Everything you need to know to organize your adventure to the Galapagos Islands.
Welcome to the extraordinary world of the Galápagos Islands, a group of volcanic islands located approximately 1000 kilometers off the coast of Ecuador that have captured the world’s imagination for centuries. Home to a fascinating array of extraordinary flora and fauna, these islands have thrived in isolation, giving rise to the evolution of an incredible variety of unique species, including the legendary giant tortoises and the captivating blue-footed boobies.
In the 1800s, pirates and intrepid explorers began venturing to the Galápagos Islands. One of the most prominent early explorers, Charles Darwin, studied the wildlife of the islands during his visit in 1835. His observations would later form the basis of his groundbreaking work, “On the Origin of Species” published in 1859, which introduced the world to both the theory of evolution and the splendor of the Galápagos.
Since then, the Galápagos Islands have increasingly captured global attention and are now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Ecuador’s first national park.
Today, the islands attract over 275,000 visitors each year, offering unforgettable experiences that often exceed even the highest expectations. Here, sea lions frolic, birds wade, and the unparalleled natural beauty takes center stage.
If you are considering organizing a trip to the Galapagos Islands, this post provides answers to many questions.
The History of the Galapagos Islands
The Galapagos Islands are located approximately 600 kilometers off the mainland of the country, in the Pacific Ocean. This chain of islands emerged from the depths of the ocean between five and ten million years ago, born from volcanic activity. Initially, these volcanic islands were completely barren, devoid of any form of life.
The islands remained unexplored by humans until the 16th century. Prior to that, they hosted a rich variety of animal and plant species that arrived over millennia, many of which evolved in ways that make them unique to the islands.
When humans arrived, the islands witnessed a tumultuous history. From their discovery by the Bishop of Panama, Tomas de Berlanga, in 1535, the Galapagos Islands became a refuge for pirates in the following centuries.
The 19th century marked a period of colonization, and from the latter part of the century, the islands began to gain scientific importance thanks to Charles Darwin’s pioneering work on evolution, based on his observations in the Galapagos.
Darwin was intrigued by the stark differences between the creatures of the Galapagos and their mainland counterparts.
He also noted that even among these islands, species with similar characteristics adapted in unique ways to their environment. His famous work, “On the Origin of Species,” reflected on his observations from the Galapagos Islands and established his theory of evolution.
In the 20th and 21st centuries, the islands have been recognized for their unique biodiversity and the importance of their conservation. Today, they are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and continue to fascinate scientists and tourists with their breathtaking landscapes and diverse wildlife.
Why are the islands called Galapagos?
The reason the Galapagos Islands are named as such is quite interesting. The archipelago was named “Galapagos” in honor of the giant tortoises that populate the islands. “Galapagos” is an old Spanish term meaning “tortoise” .The name originates from the early explorers who visited the islands and were intrigued by the unique and large tortoises, thus naming the islands after these extraordinary creatures. These tortoises have become a symbol of the islands and continue to amaze visitors with their size and longevity, serving as a living testament to the islands’ special and unique biodiversity.
What makes the Galapagos Islands special: a paradise for biodiversity
The isolated Galapagos Islands have remained hidden from human interference for thousands of years. These pristine volcanic islands host a wealth of fascinating wildlife species, many of which are endemic, including the famous giant tortoises and blue-footed boobies that attract over 250,000 visitors every year.
The captivating wildlife of the islands is not the only surprise for travelers; pristine beaches and majestic landscapes abound, making the Galapagos Islands a popular destination for honeymoons. Additionally, the islands are considered one of the best scuba diving spots globally, promising rich underwater explorations or unmatched views from the deck of an adventurous cruise.
Ecotourism in the Galapagos Islands
When choosing to travel to the Galapagos Islands, one must be aware that it involves participating in an expedition aimed at discovering and respecting nature. Tourism on the islands is sustainable, offering travelers the opportunity to experience and explore the extraordinary natural wonders and wildlife while promoting conservation and benefiting local communities.
This approach to tourism is designed to minimize human impact on the fragile ecosystems of the archipelago. It involves respecting the strict guidelines established by the Galapagos National Park, such as maintaining a safe distance from wildlife, sticking to marked trails, and refraining from taking natural objects or introducing foreign elements into the environment.
Many tour operators also incorporate educational components into their itineraries to inform visitors about the intrinsic value of the islands’ biodiversity, the importance of its conservation, and the role they can play in achieving it. Furthermore, ecotourism in the Galapagos often supports local economies by creating jobs and purchasing goods and services from local suppliers.
How to get to the Galapagos Islands
Reaching the Galapagos Islands involves a two-stage endeavor. First, take a flight to Ecuador, reaching the international airports in Quito or Guayaquil.
Once in Ecuador, the next step is to take a flight to the Galapagos Islands. The islands have two airports: Seymour Airport on Baltra Island and San Cristóbal Airport on San Cristóbal Island.
Baltra is a smaller island just north of Santa Cruz Island, and ferry services connect the two. Flights usually depart in the morning from Quito and Guayaquil, with return flights from the Galapagos to the mainland departing in the afternoon.
Entry to the Galapagos Islands
The entrance fee to the Galapagos National Park costs $200 per person, payable only in cash upon arrival at one of the Galapagos Islands’ airports (Baltra or San Cristobal).
Additionally, each visitor must purchase a transit card for $20 (INGALA), also payable only in cash at the airport. The transit card is an immigration control measure, so all visitors must purchase one upon arrival and return it upon departure.
When to go to the Galapagos Islands – The best time
There is no best time to visit the fascinating Galapagos Islands. The islands are a year-round destination. The seasons are mainly two: from June to December (dry and cool season) and from January to May (hot and rainy).
From June to December marks the cooler and drier season, although picturesque misty rain (“garúa”) is almost always present. Despite being classified as drier months, cloudy skies are possible. The water is usually cold, requiring a wetsuit for snorkeling.
From January to May, warmer temperatures prevail alongside more humid skies. However, the rainfall produces dramatic blue and clear skies between downpours, creating ideal conditions for photography. August generally offers the coolest temperatures, while March and April are often the warmest and rainiest.
An important factor to consider when planning the trip is the fluctuation of water temperature due to the powerful ocean currents in the region.
From June to December, there are always colder currents, requiring wetsuits for snorkeling. Don’t be fooled because the cooler waters attract abundant plankton, making marine life very active and snorkeling activities exceptional.
How to Travel to the Galapagos Islands – Cruise or Island Hopping
Undoubtedly, the initial and potentially most challenging choice you will have to make when planning your adventure to the Galápagos Islands is determining how you want to travel.
You have two main options: stay in a hotel on one of the inhabited islands and take daily boat excursions (islands hopping), or opt for a cruise.
This decision depends on three fundamental factors: budget, time optimization, and scope of exploration.
Traveling to the Galápagos Islands is not cheap. They are distant and remote islands, and tourism is heavily regulated (independent travelers here will need to rely on organized tours and excursions). In both travel options, costs will be quite high.
However, a land-based stay (islands hopping) allows for greater cost and duration flexibility (there are no predetermined itineraries) and the activities you want to engage in.
Cruises are generally less flexible in terms of duration/cost/itineraries/departure dates. Although they are available with various budget plans, even the more economical options often exceed the cost of a land-based stay.
Your approach to time management during travel can also influence your choice.
Choosing the islands hopping option means dedicating a significant part of your day to travel to the island (and back). You will need to move between your hotel and the boat, travel to and from the day’s tourist spot, and then return to the base.
Cruises cover long distances overnight while passengers sleep, arriving at the destination for visits in the morning. A cruise minimizes transit time and maximizes time to dedicate to activities on the Galápagos Islands.
Also read the post: Galapagos Islands: Traveling with Islands Hopping or Cruise?
Traveling to the Galapagos Islands on a Cruise
Galápagos cruises generally organize tours that last from five to eight days.
These circuits are based on predetermined schedules and routes, decided by the Galapagos National Park authorities to control tourist congestion and minimize environmental impact.
Whether you are traveling north or south (sometimes referred to as eastbound and westbound trips), the routes change weekly.
Regardless of direction, each route promises enchanting land explorations, abundant aquatic adventures, and a myriad of opportunities to admire the renowned biodiversity of the Galápagos.
Ships traveling through the waters of the Galápagos have a capacity limited to 100 passengers, although you will find that most accommodate far fewer travelers, with most boats hosting 16 people. There are various categories and price ranges of cruises, from budget-friendly to luxury options.
For diving enthusiasts seeking underwater discoveries, the Galápagos Islands offer several diving cruise options. Boats such as the Galapagos Sky, the Galapagos Aggressor III are specifically designed with divers in mind.
They navigate to the remote northern islands of the archipelago, rewarding adventurous divers with the opportunity to spend time among manta rays, whale sharks, sunfish, and hammerhead sharks in waters full of cold currents. Keep in mind that these particular diving experiences are intended for experienced divers due to their challenging nature.
Which Galapagos cruise itinerary to choose?
A crucial tip to consider when planning your trip is to carefully evaluate the proposed circuit.
Ensure that the itinerary you choose includes visits to the islands on your must-see list. With over 200 different cruise routes available, it may not be straightforward.
All routes are breathtaking, characterized by majestic fauna and landscapes. However, some itineraries focus more on scenery, while others highlight the wildlife. Therefore, prioritizing the itinerary is a necessity for a tailored experience.
Also, consider the duration you can allocate to the Galapagos. There are itineraries ranging from 4 days to 8 days.
We have outlined some main routes for you:
Northern Islands
You will likely visit Santa Cruz, North Seymour, Genovesa Island, South Plazas, Santa Fe, and San Cristobal. These itineraries are fantastic as they allow you to walk alongside the endemic land iguanas at Plazas Island. You will also have the opportunity to admire the colonies of red-footed boobies at Genovesa and be amazed by the frigatebirds at North Seymour. For a detailed itinerary, check here.
Central and Southern Islands
These tours usually visit Santa Cruz, South Plaza, and North Seymour. San Cristobal Island is usually divided into two days, with activities at Pitt Point and Witch Hill, Cerro Colorado, and the Interpretation Center, Leon Dormido. The itineraries usually conclude at Española, Floreana, and Ballena Bay.
Highlights include stunning scenery like the striking contrasts of Pinnacle Rock’s lava rocks, diverse species including the boobies at Pitt Point, and the marine life at Devil’s Crown, a beautiful site in the archipelago. For a detailed itinerary, check here.
Western Islands
Common visit locations include Santa Cruz, Fernandina, Isabela, Tagus Cove, Espinoza Point, Santiago, Rabida, Chinese Hat, among others.
Unique features of these itineraries include snorkeling with playful Galapagos penguins and sea lions at Fernandina, observing the flightless cormorants (evidence of Darwin’s theory of evolution) and observing the land iguanas and their marine counterparts in Urbina Bay.
The wonderful Espumilla beach at Puerto Egas with its colony of flamingos, in contrast with the unique black sand beach and further color contrast provided by the red rocks and sand of Rabida Island.
Traveling to the Galapagos Islands with an islands hopping
Islands hopping in the Galapagos represents an exciting and diverse travel experience worth considering as an alternative to a cruise.
Instead of being confined to a boat, you will have the opportunity to explore multiple islands, each showcasing its distinctive ecology and fascinating wildlife.
Start from Santa Cruz Island, known for its lush landscapes, enchanting giant tortoises, and vibrant marine life. From Santa Cruz, you can take daily tours to important and beautiful islands such as North Seymour, South Plaza, Santa Fe, Pinzon, or Bartolome.
From there, sail to the most remote and untouched island of Floreana, home to flamingos and one of the world’s few populations of pink iguanas.
Continue your journey by advancing to Isabela Island, where you can visit the imposing Sierra Negra volcano and the wonderful marine tunnels (Cabo Rosa), a giant marine aquarium where you can snorkel among tunnels created by collapsed lava into water.
Finally, venturing to the historic San Cristobal Island, you can follow in the footsteps of Charles Darwin. From here, you can join tours to Leon Dormido, Punta Pitt, and Espanola Island.
Islands hopping allows you to immerse yourself in the unique splendors of each island at your own pace, with the flexibility to stay where the charm is strongest instead of adhering to a fixed itinerary.
Opting to travel to the Galapagos with islands hopping offers unique advantages derived from the flexibility and independence it provides. One of the main differences compared to a cruise travel experience is the freedom to set your own schedule and pace.
You can spend as much time as you want exploring one island before moving on to the next, linger in your favorite spots longer, and tailor your experiences based on your specific interests without having to adhere to the structured itineraries of a cruise.
Islands hopping also allows for a deeper connection with the local culture. You can stay in local hotels or guesthouses instead of being confined to a boat, dine at local restaurants, and interact with residents, offering a rich and engaging experience of the human habitation and culture of the Galapagos. While cruises on board mainly focus on wildlife and sightings found in more remote areas, the islands hopping tour offers a balanced exposure to both nature and local life.
Another key advantage is the cost-quality ratio, as traveling from one island to another often turns out to be more economical than most cruise packages. However, it is important to note that access to some remote and uninhabited islands, luxury accommodations, and full services offered by cruises may not be available with the land tour.
Both ways of traveling have their distinct charm. Therefore, the choice between a cruise and island hopping ultimately depends on your personal preferences, time, budget, and the type of experience you are seeking.
Main islands of the Galapagos Islands
The Galapagos archipelago is a tropical paradise composed of 127 islands, with about 20 frequently visited by tourists. Four of these islands are inhabited, with Santa Cruz being the most populous (approximately 12,000 inhabitants), followed by San Cristobal (about 6,000), Isabela Island (about 2,000), and Floreana Island (about 200).
You will likely start your journey to the Galapagos on Baltra Island if you arrive by plane, with a quick ferry ride connecting to Santa Cruz and then Puerto Ayora, the largest town in the archipelago. The provincial capital is instead Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, located on San Cristobal Island.
Whether you choose islands hopping or a cruise, you will have the opportunity to explore the different ecosystems and attractions of various islands in this enchanting archipelago.
For example, you could experience the volcanic landscapes of Bartolome Island, visit the nesting sites of the waved albatross at Punta Suarez on Española Island, delve into maritime history on Floreana Island, and discover its unique barrel post office.
Or you can venture to Genovesa Island, a birdwatching paradise known as the home of frigates and three different species of boobies.
Fernandina Island, known for its sparsely vegetated terrain, is home to Galapagos penguins and flightless cormorants for your viewing pleasure. Santiago Island, with its magnificent black sand beaches and tidal pools, offers excellent snorkeling opportunities where you may spot marine iguanas, Sally Lightfoot crabs, and sea lions.
Snorkeling enthusiasts will also appreciate Pinzon Island, surrounded by turquoise waters teeming with marine life.
It is the ideal place for snorkeling, where you could swim alongside tropical fish, sea turtles, and occasionally even hammerhead sharks.
Complete list of Galapagos Islands and places to visit on each.
Endemic animals of the Galapagos Islands
Endemic animals of the Galapagos Islands
The Galápagos Islands are a living testament to the extraordinary evolution of nature and a global jewel for biodiversity.
Located in the Pacific Ocean, about 1,000 km off the coast of Ecuador, the islands are renowned for the numerous unique species found there, a result of their isolation from the rest of the world and the adaptation mechanisms these species have embraced over millions of years, providing valuable insights into evolutionary biology.
The archipelago was also the catalyst for Charles Darwin’s revolutionary theory of natural selection.
- Marine iguanas: unique to the Galápagos Islands, these are the only lizards that swim and feed in the sea. Each island is home to marine iguanas of different sizes, shapes, and colors.
- Land iguanas: in contrast to their marine counterparts, they live in the arid parts of the islands. They are predominantly yellow and can live up to 60 years.
- Lava lizards: nine of the ten recognized species of these small reptiles are found exclusively in the Galápagos.
- Galápagos giant tortoises: known to live up to 150 years, Galápagos tortoises are the largest living species of tortoises and display distinct shell shapes based on the environment of their respective islands.
- Fur seals: these smaller seals survive in the tropical climate of the Galápagos by hunting at night and seeking shade during the day.
- Galápagos sea lions: endemic to the Galápagos, they are known for their playful nature and are often seen relaxing on the beaches.
- Flightless cormorants: evolution has deprived these birds of the ability to fly, but in return, they have become excellent underwater divers.
- Darwin’s finches: made famous by Charles Darwin, these finches mainly differ in the shape and size of their beaks, each adapted to a unique food source.
- Galápagos penguins: the only species of penguin living north of the equator, they have adapted to a warmer climate and can swim up to 35 km/h.
- Frigatebirds: known for their exceptional wingspan and the vibrant red gular sac of the male, used to attract females during the breeding season.
- Blue-footed boobies: known for their striking blue feet, which males flaunt through an elaborate mating dance.
- Hammerhead sharks: the only place where scalloped hammerhead sharks are known to gather year-round is around Darwin and Wolf Islands.
- Swallow-tailed gulls: the only fully nocturnal gulls and seabirds in the world, these gulls have large eyes to improve night vision.
- Galápagos hawks: being the only diurnal raptor of the islands, these hawks are at the top of the food chain and are known for their broad wings and keen eyesight.
- Galápagos albatross: the Galápagos albatross is the only species of albatross endemic to the tropics of the Galápagos Islands. With a wingspan of up to 2.4 meters (7.9 feet), these large seabirds are known for their distinctive courtship displays, including bill clapping, honking, and intertwining necks. Galápagos albatrosses primarily breed on Española Island, where over 99% of the total world population is found. A small part of the population breeds on La Plata Island, off the coast of Ecuador. They are considered long-lived bird species, with an average lifespan of 40-45 years. These birds spend much of their lives in flight, covering vast distances and only touching land to raise and nurture their offspring.
The vast number of distinct species and their unique adaptations speak to the evolutionary marvel that is the Galápagos Islands. Protecting this rich biodiversity and respecting the delicate balance of this unique ecosystem remains a global responsibility.
What to bring (and not bring) on a trip to the Galapagos Islands.
When preparing for a trip to the Galapagos Islands, it’s essential to bring appropriate clothing and gear to handle various weather conditions.
Clothing
While there are small shops on the islands offering necessities, the selection is limited and prices are relatively high. Therefore, it’s wise to bring essential items. Robust, closed-toe shoes with sturdy soles are recommended for trekking on rough volcanic terrain during land excursions. Comfortable sandals are suitable for casual walks in town and boat trips, but high heels should be avoided, especially if boarding a boat with steep, narrow stairs.
Don’t forget rain gear and waterproof protection for your camera, as sporadic rain showers are common, and boats are a common mode of transport. In rainy conditions, finding shelter can be a luxury.
Health
Be sure to bring ample insect repellent and waterproof sunscreen with a high SPF, as the sun’s rays can be intense, and there is often little shade during Galapagos excursions. Opt for reef-safe sunscreen to help preserve the coral and marine life. A wide-brimmed hat will provide protection from the sun during land outings.
For kayaking and snorkeling enthusiasts, a rash guard and wetsuit are recommended for sun protection and colder water temperatures. Bring your own fins, mask, and snorkel if you have them, as the provided snorkeling equipment may not always meet exceptional standards of quality and hygiene.
Although seas are generally calm, it’s advisable to bring motion sickness patches or medication, as they may not be readily available in Latin America. Additionally, bring a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated and reduce plastic waste.
Money and Payments
While ATMs are available on Santa Cruz and San Cristóbal islands, they may run out of cash. It’s advisable to bring enough money, especially for tipping. Credit cards are widely accepted in local shops and restaurants, and the official currency in Ecuador is the US dollar.
What not to bring (prohibited items)
The introduction of non-native plant species poses a serious threat to the Galapagos ecosystem. Avoid bringing fruits, vegetables, or plants in your luggage. Thoroughly inspect shoes and outdoor/camping gear, as they may carry seeds on the soles.
