The Galapagos Islands form a province of Ecuador, situated approximately 1,000 kilometers (600 miles) off the coast of the mainland.

The best way to get to the Galapagos is by air. Daily flights are available departing from the cities of Quito or Guayaquil, both of which have international airports. These flights typically take off in the morning or early afternoon, with an approximate flight duration of 3 hours from Quito and 2 hours from Guayaquil.

The Galapagos Islands are an all-year-round destination. We recommend you choose the best time according to your interest.

As per experts, the best time to visit the Galapagos is from December to June. Higher water and air temperatures, sunny days, and afternoon showers characterize this warmer season. The average air temperature is 80ºF to 90ºF or 27ºC to 32ºC. Snorkelers can swim without a wetsuit and experience good water visibility.  This span also coincides with the mating season for various land species, offering visitors the chance to witness captivating courtship rituals.

From July to November, the temperature drops due to the influence of the Humboldt current. The average temperatures are between 70ºF to 80ºF (21ºC to 27ºC). The days are cooler and dry during this season. The weather conditions are ideal for nursing, in general, this season allows visitors to see different species of birds and mammals feeding and taking care of their offspring.

Due to its location in the Equatorial region, seasonal variations are not extreme in the Galapagos. Make sure to book in advance, especially if you are looking to travel during school holidays and Christmas and New Year’s, these dates are very popular and must be booked more than a year prior.

The name Galapagos comes from the old Spanish word “galapago”, it was use for saddle. When the Spanish arrived in the Galapagos, they observed the saddle looking shells of the hundreds of tortoises. Therefore, they decided to call these islands the Galapagos.

Yes, there are hotel in the Galapagos. There are many hotel options in in the inhabited islands: Santa Cruz, San Cristobal, Isabela and Floreana. We can help you choose the best hotel for your stay in the Galapagos.

A combination between a cruise and an island hotel stay is the best way to explore the Galapagos islands. A 5-day cruise followed by a 3-night hotel stay provides plenty of nature and wildlife encounters and also the chance to relax and see the islands at your own pace. 

The cruise allows visitors to reach the most pristine sites of the islands and it is also time effective covering long navigations during the night and including two visits per day. On the other hand, a hotel stay brings you closer to the locals, it allows you to see the islands at a more relaxed pace and support in firsthand socially responsable travel.

The minimum recommended time for a Galapagos stay is 4 nights. There are cruises from 3 up to 14 nights. The hotel-based programs length can also range from 3 nights up to 12 nights.

If you decide to do 3 nights keep in mind the travelling time, half of the first and last days will be spend flying in and out. For this reason, a 4-night program will allow you to have at least 3 full days in the Galapagos. If you have more time a 5–7-night stay is ideal, it could also combine cruise and hotel stay.

It depends on your preference. All Galapagos cruises comply with safety and local travel authority standards. There are cruises from 30 to 100 guests, most of the vessels are small with capacity for 16 guests. If you prefer a more stable vessel, then one of the larger cruises is the best choice. On the other hand, if you enjoy small groups one of the smaller yachts is the best choice.

In terms of budget the price per night starts at USD500 for a budget vessel to USD1800 for a luxury vessel.

All Galapagos cruises have similar and interesting itineraries. The Galapagos National Park regulates the Galapagos itineraries. All cruises are assigned a program including similar highlights and visitor sites.  The Galapagos National Park makes sure that there is a balance in the number of guests in each visitor site at the same time, reducing the impact and making sure that the visitors will have a similar experience.

When you start selecting your cruise make sure to mention your wishes in terms of islands and wildlife. This will help you destination expert select the right cruise and itinerary for you.

A typical Galapagos cruise day includes two visits per day. It starts early in the morning with breakfast followed by a 2-to-3-hour visit. At midday, lunch is served on board, and the vessel will reach the next site during lunch time. In the afternoon there will be another 2-to-3-hour visit. After this excursion, everyone will return on board for dinner. During the night the cruise will navigate to the next visitor site where the journey will continue. 

We recommend booking your cruise at least 6 months in advance. If you are looking to travel during the school holidays or Christmas/New Year, it is better to book at least a year in advance.

Booking in advance gives you many advantages, early booking discounts, it gives you the chance to choose between different vessels and itineraries and it will allow you to choose the best date for your trip. 

Last-minute bookings are also possible. On the one hand, there is an excellent chance to get a special discount when booking closer to the departure, on the other hand, you will need to be flexible and open to the cruise and itineraries available at the time of booking.

Due to Galapagos National Park regulations diving is not an activity allowed on naturalist cruises. It is possible to snorkel but diving equipment is not allowed on board.

There are alternatives for divers. Either take a diving cruise option or an extension in a hotel from where we can help you book daily diving excursions. There are diving sites for all levels from beginners to advance divers.

Galapagos excursions offer an extraordinary experience for families with children, offering a remarkable blend of education and the chance to observe unique wildlife up close. Our guidance will walk you through planning and researching this trip, guaranteeing a secure and enjoyable journey for your family. By considering your family’s interests, we’ll assist you in selecting the optimal tour, cruise, and activities to ensure a truly memorable experience for everyone.

The Galápagos Islands are a secure and inviting destination for solo travelers. Numerous cruise options are available, with the convenience of single-share cabins and even single cabins without single’s supplements. These accommodations provide a comfortable environment, encouraging solo travelers to enjoy their journey without concerns. The Galapagos expeditions are enriched by guided tours and activities, allowing solo adventurers to connect with fellow travelers and appreciate the natural wonders. The availability of various tour itineraries ensures flexibility and the welcoming social spaces onboard cruises and at accommodations facilitate interactions among like-minded explorers. In sum, the Galápagos Islands cater to solo travelers with safety, convenience, ensuring an exceptional and memorable expedition.

During the Galapagos cruises and daily tours, there are two types of landings: wet landings and dry landings. 

Wet landings are a necessary procedure as zodiacs approach the shoreline, requiring guests to disembark in water that reaches approximately knee-high. To ensure your comfort and ease during these instances, we highly recommend wearing shorts and waterproof shoes.

On the other hand, dry landings are facilitated when zodiacs arrive at shores fitted with disembarkation platforms. This lets passengers step onto a dry surface, eliminating the need to wade through water. Your choice of appropriate footwear and clothing will improve your experience during both wet and dry landings.

Given its remote location, cellphone connectivity is limited to only a few islands in the Galapagos. Typically, inhabited islands boast reliable cellphone signals. To prevent excessive roaming fees, it’s advisable to purchase a local SIM card within Ecuador. By doing so, you can navigate these stunning landscapes without the worry of excessive roaming costs while staying connected on the islands that offer cellphone services.

WiFi availability during Galapagos trips varies by accommodation type. It’s important to mention that the remote nature of the islands can affect signal quality and availability.

Some cruise ships offer WiFi, on board, in many cases this service has an additional cost and the speed and quality of WiFi on board is limited. 

Most hotels and many restaurants on inhabited islands offer free WiFi access. 

 If you are looking for reliable connectivity please inquire about WiFi availability, quality, and potential costs. Having a local SIM card for mobile data could be a helpful backup option for staying connected in some of the islands during your trip.

The Galapagos Islands and Ecuador use a standard voltage of 120V and a frequency of 60Hz, which is the same as the electrical system in the United States. Therefore, if your devices are compatible with this voltage and frequency, you won’t need a voltage converter. You might need a plug adapter if the shape of the electrical outlets is different from what you’re used to. The standard plug type used in the Galapagos Islands is the Type A and Type B plug, which has two flat parallel pins. We suggest you to pack a universal plug adapter that can accommodate to various plug types. 

Some cruise ships operating in the Galapagos might provide outlets with a voltage of 220V please consult with us before your trip and we can confirm the voltage available on board. 

We recommend booking your cruise at least 6 months in advance. If you are looking to travel during the school holidays or Christmas/New Year, it is better to book at least a year in advance.

Booking in advance gives you many advantages, early booking discounts, it gives you the chance to choose between different vessels and itineraries and it will allow you to choose the best date for your trip. 

Last-minute bookings are also possible. On the one hand, there is an excellent chance to get a special discount when booking closer to the departure, on the other hand, you will need to be flexible and open to the cruise and itineraries available at the time of booking.