g adventures galapagos tours

Review: G Adventures Galapagos Islands Tours

The Galapagos Islands are a bucket list trip for many travelers, and given the remote location off the coast of Ecuador , it makes the most sense to book a tour to the islands for the best chance to enjoy the rich natural landscape. I’ve traveled to the Galapagos Islands twice with G Adventures . Once as a passenger, and once while hosting a photography tour through G. I have a lot of experience not only with G Adventures as a company ( I’ve traveled on more than 14 trips with G ) but with this itinerary in particular since I hosted one of the G tours and was able to help shape how we explored this gorgeous destination.

Let’s review exactly what to expect G Adventures tour of the Galapagos Islands , as well as review why (or why not) one of the G cruises or camping trips are a good fit for your travel plans.

Table of Contents

Overview of G Adventures Galapagos Tours

G currently offers over 40 different tours that either focuses exclusively on the Galapagos, or have the Galapagos as a part of the itinerary—these include the Galapagos folded into larger itineraries, but also many specific cruises through island groups , and camping adventures in the Isabela Highlands .

For that reason, it’s impossible to review every single departure offered, and it’s also unnecessary. Most of the different tours are simply different combinations of islands. This is due to rules enacted by the government of Ecuador, which requires all tour operators to rotate the islands they visit so various islands are not overwhelmed with visitors.

This means that a 10-day trip starting on one date will have a different route and combination of islands than another 10-day tour starting on a different date, even if the length, starting, and ending locations are all the same. This is a result of Ecuadorian law, and every tour company is subject to these same rules.

Why Choose a G Tour? G Adventures tours tend to be smaller and more affordable than other Galapagos tour operators. A G tour in the Galapagos can run half to a third the price of a comparable trip with a high-end company like Lindblad Expeditions. The difference will be the size of the ship, and the quality of the accommodations. The quality of the ship, meals, and the guides on G trips are perfectly acceptable, the company just puts its focus on the trip experience, not on unnecessary luxuries. 

Additional G Tour Requirements : Active tours are more challenging and demand a bit more fitness, but every G tour outlines the activity level and any physical requirements. Beyond that, your CEO (Chief Experience Officer AKA tour guide) will ask for proof of travel insurance covering you for the duration of the trip as soon as you arrive in Quito. We highly recommend World Nomads , which has affordable policies that will cover you for snorkeling, cruising, hiking, and all of the common activities included on a Galapagos itinerary.

Starting in Quito

Every G Adventures tour in Ecuador starts and ends in Quito—this holds the largest international airport in Ecuador and it’s the easiest location to book international flights.

You’ll spend at least one night in Quito as part of your trip—check the details of the trip itinerary you’re considering to assess how many nights you’ll spend in Quito. You might want to fly in one or two days early to explore all Quito offers if it isn’t part of your trip—if you’re going to fly all the way to Ecuador, it’s certainly worth your time to spend an extra day or two in Quito, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and worth at least a day.

Acclimating to the Altitude

Quito is one of the highest altitude major cities in the world, sitting at 2,850 meters (9,350 ft). If you aren’t acclimated to such altitudes, you may experience some amount of altitude sickness after you arrive.

In all my trips to Quito, I’ve often had difficulty sleeping the first night or two. My best advice is to drink plenty of water and try to get as much sleep as possible. If you’re coming from North or South America, you shouldn’t suffer jet lag since the time zone is the same as Central Time in the U.S. and Canada , so just plan some time in your itinerary to acclimatize so that once you head to the Galapagos Islands you’re ready to enjoy every moment.

Things to See in Quito

During your time in Quito, there are several things you should consider seeing if you have extra time. G Adventures does offer tours of Quito as an addon for as low as US$50, or you can book an Upgraded Land Galapagos with Quito tour, which would include all the highlights baked right into your itinerary. Even the add-on tours are run by G Adventures CEOs, so you know it’s going to be well done, small group, and provide enough context and history to enjoy the city. Let’s review a few of the highlights you’ll see in Quito before your Galapagos adventure.

The Equator : Quito is only 25.5 km (15.86 mi) from the equator. The Ciudad Mitad del Mundo is the official monument and was built in the early 80s to commemorate the French Geodesic Mission from the 18th century. However, using modern measurements, the actual equator is about 250 meters north of the monument.

Basilica del Voto Nacional : The Basilica del Voto Nacional is the largest church in Ecuador and was completed in 1909. It’s not the cathedral of Quito, which is a large white building located in the historic city center. Take notice of the gargoyles on the building, which are actually all animals from the Galapagos Islands.

Quito Old Town : The old town of Quito is a UNESCO World Heritage site and was one of the first 12 world heritage sites created at the first World Heritage Convention in 1978. The original Spanish settlement dates back to the late 16th century, and many of the buildings are amongst the oldest in South America.

The Virgin of Quito : The Virgin of Quito, aka the Virgin of El Panecillo, is a massive statue located on a hill on the edge of town. It’s taller than the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro , and the tallest aluminum statue in the world. It also offers one of the best views of the entire city of Quito.

Arriving in the Galapagos Islands

Because all G Adventure tours to the Galapagos start in Quito, all tours include your flight from Quito to the Galapagos. The flight is not long, and most flights usually have a short stop in Guayaquil. You wont’ get off of the plane in Guayaquil, it’s only a stop to pick up passengers, then you’re off again to start the adventure.

You’ll arrive at one of two airports in the Galapagos: Santa Cruz or San Cristobal.

Once you arrive in the Galapagos, you may spend some time before you board your transportation to your ship or hotel. The Galapagos is a very delicate environment, so bags are X-rayed for fruits and other prohibited products.

Ecuador charges a US$100 entrance fee to Galapagos Islands National Park . This is paid at the airport and it is NOT covered in the cost of your tour . This is the only major mandatory fee you will have you pay out of pocket on your trip. This fee is mandatory for all visitors to the Galapagos regardless of the tour company you use.

Cruises vs Shore Tours

There are two major options for your visit to the Galapagos: a land tour or a marine tour . 

As the names imply, land tours are based on the land and usually involve camping or some type of adventure sport, and you can visit more remote areas of the various islands. You will sleep in a hotel or a campground every night instead of on a ship. Every day you’ll venture out on day tours of the island you’re on and you’ll travel between islands on a speedboat. These trips don’t have to include camping, but many of them do, so read carefully to be sure you’re up for whichever type of land tour you’re booking. Also read the reviews travelers leave on the tour page to get a good idea for the style of the trip.

The other option, which is the majority of the Galapagos tours offered by G Adventures, are marine tours. On these tours, you will sleep and eat on a ship.

Personally, I’d recommend one of the marine tours over a land-based tour unless you’re really keen to take advantage of the adventure sports available around the islands . If you’re on a ship, you’ll be able to visit more islands, spend more time on each island, and engage in aquatic-based activities like snorkeling. All of your meals are also covered when you’re on a ship, so it’s easier to accurately budget for the trip.

You can also narrow down your G Galapagos tours based on other features: 

• Family-Friendly : These tours offer a range of additional activities fit for children.
• Classic Tours : Classic itineraries are the original style of G tours and include social enterprises and local elements woven into the trip. 
• 18-to-Thirtysomethings : These trips offer more basic accommodation, sometimes include camping, and focus on experiences over luxuries on the food and accomodation side.
• Marine Tours : These are trips that specifically include exploring the islands on sleep-aboard boats. 

Life on Board the Cruise Ship

There are currently five ships in the G Adventures Galapagos fleet. They all have capacities of 16-20 passengers with eight to 10 cabins. The ships are smaller than expedition class ships, but are not so small that I ever felt cramped. In addition to the cabins, each ship has a dining room and a main lounge area where you will get to know your other tour participants.

If you’re concerned about getting seasick, I wouldn’t worry about it too much. Seas are usually calm around the Galapagos due to its location near the equator. Also, the many surrounding islands usually make for seas that are much calmer than the open ocean. I barely remember even noticing the ship moving for most of my time in the Galapagos.

Shore Excursions

If you are on a marine trip, there are two ways you will do shore excursions, depending on the island. For more popular and developed islands with a harbor or a dock, our ship just pulled up to the dock and we walked off.

For most of the smaller, undeveloped islands, we did a zodiac landing. Zodiacs are small inflatable boats carried by the ship. You enter the zodiac at the back of the ship and take the zodiac to shore. You then step out of the zodiac onto the beach or rocks on the shore. Most zodiac landings in the Galapagos are very easy as the seas are quite calm. However, you have to be prepared for your feet and legs to possibly get wet. It might be awkward the first time you do it, but after a few attempts, you get the hang of it. It’s for these shore excursions (among others reasons), that you should consider bringing sports sandals on your trip. 

Best Time to Visit

Most people say the best time to visit the Galapagos is from December to May. However, both of my trips were in October and I didn’t have an issue with the weather for either trip.

August to November tends to be the coolest time of year, with September usually having the fewest tourists. August to November will probably have the cheapest rates and steepest discount if you’re interested in more budget prices for your G Adventures Galapagos tour .

Best Wildlife Sightings

Wildlife is the main reason people visit to the Galapagos. The fauna is not as big and dramatic as what I found on my African safaris, but it is unique and like nothing else you on Earth.

As with any wildlife on any tour you take anywhere on Earth, you are never guaranteed to see anything. Animals are not on a schedule. That said, let’s review a few of the highlights of what you’re likely to see on a Galapagos adventure.

Marine Iguana

The Galapagos Marine Iguana (Amblyrhynchus cristatus) is the only aquatic lizard in the world. It’s found only in the Galapagos and they can be found on every island in the Galapagos. While no animals can be guaranteed to be seen on any given trip, this is the one animal that is probably going to be seen almost 100% of the time.

Galapagos Land Dragon

The Galapagos Land Dragon, aka Galapagos Land Iguana, is the largest lizard in the Galapagos and one of the largest in the Western Hemisphere. It’s easily identified by its size and yellow color. As they are land-based and cannot migrate, there is a very good chance you will see one.

Galapagos Hawk

There’s a good chance you will not see a Galapagos Hawk, and if you do, it will be flying well above you in the sky. Unlike much of the other wildlife in the Galapagos, you can’t walk up to a hawk. They tend to keep their distance and fly very high looking for food. We found two that were eating the afterbirth of a seal, and that was the only way I was able to get close enough to take a photo.

Blue Footed Boobie

Blue Footed Boobies are pretty common in the Galapagos. You should have a pretty good chance of seeing one during your trip, especially if you’re there when they are nesting. You can often see them diving for food, which is an impressive site given how fast they hit the water.

Red Footed Boobie

Red Footed Boobies look very similar to blue footed boobies save for two things: they have red feet instead of blue, and they perch in trees. Blue Footed Boobies are only found on the ground. I only saw a single red footed boobie on both my trips to the Galapagos, so this one is a long shot, but definitely a possibility.

Magnificent Frigatebird

Frigatebirds might be the most impressive birds in the Galapagos. The males have enormous red air sacs on their breasts, which are used to attract mates.

Galapagos Penguin

The Galapagos Penguin is the northernmost penguin in the world. They are rather small and can be found on many of the islands. On my first trip to the Galapagos, we saw only a single penguin. On the second trip, I saw dozens and dozens of them.

Darwin’s Finches

Darwin Finches are some of the smallest birds in the Galapagos, however, scientifically and historically they are the most important. It was through the study of these birds that Charles Darwin came up the evidence for the Theory of Evolution.

Galapagos Flamingo

The flamingo population in the Galapagos is small, but very much present. The odds of spotting them will depend on the islands you visit. Islands with inlands lakes or ponds are more likely to have them.

Galapagos Tortoise

There’s a good chance you will see a Galapagos tortoise, if only in one of the sanctuaries or breeding facilities. You might also be able to see one in the wild, depending on which island you visit on your trip.

Fur Seals and Sea Lions

Fur seals and sea lions can be found all over the Galapagos. They look quite similar and you will probably need your CEO’s help you tell the difference. Sea lions have visible ear flaps whereas fur seals do not. Sea lions also have larger flippers and can walk on land easier.

Galapagos Islands Photography Tips

Many of the animals in the Galapagos have no fear of humans, so you can get somewhat close to them while keeping to the trail. You should never  touch a wild animal or go out of your way to get unreasonably close.

You will want to have a camera with some reasonable amount of zoom on it—probably more than what’s offered on a smartphone. Smartphone cameras tend to have wider angle lenses and are not good for photographing wildlife, so buy or rent the right camera gear before your trip.

Best lenses for Galapagos photography? Having a superzoom lens in the 18-200 mm range will probably get the job done. On my last trip, I took a 150-500mm lens with me and used it almost every day. It allowed me to get close-up shots even when I wasn’t that far away from the subject.

If you can’t bring a camera with replaceable lenses, I’d get a camera like the Sony RX100 , which has a built-in zoom that is quite good.

Take better photos . Before you leave for you trip, consider booking my online Travel Photography Academy , which shares the best ways to quickly improve your travel photography and get better trip photos no matter where in the world you venture.

Should You Book a G Adventures Galapagos Tour?

Now that we’ve reviewed every key area of a G Adventures Galapagos Tour , it should be a bit clearer if this type of tour is right for you. I can say that after taking two Galapagos tours with the company, I can thoroughly recommend the experience. There are so many companies running trips to this region, that key differentiators with G include: 

• guaranteed small groups.
• social enterprise and local community support integrated into most/many itineraries.
• the chance to book active or family-friendly specific tours.
• local guides qualified to guide you through the absolute highlights of the region.
• a trusted company with a long and deep history of delivering memorable experiences to travelers.

There are a lot of different cruises to choose from, so explore the different routes, dates, and options . And if you still need a bit more information, read my thorough review of what it’s like to travel with G Adventures .

Don’t forget to book your travel insurance before your trip! Proof of travel insurance is required on every single G Adventures tour. We highly recommend the flexible and affordable policies offered by World Nomads .  

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Galapagos G Adventures Cruise Review: Budget Galapagos Cruises Exist!

What you can expect from this article...

• 1.1 Why The Galapagos Islands may be the best place on planet earth
• 1.2 Why choose a Gadventures Budget Galapagos Cruise?
• 1.3 Why The Monserat might just be the best Galapagos cruise boat…
• 1.4 What is life like on a Monserrat Galapagos cruise?
• 1.5 What activities will I be doing during my G Adventures Galapagos cruise?
• 1.6 What wildlife will I see in The Galapagos Islands?
• 1.7 Wildlife Photography in The Galapagos Islands
• 1.8 Will I make friends on a G Adventures Cruise?
• 1.9 What is the food like on a G Adventures Galapagos Cruise?
• 1.10 What are the cabins like on a G Adventures Cruise?
• 1.11 Whats the weather like in The Galapagos?
• 1.12 What were the Galapagos G Adventures guides like?
• 1.13 So would I travel The Galapagos with G Adventures again?

G Adventures Galapagos Boat Trip Review: Central, south and east islands abroad the Monserrat!

**Spoiler alert** This may be the best Galapagos cruise ever!

Visiting The Galapagos Islands has long been a dream of mine. I’ve always loved getting off the grid when I travel and I feel infinitely more at home with nature than I do in the cities. If my travels allow me to indulge in a spot of wildlife photography , all the better. So when I saw a friend’s Galapagos photos, I knew I had to get there one day.

The only problem was finding a budget Galapagos cruise which was actually affordable!

I’ve travelled with G Adventures several times before and knew they were a company that I could trust.

After sighing with despair at the outrageous prices of Galapagos cruises, I turned to G Adventures and was pleasantly surprised!

Okay, I won’t bullsh*t. It’s not exactly a cheap Galapagos cruise. They don’t exist. Sorry! But the price was a zillion times more reasonable than the $10k Galapagos luxury cruises and after extensive research, it seemed it was the best value boat trip in the Galapagos .

Given it was the fraction of the price, I was expecting The G Adventures boat, The Monserrat , to be pretty basic. I was blown away by how ‘luxury’ it actually was!

So I decided to write this budget Galapagos cruise review to rave about visiting The Galapagos with G Adventures. If I were lucky enough to go and explore the rest of the Galapagos Islands, I’d sail with G Adventures time and time again!

If you want to know more about what to expect from a Galapagos cruise with G Adventures, read on about my Monserrat experience!

** Pssst, this article may contain affiliate links. If you have no idea what this means, click here and everything will be explained!**

Why The Galapagos Islands may be the best place on planet earth

The Galapagos is such an incredible place. Alongside the beautiful beaches and colourful coral, you will find unique animals and sea life that you won’t find anywhere else on the planet!

Not only that but you will have many more close encounters with the wildlife than you would elsewhere as they have never had reason to fear humans and are relaxed and laid back in your presence. The sea lions will even show off for you and play with you in the water!

It is also one of the most natural, relaxing places in the world. So little pollution or crowds – you will feel so far removed from everyday life! If you need any more reasons to go, see my articles about different Galapagos Islands; 

The Eastern Islands; Isla Lobos, San Cristobal and Cerro Brujo

The Central Islands; Santa Cruz, Santiago and Bartolome

The South Islands; Floreana and Espanola

Why choose a Gadventures Budget Galapagos Cruise?

I’ve travelled several times with G Adventures and have never had a bad trip. They are organised, informative, ethical and they support local projects wherever possible.

If you want to read more about the pros and cons of a G Adventures trip, check out my article; G Adventures vs Intrepid

Why The Monserat might just be the best Galapagos cruise boat…

There are many much larger boats in the Galapagos with up to 100 passengers. They may have more features such as jacuzzis and larger cabins but they lack the intimacy of a small cruise with just 20 people like the Monserrat . Everyone gets to know each other well and for 1 week, you are family.

The Monserrat is probably the most luxurious boat trip I’ve ever taken but it combines luxury (3-course dinners with table service) with the small cosy feel of a smaller boat.

You will be well looked after by the fabulous crew who work tirelessly and with the utmost of professionalism. Many will make the effort to know you by name which I personally think makes such a difference.

What is life like on a Monserrat Galapagos cruise?

Every evening there will be a briefing on what to expect for the following day. Usually, it’s breakfast at 7 am and the first activity is planned for 8 am. So expect a few early starts!

There are then a few hours onboard the boat for lunch and a siesta and then more activities planned for the afternoon before the briefing and dinner. The sea air and a full itinerary usually leave most people shattered so most will retire early perhaps after cocktails and a game of cards.

What activities will I be doing during my G Adventures Galapagos cruise?

Most days include at least one walk and a couple of snorkel trips. The walks are not long (a few miles at most) but can be quite challenging as often involve scrambling over boulders. I suggest bringing walking poles which makes this much easier. There are a few available on the boat but it’s better to have your own just in case.

The snorkelling may be off the boat or off the beach. Sometimes it’s in calm water and other times more choppy with stronger currents but there’s always someone in the panga there to fish you out if you’ve had enough and I personally never felt unsafe.

In fact, I was usually the last one to get back in the panga as I got lost in the magical Galapagos underwater world! It’s extra special when the sea lions come out to play!

There was plenty of snorkelling equipment and wetsuits for everyone on board but it did get confusing trying to find the right ones at times! You are allocated equipment at the start of the trip and hand it back at the end of the week. I did often think it would have been easier to have had my own with me at times!

You can buy snorkel equipment HERE .

You can find tips for buying snorkel fins here .

What wildlife will I see in The Galapagos Islands?

Whilst nothing is guaranteed, you will see a lot of wildlife. And you are likely to see a LOT of sea lions! In addition to this you may see :

Birds – Blue-footed boobies, frigates, hawks, albatrosses, Galapagos doves, finches, mockingbirds, flamingos, penguins.

Reptiles: Land tortoises, snakes, lizards and Iguanas.

Marine wildlife: Sealions, sharks, dolphins, whales, LOTS of colourful fish such as parrotfish and crown fish.

Wildlife Photography in The Galapagos Islands

One thing you will definitely want to have with you in The Galapagos is an underwater camera! I Love my Go Pro Hero 7 but I really wish I took a floating Go Pro stick for extended reach to help me get closer to the action!

A friend used one and has incredible footage of a sea lion actually putting its mouth playfully around the camera! I was pretty envious of his footage!

For my land-based photos, I recommend using a good DSLR or mirrorless camera with a telephoto lens.

I personally use this camera and this lens .

If you need some wildlife photography advice before your Galapagos trip, head over to my Wildlife photography Tips page!

Will I make friends on a G Adventures Cruise?

Yes! If you are travelling alone you will be paired up with someone of the same gender to share a cabin with and the dining room is set up with tables for 5 and 6 so that you can easily get to know your travel mates!

There are often people travelling alone and on my trip, there was a huge mixture of ages from 27 to 87 mostly travelling alone or in pairs so you are bound to make at least a few friends. The average age is probably between 30 and 40.

What is the food like on a G Adventures Galapagos Cruise?

The food onboard is AMAZING! So much better than I was expecting on a budget Galapagos cruise. I was always pleasantly surprised what they could rustle up in a tiny kitchen for 20 guests and 10 crew!

Breakfast is usually cereals, cheeses, meats, toast and sometimes a frittata or an omelette.

Lunch is a buffet with a few hot options – pasta, rice, meats and salads – always delicious!

Dinner is a 3-course meal starting with homemade soup. The main course is usually meat or seafood with vegetables and is always followed by a tasty dessert.

After each activity, you will be met off the panga with freshly squeezed juices – everything from papaya to strawberry juice! This was always so tasty! There will also be snacks, often something more traditional such and empanadas which are my new favourite thing!

Alcoholic drinks are extras but tea, coffee and mineral water is provided all day. The drinks can be slightly pricey so budget enough if you like a bevvie in the evening. A bottle of wine is $22 and a beer is $4.

What are the cabins like on a G Adventures Cruise?

The cabins are smallish as you’d expect on a budget Galapagos cruise, but there is plenty of storage both under the bed and in a cupboard.

On previous sailing trips I’ve taken with other companies, the beds were narrow bunk beds but on my G Adventures boat trip , I had a normal single bed which was actually really comfy! There was definitely more space than I was used to on most sailing trips.

The bathrooms are compact but are proper bathrooms, not just wet rooms like I’ve had on other boat trips. The showers are warm and much appreciated after coming in from a cold dip in the sea!

Every day your bed is made by housekeeping just like a hotel stay – I was certainly not expecting this after other boat trips I’ve taken in the past!

The accommodation before and after the cruise at Hilton Colon (yes I found that hilarious too) was nothing short of luxury!

Whats the weather like in The Galapagos?

I can only tell you what the weather was like in October but from what I’ve heard, the weather is changeable all year round.

During October, the weather was consistently between 20-25 degrees Celsius which was very comfortable. It can get windy and rainy so pack for all weathers as it changes very quickly!

Wearing layers is the way forward! The hotter months are in Jan/Feb/March which is also the wet season but since temperatures can reach the mid 40’s I’m not convinced it’s the best time to visit!

What were the Galapagos G Adventures guides like?

I cannot rave about Roberto and Adrianna enough. They were always friendly and professional. Roberto is really funny and Adrianna is so sweet. They are both so knowledgeable and imparted so much knowledge about the local flora and fauna. We really couldn’t have asked for better guides/ naturalists. 

So would I travel The Galapagos with G Adventures again?

Absolutely!  I have no regrets choosing G Adventures . I’m pretty convinced they may be the best Galapagos cruise company! 

After hearing about the other boats where you pay 3 x the price only to travel on larger boats with more people, therefore, having to share those amazing views with 100 other people, I’d choose G Adventures every time.

The prices are reasonable (by Galapagos standards!) the boat was clean and comfortable, the food delicious, the staff helpful and the activities absolutely fantastic! I had an absolute ball and can’t recommend the Galapagos boat, The Monserrat, enough! It may be a budget Galapagos cruise but it was actually kinda luxurious! 

I Hope you’ve found this Galapagos Cruise review helpful and that I’ve persuaded you to book your own trip to the beautiful Galapagos Islands. You won’t regret it!

If your main focus is diving, you may want to choose a company which focusses on this, maybe even visiting the north islands which have the best diving opportunities. In which case I would recommend Live Aboard . Their trips will work out slightly pricier as they don’t include flights like G Adventures but they are still very affordable compared to most boats. Check out Live Aboard here .

As always, I love hearing from you. Tell me about your own Galapagos plans? And if you don’t mind sharing this post with your friends or on Pinterest, I will be eternally grateful – let’s spread the word about this incredible place!

Read More: 

G Adventures vs Intrepid Travel

The Best Group Travel Companies for single travellers

The Galapagos on a budget: Your ultimate guide  

Island Hopping Trips in the Galapagos – which won’t break the bank

A Galapagos Packing List

A Maldives Sailing Trip Review with G Adventures

A G Adventures Sri Lanka Review

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Wow what an amazing trip this was. I really love all your photographs. Me and my friend were just looking at this trip with G Adventures this weekend. I did wonder what it would be like being so cheap compared to other companies. We had best get saving!

I never felt like I was on a budget trip, in fact it felt pretty luxurious! Was it the same boat/route? They do several but I recommend this one as it covered so much variety – views, beaches and wildlife!

Wow! This looks so awesome! I would love to sail the Galapagos like this! Your pictures are also incredible!!

Thank you so much!

Sounds like an amazing experience! I have been wanting to go to the Galapagos for years but didn’t know such a nice budget option existed. Would love to do this one day

This sounds like an incredible trip! I’ve heard really good things about G Adventures and this cruise is definitely one for my bucket list x

I’ve been to the Galapagos but I didn’t do a cruise, but it looks like so much fun! I’ll have to do one if I go back!

It’s something I too have always wanted to do. What a treasure of a place. Did you see a Blue Footed Boobie? I’d love to see one!

Glad you loved playing with the sea lions, I had a similar experience in La Pax, Baja California, and you just never forget it.

Great to have a recommendation for a cheaper option too, G adventures sound like a lovely company, plus they have a big sale on right now…

Yes lots of blue footed boonbies – they are so cute! G adventures are an incredible company, Ive travelled with them 5 times now as I love them so much! And yes you’re right they often run sales so its always worth checking their sales pages! https://www.theglobetrottergp.com/gadventures-sale

I have just signed up for a Galapagos cruise with G Adventures, and your review has me so excited! With so many opportunities for snorkeling and a packed schedule, what was the pace like? Could you give an idea as to how much time snorkeling/hiking/exploring vs how much time was on the boat? And did you have to bring a backpack with a towel and change of clothes for post-snorkeling or were you able to return to the boat?

Ah amaazing! I hope you have an incredible time. You’ll spend a few hours in the morning and the same again in the afternoon off the boat. Its the perfect amount. We were always close to the main boat so we’d leave a few things on the beach then pop straight in the panga after snorkelling and head back to the main boat.

Wow, lovely blog about Galapagos islands. If you have decided to visit Galapagos island then you have done a fantastic thing by choosing this place. Galapagos located around 1000 Kms from Ecuador, the Galapagos Islands are one of the most beautiful destinations in the world.

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Home » South America » Ecuador » Galapagos

Galapagos Tours: Guide for a Galapagos Adventure (2024)

The Galapagos Islands are one of the most impressive and untouched archipelagos found anywhere on the planet.

The islands’ remoteness, abundant biodiversity, and historical importance all come together to make one hell of an adventure travel destination. Charles Darwin was onto something good when he first stepped foot on the islands more than 180 years ago.

Now, the Galapagos Islands are NOT a budget travel destination.

Whilst it is possible to visit the Galapagos on a budget, there is simply no ultra-cheap way to experience the islands, which is exactly why I bring you this in-depth guide on the  best Galapagos tour companies .

Short of sailing on your own boat, the best way to get the most out of your Galapagos travel experience is to book some sort of a Galapagos tour.

Now, I am the first person to raise my eyebrows when I hear the word  organized  tour, but some of the world’s most remote regions require tapping into outside forces.

I review the best Galapagos tours, including budget tours, liveaboard trips, luxury tours, and more, so you can find the right trip suited for your budget and style.

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Quick Answer: Best Galapagos Tour Companies

• Best Galapagos Scuba Diving Tour – Liveaboard Galapagos
• Best Budget Galapagos Scuba Diving Tour: Terra Diversa 
• Top Budget Galapagos Tour: Intrepid  
• Best Galapagos Camping/ Adventure Tour: G Tours

Best Galapagos Luxury Tour: Adventure Life

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How to Choose the Best Galapagos Tour

Best galapagos tours: company breakdowns, what to pack for the galapagos and ecuador, being a responsible backpacker in the galapagos islands.

Every Galapagos tour company is different. This includes the activities they offer and the accommodation quality. Prices fluctuate like the ocean tides and each Galapagos tour company carries its own distinct vibe/style.

Below I cover the best Galapagos diving liveaboard trips, budget Galapagos tours, Galapagos camping tours, Galapagos luxury tours, boat cruise tours, and more.

The goal of this guide is to shine a light on the Best Galapagos tours so that you can spend less time researching and more time getting stoked for your backpacking Galapagos trip .

For most travelers, we predict the most important factor to consider when choosing the best Galapagos tour comes down to price. Galapagos tour prices range from $600-700 at the low end to an appalling $10,000-12,000+ (for just two weeks!) on the luxury end.

The next factors to consider are the activities/focus/itinerary of the tour. Some tours are very “cruise” heavy, meaning you spend lots of time sailing on the ocean around the islands. Other Galapagos tours are very scuba diving focused. A majority of Galapagos tours are mixed adventure trips. This means they offer activities like day hikes, camping, diving, and cruising, as well as historical and cultural components.

After you dial in your Galapagos tour budget, you can then start to sort through the various itineraries/companies to find your perfect match. And if you want to explore by yourself, there are amazing hostels in Galapagos as well that won’t kill your bank account.

The Galapagos tour game all comes down to what you like to do and how much you willing to pay for it.

Want to save money on accommodation?

We got you. For reals.

Below I highlight my top picks for the best Galapagos tour companies.

Each company I highlight has something special to offer. Remember there are LOTS of Galapagos tour companies out there. I DO NOT  cover shit tours, ecologically unethical tours, or companies with poor reputations for customer service.

A visit to the Galapagos Islands is bound to be a highlight of your life and I want to make sure the tour company you choose meets your expectations in order to help make your Galapagos dream a reality.

Best Galapagos Scuba Diving Tour:  Liveaboard Galapagos

• Price: $2000-6000+
• # of Days: 4-8
• Main Activities: Scuba Diving

For scuba diving fanatics, few experiences can compare to a Liveaboard trip in the Galapagos. The waters around the Galapagos islands a protected marine reserve.

Protections have been in place for decades and the results are obvious. Ecosystems are intact. Abundant wildlife is thriving. The scuba diving is EPIC.

Liveaboard trips are great for fully immersing yourself in the world of scuba diving for a week or more. The boat you stay on goes to places that day trip scuba diving operators cannot. Basically, staying on a Liveaboard boat is the equivalent to staying at a luxury hotel. The food is amazing, the accommodation is top tier (for a boat), and you can expect multiple scuba dives every day of the trip. It’s a beautiful thing.

There are cheaper liveabaord-style Galapagos tours out there, but none with the same track record of excellence as the Liveaboard company.

(If you’re interested in liveaboard trips in other parts of the globe, we’ve covered that too.)

What is the Best Galapagos Tour Offered by Liveaboard?

Many of the Galapagos Liveaboard tours are much the same in terms of the itinerary (though they do have different itineraries). The main differences in price reflect the size of the boat, how many occupants the boat can serve, and the duration of the tour.

The cheaper Liveaboard tours are often 4 days or so, and can accommodate up to 50+ people. A crucial thing to note is that the cheap Liveaboard trips do NOT include any scuba diving. They are for pleasure cruising and snorkeling only. Scuba diving Liveaboard trips are more in the $4000-6000 range.

One of the best Galapagos Liveaboard tours for scuba diving is the Central Archipelago tour  aboard the Humboldt Ship ($5400, 8 days/7 nights).

The Humboldt takes divers to the best dive sites of the Galapagos to discover Galapagos sharks, hammerheads, turtles, schools of tuna, manta rays, whale sharks and white tip sharks.

The boat offers 8 air-conditioned, double cabins with an ocean view, TV/DVD, private bathrooms and showers. The 7 member crew goes out of their way to ensure guests are comfortable. Guests can relax in the air-conditioned salon, the covered back deck, and a sundeck with Jacuzzi. All in all, this is a pretty high-end tour we’re talking about.

For people who are serious about experiencing some truly once-in-a-lifetime scuba diving whilst living the high life, Liveaboard Galapagos is where it’s at.

Best Budget Scuba Diving Tour: Terra Diversa 

• Price: $1250+
• # of Days: 6

Good, you are still with me! If the prices of the above Liveaboard Galapagos tours nearly lead you to stop reading this article, I have. a tour company that will be music to your ears.

Terra Diversa is one of the best Galapagos tour companies for budget scuba diving trips. They cost significantly less than Liveaboard trips. That said, the overall style of the Terra Diversa tours are much different indeed.

First of all, you will not be based on a boat. This company runs its tours from a base on one of the islands. You still get to do loads of diving, just without all of the #shiplife luxury and moving around.

Every day of the tour you visit a different dive site and then return to “base camp” in the afternoon. Terra Diversa is an excellent option for backpackers lwho want to go scuba diving in the Galapagos without spending $5000 each.

What is the Best Galapagos Tour Offered by Terra Diversa?

The Terra Diversa budget Galapagos diving package is perhaps the best budget diving tour you will find anywhere.

It’s a six-day land-based tour with its base camp on Santa Cruz Island. You’ll enjoy six dive immersions at dive sites throughout the surrounding area. Divers can expect to pack in lots of quality dive time at the most important sites near Santa Cruz Island.

Because this is essentially a bare-bones tour, there are additional costs involved. Whilst your accommodation, breakfast, light lunch, diving costs, and transport around the Galapagos are covered, several important components are not.

Your flight from mainland Ecuador is not included. Entrance to the Galapagos National park is not included ($100). Dinner and booze are not included. When you start adding up the costs, you are easily looking at another $1000, if not more.

Bearing all of this in mind, Terra Diversa tours offer great all-around value for backpackers interested in a Galapagos scuba diving trip.

Best Galapagos Budget Tour for Under 30 Backpackers: Intrepid Travel

• Price: $1460- $2000
• # of Days: 9
• Main Activities: Hiking, snorkeling, beach chilling

Are you a backpacker between the age of 18 – 29 keen to discover the magic of the Galapagos? I have found the perfect tour for you.

Intrepid Travel offers affordable budget tours for younger backpackers. They have an age cut off to ensure the vibe stays youthful, highly energized, and open to debauchery without the possibility of offending older paying guests (my speculation).

The Intrepid Galapagos tour really keeps you on the move. The tour begins and ends in Quito (in the Andes), so in total you have six days to explore the islands.

The main activities for this Galapagos tour are hiking, chilling the F out on the beach, island hopping, and snorkeling (sometimes with sharks).

A cool aspect of this tour is the fact that you are traveling with like-minded backpackers your own age. As a kid, I use to go on trips with my parents and once I was stuck on a tour bus full of people over 70 years old for two weeks. You don’t want that.

What is the Best Galapagos Tour Offered by Intrepid?

Be sure that Intrepid offers many other tours besides the Essential Galapagos budget tour for younger backpackers.

I am covering their budget tour here because 1) It is one of the cheapest around and 2) Intrepid tours are a whole lot of fun.

Like the Terra Diversa tour listed above, you need to be aware of what’s included and what’s not.

The Intrepid Essential Galapagos tour covers your transportation (including flights), 5 breakfasts, hostel accommodation, and activities like hiking and snorkeling.

What’s not included: All meals except for 5 breakfasts, entrance fee to National Park ($100) and port fee ($10), and activity add-ons.

I am not a fan of all the meals guests need to pay for, but the tour does include your flights which is a huge saving. Plus you get a few days in the fantastic Andean city of  Quito . Exploring the Andes and the Galapagos on one trip? Hell yes.

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Best Galapagos Camping/ Adventure Tour: G Adventure Tours 

• Price: $1500+
• Main Activities: Hiking, snorkeling, camping

Another company doing badass Galapagos tours with younger backpackers in mind is G Adventures . Like Intrepid, G Adventures offers up various Galapagos tour options for reasonable prices.

Several G Adventure Galapagos tours offer up a good mix of activities, including camping and hiking. Outdoorsy types will love all of the nature-based activities.

I like G Adventures as a company for several reasons. They offer the maximum enjoyment level at some of the lowest prices around. Perhaps even more importantly, they take pride in their solid environmental track record. Far too many companies that operate in South America couldn’t care less about environmental ethics.

What is the Best Galapagos Tour Offered by G Adventures?

Again, G Adventures runs multiple tour itineraries. What equals the best tour for one person may not be the best for another. The Galapagos Adventure Tour  is my favorite both in terms of price and activities offered. Few other tour companies offer camping experiences at this price point.

The campsites are located in the remote highlands of the Santa Cruz and Isabela Islands. During free time and included activities there are opportunities to explore the towns and coastal areas on these islands, but in an effort to create a wilderness experience, the camping is not located in the towns, which is awesome.

So, what’s included and what’s not? All internal flights, multiple meals, transportation, camping, and some hikes are included. Certain meals, national park fees, optional activities like snorkeling and some hikes are not included.

G Adventures estimates you’ll need around $200 USD+ to cover the additional meal costs.

For an off the beaten track Galapagos camping tour experience, look no further than G Adventures.

• Price: $4000 – 8000
• # of Days: 4-9
• Main Activities: Kayaking, wildlife watching, wining and dining

For those of you with a little more cash in your bank account than us, the broke backpackers, Adventure Life is a fine company running Galapagos luxury tours.

Most Adventure Life tours offer a touch of the finer things in life. Luxury accommodation, dining, and adventure sport activities are all on the menu.

The main two types of tours offered by Adventure Life are hotel based or ship based. This is exactly what it sounds like. For certain tours, you sleep in hotels and do activities by day. For ship-based tours, you are sleeping on the boat and making day trips from the vessel.

Like some of the above-mentioned tour companies, Adventure Life runs tours all over the world. They have an excellent reputation for providing outstanding customer service and activity opportunities.

Adventure Life Galapagos tours are not for everyone (and certainly not for everyone’s budget), but if what they do interests you, there is no better company to enjoy a luxury Galapagos adventure.

What is the Best Galapagos Tour Offered by Adventure Life?

For a traveler who enjoys outdoor physical activities paired with a very comfortable accommodation, the Galapagos Multisport tour is the perfect Galapagos itinerary.

The Galapagos Multisport tour provides a good mix of kayaking, paddle boarding, hiking, and snorkeling. Sea lions, marine iguanas, dolphins, turtles, and bountiful birdlife swoop around you while you paddle and play. Not bad, right?

This Galapagos Multisport Adventure is the ultimate combination of adventure, comfort, and wildlife interaction, and a perfect trip for active families and athletic groups of four or more.

Whilst your accommodation, most activities, and many meals are included in the tour price, some crucial bits are not included.

Internal flights are not included (which is crazy if you pay $5,000 for a tour!). Add on the entrance fees and estimated $200/person for meals and you are looking at an additional $1000 minimum.

The Adventure Life is such a great tour, c’mon guys! How hard would it be for you to include the damn flights within Ecuador? Regardless, if you are looking for an awesome, comfortable adventure, Adventure Life is ready to make that dream come true.

Best Galapagos Luxury Tour #2: National Geographic Expeditions

• Price: $7,190 – 7,550
• Main Activities: Kayaking, snorkeling, hiking, wildlife

Another Galapagos luxury tour company that should be on your radar is National Geographic Expeditions . Yes, that is National Geographic. You too can join the prestige of a luxury National Geographic “expedition!”

Whilst the term expedition isn’t really accurate for this Galapagos tour, experiencing the Galapagos with a team of National Geographic naturalists from the comforts of a luxury ship is every bit as awesome as it sounds.

This tour very much focuses on learning about/experiencing the Galapagos Islands’ diverse wildlife species . In addition to getting up close and personal with the islands’ unique animals, there are plenty of outdoor activities on offer.

Kayaking, hiking, and snorkeling are all included in the tour. Certain National Geographic Expeditions tours offer scuba diving as well (at extra cost).

What is the Best Galapagos Tour Offered by National Geographic Expeditions?

The National Geographic Expedition Cruise to the Galapagos is an ultra-comfortable, luxury cruise tour with the associated price tag. As one of the most expensive tours on my list, this Nat Geo tour is also the most high-end in terms of luxury. This is not your typical backpacker adventure.

This tour offers accommodation on a luxury ship for 7 days (two nights on the mainland of Ecuador). Certainly, one of the highlights of the trip is getting to meet the endangered Galapagos giant tortoises at a National Geographic-supported captive breeding program.

What sets this tour apart from the rest of the pack is its unparalleled access to unique wildlife experiences with Nat Geo naturalists… that and the fact that you are cruising around in one of the most luxurious fleets in the Galapagos.

If you are interested in high-end luxury and learning about the unique biodiversity, history, and conservation efforts in the Galapagos, then the National Geographic Expedition Cruise will meet all of your needs and then some.

Wanna know how to pack like a pro? Well for a start you need the right gear….

These are packing cubes for the globetrotters and compression sacks for the  real adventurers – these babies are a traveller’s best kept secret. They organise yo’ packing and minimise volume too so you can pack MORE.

Or, y’know… you can stick to just chucking it all in your backpack…

Top Tips for Choosing A Galapagos Tour

Below, I have listed some tips/things to consider when selecting your own epic Galapagos tour adventure…

• Keep in mind internal flights within Ecuador can be expensive. If a tour doesn’t include flights to the islands, research how much flights cost for when you want to go and weigh the pros and cons.
• Factor in any extra meals you will need to buy. Every Galapagos tour on my list includes at least some meals. Budget tours tend to seriously skimp in regard to meals. Restaurants on the Galapagos Islands are among the most expensive in the whole country, so be sure to budget for any extra meal costs.
• The Galapagos National Park entrance fee is $100 per adult. Pretty much every tour will require you to pay this fee upon arrival.
• Be wary of “side trips” or “optional extras.” Again, both budget and luxury tours offer side trips or extra paid activities. Make sure you read the itinerary carefully and have a realistic idea of what is included and what is extra.
• Budget for tips. As a tour guide myself (in Pakistan) I know how sweet it is to receive tips after a job well-done. Sometimes, people can forget about tipping guides altogether and simply don’t think to budget for it. Tour guides work very hard to ensure you have an awesome time. If your guide does an amazing job, show him or her some love in the form of a decent tip. If the guide is shit, well, then don’t give them anything.
• Don’t go with a company that has a poor record of unethical environmental practices. Touching any marine life of any kind is unacceptable. Feeding wildlife simply to attract fish is even worse. Like I said before, there are plenty of tour companies out there that will happily take your money. Do your homework, especially if you are considering a budget operator not featured on this list! Not only can these budget companies be unethical, but diving with them can also be very dangerous. Do your due diligence and you should be just fine.

Whether you are just going to Ecuador for your Galapagos adventure or you are staying on to explore more of the country afterward, here are five things I never go traveling without:

Travel Security Belt

This is a regular looking belt with a concealed pocket on the inside – you can hide up to twenty notes inside and wear it through airport scanners without it setting them off.

Microfiber Towel

Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.

Petzl Actik Core Headlamp

A decent head torch could save your life. If you want to explore caves, unlit temples, or simply find your way to the bathroom during a blackout, a headtorch is a must.

‘Monopoly Deal’

Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.

Hanging Laundry Bag

Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.

For plenty more inspiration on what to pack, check out my full backpacking packing list.

We’ve tested countless backpacks over the years, but there’s one that has always been the best and remains the best buy for adventurers: the broke backpacker-approved Osprey Aether and Ariel series.

Want more deetz on why these packs are so  damn perfect? Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop!

Books to Read on the Galapagos Islands

Here are some of my favorite book set in the Galapagos…

• Galapagos: A Novel : In this inimitable novel, America’s master satirist looks at our world and shows us all that it is sadly, madly awry. Kurt Vonnegut is always a good time.
• The Beach of a Finch : On a desert island in the heart of the Galapagos archipelago, where Darwin received his first inklings of the theory of evolution, two scientists, Peter and Rosemary Grant, have spent twenty years proving that Darwin did not know the strength of his own theory.
• My Father’s Island : A true story that incorporates biography, adventure, and the elements of armchair travel. Angermeyer, who grew up in Nebraska, embarks on a search to discover what happened to her father, a refugee from Hitler, on the Galapagos Islands where he and her mother had lived before his death.
• Lonesome George : The legendary story of a legendary tortoise: Lonesome George is a 5 foot long, 200-pound tortoise, between 60 and 200 years old. In 1971 he was discovered on the remote Galapagos island of Pinta, from which tortoises had supposedly been extinct for years.
• The Origins of Species : Darwin’s classic masterpiece where he lays out his argument for the “survival of the fittest” theory and the bases of evolution as we know it. A must read!
• Lonely Planet: Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands : Practical information for backpacking around Ecuador and the Galapagos.

Get Insured before Visiting the Galapagos Islands

Even if you are only traveling to the Galapagos for a short period, you should consider travel insurance. Ecuador is pretty safe , but you can never be careful enough. Have fun on your backpacking adventure but please do buy insurance – take it from someone who has racked up tens of thousands of dollars on an insurance claim before, you ma y need it.

On a Galapagos adventure, odds are you’ll be just fine, but given all of the outdoor activities you’ll be getting into, it is very important to buy insurance.

I have been using World Nomads for some time now and made a few claims over the years. They’re easy to use, professional and relatively affordable. They may also let you buy or extend a policy once you’ve started your trip and are already abroad which is super handy.

For even more inspiration (let’s be honest, sometimes we need some inspiration to deal with travel insurance!), check out my new article on finding the best travel insurance for your adventures.

The Galapagos Islands are truly one of the earth’s last remaining refuges of mindblowing ecological biodiversity. There are countless species of wildlife found here that do not exist anywhere else on earth. As a visitor to these beautiful islands, you have a certain responsibility.

Whilst scuba diving, hiking, and camping in the Galapagos be respectful of the natural environment. Do not collect, touch, or disrupt any living creature or natural fixture. The entire Galapagos ecosystem is fragile and should be treated with the utmost care.

Have the time of your life experiencing the magic of the Galapagos. Just be thoughtful about how you do it. Almost unbelievably, there can be issues with rubbish on the islands (that’s humanity for you). Always pack away your trash and avoid dropping little bits of plastic or cigarette butts!

Reduce your plastic footprint:  Perhaps the best thing you can do for our planet is to make sure you do NOT add to the plastic problem all over the world. Don’t buy one-use water bottles, the plastic ends up in a landfill or in the ocean.

Check out this post for more inspiration regarding  how to be a responsible backpacker .

Have a wonderful time on your Galapagos Islands tour! See you down the road.

Made it this far? You get 15% OFF to book a place to stay ! Offer valid exclusively for Broke Backpackers 😉

Aiden Freeborn

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Be careful who you are dealing with in the Galapagos.

DO NOT trust Carlos Palacios or the ministry of tourism on Santa Cruz island, Galapagos

Carlos is a fraud. He pretends to be a tour agent by sitting at random agency desks to steal money from unsuspecting tourists. We booked a cruise with Carlos for 2000$USD cash(which is often the case for last minute cruises). The thing is, he never sent the money to the boat company. He then brought us to the ministry of tourism’s office to sign a « contract » saying he would refund us the money on the next monday, which he never did. The tourism agent AND the director kept lying to us just so they could make us wait long enough to the point where we couldn’t do anything anymore since we would be back in our country and the only real way of getting something done is by going to the police and making an official complaint. This being stated, the contract they made us sign is complete useless. The whole of this system is corrupted and you can’t know who to trust. At the end of the trip, we were left with no cruise, no money and so many hours waisted on this situation. We also talked with other tourists who had the same exact experience in the Galapagos. This practice is common on the islands and if you plan on going to the Galapagos you should be extremely careful with who you are dealing with.

For a stress free trip, I recommend going at Galapagos Blue Sky agency and ask for Josué if you want the best service on the island.

A trip to the Galapagos Islands is unlike any adventure you’ll ever have and that’s because this magnificent place is unlike any other you’ll ever visit.

I always wanted to go to Galapagos but till now not got a chance…. Bookmarking this guide for my future reference. Thanks for a lovely read.

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Galapagos Islands Tours & Vacations

Step into an isolated world. See giant tortoises roaming and unforgettable landscapes unfurl before your very eyes. 

Get ready to observe wildlife the way Charles Darwin did hundreds of years ago. Inquisitive sea lions and spiky marine iguanas breach and bask between island and shore. Hammerhead sharks patrol the deep waters while blue-footed boobies and albatross cut through the sky. Nowadays, these Ecuadorian islands host a steady stream of modern-day explorers cruising from isla to isla. Snorkel in crystal-clear waters, traverse volcanic landscapes and spot animals you've only ever seen pictures of. To sum it up, there's simply no place on Earth quite like the Galapagos.

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Transport in the galapagos islands.

Intrepid believes half the fun of experiencing a new country is getting there, and getting around once there! Where possible, Intrepid uses local transport options and traditional modes of transport - which usually carry less of an environmental impact, support small local operators and are heaps more fun.Depending on which trip you're on while in the Galapagos Islands, you may find yourself on:

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Galapagos Islands at a glance

Capital city.

Puerto Baquerizo Moreno

US dollar (USD)

(GMT-06:00) Galapagos

CALLING CODE

Electricity.

Type A (North American/Japanese 2-pin), Type B (American 3-pin)

Learn more about Galapagos Islands

Best time to visit.

Simply put, there’s no bad time to visit the Galapagos Islands. Good weather is mostly found year round, as are the animals. This being said, November through to June is the preferred time to visit, with clearer skies, calmer seas and decreased winds. Of these, March and April have less rain, while November and December are the warmest. July to November is the best time for divers as whale sharks can often be spotted at Wolf and Darwin islands.

Learn more about the best time to visit the Galapagos Islands

Culture and customs

Ever since Charles Darwin brought attention to the giant tortoises, sea lions, hammerhead sharks and other spectacular wildlife of the Galapagos Islands, people have been fascinated by this archipelago of volcanic islands. Originally a pirate hideout, people started migrating to the islands from Ecuador after it became part of the country in 1832. Of the 13 major islands and scores of smaller islands and islets that make up the Galapagos, only five of them are inhabited – about 26,000 residents spread over the islands of Isabela, Santa Cruz, Floreana, Baltra and San Cristobal. The wildlife rules the rest of the islands, which are carefully managed to help protect the precious environment.

Geography and environment

Located in the Pacific Ocean about 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador, the Galapagos Islands are a volcanic archipelago of 13 major islands, six smaller islands and more than 100 islets. Some are sparsely vegetated with largely mountainous interiors, whereas others are comparatively lush with white-sand beaches. Many of the islands are in a state of flux, as continual volcanic eruptions cause them to erode and expand.

The largest island, Isabela, makes up half the land area of the Galapagos and is characterized by three active volcanos, a blue lagoon, clear lakes filled with flamingos and beaches where iguanas and sea lions roam. Santa Cruz is the second largest island with giant tortoises, marine iguanas and Galapagos crabs residing in Tortuga Bay. The oldest and most remote island, Espanola (also called Hood), boasts boobies, albatrosses and many species of birds and lizards not found anywhere else in the world. 

Top wildlife to spot

1. Sea Lions

Whether you're loafing about on the beach or snorkeling offshore, you’ll be hard-pressed not to come face-to-face with these frolicsome critters at some stage. Playful, plentiful, and pretty much fearless, you’re supposed to keep a 2-meter distance from these guys at all times - though their insatiable curiosity can make this hard.

2. Marine Iguanas

The only lizards in the world that can live and forage in the ocean, the marine iguana is found solely in the Galapagos. Fierce and ferocious though these Godzilla-like reptiles may appear (Darwin called them ‘Imps of Darkness’), it’s all bluff – they only feed on algae. And with lung capacities permitting up to half an hour of underwater foraging, you’re just as likely find them gorging on the islands’ surrounding seabeds as scampering about the craggy rocks they inhabit.

3. Hammerhead Sharks

Boasting one of the animal kingdom’s most puzzling physiologies, hammerhead sharks are found in abundance off Wolf, Bartolome, Santa Cruz and Darwin islands. Unlike most sharks, they will often merge into schools of over 100 during the day - making for some incredible and surreal photo opportunities. And with no known human fatalities and a wealth of choice natural prey on offer, diving amongst them isn’t as scary or dangerous as one might think.

Darwin finches gave rise to one of the most game-changing theories of all time. By studying the differences between finches from different islands, Darwin hypothesized that the birds’ adaptations to their habitats resulted in their mutation into different species: his Theory of Evolution.

5. Giant Tortoises

No trip to the islands is complete without a visit to its most famous residents. Weighing up to 882 pounds, regularly living for more than 100 years, and able to go for up to 1 year without food, these gentle and slow-moving monsters are an intriguing and humbling spectacle to observe.

6. Sea Turtles

Snorkeling alongside these majestic creatures of the deep (or more accurately, the shallows) is one of those rare, life-affirming moments that makes a trip to the Galapagos immediately worthwhile. Keep your eyes peeled on the beaches for turtle nests too - the Galapagos is a hotbed of activity for these critters. 

7. Blue-Footed Boobies

Despite essentially looking like handsome seagulls with painted toenails, blue-footed boobies, when caught hunting, serve up one of the Galapagos' most thrilling spectacles. Diving from heights of up to 100ft, groups of boobies hit the water at speeds up around 60km per hour. They usually let out a shrill whistle before letting rip, which means you'll usually have warning enough to get your camera out too. How considerate.

8. Flightless Cormorants

Granted, a flightless cormorant spotted on land isn't one of the most invigorating sights you'll see during your time here. But wait until you don your snorkel gear and spot one weaving elegantly through the water - the flightless cormorant will likely become one of your favorite discoveries in the Galapagos Islands for this reason alone.

9. Frigatebird

With its striking wingspan and deeply-forked tail, the magnificent frigate bird is easily one of the most impressive birds in the skies of the Galapagos archipelago. But they don't have such a swell reputation amongst other birds. Whilst they hunt fish on the oceans surface, they also force their winged brethren to regurgitate their food, which then they eat - a process known as kleptoparasitism. Still, they look gorgeous – particularly the males, with their bright-red chin sac.

Healthy and safety

Intrepid takes the health and safety of its travelers seriously, and takes every measure to ensure that trips are safe, fun and enjoyable for everyone. We recommend that all travelers check with their government or national travel advisory organization for the latest information before departure:

From Australia?

Go to:  http://www.smartraveller.gov.au/

From New Zealand?

Go to:  http://www.safetravel.govt.nz/

From Canada?

Go to:  https://travel.gc.ca/

Go to:  http://travel.state.gov/

Go to:  http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/

The World Health Organisation

also provides useful health information:  Go to:  http://www.who.int/en/

Further reading

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Galapagos Islands travel FAQs

Do i need a visa to travel to galapagos islands.

Visas are the responsibility of the individual traveler. Entry requirements can change at any time, so it's important that you check for the latest information.

Please visit the relevant consular website of the country or countries you’re visiting for detailed and up-to-date visa information specific to your nationality.

Check the Essential Trip Information section of the itinerary for more information.

Is tipping customary in the Galapagos Islands?

While tipping isn’t mandatory, tips are very much appreciated by service workers and guides.

Leaving a 10% tip is customary in restaurants.

Some automatically add a 10% service charge to your bill, in which case an extra tip isn’t required.

What is the weather like in the Galapagos Islands?

The Galapagos Islands enjoy almost perfect weather all year with two distinct seasons offering warmer, rainier months and cooler, drier months.

Temperatures rarely dip below 70°F or reach higher than 90°F. You can travel to the islands anytime throughout the year and experience fantastic weather.

Light rainfall is expected from January to May (along with high humidity levels), but it never lasts for long and doesn't often turn into heavier downpours.

What is the internet access like in the Galapagos Islands?

There are reliable internet cafes in Puerto Ayora (Santa Cruz Island) and Puerto Baquerizo (San Cristobal Island).

Some hotels and restaurants on other islands will have a Wi-Fi connection, but it is best not to rely on it.

Can I use my cell phone in the Galapagos Islands?

There's good cell phone reception on the larger islands, but don’t expect it when at sea. The best local telephone companies are Porta and Movistar.

Ensure you have global roaming activated before leaving home if you wish to use your cell phone.

What are the toilets like in the Galapagos Islands?

Most towns have Western-style flushable toilets, though you will likely encounter squat toilets as well. Regardless, it’s a good idea to carry your own toilet paper and hand sanitiser, as they are not always provided.

Can I drink the water in the Galapagos Islands?

Tap water isn’t considered safe to drink in the Galapagos Islands.

Avoid drinks with ice and make sure to peel fruit before eating it.

Help the environment and try to avoid buying bottled water. Instead, fill a reusable water bottle with filtered water. Your leader or hotel can tell you where to find filtered water.

Are credit cards accepted widely in the Galapagos Islands?

No, credit cards are not widely accepted.

There are a handful of shops on Santa Cruz that may accept major credit cards, but it’s preferable to pay in cash.

How many islands make up the Galapagos Islands?

The Galapagos Islands are made up of 13 larger islands and more than 60 smaller islands and islets. 5 islands are habitable to just over 30,000 people.

These 5 islands are Isla Baltra, Isla Floreana, Isla Isabela, Isla Santa Cruz, and Isla San Cristobal.

What is ATM access like in Galapagos Island?

The banks in Puerto Ayora and Puerto Baquerizo have ATMs.

The Banco del Pacifico in both towns is open from 8 am to 3:30 pm Monday to Friday and 9 am to 12.30 pm on Saturdays.

It's best to withdraw your money on the mainland in case these are out of order.

Check each bank's website for up-to-date opening hours.

Are the Galapagos Islands a safe destination for LGBTQIA+ travelers?

The Galapagos Islands are a relatively hassle-free destination for LGBTQIA+ travellers.

Same-sex marriage was legalised in Ecuador in 2008. The country hosts several fiestas where it’s acceptable for men to cross-dress as women.

However, homophobic attitudes do exist among the older generations. It is best to avoid public displays of affection where possible.

For more detailed advice, we recommend visiting   Equaldex   or   ILGA   before you travel.

What to drink in the Galapagos Islands

Quench your thirst after a glorious day spent exploring the Galapagos  by sipping on a glass of canelazo, horchata tea, or freshly made fruit juice.

During your cruise around the islands, it makes sense to try as many traditional Ecuadorian drinks as you can, especially since there are heaps to choose from.

Do I need to purchase travel insurance before traveling?

Absolutely. All passengers traveling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their trip. Your travel insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day of the trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is very much an essential and necessary part of every journey.

For more information on insurance, please go to: Travel Insurance

Are Intrepid trips accessible for travelers with disabilities?

We are committed to making travel widely  accessible , regardless of ability or disability. We do our best to help you see the world, regardless of physical or mental limitations. 

We are always happy to talk to travelers with disabilities and see if we can help guide them toward the most suitable itinerary for their needs and, where possible, make reasonable adjustments to our itineraries.

Does my trip support The Intrepid Foundation?

Yes, all Intrepid trips support the Intrepid Foundation. Trips to this country directly support our global Intrepid Foundation partners, Eden Reforestation Projects and World Bicycle Relief. Intrepid will double the impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.

Eden Reforestation Projects

Eden Reforestation Projects are helping to mitigate climate change by restoring forests worldwide; they also hire locally and create job opportunities within vulnerable communities. Donations from our trips support restoration across planting sites in 10 countries around the globe. Find out more or make a donation World Bicycle Relief

World Bicycle Relief provides people in low-income communities with bicycles to mobilize school kids, health workers, and farmers in far-out areas – giving them access to vital education, healthcare, and income. Donations help provide Buffalo Bicycles – specifically designed to withstand the rugged terrain and harsh environment of rural regions – to those who need them most. Find out more or make a donation

Going to the Galápagos Islands on a Group Tour? Here's What to Know

H ere are the ins and outs of visiting the action-packed Galápagos Islands on a group-travel itinerary, according to one mom who just got back.

It was a typically warm April day at La Lobería beach in San Cristóbal, one of the 13 main Galápagos Islands . I was snorkeling behind a blue-barred parrotfish, hypnotized by the sound of it crunching on coral, when I felt a tug on my hand. I turned to find my seven-year-old son, Remy, pointing out a diamond stingray. A moment later, we both spotted a green sea turtle. Wowed but eager for more, Remy flapped his fins and we were off, chasing creatures he’d only ever seen in wildlife documentaries. The trip, I had to admit, was going swimmingly.

Remy has long been a big nature enthusiast, with an eye for animals and a heart for conservation. So my husband and I decided that, as a birthday present, we’d treat our son to a trip to the Galápagos . 

I’m usually the type-A, take-the-wheel planner of our family’s trips, which have included many #vanlife adventures in our Ford Transit. But this time I decided to hand off the logistics to someone else: we booked an eight-day group tour with Intrepid Travel , because of its kid-friendly itinerary. We also liked that Intrepid is certified as a B Corp and partners with the Galápagos Conservancy. Then there was the chance to meet other families — something we don’t often get to do when we’re traveling on our own.

When we touched down in Quito to rendezvous with our group, though, I was disappointed to learn that only one other family would be traveling with us. I had envisioned a mini United Nations of kids from around the world. Instead, we’d be traveling for a week with just one other couple, from Erie, Pennsylvania, and their eight-year-old twins.

Turns out, Intrepid had already filled one 16-person group tour and had created a second, smaller departure just for us. I’ll admit to some apprehension about being in such an intimate group. But within a couple of days, the kids were playing like old friends, bonding over Pokémon and imagined battles between prehistoric species. One evening along the malecón in Puerto Ayora, the archipelago’s largest town, the children made up their own rap song as sea lions barked rhythmically on a nearby beach. I was pleased for Remy, who said he enjoyed traveling with the twins. “It’s nice having someone to talk to that understands you,” he confided.

It took me a bit longer to fall into the group-trip flow, and to warm up to our new friends from Erie. Then, while swimming one day in Tortuga Bay, off the island of Santa Cruz, our guide Lorenzo Panchana spotted a blue-footed booby standing on a rocky bluff. As we all giddily dashed out of the water to marvel at it together, the joy of our shared adventure suddenly clicked.

Soon enough, I was opening up to the group over our meals of fresh tuna poke and rounds of piña coladas at sunset. We exchanged frame-worthy photos of each other: basking with dozens of marine iguanas on the beach, walking with giant land tortoises in the Santa Cruz highlands, and kayaking around the harbor in San Cristóbal surrounded by playful sea lion pups. Each family gently pushed the other out of their comfort zone: we coaxed them into riding bikes, while they had convinced us to hop into those kayaks in the first place.

We bonded over the knowledge that we’d remember these wild moments because we’d shared them together. Remy still FaceTimes with the twins, usually to workshop new song lyrics. And next summer, we may join our new friends on another Intrepid tour, this one to the Southeast Asian island of Borneo, where our three budding naturalists can reunite and venture into the wild to spot orangutans and pygmy elephants.

4 More Tours for Adventurous Families

Kids are welcome on board Lindblad Expeditions ships, such as the 148-passenger National Geographic Explorer. They can learn photography from experts and kayak past icebergs alongside breaching whales.

Tween-friendly itineraries from Frontiers North Adventures incorporate mushing and museum visits in and around the town of Churchill, Manitoba, which bills itself as the polar-bear capital of the world. 

Black Tomato takes families from the legendary noodle stalls and lush gardens of Bangkok to the mountains of Chiang Rai for walks with rescued elephants.

West Virginia  

Outdoor Afro and REI have teamed up on a guided camping journey that visits New River Gorge National Park & Preserve, where kids aged eight and up can go whitewater rafting, hiking, and swinging through a canopy-​level ropes course.

A version of this story first appeared in the July 2024 issue of Travel + Leisure under the headline "Learning to Evolve." 

For more Travel & Leisure news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!

Read the original article on Travel & Leisure .

G Adventures employee gets surprise visit from ‘Galápagos Postman’

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G Adventures’ Jen Watson has spoken of her surprise after a visitor turned up at her house in Scotland to deliver a postcard she wrote in the Galápagos Islands.

Watson, a global purpose specialist with the operator, dropped off the postcard at the famous mailbox on Floreana Island during a holiday in February.

But she was stunned last week when traveller Jonny Beardmore arrived at her house in Kilmarnock, Ayrshire, to hand-deliver the note.

“I was very surprised when he arrived,” said Watson, adding: “Everyone who knows me was surprised I was actually home.”

During a typical week, Watson spends three or four days away from home as she visits agencies.

She was returning home from St Andrews on Friday, August 9, when her partner Michael Higgins received a call from a taxi driver friend letting them know the driver was at their house with a delivery.

Instead of going to the shops as planned, the couple went straight to their house and discovered the true nature of the delivery.

“Jonny came out of the taxi and we invited him inside and gave him a whisky within two minutes,” said Watson.

The trio then had dinner at The Park Hotel at Kilmarnock FC’s ground, before Beardmore got the last train to Glasgow en route to Dublin.

The New Zealander is on a year-long mission to deliver 50 of the Galápagos postcards to their intended recipients around the world.

His trip to Ayrshire resulted in the delivery of the 25th postcard, with the project designed to drum up funds for motor neurone disease (MND) charities.

Beardmore lived in London before setting out on his globe-trotting mission, which was inspired by his father’s death from MND.

Watson encouraged Travel Weekly readers to visit Beardmore’s Instagram account, @bigoadventures, as the self-described ‘Galápagos Postman’ reports on his journey.

Reflecting on her Galápagos trip, Watson said: “It was a long way to go, but it was absolutely worth it.”

She added: “It was amazing. I’ve done various trips around the world, but Galápagos was something truly special. The wildlife was everywhere and the place was a hidden gem.”

The postcard bore a note stating how much she had enjoyed the trip along with a reminder to return.

Before joining G Adventures in May 2022, Watson was employed by Hays Travel and Travel 2. She has worked in the industry for 19 years.

Picture: Jen Watson receives her postcard from ‘Galápagos Postman’ Jonny Beardmore in Kilmarnock

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Galápagos — North & Central Islands aboard the Eden

• Fully Guided
• Christmas & New Year

Traveled in May 2022

• Introduction
• Day 1 Quito
• Day 2 Quito/Baltra Island (1B, 1L, 1D)
• Day 3 Genovesa Island (1B, 1L, 1D)
• Day 4 Bartolomé Island/Sullivan Bay (1B, 1L, 1D)
• Day 5 Black Turtle Cove/Cerro Dragón (1B, 1L, 1D)
• Day 6 Santa Cruz Island/Quito (1B)
• Day 7 Quito (1B)

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What's Included

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Where You'll Stay

Hotel Hilton Colon

Operated by

G Adventures

Number of tours

12 to 90 years old

Response time

less than 1 hour

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G Adventures gives you the opportunity to explore interesting and unusual places at a great price. The G Adventures reviews show high ratings from satisfied customers for all aspects of the trip, so you can be assured that you will be in good hands. If you have any questions at any time during...

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Customer Reviews

• Overall Rating Excellent 4.7
• Itinerary Good 4.0
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• Transport Good 4.0
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• Food Good 4.0
• Tour Operator G Adventures 4.7
• A Joshua Batham · 16th June 2022 It was truly amazing! Incredible place, incredible guide and fantastic people. This really was a trip of a lifetime! My new favourite place in the world! Trip date: May 2022 Review collected by G Adventures

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• -40% Saturday 31 Aug, 2024 Friday 6 Sep, 2024 English Almost Sold Out €3,694 €2,216 Confirm Dates
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Good to Know

• Currency $ US Dollar Ecuador

As a traveller from England, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa you will need an adaptor for types A, B.

• These are only indications, so please visit your doctor before you travel to be 100% sure.
• Typhoid - Recommended for Ecuador. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
• Hepatitis A - Recommended for Ecuador. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
• Tuberculosis - Recommended for Ecuador. Ideally 3 months before travel.
• Hepatitis B - Recommended for Ecuador. Ideally 2 months before travel.
• Rabies - Recommended for Ecuador. Ideally 1 month before travel.
• Yellow fever - Recommended for Ecuador. Ideally 10 days before travel.
• Unfortunately we cannot offer you a visa application service. Whether you need a visa or not depends on your nationality and where you wish to travel. Assuming your home country does not have a visa agreement with the country you're planning to visit, you will need to apply for a visa in advance of your scheduled departure.
• Here is an indication for which countries you might need a visa. Please contact the local embassy for help applying for visas to these places.
• For any tour departing before 30th September 2024 a full payment is necessary. For tours departing after 30th September 2024, a minimum payment of 20% is required to confirm your booking with G Adventures. The final payment will be automatically charged to your credit card on the designated due date. The final payment of the remaining balance is required at least 45 days prior to the departure date of your tour. TourRadar never charges you a booking fee and will charge you in the stated currency.
• Some departure dates and prices may vary and G Adventures will contact you with any discrepancies before your booking is confirmed.
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• TourRadar is an authorised Agent of G Adventures. Please familiarise yourself with the G Adventures payment, cancellation and refund conditions .
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