A first-time guide to the Galápagos Islands

19.12.2024 - 21:31 / lonelyplanet.com

Dec 19, 2024 • 6 min read

A paradise for anyone who loves wildlife and raw nature, the Galápagos Islands contain wonders you’ll find nowhere else on earth.

Plying the islands’ shores and coastal waters are Galápagos giant tortoises that weigh more than 500 pounds. Marine iguanas that swim and eat seaweed and algae.

Blue-footed boobies (seabirds), Galápagos penguins and many other incredible creatures. Such unique biodiversity has earned the archipelago a UNESCO World Heritage Site designation.

Many visitors see the islands on a multi-day small-boat cruise, while others explore on land, hopping on ferries to get between islands. Either way, you will need to be with a certified guide at visitor sites in the national park, which composes 97% of the islands’ landmass.

As you plan your first trip to this wondrous place, read on for more tips to keep in mind.

The most popular time to visit the Galápagos Islands is during the warm season, from December to May. This time of year sees only intermittent rainfall, while air temperatures stay in the high 80s to low 90s F (30–34°C) – making the water lovely for swimming and snorkeling.

The June-through-November cooler season brings stronger winds and cooler air temperatures, but it’s still a nice time to visit. Since the islands are located near the equator, you can expect around 12 hours of sunlight each day year-round.

If you come all the way to the Galápagos, you’ll probably want to spend at least a week here – with four or five nights a bare minimum. Two weeks is a good length of time for more in-depth exploration. Many cruise companies split the islands into eastern and western itineraries. 

Since the islands are both remote and fairly spread out, you should research in advance which ones you want to call at.

Keep in mind you will need to get between islands, which can take some time when traveling independently. If you join a multi-day cruise, you’ll likely be in transit between islands at night, allowing you to fully enjoy activities during the day.

It takes some effort to get to the Galápagos Islands, which are 600 miles (956km) off the coast of mainland Ecuador. Most visitors fly from Quito or Guayaquil into one of the islands’ two main airports.

Keep in mind there are strict agricultural regulations in place, including a declaration and inspection. You’ll need to pay a park entrance fee of $200 for adult international visitors (this must be paid in cash upon arrival), as well as a $20 Transit Control Card.

Multi-day cruises are very popular, with vessels and amenities that range from budget to luxury; just about all cruise operators offer activities like snorkeling, hiking, kayaking or scuba diving. 

Independent travelers can find accommodations on a few islands,