The Galapagos
In no other place on earth can you find such a bizarre and fascinating biodiversity, where penguins swim with dolphins and sea lions share sand with iguanas. And don’t forget the giant tortoises! 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador a hidden gem lies in wait for the adventurous traveler – the Galapagos Islands feature incredible landscapes that are just as picturesque and memorable as the wildlife. Some islands feature cloud forests and lush tropical vegetation while others feel as though they are from an alien planet, formed by volcanic activity and home to strange desert vegetation that is seemingly out of place. About half of the species on this remote volcanic archipelago are found nowhere else on earth. Travel in the footsteps of Charles Darwin on an island safari and experience this one-of-a-kind place for yourself!
Tours & Packages
- Destinations: Galapagos
- including closed packages
Trip Reviews & Photos
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Highlights
- Santa Cruz Island
Known for its sandy beaches, giant tortoises and fascinating natural wonders, Santa Cruz Island is the only Galapagos Island with six different vegetation zones full of diverse wildlife, flora and fauna. The island is home to the charming town of Puerto Ayora, the main port of the islands that encompasses bustling streets, tasty restaurants, and a variety of recreational activities. Explore Tortuga Bay and keep an eye out for sea turtles and marine iguanas gliding in the turquoise waters, or travel to the Charles Darwin Research Station to see endangered giant tortoises mingle freely with one another. Marvel at the natural wonders of Santa Cruz, including illuminated lava tunnels and Los Gemelos, two ginormous volcanic sinkholes.
- Tortuga Bay
Located on the Santa Cruz Island lies the white-sand beaches of Tortuga Bay. A short path through a unique cactus forest home to Darwin Finches, Mockingbirds, Yellow Warblers, Lava Lizards and other native species will lead you to the stunning beach. Tortuga Bay is surrounded by pristine waters and secluded coves that are perfect for snorkeling and discovering the marine creatures that call this bay home, including stingrays and baby reef sharks. Search for wildlife among the volcanic rocks and get the chance to see the vibrant-colored Galapagos crabs and many marine iguanas, the only species of lizard in the entire world that can swim!
- Los Gemelos
Prepare to be filled with amazement by the sight of these spectacular natural wonders -- Los Gemelos. Located in the highlands of Santa Cruz Island and often referred to as "The Twins", these magnificent volcanic sinkholes were formed by the collapse of the land beneath them, and are truly an awe-inspiring visual reminder of the power of nature. Standing atop the opening and peering down into the gaping crater covered in lush greenery and seemingly endless forests, these giant craters are immensely impressive to the eye.
- Isabela Island
The largest island of the Galápagos (almost 4x the size of Santa Cruz Island!), Isabela Island was formed over 1 million years ago by the merging of six volcanoes, most of which are still active to this day. The island was named after Queen Isabella of Spain, although it was originally named "Albemarle" in honor of the Duke of Albemarle. One of the most volcanically active places in the world, Isabela Island is also the second largest island of the archipelago. Although parts of the island contains sprawling lava fields and minimal vegetation, there are also areas where lush vegetation thrive. The waters of Isabela Island are the best to spot whales, including humpbacks, orcas and more!
- Blue-Footed Boobies
When you travel to the Galapagos Islands, you'll definitely be able to distinguish these romantic fellas from the rest! Blue-footed boobies are one of three booby species found on Galapagos Islands. These large, unique birds are found nesting in rocky areas on small islands. You'll easily spot the blue-footed boobies strutting around with exaggerated movements, showing off their fabulously vibrant blue feet. In fact, the beautiful hue of their feet plays a huge role when courting a female booby -- the bluer the feet, the more attractive the mate! You'll get to experience the entertaining sight of these incredible creatures trying to impress all the single ladies by performing elaborate mating dances. Their name derives from the Spanish word 'bobo', meaning foolish -- which accurately describes their uncoordinated movements on land!
- Prickly Pear Cactus Forest
In the arid inland areas of the Galapagos Islands lives such extraordinary greenery, you have to see it to believe it! These unique and distinctive cacti, covered in paddle-shaped leaves, are known as Prickly Pear Cacti. With 200 species of prickly pear that grow across the Americas, only six thrive in the Galapagos Islands. You'll notice some cacti are shorter or taller than others, which is a sign that hungry giant tortoises are in the area. The tall cacti thrive in areas where giant tortoises settle, whereas shorter cacti fall victim to tortoises munching on the lush green leaves for their meals. Additionally, the cacti are consumed by land iguanas, doves, cactus finches and mockingbirds.
Known for its sandy beaches, giant tortoises and fascinating natural wonders, Santa Cruz Island is the only Galapagos Island with six different vegetation zones full of diverse wildlife, flora and fauna. The island is home to the charming town of Puerto Ayora, the main port of the islands that encompasses bustling streets, tasty restaurants, and a variety of recreational activities. Explore Tortuga Bay and keep an eye out for sea turtles and marine iguanas gliding in the turquoise waters, or travel to the Charles Darwin Research Station to see endangered giant tortoises mingle freely with one another. Marvel at the natural wonders of Santa Cruz, including illuminated lava tunnels and Los Gemelos, two ginormous volcanic sinkholes.
Located on the Santa Cruz Island lies the white-sand beaches of Tortuga Bay. A short path through a unique cactus forest home to Darwin Finches, Mockingbirds, Yellow Warblers, Lava Lizards and other native species will lead you to the stunning beach. Tortuga Bay is surrounded by pristine waters and secluded coves that are perfect for snorkeling and discovering the marine creatures that call this bay home, including stingrays and baby reef sharks. Search for wildlife among the volcanic rocks and get the chance to see the vibrant-colored Galapagos crabs and many marine iguanas, the only species of lizard in the entire world that can swim!
Prepare to be filled with amazement by the sight of these spectacular natural wonders -- Los Gemelos. Located in the highlands of Santa Cruz Island and often referred to as "The Twins", these magnificent volcanic sinkholes were formed by the collapse of the land beneath them, and are truly an awe-inspiring visual reminder of the power of nature. Standing atop the opening and peering down into the gaping crater covered in lush greenery and seemingly endless forests, these giant craters are immensely impressive to the eye.
The largest island of the Galápagos (almost 4x the size of Santa Cruz Island!), Isabela Island was formed over 1 million years ago by the merging of six volcanoes, most of which are still active to this day. The island was named after Queen Isabella of Spain, although it was originally named "Albemarle" in honor of the Duke of Albemarle. One of the most volcanically active places in the world, Isabela Island is also the second largest island of the archipelago. Although parts of the island contains sprawling lava fields and minimal vegetation, there are also areas where lush vegetation thrive. The waters of Isabela Island are the best to spot whales, including humpbacks, orcas and more!
When you travel to the Galapagos Islands, you'll definitely be able to distinguish these romantic fellas from the rest! Blue-footed boobies are one of three booby species found on Galapagos Islands. These large, unique birds are found nesting in rocky areas on small islands. You'll easily spot the blue-footed boobies strutting around with exaggerated movements, showing off their fabulously vibrant blue feet. In fact, the beautiful hue of their feet plays a huge role when courting a female booby -- the bluer the feet, the more attractive the mate! You'll get to experience the entertaining sight of these incredible creatures trying to impress all the single ladies by performing elaborate mating dances. Their name derives from the Spanish word 'bobo', meaning foolish -- which accurately describes their uncoordinated movements on land!
In the arid inland areas of the Galapagos Islands lives such extraordinary greenery, you have to see it to believe it! These unique and distinctive cacti, covered in paddle-shaped leaves, are known as Prickly Pear Cacti. With 200 species of prickly pear that grow across the Americas, only six thrive in the Galapagos Islands. You'll notice some cacti are shorter or taller than others, which is a sign that hungry giant tortoises are in the area. The tall cacti thrive in areas where giant tortoises settle, whereas shorter cacti fall victim to tortoises munching on the lush green leaves for their meals. Additionally, the cacti are consumed by land iguanas, doves, cactus finches and mockingbirds.Fast Facts
Already booked on one of our packages to the Galapagos? See everything you need to know before you go.
| Overview | Capital: Puerto Baquverizo Moreno (Mainland, Ecuador – Quito) |
| Entry requirements | In addition to the entry requirements for Ecuador, all visitors to the Galapagos must obtain a INGALA Tourist Control Card (TCT), which allows for tourist stays up to 90 days. This card is $20 and purchased upon arrival, then turned in upon departure. All tourists must also pay a Galapagos National Park entrance fee, which is $100 for most foreign tourists, or $50 for children under 12. We will obtain your Tourist Control Card (TCT), and the TCT fee and park entry fee are both included in your package price. If you do not hold a U.S. passport, you are responsible for determining all entry requirements and obtaining any necessary visas. Consider using an expedited visa service. More information about passport, visa & entry requirements. |
| Health Precautions & Vaccinations | There are no official vaccination requirements for entry into Ecuador, however, inoculations against yellow fever, cholera, typhoid, polio, tetanus, and hepatitis and malaria suppressants (for the Galapagos islands) might be recommended. Consult your physician. |
| Weather | The Galapagos Islands are located on the equator. The tropical heat, however, is tempered by Pacific breezes. There are two seasons in the islands: the rainy, hot season from December to June when humidity is high and average temperatures are in the 80s F (26°-30° C). There may be occasional showers, but the days are generally hot and sunny. From June to November, you can expect cool winds, occasionally bringing with them a light misty-type drizzle called "garúa." Temperatures average in the 70s F (20°-24° C) during the day and lower at night. |
| What to wear | For travel in the Galapagos, clothing ranges from informal to very informal. Essentials include sneakers, shorts, long- and short-sleeve lightweight shirts, bathing suit, a wide-brimmed hat, long pants, and a wind breaker or light jacket for evenings. Be sure to bring sunscreen, sunglasses and lots of film. Most walking ashore is over rocky lava terrain. Tennis shoes, sneakers, or walking shoes with rubber soles are strongly recommended. |
| Tipping | Tip 10% of the bill unless a service fee is included, additional small amounts are appreciated. Round up fare for taxi drivers. It is customary to tip the crew and guides on boat tours separately and depends on your experience with the service. A general guideline is $10/$15 USD per day, per traveler. |
| Money & Credit Cards | Always notify your bank prior to departure to avoid any problems using your credit or debit card while traveling. |
| Shopping | Shopping is limited in the Galapagos Islands. The best place to purchase the quintessential “Galapagos Island” souvenir gear is at the Charles Darwin Research Station which offers high quality items and proceeds benefit the preservation efforts. |
| Electricity & Power Adapters | 110 volts. We recommend that you bring an adapter/converter along with you as not all hotels will have 110 volt (A&B plugs) outlets. Learn more about electrical standards around the world. |
| Cell Phones & Internet | Want to take your cell phone, tablet or laptop, but not sure how to get cell service or wifi? See our blog posts on using your cell phone abroad and the top 5 ways to get Internet abroad. |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Dos and Don’ts of Environmentally friendly travel to the Galapagos Islands?
Do:
Listen to your guide for your safety and the safety of the wildlife
Pack plenty of extra space on your camera card! You’ll want to take a LOT of photos!
Keep on the designated paths as you explore the islands
Drink plenty of water along the way
Consider the clothing and footwear you will use on the trip – there is a lot of walking on sometimes uneven terrain in the Galapagos Islands
Always dispose of litter in the appropriate receptaclesDon’t:
Take food or plants to the islands. This might jeopardize the ecosystem.
Feed or touch the animals – no matter how friendly they seem!
Skip the detailed information provided by your guide – their expertise will enrich your experience!
Take “souvenirs” of rocks, plants, or other natural material.
As a note, smoking is prohibited in the national park areas.- Is snorkeling gear included?
Snorkeling gear is included on our tours.
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