Galapagos Islands essential info
They inspired Darwin and they enthrall wildlife-watchers with their fearless animals. The Galápagos Islands are a dream destination for anyone curious about the natural world
Travel in the Galápagos Islands: vital stats
- Capital of the Galápagos: Puerto Baquerizo Moreno (San Cristóbal); Puerto Ayora (Santa Cruz) is the main hub
- Population of the Galápagos: 30,000
- Language in the Galápagos: Spanish
- Time in the Galápagos: GMT-6 (GMT-5 on mainland Ecuador)
- International dialling code for the Galápagos: +593 52
- Voltage in the Galápagos: 110V, 60Hz AC
- Visas for the Galápagos: Ecuador visas. Note that admission to the national park is permitted on payment of an entry fee on arrival.
- Money in the Galápagos: US dollar. There are few places to withdraw money on the Galápagos, but you won’t need much once on your cruise boat – just enough for drinks and tips.
- Travel advice for the Galápagos: Foreign & Commonwealth Office
- Galápagos Islands tourist information: Ecuador Tourist Board
When to go to the Galápagos
The Galápagos is exciting year round. If you like it hot, go between December and March, when average temperatures range from 25-33°C, and the sea is ideal for snorkelling and diving. Land-based creatures thrive at this time of year, as there is plenty of food for insects, seeds for birds and fruits for iguanas. At sea, marine turtles come to mate and lay their eggs along the sandy beaches.
From April onwards the weather is cooler; there is lots of activity on land and at sea, and the islands are still green with plenty of flowers and insects. It’s also the time when albatross come back to Española to start their courtship.
By June many trees have shed their foliage and the islands take on a more arid appearance with no rain but a morning mist. Tortoises and sea lions begin breeding, as do many seabirds such as boobies and frigates. The seas get quite choppy between July and September and temperatures drop to 18-23°C.
Galápagos international airports
Baltra (GPS) on Baltra Island, one hour from Puerto Ayora
Getting around in the Galápagos
Domestic
flights to the Galápagos Islands from Quito or Guayaquil are generally booked in conjunction with your cruise. Practically all visitors to the Galápagos get around by
boat, joining a multi-day cruise. Tourism is strictly controlled on the Galápagos, with visitors only allowed at certain sites. The national park administration controls the routes of all boats in order to prevent overcrowding. The individual boats all follow their own set itineraries and are not allowed to deviate from them.
Galápagos accommodation
There are a few hotels on the Galápagos, on Santa Cruz, San Cristóbal, Isabela and Floreana. However, most visitors stay on boats. There are broadly three categories: small (12 to 20 passengers); medium (about 50 passengers – these include the most luxurious vessels); and large (about 100 passengers – which are all first- to luxury-class cruises).
The cheaper boats are generally the smallest and least spacious, though most have cabins with private bathrooms. One advantage of small boats is that much less time is spent embarking and disembarking, meaning you get more time ashore and you will have a more intimate experience with the islands.
If you’re after comfort and a firm hull for unsteady sea legs, opt for a bigger ship.
Galápagos food & drink
Food on Galápagos cruise ships varies depending on the class of boat. The more expensive and luxurious vessels will serve up large, Western-style meals of excellent quality – mostly meat or fish with plenty of salads, vegetables and fresh tropical fruit;
ceviche (raw seafood marinated in lemon) is a delicious speciality if prepared properly. There will be three main meals a day, plus snacks between shore landings and snorkel dips. Cheaper boats will offer more basic fare.
Food in general is quite expensive on the Galápagos – most produce has to be imported. Wine (often shipped up from Chile) is fairly pricey; local beer is a cheaper option.
Vegetarian food isn’t commonplace but if you notify your cruise operator before departure you will be well catered for.
Health & safety in the Galápagos
No inoculations are required and there are no nasties to catch, except the usual stomach bugs. Seasickness is an issue, so if you are prone take some remedies and consider a bigger boat if travelling during the cooler, rougher season. For mainland Ecuador hepatitis A, typhoid and dengue are present so consult your doctor before you go.
Further reading on travel in the Galápagos Islands
- Galápagos Wildlife: A Visitor’s Guide (Bradt Travel Guides, 2005)
- Ecuador & Galapagos Handbook (Footprint, 2009)
- Ecuador including the Galapagos Islands (Rough Guides, 2010)
- Ecuador & the Galápagos Islands (Lonely Planet,2009)
- The Voyage of the Beagle (Penguin, 1989) by Charles Darwin