If you like to be one with nature like me, you would love the Galapagos Islands! This island is located off the shore of Ecuador and is the perfect place to visit if you are an adventurer. You will fall in love with nature and the friendly locals. Animal lovers will enjoy it there since the animals are intrepid and friendly.
If you enjoy nature and wildlife viewing and are looking to take a break from work, or reconnect with mother nature, taking a Galapagos tour is a great option.
However, it is best to plan and save early, as the tour can get quite expensive.
I have the best experience in Galapagos, and with this guide, I will ensure that you get the most out of your trip!
The Galapagos Archipelago
Before we head to the specifics, let us look at some of the history of the Galapagos Islands.
The Galapagos Islands are a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the Pacific Ocean, about 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador, in South America. These isolated islands make up one of the best national parks in the world.
The remoteness and strict conservation measures taken by the government of Ecuador have helped the Galapagos retain animal species that are extinct in other parts of the world.
It’s located at the convergence of three ocean currents, making it a melting point for marine life. They include sea lions, marine iguanas, green sea turtles, damselfish, spotted eagle rays, pacific burrfish, chocolate chip starfish, sally lightfoot crab, and cushion sea stars.
There are also giant turtles on the Galapagos Islands, specifically found on the Alcedo Volcano on Isabela and the Santa Cruz Highlands.
In the past, they only used these islands as scientific bases and hiding places for pirates. They consist of 13 big islands, seven small islands, and around 125 rocks and islets.
Due to their isolation, the animals on these islands never developed a fear of humans. When hiking around the islands, you will come across all sorts of animals. I always have my trusty camera with me because I do not want to miss out on these lovely creatures.
For the inner science geeks, there’s also a Charles Darwin research center that was built in his honor. This was after Charles Darwin visited the Galapagos Islands for five weeks and got inspiration for his popular theory of species.
Planning a Visit to the Galapagos Islands
When planning your visit to the Galapagos Islands, there are several things that you need to keep in mind.
This ranges from simple things like knowing the official language used and the type of acceptable currency on the islands.
You should have enough money saved for the cruise and some extra in hand. I carry enough cash on hand for emergencies.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site has high restrictions on the number of people who should visit. Completing a Transit Control Card online is part of the registration process.
You need to make your preparations early enough before you land at Guayaquil or Quito airports to be on the safe side. Do not worry; the process is fast and easy as long as you have all the necessary documents ready.
First, you should visit the US Embassy site to get more information regarding traveling to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands. Then you need to know which part of the islands you want to visit first.
Galapagos Cruise and Tours
To simplify how the Galapagos cruises and tours are organized, the islands are categorized into regions:
- Western region (Fernandina and Isabela)
- Eastern region(San Cristobal)
- Central region (Chinese Hat, Rabida, Santa Fe, Santa Cruz, Mosquera, South Plazas, Baltra Santiago, North Seymour, and Daphne islands)
- Northern region (Wolf, Darwin, and Genovesa islands)
- Southern region (Floreana and Espanola islands)
Travel Package for Solo or Groups
Next, you need to choose the travel package you want to go with; this could include either small or big boats. These are also divided into luxury yachts and sailboats with different capacities. There are small boats with a capacity of 16 to 20 people and big boats that can carry 100 people.
If you are not comfortable while out in the sea, you should go for more stable boats like large cruise ships and catamarans.
Remember to take travel insurance, to protect yourself in case of an emergency.
If you want an extended stay to experience all the Galapagos Islands thoroughly, you can volunteer at some NGOs. This is what I did, and it gives you more time to stay without having to spend a lot of money.
How to Get to Galapagos Islands
Local Flights to Ecuador
Since you cannot access the Galapagos Islands with direct international flights, you will need to connect with local flights from mainland Ecuador.
A couple of reliable South American airlines take people to the islands. Direct flights are available for Americans traveling from Houston, New York, Atlanta, Dallas, and Miami, which will get you to Quito or Guayaquil airports.
From these airports, you can then connect to the Galapagos Islands via the San Cristobal Island airport or the Baltra Island Seymour airport.
To be on the safe side, you should first check the US Embassy’s recommendations for traveling to Ecuador.
Tour or Cruise Boats
If you are looking to go on a yacht cruise, you will need to take a bus, taxi, or ferry to get to Puerto Baquerizo Moreno or Puerto Ayora, where most cruise ships depart from.
To ensure that you have the time of your life during the best Galapagos trips, you should find an ideal tour operator.
On the other hand, if you want to go on a solo adventure, you will not need a tour operator. The islands are great, with a serene and scenic landscape worth exploring. If you plan on hiking the islands, always pack the necessary equipment.
There are small boats that ferry people from one island to the next. However, be keen on your timing, as these boats are not available at all times.
Best Places to Stay While on Galapagos Islands Travel
Keep in mind that not all the islands are inhabited, which helps narrow down your options for a place to stay. Only four islands have accommodations for tourists. They include:
San Cristobal Island
One of the places you can stay is on San Cristobal Island, located on the far east side of the Galapagos Islands. There are several great attractions that you can visit here, including geological formations and the large El Junco freshwater lagoon.
It also happens to be home to some of the best surfing sites. I did not include surfing as part of my itinerary when I got to Galapagos, but I know I would regret it. You can rent a surfboard to experience the intense Galapagos waves.
It’s also home to the town of Puerto Baquerizo, which is the administrative capital of the Galapagos Islands.
If you are traveling on a budget, you should try the Hotel Cactus & Cactus. This hotel has a simple design but clean and well-maintained rooms.
If you have a little extra to spare, you can stay in the Eco Hotel Katarma, which comes with an indoor swimming pool when the weather outside is not ideal for a swim. There’s also the La Zapaya, right on the dock in the town of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno.
Santa Cruz Island
This is one of the most ideal islands to act as a base of travel since it’s centrally located. To make things better, it is the main island with the largest growing population in the Galapagos Islands.
It has the largest port in the town of Puerto Ayora, with a significant number of shops, restaurants, hotels, and bars. This is the place to be if you want a night out with friends!
It’s the best base for land-based and cruise tours, as it offers easy access to the rest of the islands. You can find great luxurious accommodations at the Finch Bay Galapagos Hotel, which has a beachfront location, a swimming pool, a private yacht, and even a pier.
For a budget hotel, you should visit the Hostal Gardner Galapagos, it is only a couple of minutes from the pier and right in the heart of town. The rooms here are well-maintained and quite spacious.
Visiting Puerto Ayora on a day tour is a great idea, especially if you want to tour the entire archipelago but are on a tight budget.
Floreana Island
This is one of the most historic Galapagos Islands and is located in the southern region of the archipelago. It’s home to some of the most amazing artifacts, and tales of romance and betrayals, that remind us of the great past periods of pirates and whalers.
Isabela Island
Last on our list is the largest inhabited island, Isabela, located in the westernmost region of the Galapagos Islands. It’s the youngest Galapagos Island and still has six active volcanoes.
Despite the rapid growth of tourism in the region, the small town of Puerto Villamil still has its fishing village atmosphere. It’s a quiet and great place to visit, especially if you want to relax and unwind.
If you are on a luxurious stay, you should check out the Flip Flop House, it comes with three bathrooms and two bedrooms, capable of hosting four people.
When traveling on a budget to Puerto Villamil in Isabela, you should check out Hotel La Jungla, which has a feel of the jungle, though it is right next to the sea. Take time to enjoy the natural lighting from the huge windows that face the sea.
Isabela Island offers some of the best snorkeling opportunities of all the Galapagos Islands. Spare some time to enjoy the beach’s activities while here.
If you are on a Galapagos cruise, you’ll also have the option of staying on your ship or yacht for the period of your stay. However, this can get quite expensive, especially if you opt for the premium packages.
Cruise Tours and Other Fun Activities in Galapagos Islands
The Galapagos Islands are one of the few places on earth that haven’t been greatly affected by man. You come across wild animals that aren’t the least bothered by human presence.
Whether you are visiting again or for the first time, there are numerous activities for you to enjoy.
Each of the islands has unique features, making it necessary to visit as many of them as you possibly can for the best experience. Some of these activities will not cost you extra because you can do and enjoy them by yourself.
Some of the best Galapagos trip activities include:
Hiking the Galapagos Islands
One of the most affordable and exciting activities you can do in the Galapagos Islands One of the most affordable and exciting activities in the Galapagos Islands is hiking. These pristine islands are great and safe to hike.
Most cruise lines offer a couple of specialized hiking trips daily for their customers, but you can also go solo and explore the islands through hiking.
You do not have to pay for a guide. You can safely hike the Galapagos Islands independently, as they are easy to navigate even for non-pros.
Cruise Tours
Cruise tours can get expensive, depending on the activities and services you receive. The main factor in a high cruise tour price is the number of days you plan to stay. Day tours can cost as much as $300, depending on your tour operator.
Taking the best Galapagos trips on a cruise is better, especially if you are not comfortable traveling alone.
Most Galapagos cruise companies offer packages that include all sorts of activities and even provide you with snorkeling equipment.
Snorkeling
Get your underwater camera ready! The Galapagos Islands are great for snorkeling, especially during the warm seasons. If you are traveling solo, you will have to rent your snorkeling equipment.
For someone who loves the ocean, Galapagos is heaven. The marine life is amazing and comprises animals such as Galapagos sharks, penguins, and marine iguanas. These animals are not scared of people, making your snorkeling experience even more amazing.
Even if you do not consider yourself a good swimmer or diver, you should not miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The unique marine life and beautiful rainbow coral are reasons enough to take the plunge.
Wildlife Viewing
Next, you can enjoy the wide variety of unique wild animals; these endemic species thrive in the island’s weather. You’ll be amazed to know that some of the species of animals on these islands influenced Charles Darwin’s evolution theories.
Due to the remoteness of the islands, the animals there evolved differently from others. This is thanks to the diligent conservation guidelines put in place by the collaboration of the Galapagos National Park, Ecuador’s tourism ministry, and the Ministry of Environment.
If you are lucky enough to visit the Galapagos Islands, you should always observe the strict rules put in place to help conserve the environment. Don’t feed the animals, no matter how cute you find them.
Scuba Diving
The Galapagos Islands are some of the best places to go scuba diving. Marine life and water are an experience you will never forget for the rest of your life.
For some of the best day diving trips, you should visit the town of Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island.
On the other hand, you could opt for liveaboard dive cruises, where you go scuba diving right on your Galapagos cruise ship. Note of caution, you are likely to come across white-tip reef sharks while diving. Do not worry, these sharks are harmless.
Photography
If you are a photography junky, you will enjoy visiting the Galapagos Islands, more so if you enjoy wildlife photography. The scenery on these islands is breathtaking, to say the least.
For casual photographers, a good mobile phone camera is all you need. You won’t need any extra gear to get great shots.
Sea Kayaking
Finally, you can also go kayaking, though it is not very popular among the cruise packages. Some yachts carry kayaks on board for guests who are into this activity.
To enjoy this activity, you should ensure that the ship you’re traveling with offers the service.
The Best Time to Visit Galapagos Islands
Though you can visit the Galapagos Islands all year round, there are ideal times you can opt for depending on what you want to experience. There are many activities on the island, such as snorkeling, hiking, diving, and wildlife viewing.
I will tell you the best seasons, so you do not have to second guess your visit.
There are a couple of seasons that determine the kind of activities you should be doing on your holidays. If you enjoy diving, snorkeling, and other water-related activities, plan your trip for November to February.
Keep in mind that from the Christmas holidays to mid-January the place will be packed with tourists looking for warm weather. So if you do not want to mingle with crowds on your holiday, you should stay clear of these months.
If you want to enjoy hiking most of the islands—if not all, you should plan your trip during the cool and dry season from June to November.
Bird watchers take note, you can plan your trip during the mating season of the blue-footed boobies. These adorable boobies mate between May and July. However, you should be prepared for some afternoon rainstorms; it’s nothing serious enough to spoil your holiday.
Galapagos Islands National Park Rules
When visiting the Galapagos Islands National Park, there are some rules that you should familiarize yourself with first. These rules will help you enjoy your visit to the islands in peace.
First, you need to know that there are protected areas that require a licensed guide to visit. If you are going on self-guided hikes, you should first do research to ensure you do not end up in protected areas.
To help in conserving the environment, you should not purchase any souvenirs made of banned substances such as lava rock, animal parts, black coral, or native wood. This is a great way to fight those who destroy the environment for profit.
Next, you need to respect the wildlife in their natural habitats. When you come across them, don’t get too close. Also, feeding them is prohibited.
The use of flash photography is discouraged when taking photos of animals. If you plan on doing professional photography for business, you need authorization from the GNPD.
If you want to set up a camp in the Galapagos Islands, you need to make the reservation 48 hours in advance. Authorization for camping is provided by the Galapagos National Park, and it’s only for specific parts of the park.
How Much Will a Trip to the Galapagos Islands Set You Back?
To enjoy one of the best Galapagos trips, be ready to spend some serious coin, even when going for the standard packages. Several factors will determine exactly how expensive your tour of the Galapagos Islands is going to be.
A trip to the Galapagos Islands can easily cost you over $2,500. This is due to the flight and other tourist tariffs. Since the island is remote, it raises the cost of doing business.
Some key factors include the type of boat you will be using for your cruise, flights by reliable South American airlines, activities, and your duration of stay.
Most packages include 4-day cruises, 5-day cruises, 8-day cruises, and 15-day cruises; each of these charges is based on the services they offer.
Some of the best Galapagos trips include cruise tours, but they can be expensive. However, you can try island hopping; staying in guesthouses, and using boats to move from one island to the next. This is great for solo and group travelers, and it can be economical.
Though there is no clear policy about tipping your guides and crew, you should set aside some money, just in case. To ensure you have the best time in the Galapagos Islands, you should start saving early.
Frequently Asked Questions
With enough time and finances, it would be great to visit every one of the Galapagos Islands at least once. But if you have limited finances, there are several destinations on the islands that you should not miss out on.
Santa Cruz should be your first stop, for it’s a great base from which to tour the rest of the Galapagos Islands. While in Santa Cruz, ensure that you visit the giant tortoises in El Chato Reserve and the beautiful beaches (Garrapatero, Bachas, and Tortuga Bay).
If you are a birdwatcher, ensure that you visit North Seymour Island. It’s home to blue-footed boobies and frigate birds. Their mating dance is quite entertaining and worthwhile to watch.
You can also visit Fernandina Island, which is still volcanically active; its last eruption happened in 2009. This is the youngest of all the Galapagos Islands, located on the archipelago’s western side, and is home to the biggest marine iguanas.
San Cristobal is also a great place to visit, and it’s home to the red-footed booby, located at the Punta Pitt visiting site. It’s home to the capital of the Galapagos Islands, Puerto Baquerizo Moreno.
Though tipping isn’t a requirement on Galapagos Island cruises, it is highly appreciated. There’s an unwritten rule on how much you should tip your guides and yacht crew. But you reserve the right to decide how much you want to spend on tips.
After all, you could be traveling on a tight budget without extra finances. However, some yachts do offer envelopes for tipping your guides and crew.
This is one of the most amazing places on earth, and it’s only fair that you have ample time to enjoy it. A longer stay would be ideal, but it can get quite expensive. Therefore, you should go anywhere between 6 and 8 days.
However, there are some other ways that you can extend your stay without having to bleed yourself dry.
Look for a volunteer program in the area and enjoy these beautiful islands as you lend a hand to some non-government organizations.
Due to the lack of seasonal variation, the Galapagos Islands are okay to visit all year. However, water temperatures come in warm and cold seasons.
When the water temperatures are warm (December–May), it’s a great time to go snorkeling. But if you want to experience inland attractions such as Galapagos Islands culture trips, plan your visit between April and August.
The internet is not that great on the Galapagos Islands, so you should not be expecting any reliable connection. However, there are cybercafés in cities like Puerto Baquerizo Moreno in San Cristobal and Puerto Ayora in Santa Cruz.
There are also some hotels and boats that have Wi-Fi hotspots for their guests. But it’s not a common thing to come across. However, this shouldn’t be a big concern as you are probably visiting the Galapagos Islands for relaxation and not work or business.
Yes, you can. However, most yachts have an age limit of 6 to 7 years. This is vital because their guard rails are not low enough for younger children.
To ensure your kid is safe, always try to keep an eye on them. The islands are great for kids, as they can learn a lot about nature and unique species of animals.
There are big yachts that offer more comfortable accommodations for people with kids. These are great, as they also have enough space for our kids to roam and mingle with other kids on the cruise. It will also help get their attention away from TVs and video games.
They can participate in activities such as snorkeling with marine wildlife such as sea lions, tripping on land iguanas, and watching dolphins play. Take your time to search online, and you are bound to find great trip packages tailored precisely for families and people with kids.
As most activities in the Galapagos Islands involve spending time in the water, you need to pack swimming and snorkeling gear. Bring your own snorkeling gear if renting does not appease you.
You should throw in sunscreen, waterproof footwear, mosquito repellant, a quick-dry towel and t-shirts, a great underwater camera, and a sun hat that covers your neck.
These will help you have a great time in the water and avoid sunburns when basking.
Conclusion
Visiting the Galapagos Islands is worth every single dollar you’ll spend. You experience things that aren’t found anywhere else on earth and get to swim with sea lions, turtles, and sharks. The intrepid animals on these islands are great for photographers, as they provide great poses.
Since there aren’t that many ATMs in San Cristobal and Santa Cruz, and most places don’t accept credit cards, it’s best to make your payments in cash. The good news is that you can use your American dollars without worrying about exchange rates and whatnot.
Though English is fairly spoken on the Galapagos Islands, it would not hurt to learn some basic Spanish. Trust me, the locals appreciate it.
Print your itinerary and remember to pack some motion sickness medication, as the water gets rough when moving from one island to the next.
