Galapagos Islands Destination Guide
This essential guide will help you prepare for an unforgettable journey through the Galapagos Islands.
Essential Travel Information for the Galapagos Islands
Everything you need to know before your Galapagos Islands adventure
Visa & Entry Requirements
- Transit Control Card: Required for all visitors, costs $20 USD and is obtained at the airport or online in advance
- Passport Validity: Must be valid for at least six months beyond your departure date.
- Ecuador Entry: Most travelers from the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, and EU can enter Ecuador visa-free for up to 90 days.
- Passport Details: Full passport details are required at the time of booking to arrange permits.
- Bag Inspection: Mandatory SICGAL screening at Quito or Guayaquil airports. Arrive 2+ hours early.
Currency & Payments
- US Dollar (USD) is the official currency of Ecuador and the Galapagos.
- Cash: Essential as many places don't accept cards. Bring smaller bills.
- ATMs: Available on Santa Cruz and San Cristobal islands, but can be unreliable.
- Credit Cards: Accepted in larger hotels and restaurants, but not everywhere.
- Notify Your Bank: Inform your bank of travel plans to avoid card blocks.
Mobile & Internet
- WiFi: Available in most hotels but can be slow and unreliable due to the remote island setting.
- SIM Cards: Claro and Movistar offer service in populated areas of the islands.
- Power: Ecuador uses 120V with Type A and B plugs (same as USA).
Time Zone
- Galapagos Islands follow Galapagos Time (GALT) – UTC -6.
- The islands are 1 hour behind mainland Ecuador.
- Galapagos is 1 hour behind U.S. Eastern Standard Time.
Climate & Weather
- Warm Season: December to May (24-30°C/75-86°F), warmer waters, occasional rain.
- Cool Season: June to November (19-24°C/66-75°F), cooler waters, misty mornings.
- Water Temperature: Ranges from 18-24°C (65-75°F) depending on season.
- UV Exposure: Very high due to equatorial location.
Transportation
- On the Islands: Bike, bus, and taxi are available for local transport.
- Restricted Areas: Some areas are only accessible with guided tours.
- Mainland Ecuador: Uber is available in Quito.
- Guides: You will have two guides - one in Quito and one in the Galápagos.
Water & Health
- Drinking Water: Tap water is NOT safe to drink. Use purified, boiled, or bottled water only.
- Health Supplies: Bring Pepto-Bismol/Imodium and motion sickness medication.
- Sun Protection: Pack reef-safe sunscreen with high SPF.
- Hand Sanitizer: Bring a portable supply for times when soap/water aren't available.
Language
- Official Language: Spanish is the official language.
- Tourist Areas: English is widely spoken in tourist areas.
- Useful Phrases:
- Hello – ¡Hola!
- Thank you – Gracias
- Where is...? – ¿Dónde está...?
- Do you speak English? – ¿Habla inglés?
Emergency Contacts
- Emergency Number: 📞 911
- Galapagos Hospital (Santa Cruz): 📞 +593 5-252-0144
- US Consulate (Quito): 📞 +593 2-398-5000
- Park Ranger Station: 📞 +593 5-252-0497
Packing Checklist for the Galapagos Islands
Use this checklist to ensure you pack everything you need for your Galapagos Islands adventure
Travel Documents & Essentials
- Passport (valid for at least 6 months)
- Cash for National Park fee ($100 USD) and Transit Card ($20 USD)
- Flight itinerary & proof of onward travel
- Travel insurance documents (with evacuation coverage)
- Credit/debit cards
- Cash in small USD denominations
- Copy of prescription medications
- Travel wallet or money belt
- Copies of important documents (separate from originals)
- Emergency contact information
- Travel adapter
- Ear plugs
Clothing & Accessories
- Quick-dry T-shirts and shorts (non-cotton)
- Long-sleeved shirts (sun protection)
- Lightweight pants
- Swimwear (2-3 suits)
- Rash guard/swim shirt (sun protection)
- Light rain jacket or poncho
- Active shoes/running shoes (sufficient for volcano hike)
- Water shoes or sandals with straps
- Wide-brimmed sun hat
- Sunglasses with strap
- Extra underwear
- Personal towel for snorkeling (towels not provided)
- Travel laundry soap
Health & Safety
- Reef-safe sunscreen (high SPF)
- After-sun lotion or aloe vera gel
- Insect repellent
- Motion sickness medication
- First-aid kit with basic supplies
- Prescription medications
- Reusable water bottle (1L or larger)
- Electrolyte packets
- Hand sanitizer
- Biodegradable wet wipes
- Pepto-Bismol/Imodium
- Day pack for excursions
- Portable charger for devices
Equipment & Gadgets
- Waterproof camera or GoPro
- Underwater camera housing (if using regular camera)
- Binoculars for wildlife viewing
- Dry bag for boat trips
- Snorkeling personal towel (not provided)
- Waterproof phone case
- Portable charger/power bank
- Headlamp or flashlight
- Universal adapter
- Extra memory cards for photos
Packing Tips
- Pack light! Limited weight allowance on flights to Galapagos (usually 20kg/44lbs).
- Bring a reusable shopping bag to reduce plastic waste on the islands.
- Laundry services are available on the main islands but can be expensive.
- Bring an extra swimsuit so one can dry while you wear the other.
- Snorkeling Gear: Mask, snorkel, fins, and life jackets are included. Wetsuits are not included but can be rented locally for $40-60/week.
- Volcano Hike: Running shoes are sufficient. Trails may be muddy in rain, but no special hiking boots required.
Top Islands & Experiences
Discover the incredible places you'll visit during your Galapagos adventure
Santa Cruz Island
The most populated island and a central hub for Galapagos exploration with stunning wildlife encounters.
Must-See Attractions:
- Charles Darwin Research Station – Learn about conservation efforts and see giant tortoises.
- Tortuga Bay – Pristine white sand beach with marine iguanas and clear waters.
- Las Grietas – Natural rock formation with crystal clear water for swimming.
- Highlands – See giant tortoises in their natural habitat.
Your trip includes guided tours to these key sites with expert naturalists!
Isabela Island
The largest island in the archipelago with stunning volcanic landscapes and unique wildlife.
Island Highlights:
- Sierra Negra Volcano – Hike to one of the largest volcanic craters in the world.
- Tintoreras – Spot white-tipped reef sharks, penguins, and marine iguanas.
- Wall of Tears – Historic site with a somber past.
- Concha de Perla – Perfect shallow bay for snorkeling with sea turtles and rays.
Your Isabela excursions include all entrance fees and expert naturalist guides!
San Cristobal Island
Known for its large sea lion colonies and fantastic snorkeling opportunities.
Experience Highlights:
- Kicker Rock – World-class snorkeling site with sharks, turtles, and rays.
- La Loberia – Beach with playful sea lions and marine iguanas.
- Interpretation Center – Learn about the human history and conservation.
- Punta Pitt – Only site where all three booby species nest together.
Your San Cristobal experience includes snorkeling gear and wetsuit rental!
Local Cuisine
Galapagos cuisine features fresh seafood with Ecuadorian influences. Here are some dishes you shouldn't miss:
🦞
Langostino Encocado
Lobster in coconut sauce with rice and plantains.
🐟
Ceviche
Fresh seafood "cooked" in lime juice with onions and cilantro.
🍲
Locro de Papa
Ecuadorian potato and cheese soup with avocado.
🍌
Patacones
Twice-fried green plantains, served as a side dish.
🦑
Arroz Marinero
Seafood rice with a mix of local catch.
🍹
Colada Morada
Traditional fruit beverage made with berries and spices.
Conservation & Responsible Travel
Tips for minimizing your impact on this unique and fragile ecosystem
Galapagos Regulations
- Stay on Marked Trails: Never wander off designated visitor sites.
- Wildlife Distance: Maintain at least 2 meters (6 feet) from all wildlife.
- No Touching: Never touch, feed, or chase animals.
- No Flash Photography: It disturbs wildlife.
- No Removal: Taking shells, rocks, sand, or any natural items is strictly prohibited.
- No Food: Don't bring food to visitor sites (except water).
- Strict Rules: Violations may result in fines or removal from the trip without refund.
- More Information: Visit Galapagos.org Park Rules for complete guidelines.
Sustainable Practices
- Reduce Plastic: Bring a reusable water bottle, food containers, and shopping bag.
- Reef-Safe Sunscreen: Only use sunscreen without oxybenzone and octinoxate.
- Water Conservation: The islands have limited fresh water. Take short showers.
- Support Local: Choose locally-owned restaurants and shops when possible.
- Pack Out Trash: Never leave garbage behind, even organic waste.
⚠️ Important Conservation Note
The Galapagos Islands are a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the world's most protected areas. All visitors must be accompanied by a certified Naturalist Guide when visiting the Galapagos National Park areas (which is 97% of the archipelago).
Additional Travel Tips
- Island Hopping: Book ferries between islands in advance.
- Motion Sickness: Bring medication if prone to seasickness.
- Photography: Bring extra memory cards and batteries.
- Language: Learn some basic Spanish phrases.
- Snorkeling: Consider bringing your own mask for best fit.
- Footwear: Bring closed-toe shoes for volcanic terrain.
- Reservations: Book guided tours and restaurants in advance.
- Water: Never drink tap water, only bottled or purified
- Itinerary disclaimer: Don't forget the Galapagos is a remote island and the accommodation might be a little rustic - that is all part of the experience!.
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