of colonists and visitors on the island was just the beginning of a long series of events that would color the island with a story so dramatic it would seem straight out of a Hollywood script.

You can visit this island via the western route of the Santa Cruz II, the western route of the yacht La Pinta and the southeast route of the yacht Isabela II.

San Cristobal Island

Size: 215 mi2 (557 km2)

Altitude: 730 m

Population share of the island: 15.04%

Population: approx. 8,393

Coordinates: 0.83°S 89.43°W

Estimated age: 2.35 million years

British name: Chatham Island

Visitor places: La Galapaguera, Cerro Brujo, Punta Pitt

Highlights:

Easternmost island of the archipelago

The easternmost island of the archipelago and the capital of the Galapagos province

Capital of the province of Galapagos One of the two airports connected to the mainland

One of two airports connecting to the mainland 7 of 15 Galapagos BIG15 Wildlife: Galapagos sea lion, frigate bird (large and magnificent), marine iguana, red-footed booby, blue-footed booby, Nazca booby, Galapagos giant tortoise

The easternmost island of the archipelago, which is also home to the administrative capital, is home to some of the island’s most famous scenic highlights. Combine this with a chance to enjoy local hospitality in the quaint town of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno and you have quite a town to enjoy! Site of the first human settlement in the entire archipelago, San Cristobal is the island where Charles Darwin first landed in 1835.

You can visit this island via the east route of the Santa Cruz II, the east route of the yacht La Pinta and the south-east route of the yacht Isabela II.

Rabida Island

Size: 1.91 mi2 (4.95 km2)

Altitude: 367 m (1204 feet)

Coordinates: -0.418461, -90.710215

Estimated age: Approximately 2.5 million years old

British name: Jervis

Visitor pages: Red Beach

Highlights:

Uniquely colored beach

Uniquely colored beach. Excellent spot for snorkeling

Excellent Snorkeling Spot 6 out of 15 Galapagos BIG15 Wildlife: Marine Iguana, Galapagos Hawk, Blue-Footed Booby, Galapagos Sea Lion, Galapagos Fur Seal, Frigatebird (Magnificent and Magnificent)

Like stepping out of a boat and walking on the surface of Mars, Rabida’s strikingly colored beach offers a real eye-opening experience. Rabida consists of an interesting palette of colors including turquoise waters, maroon sandy beaches, white trees and lush green highlands.

You can visit this island via Santa Cruz II’s northern route or Yacht La Pinta’s western route. (Yacht Isabela II does not currently have an itinerary that includes Rabida Island.)

Santa Cruz Island

Size: 381 mi2 (986 km2)

Elevation: 864.5 m (2,836 ft)

Population share of the island: 11.55%

Population: 11,385

Coordinates: -0.661289, -90.365731

Estimated age: Approximately 2 million years old

British name: Indefatigable

Visiting Places: Puerto Ayora, Charles Darwin Research Station, The Highlands, Giant Tortoise Reserve, Los Gemelos (Pit Crater)*, Cerro Dragon (Dragon Hill), Las Bachas, Tortuga Bay*

*Depends on the time/itinerary

Highlights:

Charles Darwin Research Station

Charles Darwin Research Station giant tortoises in the wild

Giant tortoises in the wild in highland vegetation

Upland vegetation 6 of 15 Galapagos BIG15 Wildlife: Galapagos giant tortoise, frigatebird (large and magnificent), land iguana, blue-footed booby, American flamingo, Galapagos sea lion

Santa Cruz is the second largest island in the Galapagos and has all seven vegetation zones. In addition, the island hosts the largest human population in the archipelago and consequently has the largest city. From restaurants to bars and banks to souvenir shops, Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island is a lively town worth exploring.

You can visit this island via the east, west and north routes of Santa Cruz II, the east, north and west routes of yacht La Pinta and the north, west and south-east routes of yacht Isabela II.

Cruise ships, luxury hotels, expensive restaurants, and round-trip flights. None of this makes a backpacker jump for joy when planning a trip to the Galápagos Islands.

But contrary to popular belief, the Galápagos Islands can be visited on a travel budget.

Yes, you can go a little over your weekly or monthly budget with one visit, but probably not as much as you think. And our travel philosophy is that there is no point in traveling to these incredible countries if you don’t see the best sights while you’re there.

Eating out at inexpensive local restaurants, exploring the islands by bike and foot, and finding the cheapest tours by booking at the last minute are some of the ways we’ve saved money visiting the islands.

We figured out how to do it on a budget and spend under $900 in a week, and you can too by reading our guide:

All year round July Today Spring Summer Autumn Winter Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Average climate and weather Galápagos all year round Spain In the Galápagos, the summers are short, hot, dry, and mostly clear and the winters are long, very cold, and partly cloudy. Throughout the year, the temperature typically varies between 32°F and 89°F, rarely falling below 23°F or above 36°F. Based on the beach/pool score, the best time of year to visit the Galápagos for hot weather activities is from early July to late August. Galápagos climate cold cool warm hot warm cool cold Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Now Now 88% 88% 47% 47% clear overcast precipitation: 40 mm precipitation: 40 mm 0.3 mm muggy: 0% muggy: 0% 0% 0% dry dry beach/pool rating: 8.4 beach/pool rating: 8.4 0.0 0.0 Galápagos weather per month. Click on each chart for more information.

The figure below gives you a compact characterization of the year-round average hourly temperatures. The horizontal axis is the day of the year, the vertical axis is the hour of the day, and the color is the average temperature for that hour and day.

Average hourly temperature in Galápagos Average hourly temperature in Galápagos Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 12 AM 12 AM 2 AM 2 AM 4 AM 4 AM 6 AM 6 AM 8 AM 8 AM 10 AM 10 AM 12 PM 12 PM 2 PM 2 PM 4 PM 4 PM 6 PM 8 PM 8 PM 10 PM 10 PM 12 AM 12 AM Now Now very cold very cold very cold very cold cold cold cool comfortable warm hot frigid 15°F freezing 32°F very cold 45°F cold 55°F cool 65°F comfortable 75°F warm 85°F hot 35°C sweltering The average hourly temperature, color-coded in bands. The shaded overlays indicate night and civil twilight.

Stallion Springs, California, United States (5,790 miles away) is the far flung place abroad with temperatures most similar to Galápagos (view comparison).

The figure below shows a compact representation of the sun’s elevation (the angle of the sun above the horizon) and azimuth (its compass bearing) for each hour of each day during the reporting period. The horizontal axis is the day of the year and the vertical axis is the hour of the day. For a given day and hour of that day, the background color indicates the azimuth of the sun at that point in time. The black isolines are contours of constant sun altitude.

Galápagos Sun Elevation and Azimuth Galápagos Sun Elevation and Azimuth Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 00:00 02:00 04:00 06:00 08:00 10:00 12:00 14:00 16:00 18 :00 20:00 22:00 00:00 0 0 0 0 10 10 10 20 20 20 30 30 30 30 40 40 50 50 60 60 70 0 0 0 10 10 10 10 20 20 20 30 30 40 40 50 250 73 Now Now NortheastSouthwest Sun elevation and azimuth over course for 2022. The black lines are lines of constant Sun elevation (the angle of the Sun above the horizon in degrees). The background color fills show the azimuth (compass bearing) of the sun. The lightly shaded areas at the cardinal boundaries show the implied intermediate directions (northeast, south-east, south-west, and north-west).

To characterize how pleasant the weather in Galápagos is throughout the year, we calculate two traveler ratings. The Tourism Score favors clear, rainless days with felt temperatures between 65°F and 80°F. Based on this score, the best time of year to visit the Galápagos Islands for general outdoor tourism activities is from early June to late September, with the achieved the highest score in the first week of July. Galapagos Tourism Rating Galapagos Tourism Rating Best Time Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 0 0 2 2 4 4 6 6 8 8 10 10 7.6 7.6 0.3 0.3 7.6 7.6 Now Now Precipitation Precipitation Clouds Clouds Temperature Temperature Tourism score The tourism score (filled area) and its components: the temperature score (red line), the cloud cover score (blue line), and the precipitation score (green line). The Beach/Pool Score prefers clear, rain-free days with felt temperatures between 75°F and 90°F. Based on this score, the best time of year to visit the Galápagos Islands for hot weather activities is from early July to late August, with the last week of July scoring the highest. Beach/Pool Score in Galápagos Beach/Pool Score in Galápagos Best Time Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 0 0 2 2 4 4 6 6 8 8 10 10 8.4 8.4 0.0 0.0 Now Now precipitation precipitation clouds clouds temperature temperature Beach/Pool Score The beach/pool score (filled area) and its components: the temperature score (red line), the cloud cover score (blue line), and the precipitation score (green line). Methodology Independent values ​​for perceived temperature, cloud cover, and total precipitation are calculated for each hour between 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. of each day in the analysis period (1980 to 2016). These scores are combined into a single hourly composite score, which is then aggregated into days, averaged over all years in the analysis period, and smoothed. Our cloudiness score is 10 for a completely clear sky, falling linearly to 9 for a mostly clear sky and 1 for a completely overcast sky. Our precipitation score, based on three-hour precipitation centered around the hour in question, is 10 for no precipitation, falling linearly to 9 for trace precipitation, and to 0 for 0.04 inches of precipitation or more. Our tourist temperature value is 0 for felt temperatures below 50°F, linearly increasing to 9 for 65°F, 10 for 75°F, decreasing linearly to 9 for 80°F and 1 for 30°C or higher. Our beach/pool temperature score is 0 for felt temperatures below 65°F, increasing linearly to 9 for 75°F, 10 for 82°F, decreasing linearly to 9 for 90°F and 1 for 100°F or hotter .

When is the best time to travel to Ecuador and the Galápagos Islands?

The warmest and driest months in the Sierra are June to September, although this is complicated by different microclimates in some areas. Outside of these months, typical Sierra weather features sunny, clear mornings and cloudy, often wet, afternoons.

Expect warm, humid, and rainy weather year-round in the Oriente, although August through September and December through February often see short breaks from the daily rains.

In the lowlands, it can get particularly hot on clear days, with temperatures slightly exceeding 30°C. The coast has the clearest wet and dry seasons, and the best time to visit is December to April, when frequent showers alternate with clear blue skies and temperatures remain high.

From May to November it is often cloudy and relatively cool, especially in the south, with less chance of precipitation.

Climate in the Galápagos Islands

The Galapagos climate sees hot, sunny days interspersed with occasional heavy showers from January to June, and dry and cloudy weather for the remainder of the year when the Garúa Mists are prevalent. El Niño years can bring tremendous variation in coastal and Galápagos archipelago weather patterns when rainfall levels can be many times the norm.

Festivals and Holidays in Ecuador

Ecuador has a long tradition of festivals and fiestas that began long before the Spanish arrived. Many of the indigenous festivals, celebrating, for example, the movements of the sun and the harvest, were integrated into Christian tradition, resulting in a syncretism of Catholic religious imagery and older indigenous beliefs. Most national holidays mark famous events in post-conquest history and are standard celebrations of the Catholic Church.

Whether it’s a holiday or a fiesta, Ecuadorians love a party and often go to great lengths and expense to ensure everyone enjoys a great spectacle, lubricated with plenty of food and drink. For most Ecuadorians, the big fiestas are community-wide events that define local and national identity. If you have the opportunity, come to a fiesta at some point during your stay; These are some of the most memorable and colorful expressions of Ecuadorian culture – not to mention just plain fun.

Carnival is one of the more boisterous national celebrations, culminating in an orgy of water fights leading up to Lent. Local fiestas can also be quite loud and are fairly common, even in small towns there are two or three a year. Most towns and villages have a founding day or holiday celebration and then maybe another because they are the capital of the canton (each province is divided into several cantons). Provincial capitals enjoy similar festivals. Everything awaits you at these festivals: music, dancing, food, lots of drinking, colorful parades, beauty contests, bullfights, brass bands, tournaments and markets. In the more remote highland communities they can be very local, almost private affairs, but will usually always welcome the odd outsider who stumbles in with a few sips from the chicha bucket. You’ll be far more wary of gaping, snapping intruders helping themselves to food and drink – sensitivity is key.

Holidays and big festivals

Almost all shops and facilities are closed all day on public holidays.

January

New Year’s Day (Año Nuevo), January 1st. Holiday.

Epiphany (Reyes Magos), January 6th. Celebrated mainly in the central highlands, especially in Píllaro in Tungurahua, but also in Montecristi on the coast.

February March

Mardi Gras (Carnival). The week leading up to Lent is marked by nationwide revelry, celebrations and water throws. Beach resorts can be packed to the gills. In Ambato it is celebrated with the great Fiesta de las Frutas y las Flores, with parades, dances, bullfights and sporting events – water throwing is forbidden here. Two days holiday.

March April

Holy Week (Semana Santa). Religious parades are held across the country during Holy Week, when many shops and services close and many people head to the beach. The great processions in Quito take place on Good Friday. Holidays for Maundy Thursday and Good Friday.

Can

Labor Day (Día del Trabajo), May 1st. Holiday.

Battle of Pichincha (La Batalla del Pinchincha), May 24th. Holiday commemorating a famous battle of 1822.

June

Corpus Christi A moveable festival sometime in mid-June, on the first Thursday after Trinity Sunday. Celebrated in the central Sierra, particularly in Salasaca and Pujilí, with danzates (mask dancers), wonderful costumes, and in the latter town with 5-10m high poles that people climb to receive prizes at the top.

Feast of the Sun (Inti Raymi), June 21 and after. A pre-conquest festival celebrated at the solstice at important ancient sites such as Cochasquí. Also grouped under the Catholic festivals of San Juan, San Pedro and San Pablo, collectively known as “Los San Juanes” in the Otavalo and Cayambe regions.

San Juan June 24th. The day of Saint John the Baptist, particularly heartily celebrated in the Otavalo region, beginning with ritual baths in Peguche and ending with tinku – ritual fighting – in San Juan on the outskirts of Otavalo (now discouraged). Outsiders should avoid both of these activities, but there’s plenty of music, drinking, and dancing to take part in.

San Pedro and San Pablo June 29th. Celebrated across the country but especially in Cayambe and the Northern Sierra.

July

Birthday of Simón Bolívar July 24th. Nationwide celebration of the birth of El Libertador. National holiday.

Founding of Guayaquil July 25th. Celebrations here often blend into those of the previous day.

August

Independence Day (Día de la Independencia) August 10th. Holiday commemorating the nation’s first (and thwarted) independence uprising in Quito in 1809.

Feast of the Virgin of El Cisne August 15th. The image of the Virgin is paraded 72 km from El Cisne to Loja followed by thousands of pilgrims.

September

Yamor Festival A big hoopla in Otavalo in the first two weeks of September.

Mama Negra de la Merced September 24th. The religious festival of two important festivals in Latacunga, marked with processions and centered on the Virgen de la Merced.

October

Independence of Guayaquil October 9th. Big celebrations in Guayaquil. National holiday.

Columbus Day (Día de la Raza), October 12. Marks the discovery of the New World. Rodeos in the provinces of Los Ríos, Guayas and Manabí, an expression of the Muntuvio culture.

November

All Souls’ Day/Day of the Dead (Día de los Difuntos) November 2nd. Highland communities go to cemeteries to pay their respects with flowers, offerings of food and drink, and incantations. Colada morada, a sweet purple fruit drink, and guaguas de pan, bread figures, are eaten and drunk. National holiday.

Independence from Cuenca November 3rd. The city’s biggest festival, which merges into the previous holidays. National holiday.

Mama Negra First Friday or Saturday in November. Famous fiesta in Latacunga with colorful parades and extravagant costumes centered on Mama Negra – a blackened man dressed in women’s clothing – believed to be linked to the city’s first encounter with black slaves. Events will continue until November 11 to celebrate Latacunga’s independence.

Feast of the Virgin of El Quinche November 21st. Pilgrims celebrate at the famous church outside of Quito.

December

Founding of Quito December 6th. Celebrations throughout the capital with parades, dances, bullfights and sporting events. National holiday.

Christmas Day (Navidad), December 25th. Holiday.

New Year’s Eve (Nochevieja), December 31st. Años viejos, large effigies of current figures representing the old years, are burned at midnight.

So you have decided to visit the Galapagos Islands. Should you come by land or by sea? Three of the most common questions we hear are:

“Should I choose a Galapagos cruise or island hopping?” “What is the best way to visit the Galapagos Islands?” “What is the best way to support sustainable tourism in Galapagos with my trip?”

The unanimous answer to all three is to choose a small ship cruise. Why? The facts may surprise you. Read all about the pros and cons of each travel style below. We outline how to plan the best tour for a sustainable Galapagos – whether you’re staying in a hotel or on a cruise.

Since cruises aren’t for everyone, there are ways to get hotel travel right. If you end up traveling by land, this post will help you understand the reality of responsible travel in the Galapagos Islands.

Start here to make an informed decision on whether to go on a Galapagos cruise or a Galapagos island hopping land tour. And finally, find for yourself the best way to visit the Galapagos Islands.

IN THIS POST: Cruise or Galapagos Island Hopping

Why choose a cruise?

Pros and cons of a cruise

Why choose a land tour?

Pros and cons of land tours

Cost Comparison – Cruise vs. Land

Galapagos sustainable tourism

Educate yourself – sustainable resources

Tips for responsible land travel

What is the best way to see Galapagos?

Why Choose a Galapagos Cruise?

The Galapagos archipelago consists of 13 large islands and dozens of smaller islands. The Galapagos National Park encompasses more than 3,000 square miles of islands and sea, with virtually all visitor sites accessible only by boat. Even tourists on land have to take a day boat to explore the islands unique nature and wildlife.

Overnight cruises aboard expedition ships and yachts are permitted to visit islands inaccessible to day tours from cities. Exploring by boat offers the most comprehensive exploration of a variety of islands in the most efficient way. You will visit more islands in less time and so see a greater variety of wildlife.

Wake up to a new destination every morning. Explore actively on land with professional naturalist guides. Snorkeling and small boat excursions are included on every cruise. Some even offer kayaking and paddleboarding. Return to the ship each evening for a hot shower, a delicious meal, and a leisurely rest while your captain takes you to the next destination. Onboard lectures entertain and enhance your understanding of the island’s history, environment, and conservation efforts.

Eco cruises are the most sustainable travel method with the least impact on the environment. Because cruising is heavily regulated and has minimal impact on the islands’ limited infrastructure, they are the most sustainable way to explore the islands. In addition, guides aboard small ships and yachts are the park service’s eyes and ears. The park does not have the resources to patrol all 3000 square miles due to illegal fishing. Cruises can help extend their reach. Read more about sustainable tourism in Galapagos below.

Find out more about how to choose your cruise to the Galapagos Islands.

Benefits of a cruise

Discover a greater variety and a greater number of remote islands.

Cruise at night and maximize your time to explore on land during the day.

See a greater abundance and variety of Galapagos animals.

Two daily hikes plus snorkeling and small watercraft exploration.

On board, naturalist guides lead guided hikes, snorkeling, and lectures.

No need to pack and unpack every few days.

All inclusive accommodation, activities, tours and meals.

Cruise tourism is regulated to minimize its environmental impact.

Disadvantages of a cruise

Seasickness can be a problem. Find out when is the best time to travel to the Galapagos Islands and how to prevent and treat seasickness on cruises.

Cruises can be more expensive than land packages, but not by much.

Fixed departures mean travelers coordinate their plans with the ship’s schedule.

Cruises are active explorations with limited downtime during the day (unless you choose not to participate in a landing).

Why Choose a Galapagos Island Hopping Land Tour?

There are two ways to explore the Galapagos Islands by land. You can join an organized guided Galapagos land tour. Or you can buy a plane ticket, book a hotel and explore the region on your own. The best way to see the Galapagos Islands by land is with an organized tour package with a reputable operator. Learn how independent travel is harming the Galapagos Islands in the Sustainable Tourism in Galapagos section below.

Organized guided tour packages ashore offer a unique alternative to cruising. The experience is obviously different than a cruise as you will be staying in hotels. Each day, explore with guides on day tours around town, on the island, or on boat trips to nearby wilderness areas.

Galapagos island hopping programs like our Galapagos Island Hopper primarily visit the three islands of Santa Cruz, San Cristobal and Isabela. These islands and associated communities offer a variety of hotels, restaurants, and activities. Other land based tour packages like our Galapagos Discovery or Galapagos Safari are based on a single lodge or hotel on an island, typically Santa Cruz or San Cristobal.

Our land based tour packages and island hopping adventures are designed to mimic the cruise experience by incorporating as much wilderness exploration as possible. Day boats are used to offer naturalist-guided hikes and snorkeling at landing sites within easy reach of town hotels.

Land holidays allow for more control over what you see and where you go. We have standard packages to get you started, but we can also create a customized itinerary to suit your interests, ability and budget.

Choosing a land-based program offers more flexibility for rest and relaxation or active adventures. You can choose to just lie on the beach or by the pool. Or plan a guided mountain bike tour or adventure tour. Be as active or as relaxed as you like.

Galapagos island hopping can be a great way to experience daily life in the cities and towns of the Galapagos Islands. Local shops, restaurants and museums welcome visitors. The nearby beaches are frequented by visitors and locals alike.

Benefits of Galapagos land tours and island hopping

Hotel rooms and common areas are larger than on board small ships and yachts.

Seasickness is only an issue on day boats. Not in the hotel or on land.

Land packages can be cheaper, but not by much.

Itineraries can be flexibly started on any day and customized.

Balance between relaxing and exploring as you see fit.

Interact with locals experiencing island culture and communities.

Disadvantages of Galapagos land tours and island hopping

Nature and wildlife exploration is limited to landing sites near cities.

Day trips to island attractions involve more transit time and less time hiking and snorkeling.

Land tours only include one landing site per day due to distances and travel time.

Small day boats can be more affected by rough seas compared to small ships and yachts.

Unregulated land visits can threaten the islands if not properly conducted.

Compare Costs – Cruise vs Galapagos Island Hopping

Of course, price is also an important factor when considering whether a cruise or island hopping is best for you. Cruises can be expensive, but a quality cruise is undoubtedly worth it.

Galapagos Islands cruises typically cost $500 to $1000 per person per day. Cruises are all-inclusive, with accommodation, meals, activities, and guide included in the price. Our cruise packages also include flights from mainland Ecuador, transfers, parking fees, permits and tourist cards at an additional cost. Galapagos deals are often available.

Quality Galapagos land tours and island hopping typically cost $400-$800 per person per day. This price includes accommodation, most meals, fully guided day tours, domestic flights and transfers. Our land packages also include flights from mainland Ecuador, transfers, parking fees, permits and tourist cards at an additional cost.

It is possible to visit the Galapagos Islands on a backpacker budget, but there are sustainability concerns and your experience will be limited. We do not book independent trips to the Galapagos.

Sustainable Tourism in Galapagos – How land-based travel impacts the islands

Anyone considering a land trip to the Galapagos Islands should educate themselves about its implications and the issues surrounding tourism growth. We advise against independent land based travel to the Galapagos Islands for a number of reasons.

First and foremost, national park regulations limit independent travelers in their ability to visit the uninhabited islands and places that make the islands famous. Second, uncontrolled rural tourism is harmful.

The increased independent travel on the islands has ecological and socio-economic consequences. Since the 1990s, the number of cruise passengers has been strictly limited and regulated. Rural tourism has been unregulated and threatens the islands’ fragile ecosystems. Between 2007 and 2018, annual visitor numbers to the Galapagos increased by a staggering 70%. Virtually all of the increase was due to independent land-based travel.

The unregulated growth of independent travel threatens the islands in a number of ways:

Increased pressure on the existing infrastructure. The island’s basic infrastructure such as energy, water and waste is limited.

An increased risk of introducing invasive plant and animal species. Invasive species are introduced by shipping goods and equipment. More hotels, restaurants and residents mean more shipments and more risk.

Encroachment on animal habitats and wild areas.

The behavior of travelers is regulated on board cruises. Guides enforce rules such as keeping six feet apart and not feeding animals. National park rules are routinely ignored and cannot be enforced in and around cities.

Restrictions on the number and size of new hotels are not enforced. Unapproved hotels, hostels and rental properties add to all of the problems listed above.

Sustainable Tourism Resources in Galapagos – Educate Yourself

The Best Way to Visit Galapagos by Land – Tips for Responsible Travel

We believe that hotel-based Galapagos tours can be environmentally responsible and make a positive contribution to the local economy if properly regulated and operated. What is the best way to visit the Galapagos Islands by land? Follow these tips for responsible travel in Galapagos:

Plan at least a week instead of just a few days.

Use approved locally owned hotels and lodges with verifiable sustainability practices.

Support authorized and licensed day tour and boat operators.

Employ local guides licensed by the Galapagos National Park.

Indulge in local restaurants and shops selling locally sourced foods and souvenirs.

Visit approved landing sites outside of the cities to see what the islands have to offer.

Support local conservation and humanitarian organizations. Book with operators who do the same.

If you choose to travel by land, we encourage you to do so responsibly. Coincidentally, the sustainable travel choice also offers the most intimate and enjoyable experience. Please consider one of our Galapagos land tour packages or contact us to customize a private tour.

What’s the best way to explore the Galapagos Islands? Cruising or island hopping?

Is the best way to visit the Galapagos Islands by land or by sea? The best way to visit the Galapagos Islands is on board a small ship cruise. Land based tours and island hopping can be a suitable alternative if operated sustainably.

Most travelers looking to visit the Galapagos on a budget are simply unaware of the potential harm caused by independent travel. Please consider our Galapagos Eco Cruises and Eco Tours when planning your vacation.

Do you have a question about the best way to visit the Galapagos Islands for sustainable travel or the best overall experience? Leave a comment below and our experts will respond. Ready to book your cruise or island hopping adventure? Contact us and you’re on your way.

MORE GALAPAGOS RESOURCES:

Galapagos Travel

Galapagos Luxury Travel

Galapagos with children

Galapagos Diving

Galapagos Cruises

Galapagos charter

How to choose the best Galapagos cruise

Galapagos land tours

Best travel time for Galapagos

How to get to Galapagos

Animals of the Galapagos Islands

Galapagos Travel Reports

Galapagos Travel Guide

Galapagos cruise deals

If you have a question or are looking for advice, please use the comments below. Our experts will answer your questions to make this Galapagos hopping or cruise guide even better. When you are ready to book your trip to Galapagos please contact us.