The Ultimate Galapagos Islands Travel Guide: Everything You Need To Know
Your one-stop for everything you need to know about traveling to the incredible Galapagos Islands.
Incredible wildlife and stunning scenery await you. Off the grid doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice luxury though. In the Galapagos, you can live out your granola girl dreams and still travel in style. This Galapagos Islands Travel guide is perfect for female travelers. My Galapagos Islands Travel Guide will help you navigate the Galapagos Islands no matter what sort of budget you have, from the extreme budget to the dripping in luxury.
I visited the Galapagos Islands in September of 2019, right before the pandemic hit, with my best friend Caitlin. The Galapagos Islands make for a great adventure no matter if you are a family, solo traveler, on a girls’ trip, or a couple! It was truly an experience like none other and is to this day one of my favorite nature holidays. For your trip to the Galapagos Islands, expect lots of outdoor activities like snorkeling, hiking, diving, and treks.
I write this Galapagos Islands Travel Guide to you, the female travelers of the world, to help you get out there and explore in the best way possible! Should you ever need any help in your travels, please reach out to me! I want you to think of me as your big sister on the internet. At any point in time, you can send me an email or reach out on Instagram!
There is no way to go to the Galapagos islands and do it “wrong” except to just not go. So book those flights, because the giant tortoises are waiting for you! This UNESCO World Heritage site is a haven for outdoorsy folk who like to explore, dive, hike, and experience an outdoor mecca few people get to see in their lifetime.
Are you looking for help planning your dream getaway? If you’re feeling overwhelmed by all the options on the internet or just don’t have the time to get into planning your dream trip – I really encourage you to check out my travel planning services! You can download my “How We Work” guide here – or submit your inquiry here!
THE ESSENTIALS OF YOUR GALAPAGOS ISLANDS TRAVEL GUIDE:
BEST TIME FOR GALAPASGOS ISLAND TRAVEL
December – May tend to be the best times to travel to the Galapagos Islands. However, keep in mind that January is the busy season, so if you plan to travel during then expect lots of crowds and plan far in advance to secure all of your cruises, accommodation, and tours!
CURRENCY
The Galapagos Islands are part of Ecuador, which operates using USD $. Americans can use their ATM cards and cash from the US as they would at home. There is not much availability for ATMs on the Islands, though San Cristobal and Santa Cruz will have the most options. Many shops, hotels, and restaurants will not accept card payments, so you will need to carry cash with you.
LANGUAGE
The official language of Ecuador and the Galapagos is Spanish. However, many people will speak English as this is a major tourist destination.
WEATHER
The weather in the Galapagos Islands is not inherently tropical, even though the islands sit on the equator. Remember to pack in layers. December – May is the “warm” season and feels the most tropical with daily afternoon thunderstorms. The water is warmer during this time.
From June to December, the southern trade winds bring the Humboldt Current to the Galapagos, creating more turbulent seas and cooler weather and water. This may also lead to less clear water for diving and snorkeling.
AVERAGE COST OF ACCOMMODATION
The average nightly cost for a hostel will start at around $50 a night.
Starting prices for hotels: 1* €120, 2* €150, 3* 250, 4* Hotels €300-400
MORE ON ECUADOR FROM
-THE BOHO TRAVELLER-
Galapagos Travel Packing Guide
Amazon Rain Forest Travel Guide
The Back Packer’s Galapagos Islands Travel Guide
There are two ways to do Galapagos Island travel: on a budget or all out. I am not the type to tell you that if your budget is small, you can’t get to the Galapagos, but I do want this Galapagos Islands Travel Guide to manage your expectations on the cost of traveling to the Galapagos. In my two and a half weeks backpacking in Ecuador, we spent 4 of those days in the Galapagos islands, and that portion of the trip cost us nearly as much as the rest of the trip put together.
The Galapagos Islands are isolated and well protected and one thousand percent worth a visit. I also like to say they are a bit like Disney World – you will get charged for every little thing every step of the way and get charged the nonlocal rate at that. This is not a bad thing, as it is what keeps the Galapagos Islands in their pristine form.
GETTING TO THE GALAPAGOS – FLIGHT INFORMATION
You will most likely take a flight into the Galapagos Islands to the Island of Santa Cruz. The planes are normal aircraft and operated by both Avianca and LATAM, both making the route between Quito and Seymour Galapagos Airport one to two times daily. If you are going to the Galapagos for a cruise, you will need to check with your cruise operator’s itinerary to see if this is included in your rate or not. If not – be sure to trip check which island you should fly into!
The flight costs range between $75 and $600 round trip, depending on the time of year and availability.
Please do not make the same mistake I did and purchase the local tickets. By accident, Caitlin and I bought the Ecuadorian Resident tickets when we needed to buy the non-resident tickets.
Because of this, we ended up having to pay a cost difference at the airport of 168$ each and then had to pay for a checked bag, even though we were within our 2-bag minimum of a carry-on and personal item. Because we were forced to go to the counter, our properly sized bags were considered “too big” because the plane was “too small,” and we were forced to check. Had we purchsed the correct ticket, this likely would not have happened because we saw many people getting on the plane with a personal item and carry on.
(FYI the plane was a normal Boeing 737 Aircraft.)
Once you arrive at the airport, you have to take a bus, then a ferry, and then another bus to get to the main town of Puerto Ayora. The costs were minimal but unexpected. The ferry ride was fun because as I was leaning over to take a video of the water, a deckhand also decided to spit and it got all in my hair. Yes, a wonderful start to my Galapagos Adventure. I didn’t let that get me down though, the water was PHENOMENAL!
- Bus after airport 5$ – Lobito
- Ferry from bus on Baltra to Isla Santa Cruz 1$
- Bus from boat port to Puerto Ayora $5
Things to do in Isla Santa Cruz
Las Grietas
To get to Las Grietas from Puerto Ayora, you will need to take a water taxi. It is only .80 one way, and Las Grietas itself is free to enter. Once the water taxi drops you off, follow the signs to get there—it’s a super easy path and quite a fun little walk.
Once you arrive, there is a little step into the water, or you can jump off the boardwalk. I recommend you go early in the day — there are fewer groups and people visiting, and you’ll have the rock lagoon all to yourself. The water at Las Grietas is super cold but also super clear. I definitely recommend packing a wetsuit. There’s not a ton of wildlife in the pool, but there were still some fishies swimming about.
There is a guy at the front renting out snorkels for a marked-up rate, and you will definitely want goggles. We packed our own as I am a bit weird about sharing that kind of stuff, but you also can rent snorkel gear in town for super cheap before you go.
Tortuga Bay
One of the most famous spots in Isla Santa Cruz, Tortuga Bay, is a must while you are visiting. To get to Tortuga Bay, once you enter the park it is about a 40-minute walk from the entrance. You’ll go down a long boardwalk and arrive at the beach. Please pay attention to the signage – it really has a lot of waves and can have quite intense rip currents in this area, so if it says no swimming, please listen! Keep walking down the beach, and eventually, you’ll come up to a lagoon. Yay! You’ve made it to Tortuga Bay! Here you can kayak, snorkel, and just chill out on the beach. There are lots of iguanas hanging about????
Most of the time you will see some turtles swimming in the lagoon, though we were not fortunate enough on our expedition.
Charles Darwin Research Center
The Charles Darwin Research Center is well worth the visit. Here, you will meet giant tortoises and their babies. You’ll also get the full scoop about the Galapagos and learn about what is being done to protect these precious islands.
THE BEST DAY EXCURSIONS FROM ISLA SANTA CRUZ
Boat Excursion to Tortuga Beach & Bay Tour
Day Tour to Isabela Island with Tintorera Islet, Snorkeling Wetlands & Flamingos
Day tour to Pinzón Island and La Fé/Palmitas Bay with snorkeling and fishing
The Giant Tortoise Experience | Lava Tubes + Los Gemelos (Shared Tour)
THE BEST BUDGET CRUISES FOR THE GALAPAGOS ISLANDS TRAVEL
4-Day Classic Galapagos Island Hopping
Prices from US$ 1,657.63
- Santa Cruz highlands: You will be surrounded by impressive flora and fauna, including giant tortoises in their natural habitat and unique volcanic features.
- Bartolomé / Floreana / North Seymour: on these uninhabited islands, you will find lots of endemic species.
- La Loberia: A beautiful beach where you can find plenty of sea lions interacting with each other.
- Isla Lobos: Snorkel, swim, and hike around sea lions, blue-footed boobies and other species.
6-day Galapagos Island Hopping
Prices from US$ 1,782.90
- Los Tuneles: Snorkel in the clear waters and swim with a lot of different animal species
- Wetlands and Tintoreras: Visit the Giant Tortoise Breeding Center, Wall of Tears and Tintoreras islet.
- Charles Darwin Research Station: Known for its turtles, born from 3 inches to 4 feet long.
- Bay Tour: You will visit the highlights around Puerto Ayora by boat.
- Santa Fe: Explore one of the oldest uninhabited islands of the Galapagos.
8-Day Galapagos Cruise
Prices from US$ 4,580.00
- Spacious and comfortable Catamaran
- Cabins with private balcony
- Friendly, professional, and experienced crew
- Twin and Matrimonial cabin
- Highlands of Santa Cruz
- Puerto Villamil village
- Visit Punta Moreno (Isabela) & Punta Mangle (Fernandina)
- Sightseeing Punta Espinoza (Fernandina)& Tagus Cove (Isabela)
- Excursion to Puerto Egas (Santiago) & Chinese Hat
- Visit Black Turtle Cove (Santa Cruz) & North Seymour
- To see Bartolomé & Sullivan Bay (Santiago)
- Visit Bachas (Santa Cruz)
Where To Eat In Isla Santa Cruz
The Rock
In this tourist city, the dining can be hard to come by, but The Rock did not disappoint. With a wonderful atmosphere and truly unique, this seafood, bar grub, and gastropub is a staple of any stay in Puerto Ayora.
Midori Sushi
The most sushi I have ever had in my entire life. The food here is fresh and delicious. It’s the number one restaurant in Puerto Ayora for a reason, and if you are a sushi fanatic, you’re going to want to head here first (and last).
El Muelle de Darwin
This hit just the spot we needed after a long day of excursioning. The cocktails and food were both delightful.
Luxury Cruises For Galapagos Island Travel
Aqua Mare – 8 Day Expedition
Included
- All meals while on board
- Non-alcoholic beverages, house wines and beer
- Group transfers to/from yacht
- All excursions, Galapagos Park entrance fee, and INGALA transit card
- Watersports equipment and more
Not Included
- All air tickets
- visas
- private transfers
- spirits
- premium wines
- boutique purchases
- guide and crew gratuities.
ABOUT THE SHIP
As the first true superyacht for Galapagos Islands travel, the 50m Aqua Mare takes an iconic once-in-a-lifetime adventure to the next level. Designed and built by a renowned Italian CRN yard with custom Zuretti interiors, seven elegant design suites accommodate a total of 16 guests.
A recognized global leader in luxury small-ship expeditions, Aqua Expeditions explores the world’s most biodiverse and culturally significant destinations aboard best-in-class vessels. Expect tailored five-star itineraries, a highly exclusive 1:1 crew-to-guest ratio, world-class dining, and small group expert-guided activities and excursions. Aqua Expeditions operates river explorations on the Amazon (Peru), the Mekong (Cambodia and Vietnam), and coastal yacht voyages to Komodo National Park, Ambon, and the Spice Islands, as well as Raja Ampat (East Indonesia), with our latest superyacht sailing the Galapagos Islands (Ecuador) from June 2022.
ITINERARY
- Baltra Island, Ecuador
- Puerto Ayora, Ecuador
- Cormorant Point, Ecuador
- Bahia Post Office, Ecuador
- Baroness Lookout, Isla Floreana, Galápagos Islands, Ecuador, Ecuador
- Punta Moreno, Ecuador
- Urvina Bay, Ecuador
- Fernandina/Isabela, Ecuador
- Caleta Tagus, Ecuador
- Puerto Egas, Ecuador
- Espumilla Beach, Ecuador
- Buccaneer Cove, Ecuador
- Rabida Island, Ecuador
- Black Turtle Cove, Isla Santa Cruz, Galápagos Islands, Ecuador
- Isla North Seymour, Ecuador
- Isla Mosquera, Galápagos Islands, Ecuador
- Daphne Island, Ecuador
- Baltra Island, Ecuador
Galapagos Explorer – 12 Day Expedition
Included
- All meals while on board
- Non-alcoholic beverages, house wines and beer
- Group transfers to/from yacht
- All excursions, Galapagos Park entrance fee, and INGALA transit card
- Watersports equipment and more
Not Included
- All air tickets
- visas
- private transfers
- spirits
- premium wines
- boutique purchases
- guide and crew gratuities.
ABOUT THE SHIP
Silver Origin is the height of experiential travel in the Galapagos. Never before have the islands been so superbly presented: a team of Ecuadorian national expert guides, the highest crew-to-guest ratio in the Galapagos, and 8 Zodiacs that offer an extraordinary voyage – for extraordinary people.
ITINERARY
- Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, Ecuador
- Kicker Rock, Ecuador
- Bartolome Island, Ecuador
- Buccaneer Cove, Ecuador
- Vicente Roca Point, Ecuador
- Fernandina/Isabela, Ecuador
- Caleta Tagus, Ecuador
- Elizabeth Bay, Ecuador
- Bahia Post Office, Ecuador
- Isla Champion, Ecuador
- Cormorant Point, Ecuador
- Isla Santa Cruz, Galápagos Islands, Ecuador
- Charles Darwin Research Station, Ecuador
- Cerro Dragón, Ecuador
- Isla Guy Fawkes, Ecuador
- Bahía Borrero, Isla Santa Cruz, Galápagos Islands, Ecuador
- Day-at-Sea
- Prince Philip’s Steps, Ecuador
- Darwin Bay, Ecuador
- Isla North Seymour, Ecuador
- Sullivan Bay, Ecuador
- Punta Mangle, Isla Fernandina, Galápagos Islands, Ecuador, Ecuador
- Punta Moreno, Ecuador
- Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, Ecuador
ABSOLUTE GALAPAGOS– 17 DAYS
Included
- All meals while on board
- Indoor & outdoor bar
- Water activities equipment, including beach towels and snorkeling equipment
ABOUT THE SHIP
Le Grande Daphne – With indoor & outdoor dining areas & bars, plus a sundeck with lounges, there will be plenty of places to relax and enjoy time with your fellow travelers. All meals are included in the Le Grand Daphne. The lower deck cabins have portholes, while the main deck & upper deck cabins have large windows.
Traveler by traveler, destination by destination, Intrepid Group strives to change the way people see the world through Intrepid Travel and Peregrine Adventures. We do this by offering an immersive style of adventure travel, which benefits both our travelers and the people and places they visit. Today, we provide the world’s widest range of adventure tours – or sustainable experience-rich travel, as we prefer to call it. We are passionate about using local knowledge to take our travelers off the beaten track. For us, it’s all about delivering the most authentic experience possible.
ITINERARY
- Quito, Ecuador
- Quito, Ecuador
- Air travel
- Baltra Island, Ecuador
- Isla Baltra Ferry Dock, Ecuador
- Isla Santa Cruz Ferry Dock, Ecuador
- Los Gemelos, Ecuador
- Puerto Ayora, Ecuador
- Bahia Post Office, Ecuador
- Devils Crown, Ecuador
- Cormorant Point, Ecuador
- Punta Suarez, Ecuador
- Gardner Bay, Ecuador
- Kicker Rock, Ecuador
- Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, Ecuador
- Isla Santa Fé, Ecuador
- South Plaza, Ecuador
- Isla Genovesa, Galápagos Islands, Ecuador
- Sullivan Bay, Ecuador
- Dragon Hill, Ecuador
- Black Turtle Cove, Isla Santa Cruz, Galápagos Islands, Ecuador
- Santa Cruz, Ecuador
- Santa Cruz, Ecuador
- Rabida Island, Ecuador
- Urvina Bay, Ecuador Punta
- Albemarle, Isla Isabela, Galápagos Islands, Ecuador
- Caleta Tagus, Ecuador
- Fernandina/Isabela, Ecuador
- Vicente Roca Point, Ecuador
- Puerto Egas, Ecuador
- Buccaneer Cove, Ecuador
- Bartolome Island, Ecuador
- Chinese Hat Island, Ecuador
- Isla North Seymour, Ecuador
- Puerto Ayora, Ecuador
- Puerto Ayora, Ecuador
- Quito, Ecuador
- Santa Cruz Highlands, Isla Santa Cruz, Galápagos Islands, Ecuador
- Isla Santa Cruz Ferry Dock, Ecuador
- Isla Baltra Ferry Dock, Ecuador
- Baltra Island, Ecuador
- Air travel
- Guayaquil, Ecuador
- Quito, Ecuador
Galapagos Islands Travel Tips
If you really want to explore and see the beauty of the Galapagos, you will need to take a cruise. Backpacking the islands gives you a taste of what they offer, but it is just the beginning of everything there is on offer. Most of these are live-aboard and are also all-inclusive, so once you pay for the cost, you are all set for the remainder of your time on board ship!
Many of the islands are inaccessible during certain times of the year or without guides. There are very strict rules, and it is important to follow them!
The Galapagos are far from the mainland, over 400 miles from the coast. This makes food and drinks more expensive than in the rest of Ecuador. Expect to spend more money in the Galapagos for dining.
Pack your camera and don’t forget the zoom lens! Much of the wildlife you will see from a distance (though you will get more up close and personal than you would expect) and not having a zoom lens will make you miss certain opportunities. I also highly recommend packing a Go-Pro – you can see my favorites below in my Travel Essentials at the bottom of this page!
Drones are not allowed in the Galapagos Islands, so be sure to leave them behind! (It won’t be confiscated upon entry like in Morocco, but you will get a heavy fine and endanger wildlife if you fly it! I had mine packed as I wanted it for the rest of my trip, just didn’t use it during the Galapagos portion!)
Pack light! The Galapagos are incredibly adventurous and you will be moving around – a lot! Read my blog post for a full rundown on how to pack for the Galapagos Islands.
Is Your Trip Protected?
If the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic taught me one thing, it’s to never ever book travel without travel insurance.
Travel Insured is the ONLY company I use to ensure my travel, and I highly recommend looking into their yearly plans. They also have a “cancel for any reason” policy add-on which allows you peace. of mind no matter what comes to happen.
*This post contains affiliate links at no cost to you. Why affiliate links? They help keep this blog running and a free resource for you to use! Thank you for your continued support.*
SHOP MY TRAVEL ESSENTIALS!
