Idyllically located approximately 1,000 km (600 mi) west of the mainland, the Galápagos consists of 13 major islands.
The most prominent of Ecuador’s attractions is the pristine chain of volcanic islands that make up the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Galápagos.
Made famous by Charles Darwin, who studied the islands’ fantastic array of fauna and flora, which ultimately contributed to his theory of evolution, the islands’ endemic wildlife and ecosystems are as fascinating today as they were in 1835.
Choose to follow in Darwin’s footsteps, and discover the Galápagos. Revel in the opportunity to encounter a plethora of marine life and other exceptional species such as Darwin’s finch, Galápagos hawk, iguanas, Galápagos snakes and so much more. Cruise around the Galápagos Islands in the sublime comforts of a luxury catamaran or yacht, where you will be treated to the most in-depth explorations of the islands and their surrounding waters.
1. Get up-close-and-personal with extraordinary wildlife
Renowned for hosting a wide variety of wildlife that has evolved with little human contact or major predators for hundreds of years, allows for exceptional viewing opportunities from a surprisingly close range in their natural habitat.
Ample along with giant tortoises, sit face-to-face with sea lions on sandy beaches, and meet birds-of-a-feather perched in nearby trees.
2. An abundance of wild- and plant-life on offer, found nowhere else on earth
More than 80% of land animals and 30% of plant species on the Galápagos are endemic—meaning they only exist in this one place on the entire planet.
Giant Galápagos tortoises, land and marine iguanas, sea lions, green sea turtles, stingrays, penguins, an array of tropical fish, plus three kinds of bobbies, the Galápagos penguin, waved albatross, frigatebirds, the Galápagos dove, flightless cormorant, and mockingbirds are just a few of the incredible marine-, wild- and bird-life to be seen.
3. Explore unspoiled ecosystems
Most of the islands remain uninhabited today, and there are laws and tourism restrictions in place that were designed to protect the biodiversity of these pristine ecosystems.
Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978, the Galápagos Islands are one of the most biodiverse places on the planet, with 97% of its islands forming a protected national park. Half of its land species and one-fifth of its marine species are endemic to the Galápagos. What this means for travelers is a relatively unspoiled experience filled with dense forests, volcanic lava tubes, and picturesque beaches.
4. Swim, snorkel and scuba some of the best spots of earth
Renowned for its spectacular diving and snorkeling spots; while some islands offer better viewing opportunities than others, no matter which island you’re adventuring from, you’ll likely be swimming alongside sea lions and Pacific sea turtles, with the opportunity to see hammerhead sharks, whale sharks, eagle rays, plus large schools of jack fish.
Money
There are ATMs on Santa Cruz and San Cristóbal islands, but they can run out of cash, so bring some with you to cover tips. Credit cards are also often accepted at shops and restaurants. The official currency of Ecuador is the U.S. dollar.
What Not to Bring
The introduction of non-native plant species is considered a top environmental threat to the Galápagos Islands, so do not bring any fruits, vegetables, or plants of any kind with you. Anything that might have seeds or spores clinging to it, such as the soles of your shoes and any outdoor gear or camping equipment, should be washed and inspected thoroughly before being brought to the islands. The threat of invasive plant species is so great that visitors arriving in the Galápagos have to sign an affidavit swearing that they’re not bringing in any food, animals, seeds, or dirty camping gear.
Weather
THE COOLER, DRY SEASON
• This season, also known as the “garua season” runs from late June to December, when it is relatively cool and dry with more overcast skies and occasional drizzle or mist (garua) during the day. August is the coolest month. During this dry season, Galapagos weather is pleasant, the water temperature is lower and there are often clouds on the higher elevations. Visibility is usually lower in the water due to plankton bloom, but this combination of conditions brings in the whale sharks and there is a lot more activity in the water and food is abundant. Because Galapagos climate is not too hot during this season, it is also the breeding period for many sea birds and shore birds, marine iguanas, sea lions and fur seals.
• Air Temp (Max / Min): 26 / 19C, 79 / 66F
Park Fees
In 2012, Ecuador’s then-president Rafael Correa abolished fees at national parks and reserves in the country. However, Galápagos National Park was not part of that exemption and still requires a $200 entrance fee per person, which is payable only in cash upon arrival at either airport in the Galápagos Islands. In addition, each visitor must buy a $20 transit card (TCT card), which is also payable only in cash at the airport. The TCT transit card is a measure of immigration control, so all visitors must purchase one at the airport when they arrive and return it when they leave.
https://www.gobiernogalapagos.gob.ec/pre-registro-tct-turistas/
https://www.gobiernogalapagos.gob.ec/step-by-step-tct-online/
Passports & Visas
Citizens of the United States, Canada and most European countries do not require a visa to travel to Ecuador unless they expect to stay for more than 90 days over the course of one year. All travelers are required to have passports with a remaining validity of at least 6 months beyond their travel dates.
Insurance
As of June 2018, a Health Insurance has become mandatory for all travelers entering Ecuador. This insurance must be acquired in your country of residency prior to your departure.
Travel Insurance, while not being mandatory, is highly recommended.
Plastics
The Ecuadorian government has implemented regulations to restrict the consumption of single-use plastics in the Galapagos region, including plastic straws, single-use plastic bags (t-shirt type), polythene containers (such as those used for takeout), and plastic bottles.
Therefore, all passengers visiting the islands will not be allowed to take along with them, or in their luggage, any of the type of objects described above.
NOTE:
Electricity: On the Galápagos Islands, power plugs and sockets (outlets) of type A and type B are used. The standard voltage is 120 V at a frequency of 60 Hz. Power plug is the same as in USA.
WiFi: available but slow. If needed, Please purchase a SIM card for your cellphone at the airport in Quito.
