Visiting the Galapagos Islands: Everything You Need to Know
Galapagos Islands is the most sought-after destination in Ecuador, and it means you should come well-prepared to enjoy this special place. Here's our travel guide on things you need to know before visiting the Galapagos Islands. It includes tips for first-time travelers.
The Galapagos Islands. Without exaggerating, this is a destination that many travelers have on their bucket list. We were no different.
The archipelago surrounded by the Pacific Ocean was very high on our list of must-visit places in Ecuador, although at first, we were not sure whether we would be able to visit it or not.
The Galapagos Islands is certainly not a budget-friendly destination, so we had to think about it carefully as we were on a long-term trip and did not want to miss an entire country only for visiting the Galapagos.
In the end, we decided that we would have surely regretted not to take this trip as we felt it was a once in a lifetime opportunity.
And glad we did, as the time we spent on the Galapagos Islands is up to date one of our favorite travel memories of all time.
No matter how many books or travel blogs you read before the trip, nothing will prepare you for the sheer vastness of the sea, volcanic landscape, unique flora, but most importantly, for the daily interaction with native animals.
There are dozens of reasons to visit the Galapagos Islands; however, the wildlife is number one on the list.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
Because the Galapagos is not an everyday destination, we feel it is absolutely essential to plan this journey well. There are things a traveler needs to know before traveling to the Galapagos Islands.
Questions regarding accommodation, how to get around, or when to travel must be answered before you book your flight tickets to avoid unnecessary disgruntlement.
We must admit that our expectations were pretty high, even though we normally try to keep them low as sometimes hype is falsely generated.
This is one of our best travel tips (we follow it religiously), and we had similar approach when we visited for example Machu Picchu, Patagonia, or Salar Uyuni later on.
Fortunately, the Galapagos Islands delivered. And they delivered big time!
To make sure your trip will be as awesome as ours, we've put together this travel guide where we focused on everything you need to know before visiting the Galapagos Islands.
HOW TO GET TO THE GALAPAGOS
First of all, it is necessary to realize that the Galapagos Islands are located three to four-hour flight from the capital city of Ecuador, Quito, or Guayaquil, which is another important transportation hub.
So step number one is to get to Ecuador.
This smaller South American country is still a bit overshadowed by its more famous neighbors, Colombia and Peru, but we feel it deserve a bit of your time as well.
And by the way, it's possible to stay for 4 weeks in Ecuador without getting bored.
You can fly directly to the Galapagos Islands and leave exploring the mainland for later, or vice versa.
DOCUMENTS
Before you set off, it is necessary to check that your documents are in order. Ensure you have a passport that should be valid for at least 6 months after the planned departure from the country.
Also, check out the entry condition for your nationality. We are sure that most nationalities can get a visa upon arrival, but that's something you need to figure out on your own
As the Galapagos Islands is a protected area, the rules before boarding a plane either in Quito or Guayaquil are quite strict.
First of all, your bags will be searched to protect the archipelago from introduced plants or animals.
You need to pay $20 at the airport in cash for this Transit Control Card. Do not lose the receipt; it must be returned upon departure.
You also need to have with you a proof of a round-trip ticket, cruise booking, hotel booking, or an invitation from a resident to be able to travel to the Galapagos.
Once you arrive in the Galapagos, you need to pay $100 in cash, which is the Galapagos Islands National Park entry fee.
It is unavoidable, but even us, who usually travel on a budget, were quite happy to pay this amount and contribute to the islands' conservation efforts.
If you travel with a travel agency or plan on joining a cruise, some of the fees might be already included, so ask in advance.
We did not have to pay $20 for the Transit Control Card, but it seemed to us that everyone needs to pay the entry fee on own.
CASH IS KING
One of the things to know about South America is that the cash is king there. But it is the real truth here on the Galapagos Islands, so make sure you withdraw enough money in advance.
There's an ATM at the airport, but it is wiser not to rely on it.
The advantage of traveling in Ecuador is that the official currency is an American dollar and even us, who do not use dollars back at home, always carry this currency with us as emergency cash.
You might be able to pay by credit card in more luxurious accommodation, but the connection can be unstable at times.
How much money you need depends on the way you plan on getting around the archipelago.
If you booked a cruise, most of the expenses would be already paid. If you decide to travel independently and be land-based, bring more cash as you will have to pay for every night, every meal, and every activity.
HOW TO GET AROUND
One of the most important things to know before visiting the Galapagos Islands is that you have to decide how you will get around.
The Galapagos archipelago consists of 13 islands, and only 4 of them are inhabited.
In general, you have two options.
GALAPAGOS CRUISE
Booking a cruise is probably the most common way how to get around the Galapagos. It is also what we opted for, and you can read more about our cruise experience in this detailed post - One-Week Galapagos Islands Cruise.
Galapagos Islands cruise has many advantages.
You can get further from the mainland and visit places people on one-day trips cannot reach.
You sleep on the boat and have many planned activities with naturalist guides.
Your itinerary is pre-arranged, the same as all transportation, so you do not have to worry about anything but enjoying your time.
You need to consider that it means that you will be on the boat with a group of people.
One of the disadvantages is certainly the price. Cruises are more expensive than land-based options, but it is possible to choose between cheaper and luxurious boats.
If you are not pressed for time and want to save money, one of the possibilities is to arrive in Quito or Guayaquil and search for travel agencies that offer last-minute cruises that need to fill the space. In that case, you can bargain for the price.
ONE DAY TRIPS IN THE GALAPAGOS
Another alternative on how to get around is to travel independently.
This option gives you flexibility, but it is good to know that you cannot by no means travel wherever you want, and even on the day trips, you need to have a naturalist guide with you.
In reality, it means that you can always base yourself on one of the inhabited islands which you can explore on your own, but to take one-day trips to famous snorkel spots or uninhabited islands, you need to take a tour.
These tours can often be arranged only one day in advance.
Although this alternative is certainly cheaper than traveling on a cruise, it still does not come that cheap as you might hoped.
GALAPAGOS ISLANDS ITINERARY
If you travel independently, you can basically create your own itinerary, and you will be only limited by distances and time as everything must be done in only one day.
You can do island hopping, stay on every island where is accommodation available, explore the island, and from every place take day-trips.
On the other hand, when you are part of a cruise, the itinerary is usually set. We understood that there are two main itineraries called simply A and B that most of the fleets follow.
The good thing is that tourism on the Galapagos is well-organized, so many boats should not simultaneously meet on the same spot. At first, we tried to figure out which itinerary is better.
Still, later we realized that both options have highlights and both routes guarantee encounters with animals, so we went for the option that was at the time of our travels available, and we could not be happier with what we saw.
HOW MANY DAYS YOU NEED
Based on our experience, we think the optimal number of days for visiting the Galapagos Islands is one week. It is enough time to see the most these islands have to offer, and activities, flora, and fauna do not get repetitive.
Most of the itineraries are designed for seven or ten days.
In case you really want to get the most of your time, consider spending on the Galapagos two weeks and experience both itineraries available.
The disadvantage of staying longer is definitely the cost of travel.
A few people from our cruise decided to stay on the islands extra two to three days to mix organized and individual travel styles; some wanted to visit more snorkeling and diving spots.
Honestly, we do not think that anything less than five days is sufficient for such an extraordinary place, especially when we consider it quite a remote destination.
In case you plan on traveling individually, remember that transport from one island to another will always take at least half a day, so plan at least ten days to have enough time for actual trips.
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT TO SEE
The Galapagos Islands is an absolutely unique environment, and it is one of the top destinations a nature lover and photographer can visit.
It is a place where Charles Darwin laid the foundations for his revolutionary evolution theory.
Simply put, this place is exceptional, and every evening we could not wait to see new islands and new species.
Animals have no fear of humans, which is something you really do not experience every day. Animals are, for sure, the top reason that put the Galapagos Islands on the radar.
The wildlife is rich on land but under the water too. Sea lions, different fish species, sharks, tortoises, iguanas, blue-footed boobies, frigates, crabs, flamingos, this is only a shortlist of the most common animals on the archipelago.
PHOTO GEAR
Even though we usually think it is completely fine to use smartphone for travel photo, the Galapagos Islands is one of the places where we are convinced it pays off to invest in photo equipment.
Check out our tips for travel photo gear.
Canon R6 | There are many cameras out there, but if you want to take perfect photos, this mirrorless camera is a superb choice.
One of this camera's best features is an Animal Eye AF, which identifies and tracks the wildlife's bodies, eyes, and faces.
Canon RF 15-35 | Landscape in the Galapagos is out of this world. This ultra-wide lens is perfect for capturing the beauty of the archipelago.
Canon RF 100-500 | Wildlife is everywhere in the Galapagos, and if you are an avid photographer, you will need a good telephoto lens to get that extra reach.
It is also worth it to have extra batteries and plenty of memory cards.
WHEN TO GO
The Galapagos Islands is an all-year-round destination. Thanks to it, you don't have to plan the trip according to the seasons, and you can be more flexible.
The Galapagos experience two distinct seasons, but it is hard to say which one is better.
The wet season lasts between December and June. It is also a warm period. The temperatures are higher, the sea is warm and calm, and although it is called the wet season, the sky is usually clear except for the short afternoon rains.
We visited the Galapagos in the dry season, which lasts from July to November. The weather is a bit cooler, the same as the sea, and the waters are also rougher.
The mainland can suffer from garua, which is a mist mixed with rain, but we never experienced a real rainfall.
The only difference between the seasons, except for the temperature and precipitation, is that you can see animals in various stages throughout the year.
We could see newborns in September, but the rest of the year offers mating rituals, nesting season, and much more, and we think there's not a dull season on the Galapagos.
As you'll be spending a lot of time on the boat, no matter if you make one-day trips or travel on a cruise, we recommend you packing motion sickness pills.
We experienced quite a rough sea and were quite glad we took the medicine to get some relief.
WHAT TO PACK
The Galapagos Islands is not a typical tropical destination. Yes, the temperatures are pleasant throughout the year, but it can be colder in the morning or later in the afternoon, especially when it starts to rain.
No matter what season you decide to visit the Galapagos, you should always pack layers.
Sure, it is still important to pack a swimsuit, shorts, t-shirts, and waterproof dry bag, but we also used a waterproof jacket, leggings, and a fleece jacket.
For more detailed information on what to pack for the Galapagos, read our travel guide that includes everything we think you should have in your backpack.
WATER
In general, tap water in Ecuador is not drinkable, and the Galapagos Islands is no exception. We've heard that the only destination where a traveler can drink tap water without having a constant fear of getting sick is Cuenca, but we haven't risked it ourselves.
If you travel on a boat, you do not have to buy drinking water as it will always be available onboard. We only recommend you bring your reusable water bottle to top it up as often as you need.
In case you travel on your own, you must go shopping for yourself. Because the Galapagos is a fragile environment, you should try to travel as sustainably as possible.
What does it mean? Step number one is reducing your plastic consumption.
Either buy a large, 5 or 10-liter water barrels or invest in water bottle with integrated filter. It is a bit more expensive, but you will eventually save a lot of money.
WHERE TO STAY
Unless you do not plan on staying for the whole length of your trip on a boat, you will have to search for accommodation. Fortunately, four islands offer quite a wide selection of hotels.
The good news is that the archipelago offers facilities for all types of travelers.
You'll find here the whole range from cheap hostels to ultimately luxurious hotels.
When planning your trip, search for hotels on Santa Cruz Island, San Cristobal Island, Floreana Island, or Isabela Island.
We've put together this blog post on Where to Stay on the Galapagos Islands, where you can find tips on specific hotels, same as a short description of what you can expect from every island.
Close to hotels are also restaurants and grocery shops, so do not be worried you'll starve to death on the Galapagos.
YOU WILL LEARN A LOT
Visiting the Galapagos Islands is a lot of fun, and for many, it is an experience that will never repeat, but we should take from this trip more than that.
Sure, the archipelago is visually attractive, but we found the educational side of our journey equally important. The environment and ecosystem on the islands are very fragile.
In the past, the situation was quite critical, and only because the government soon realized the danger, it was possible to protect flora and fauna.
We absolutely loved talking to our naturalist guides, who knew a lot about nature, and it was really an eye-opening experience to listen to their stories.
It is really necessary to realize how delicate the Galapagos' environment is, and we all should feel privileged that we can spend some time there and treat this destination with respect.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
The Galapagos Islands is a destination that offers plenty of activities, both on the mainland and in the water as well.
Although we take it as a norm, we learned that many travelers do not buy travel insurance as it seems to them as an unnecessary expense.
Our motto is simple. Those who cannot afford travel insurance should not travel at all, as it is really unwise (to put it mildly) to arrive in a foreign country without it.
Anything can happen, and although we hope your trip will go as smoothly as possible, it is always better to be ready for less happy times.
We never leave our home without travel insurance which is designed to help cover our expenses if something goes wrong during the trip.
World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers to cover their trip essentials, including sports and adventure activities.
SafetyWing is affordable travel insurance for backpackers, long-term travelers, and digital nomads.
Travel smarter and safer!
GALAPAGOS IS NOT A DESTINATION FOR DIGITAL NOMADS
Another thing you need to know is that the Galapagos Islands is certainly not a place for digital nomads.
It is not because of the high living cost, which actually could be a reason, but the archipelago is off the grid when it comes to internet access.
You can find wifi on the islands, but the speed is awful, and the internet is often unreliable, something we learned the hard way.
Some cruises offer access to the wifi for an extra cost, but we did not find it somehow attractive, and to be honest, we enjoyed one week without the connection to the fullest.
LIFE CHANGING EXPERIENCE
One of the reasons why we travel is to learn new things and broaden our horizons.
But the trip to the Galapagos Islands caught us by surprise and showed us a completely new level of nature's complexity.
This is one of our favorite places we have visited so far, and we hope to return to this paradise someday in the future.
Travel Resources
Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday.
Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld.
Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour.
We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. Another great alternative is Viator.
Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance.
Flight Tickets: When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to find the best price.
Travel Insurance: World Nomads and SafetyWing cover against risks of travel.
