Destination
Galápagos Islands, Ecuador
The Galápagos offer close encounters with sea lions, giant tortoises, marine iguanas and blue-footed boobies that have never learned to fear people.
Trips to Galápagos Islands from every city
No live trip to Galápagos Islands right now. Ask for one and we price it for your city.
When to go
| Month | Season |
|---|---|
| January | best |
| February | best |
| March | best |
| April | best |
| May | best |
| June | best |
| July | best |
| August | best |
| September | best |
| October | best |
| November | best |
| December | best |
- December, January, February, March, April, May: Warm season: calmer seas, warm snorkelling water, brief showers and sea turtles nesting.
- June, July, August, September, October, November: Cool, dry season: the Humboldt current brings nutrient-rich water, whale sharks at Wolf and Darwin, and blue-footed booby courtship.
Where to stay in Galápagos Islands
- Puerto Ayora (Santa Cruz): Largest town, most hotels and day-trip boats, near the Darwin station and Tortuga Bay.
- Puerto Baquerizo Moreno (San Cristóbal): Sea lions on the waterfront and easy access to Kicker Rock.
- Puerto Villamil (Isabela): Sleepy beach village on the largest island, with flamingo lagoons and lava tunnels.
- Live-aboard cruise: Small expedition yachts reach the western and northern islands that day trips cannot.
What to do in Galápagos Islands
- Snorkel with sea lions and marine iguanas
- Live-aboard cruise to Fernandina and the west coast of Isabela
- Giant tortoises in the Santa Cruz highlands
- Snorkel Kicker Rock from San Cristóbal
- Charles Darwin Research Station in Puerto Ayora
- Walk among nesting frigatebirds on North Seymour
Good to know
| Airports | Seymour Galápagos Ecological Airport (Baltra) (GPS) |
|---|---|
| Passport for US citizens | yes |
| Price level | luxury |
| Time zone | Pacific/Galapagos |
| Kind of trip | island, nature, adventure, national-park, cruise-port |
Questions about Galápagos Islands
When is the best time to visit Galápagos Islands?
January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December.
Do US citizens need a passport for Galápagos Islands?
Yes. Galápagos Islands is in Ecuador; bring a valid passport.
How expensive is Galápagos Islands on the ground?
Galápagos Islands is luxury by US standards: plan about $190 per person per day for food, getting around and tickets.