An Extensive Travel Guide to the Galápagos Islands

These isolated islands were completely unknown to the rest of the globe until 1535, yet their rich biodiversity today draws more than 100,000 tourists annually. Species like the blue-footed boobies and the captivating giant tortoises evolved into something completely new because the island's vegetation and fauna were able to flourish for thousands of years unencumbered by human interference. The Galápagos Islands are a popular honeymoon spot because, in addition to seeing the island's famous landmarks, guests can relax on the stunning beaches. 

Spending time on or in the water is essential, whether you're prepared to dive in with your snorkel and swim with sea lions or simply want to take in the scenery from the deck of your adventure cruise. This is because it is one of the best scuba diving locations in the world. The Galápagos Islands offer a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness breathtaking natural wonders that will take your breath away.

The Galápagos Islands are beautiful at any time of year. The journey will be memorable and exciting at any time of year. Cooler and drier weather is typical from June to December. It is still possible to have a garúa, or light, misty rain, throughout this dry season, especially in December, and there may be gloomy and gray skies. 

Despite the warmer temperatures and more precipitation from January through May, the interspersed bouts of rain make for picture-perfect blue skies. The wettest and warmest months are typically March and April, with August being the coolest. 

The strong ocean currents that traverse the archipelago create seasonal variations in water temperatures. Water temperatures drop significantly between June and December due to the dominance of cooler currents. While snorkeling during these months, you might need a wetsuit, which your boat or hotel can supply. On the plus side, marine life is able to satisfy its voracious appetites thanks to the massive amounts of plankton brought in by the cold current. 

Discuss your desired species sighting goals with your Galápagos tour operator and choose a month and schedule that will maximize your chances of seeing that species. Seasonality is a factor for several species, and many of them are island-specific. One species that does not permanently settle here is the waved albatross, which is also known as the Galápagos albatross. Only during the warmer months of spring and summer do these birds show up to breed.

The Galápagos Islands are beautiful at any time of year. The journey will be memorable and exciting at any time of year. Cooler and drier weather is typical from June to December. It is still possible to have a garúa, or light, misty rain, throughout this dry season, especially in December, and there may be gloomy and gray skies. 

Despite the warmer temperatures and more precipitation from January through May, the interspersed bouts of rain make for picture-perfect blue skies. The wettest and warmest months are typically March and April, with August being the coolest. 

The strong ocean currents that traverse the archipelago create seasonal variations in water temperatures. Water temperatures drop significantly between June and December due to the dominance of cooler currents. While snorkeling during these months, you might need a wetsuit, which your boat or hotel can supply. On the plus side, marine life is able to satisfy its voracious appetites thanks to the massive amounts of plankton brought in by the cold current. 

Discuss your desired species sighting goals with your Galápagos tour operator and choose a month and schedule that will maximize your chances of seeing that species. Seasonality is a factor for several species, and many of them are island-specific. One species that does not permanently settle here is the waved albatross, which is also known as the Galápagos albatross. Only during the warmer months of spring and summer do these birds show up to breed.

From mainland Ecuador's capitals of Quito and Guayaquil, flights to the Galápagos Islands depart frequently throughout the day. You can get a lot of flights to both locations from the United States. Quito has superior hotel alternatives and is more interesting overall thanks to its beautiful colonial capital, which was added to the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1978. It has more than enough restaurants, shops, and museums to keep you occupied for days. Yet, visitors from lower heights may experience difficulties adjusting to the altitude of Quito, which is more than nine thousand feet above sea level. The biggest city in Ecuador, steamy Guayaquil, is located at sea level, so there's no need to worry about altitude. On the other hand, Guayaquil offers a far smaller selection of hotels and restaurants. 

Keep in mind that two airports are located on separate islands in the Galápagos Archipelago if you plan on arranging your own flights from Ecuador's mainland to these islands. Situated on the eponymous island lies San Cristóbal Airport. Seymour Airport, powered solely by the sun and wind, is situated on small Baltra Island, which is wedged between Santa Cruz Island and Baltra through a short inlet. It is imperative that you arrange your flights to land on the same island from which you will be launching and recovering your boat.

Choosing an itinerary for your Galápagos Islands vacation begins with the trickiest and most time-consuming task. Which of the three inhabited islands would you like to stay on while taking day trips by boat to see other islands and regions? On the other hand, are you more interested in residing on a live-aboard vessel that offers lodging and transportation between islands? When deciding between land and water options, it's important to think about accessibility, cost, and how you can manage your time. 

The Galápagos Islands are not cheap to visit. On the other hand, staying on land makes it easy to plan a budget-friendly adventure. Restaurants and motels on Santa Cruz, San Cristóbal, and, to a lesser degree, Isabela and Floreana Islands cater to a wide range of budgets these days. You can find live-aboard boats that fit every budget. Even the most basic boats cost more than a traditional land vacation.

It could take quite a while to go from your accommodation to the boat, to your destination, and back again if you opt for a land-based holiday. Navigating at night, while passengers are asleep in their staterooms, is the norm for live-aboard boats. What this means for passengers is that they will wake up in a different place, prepared to explore all day. The more distant islands that are part of boat itineraries cannot be visited by land-based excursions due to the five islands that can be reached in a single day. 

Plan a cruise unless you're sick of being on the water for seven days straight, have a death fear of sailing, or despise the thought of being at sea. You'll get to visit more of the Galápagos Islands and spend less time rushing back and forth.

Scheduled departure dates and routes characterize the majority of live-aboard boats' five- to eight-day itineraries. Officials from Galápagos National Park dictate routes in an effort to reduce environmental stress and crowding. Every week, your boat will take you on a new journey in the north or the south, alternately known as an eastern or western itinerary. Both offer fantastic land excursions, aquatic time, and chances to observe the Galápagos' renowned flora and fauna. 

While there is a 100-passenger restriction on Galápagos Islands boats, the vast majority carry less than that. Sailing on a smaller boat allows for a more personalized experience and quicker transfers between the main boat and the rubber dinghies. There is usually more history and personality on smaller boats as well. And don't fret if you're embarking on a voyage with a large party; ships with more staterooms and more passengers sometimes offer more amenities, such as medical facilities and guest lectures. 

One more top-notch operator is Ecoventura, which operates multiple vessels that can accommodate groups of up to twenty people. In addition, when guests step ashore, two naturalists will provide an in-depth description of each plant and animal. 

The Galápagos Islands also provide a few opportunities for scuba divers who wish to concentrate on underwater activities. Scuba divers will find paradise on the Galapagos Sky, Galapagos Aggressor III, and Galapagos Master, three live-aboard vessels tailored to their needs. Deep, chilly, current-filled diving with manta rays, whale sharks, sunfish, and hammerhead sharks is possible on the little-visited northernmost islands of the archipelago, which they explore by boat. Be advised that these are meant solely for seasoned divers.

Both Santa Cruz and San Cristóbal Island have a variety of hotels, and both islands also have docks from which a number of boats depart. To be near the boat's boarding place for day trips, reserve a hotel near the harbor (not in the hills). 

For instance, San Cristóbal Island is home to the 19-room Golden Bay Galapagos. Just a short three-minute walk takes you to a dock where day-trip boats depart, and right in front of the house is a little beach where you can see sea lions playing. If you want to feel completely one with nature, book the corner suite that has a bathtub in the living area and sliding glass walls that let you see the outdoors. On the other hand, Santa Cruz Island's Angermeyer Waterfront Inn is located directly on Puerto Ayora. Inside a deflated wooden boat is the newest room of the hotel. 

Alternately, you might reserve a room at a hotel that runs its own fleet of boats for the most hassle-free service and handy itinerary. As an example, visitors on land and sea adventure packages at the world-renowned Pikaia Lodge in Santa Cruz Island's highlands have exclusive use of the lodge's boat. 

Located in Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island, the Finch Bay Galapagos Hotel boasts its very own yacht, the Sea Lion. Unlike other day-trip boats, which can only accommodate 16 passengers with a single guide, this one can accommodate up to 20 people with two guides. Additionally, all five islands that day-trip boats are permitted to visit are included in Sea Lion itineraries. 

Travelers with the means to wait a few days after their arrival to hunt for specials may be able to snag last-minute discounts. But since the Galápagos Islands are so popular, reservations should be made in plenty of time. Because there are limited numbers available, dive boats in particular are known to fill up quickly. 

A couple of great hotels in Quito and Guayaquil are worth a look if you're planning to spend the night there. Casa Gangotena, located on Plaza San Francisco in the colonial center of Quito, is the top hotel in Ecuador, offering a perfect blend of history, style, and service. Located in the heart of San Marcos, the 10-room boutique hotel Illa Experience Hotel is another great choice. The estate is housed in a restored mansion, and its several floors showcase a variety of décor styles, from colonial to republican to modern. Situated in Guayaquil's verdant Parque Histórico, the 44-room Hotel del Parque is an elegant boutique hotel. Spagoers can arrange for massages in what was formerly a church bell tower at this beautifully renovated structure that goes back to 1891.

You might expect to find very fresh fish on the Galápagos Islands, and there are plenty of high-end restaurants to satisfy any appetite. In each of the major towns on the islands, you can find a variety of restaurants serving food that combines cosmopolitan flavors with traditional Ecuadorian fare. One such restaurant is the Finch Bay Restaurant in Santa Cruz, which is owned by a hotel. Fish at the FraFre GastroBar is known for its regional flair and is a hit with both residents and visitors. Isabela Island is home to a variety of restaurants, some of which provide more informal fare with fun names, such as Booby Trap, which serves pizza and fish tacos with stunning views of the ocean. 

Zazu is the sole Relais & Châteaux restaurant in Ecuador, so it's the perfect choice for anyone seeking an unforgettable lunch in Quito. Zfood, a sibling restaurant, beautifully recreates a Hamptons-style fish shack atmosphere and serves seafood as the main attraction for a more relaxed dining experience. Daniel Maldonado, owner and head chef of Urko, never loses sight of his mission to highlight the flavors and ingredients of Ecuador. To fully experience what he means when he says "cocina local," get the tasting menu.

Incorporating several other breathtaking locations into your trips is just one more way to marvel at the incredible creatures both above and below the water. You can create your own island hopping itinerary and visit these places whenever you like, but if you're on a cruise, you might have to stick to the schedule. 

In the islands, you may relax on white sand beaches like Puerto Villamil and Tortuga Bay, or venture out on an exciting walk to the peak of the active shield volcano Sierra Negra, which erupted in 2018 and put on a spectacular show for offshore boats. The Charles Darwin Research Station at Puerto Ayora is a more subdued option; it has served as a scientific base since 1964. The public library, gardens, and exhibition hall are all open to visitors.

Of the 127 islands that comprise this tropical archipelago, just four are home to sizable populations and around 20 receive regular tourist traffic. Santa Cruz Island, which lies between Puerto Ayora and Santa Rosa, is home to over 12,000 people, making it the most populous of the three. The biggest of these islands, Isabela, has a smaller population than the other two. Baltra Island is the most common landing point for flights entering the Galápagos. A brief ferry journey separates Santa Cruz from Baltra Island. On San Cristobal Island, you'll find the provincial capital. 

You may see more of the lovely islands in this archipelago by reserving a live-aboard boat tour. But if you're interested in seeing a specific animal or feature, you might want to look for specific locations like Española Island, where you can view the waved albatross nesting at Punta Suarez, or Bartolomé Island, which is famous for its volcanic rock formations like Pinnacle Rock. For those curious in the beginnings of human exploration, Floreana Island was the very first place that people set foot on. The intriguing mail system that these sailors established with a simple wooden barrel is detailed here, as are the tales of the many sailors that sailed into these waters. Genovesa Island is a popular destination for birdwatchers due to the high frequency of sightings of red-footed boobies and frigatebirds. Another favorite site for Galápagos penguins and flightless cormorants is Fernandina Island, which is thinly vegetated.

You should pack appropriately for the weather and other challenges you might encounter on your journey to the Galápagos. If you plan on spending a lot of time at sea while visiting the islands, you might find it challenging to find everything you need once you get there. To help you get a head start, we have compiled a packing list that is divided into crucial areas.

What To Wear

Small stores on the islands of Santa Cruz and San Cristóbal sell basic necessities, but they are expensive and have a limited assortment. Always carry the bare minimum. Sturdy, closed-toe walking shoes with long-lasting outsoles are among these. You could occasionally have to walk across sharp volcanic rock and other challenges, even though land trips are usually brief and routes are mild. But for city walks and boat rides, you'll want a pair of sandals or flip-flops. If your plan includes a boat ride, you should probably leave your high heels at home. You won't be able to walk gracefully or safely on even the most opulent of boats due to the narrow and steep staircases.

You should also bring rain gear and a sturdy case to safeguard your camera from the elements. You should be prepared for sudden downpours because you'll be going in dinghies and boats. When bad weather strikes when you're island hopping, there's nowhere to take cover.

Wellness And Ease

Make sure you have plenty of insect repellent and high-SPF sunscreen that is water-resistant on hand. Most Galápagos tours are out in the open air, and as you might expect, Ecuador's location on the equator makes the sun's rays stronger. To further aid in the preservation of the coral, marine life, and seas surrounding the islands, we suggest investing in reef-safe sunscreen. You should also bring a brimmed hat to protect your eyes from the sun when you go on land excursions. A rash guard can also be helpful for protecting your skin from the sun if you're going on an excursion to go kayaking or snorkeling. Wet suits will be supplied when the water is chilly. Do not leave home without your beloved fins, mask, and snorkel. While snorkeling gear is given, the cleanliness and quality of it can vary.

In most cases, the seas are calm, and the boat captains carefully select safe anchoring locations. But don't forget to carry Dramamine if you're easily ill to your stomach from traveling. Also effective are prescription preventatives, such as scopolamine patches. If you're looking to buy scopolamine in Latin America, go elsewhere. To cut down on plastic waste, bring a refillable water bottle that you can use for lengthy hikes.

Money 

You should bring some extra cash to cover tips because the ATMs on Santa Cruz and San Cristóbal islands often run out of cash. Many stores and eateries also take credit cards. Ecuador uses the US dollar as its national currency.

Items To Leave At Home

Please do not bring any plants, fruits, or vegetables to the Galápagos Islands since doing so would contribute to the introduction of non-native plant species, which is a major environmental concern there. You should wash and inspect everything carefully before bringing it to the islands if you think it might have seeds or spores attached, such as the bottoms of your shoes and any outdoor or camping gear. Because of the serious risk of invasive plant species, tourists visiting the Galápagos are required to sign an affidavit pledging not to bring any unclean camping gear, food, animals, or seeds into the islands.

During his presidency in 2012, Rafael Correa did away with entrance fees to Ecuador's national parks and reserves. The Galápagos National Park, on the other hand, was not exempt and so still charges $100 per person for admission, which must be paid in cash at either of the Galápagos Islands' airports. A $20 transport card, which can only be purchased with cash at the airport, is also required of all visitors. To help with immigration clearance, all visitors are required to buy a transit card at the airport upon arrival and return it upon departure. Your tour operator may be able to handle this for you if you're scheduled on a tour, but it's always a good idea to inquire in advance.

As your vacation draws near, you might be searching for media that can transport you to the life of a daring naturalist. In order to be ready for your trip, we have compiled a list of some of our favorite books and movies. 

On the Island of My Father, written by Johanna Angermeyer: This book details the history of the author's German ancestors, who were pioneers in the settlement of Santa Cruz Island, and was published in 1998. Inspiring new views on the Galápagos, their struggles and successes are humbling. On Santa Cruz Island, you can find descendants of the Angermeyer family who today manage the historic Angermeyer Waterfront Inn. 

 In the Galapagos Affair, the Devil Visited Eden: A self-proclaimed baroness, her lovers, and other residents on Floreana Island in the 1930s are the subjects of this 2013 documentary, which deftly weaves together video footage, letters, and other archive material to tell the story of a real-life murder mystery. An important character is narrated by Cate Blanchett. 

 The Origin of Species, Charles Darwin's magnum opus: Your stay in the Galápagos will be filled with references to this timeless classic and its author. Learn more about the archipelago and how it contributed to Darwin's groundbreaking theory of evolution.