HomeDestinationsLatin America

Galapagos Islands

Marine Iguana, Amblyrhynchus Cristatus, And Red Rock Crabs

Galápagos Islands tours

See more trips

Travel tips

Warm/Wet Season

Dec-May

avg. temp:

24°C-30°C

Cool/Dry Season

Jun-Nov

avg. temp:

21°C-26°C

Dancing Blue footed Boobies

Country dialing code

+593

Capital city

Puerto Baquerizo Moreno

Official language

Spanish

Currency

US Dollars (USD)

When to visit: Galápagos is a year-round destination with its location on the equator. The peak seasons are from mid-June to early September, and then again from mid-December to mid-January over the Christmas holiday period. From December to May, temperatures are slightly warmer in and out of the water and seas tend to be calmer. Flowers come into bloom, birds are mating, and sea turtles are nesting on the beaches. The Humboldt Current brings cooler temperatures from June to November. But this also brings nutrient-rich water that attracts fish and sea birds. This is the preferred time of year for experienced divers. Albatrosses arrive on Española and penguins are more present. It is also the mating season for blue-footed boobies. Winds tend to be stronger and seas a bit rougher.

    Highlights

    Floreana Island

    As the first Galápagos Island to be inhabited, it has a mysterious past. See one of the largest flamingo populations and nesting sites for Pacific green sea turtles. Snorkel alongside turtles, fish and sea lions. 

    Española Island

    A naturalist’s paradise teeming with wildlife, you’re likely to be greeted by marine iguanas and sea lions. See blue-footed boobies, albatrosses and the island’s endemic and curious Española Mockingbird.

    San Cristobal Island

    Discover volcanic delights including Kicker Rock, Cerro Brujo, and hike to the top of a volcanic tuff which happens to be the only place to see all three booby species—Nazca, blue-footed, and red-footed. 

    Santa Cruz Island

    Encounter wild tortoises as they feed in pastures. This island is a joy for twitchers with short-eared owls, Darwin’s finches, Vermilion flycatchers, yellow warblers, Galápagos rails, and Paint-billed Crakes. 

    Santiago Island

    Instantly familiar with its black volcanic sand, the shoreline is home to a colony of endemic Galápagos fur seals, as well as American oystercatchers, sea lions, waders, herons, lava lizards, and even Galápagos hawks. 

    Isabela Island

    The largest in the archipelago was formed by the merging of six shield volcanoes. See giant tortoises and land iguanas. Hike Tagus Cove, snorkel with turtles and penguins, and admire seabirds at Punta Vicente Roca. 

    Request a quote

    Useful information

    Your search for ""

    clear search

    Communications

    Country Code for Ecuador: +593 

    Official Travel advice visit: Ecuador Travel Advice & Safety | Smartraveller 
    You can request emergency help in English from your smartphone. Use the application ECU 911. 

    There's an Australian Consulate in Guayaquil, Ecuador. It can provide limited consular help. The Canadian Embassy in Quito, Ecuador gives consular assistance to Australians in Ecuador. 

     

    If you need urgent help, contact the 24/7 Consular Emergency Centre in Australia, calling to the phone +61 2 6261 3305. 

     

    For further information please visit Smart Traveller 

    Ecuador Travel Advice & Safety | Smartraveller 

    Customs

    95% of the land area of the Galápagos is designated as protected by the Galápagos National Park Directorate (GNPD). Strict biosecurity measures are in place to prevent the introduction of non-native species. Do not bring food, plants or animals to the islands. 

     

    You may only explore specific visitor sites with Park-certified naturalist guides. The GNPD coordinates group visits to these 60+ sites and carefully monitors ecological conditions. Each site has a marked trail to follow and stick to. You may encounter some “wet landings” where you will wade to shore from rafts or dinghies.  

     

    At all times, maintain a respectful distance from wildlife. Do not harass, touch or feed any animals, and always follow the directions provided by your expert guides.

    Electricity

    Electrical Socket type: Type A and Type B 

    Voltage: 120 volts 

    Frequency: 60 Hz 

    Health

    Altitude sickness is a risk in Ecuador en route to the Galápagos. Many areas of Ecuador are higher than 2,500m, including Quito at 2,800m. To protect yourself, if you'll be travelling above 2,500m: 

    • seek advice from your doctor before you travel 
    • get travel insurance that covers costs relating to evacuation from high-altitude areas 

     

    Insect-borne diseases such as Yellow fFver are common in Ecuador. Yellow fever is a potentially fatal virus spread by mosquitoes. It's prevented by vaccination. Other insect-borne diseases are present in areas below 1500m. These include malaria and dengue fever and Zika virus. The following precautions are recommended: 

    • check that your accommodation is insect-proof 
    • use insect repellent 
    • wear long, loose, light-coloured clothing 
    • consider taking medicine to prevent malaria 

     

    For further information please visit Smart Traveller 

    Ecuador Travel Advice & Safety | Smartraveller 

    How to Get There & Getting Around

    Most visitors travel to the Galápagos by air from mainland Ecuador. Daily flights depart from the main airports in Guayaquil and Quito (Tababela). Non-residents cannot buy a one-way ticket to the Galápagos. There are two main airports in Galápagos, one on Baltra Island and the other on San Cristóbal. Before checking in at the airport in mainland Ecuador, your bags will be inspected by the Galápagos Biosecurity Agency quarantine staff. 

    Holidays & Festivals

    While the Galápagos Islands don't have many traditional festivals, there are a few notable days where celebrations may include parades, music, and dance performances. 

    • Galápagos Day (February 12): Celebrates the anniversary of the Galápagos Islands' discovery in 1535.  
    • Provincialization Day (February 18): Marks the day the Galápagos became a province of Ecuador in 1973.  
    • San Cristóbal Festival (June 24): Honors Saint Christopher, the patron saint of San Cristóbal Island.  
    • Santa Cruz Festival (July 16): Celebrates the patron saint of Santa Cruz Island. 

    Language

    Spanish is the official language in the Galápagos. 

    Money, Tipping & Shopping

    The official currency of the Galápagos Islands is the US Dollar (USD). Carry small bills, as larger denominations can be difficult to change. 

     

    Tipping in the Galápagos Islands is appreciated but not compulsory. In restaurants, a 10% top is appreciated. Tip your tour guides and cruise staff US$10-$20 per person, per day.  

     

    Local handicrafts such as wooden sculptures, woven textiles, paintings and jewellery inspired by wildlife are popular souvenirs in the Galápagos. Always buy products that support local artisans and sustainable practices. 

    Visas

    The Travel Corporation has partnered with the company Sherpa to provide travellers with the latest government and health restrictions. Simply enter the country you want to travel to for information on safety regulations, border closures, quarantine requirements, your travel visa and more using the Sherpa travel tool: Visa Advice 

     
    Official travel advice is available by visiting the SmartTraveller Website.  

    Australian and New Zealand passport holders can stay in Ecuador for up to 90 days without a visa.  

     

    Foreign tourists must meet particular criteria, including filling out the Galápagos Transit Control Card at least 24 hours before entering, having an outbound flight, and travel insurance. You may be requested to show your hotel booking.  

     

    For further information please visit Smart Traveller 

    Ecuador Travel Advice & Safety | Smartraveller 

    From the blog

    Sea Lion Swimming At Guy Fawkes Islets

    Read more

    Destinations

    About Us

    © Adventure World 2024. All Rights Reserved.
    MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® is a trademark of The TreadRight Foundation, registered in the U.S. and other countries and regions, and is being used under license.

    Cookie Policy

    Privacy Policy

    Terms and Conditions

    Sitemap

    TreadRightTTCCatoAFTA