A Guide to the Galapagos

Now is the perfect time to visit a unique place that you will always remember: the Galapagos Islands. Every year, the archipelago ranks as a top tourist destination, thanks largely to its impressive rare wildlife. Below is a guide on how to get to the Galapagos, when to visit, and how to pick a tour.

How to Get to the Galapagos

These islands are located on the equator. You can choose to fly into San Cristobal Island or Baltra from Quito or Guayaquil. The flight is approximately two hours from Quito and 1.5 hours from Guayaquil. Therefore, a direct flight from Miami or New York to Guayaquil makes more sense.

If you fly directly into Baltra, you will board a bus to the ferry terminal and take a short trip to Santa Cruz Island. There, you can choose to get on either a private or public bus or a car and head to Puerto Ayora, which is 45 minutes away.

When to Visit the Galapagos

The Galapagos is positioned on the equator, and this means the islands have a steady climate of high temperatures and sunshine. Therefore, you can’t really choose a “wrong” time to visit the Islands. The warm and wet seasons are between January and June, but most tourists visit the islands in December and January.

The cold and dry season lasts from July to December. However, the main difference between the two seasons is the water temperature. The ocean is cooler during the dry season, but you can still snorkel, dive, and swim during this season. Ensure that you purchase a wetsuit if you plan your visit during these months and if you plan to be in the water for long.

How to Pick a Galapagos Tour

Although you can visit the islands without a tour group, you have to be accompanied by a certified naturalist guide. A guide is typically included on all Galapagos tours, but make sure before you book your vacation.

When choosing your Galapagos tour, review the company’s sustainability practices. The Galapagos Islands have fragile ecosystems and communities. Therefore, the National Park has rules that limit the number of cruise ship passengers to 100, and 16 people per group for land tours.

Travel to the Galapagos Islands

The Galapagos Islands offer landscapes and wildlife that you cannot find anywhere else on the planet. However, before you go swimming with sea lions, visit Snorkel Mart and get quality snorkeling gear to help you view the incredible underwater landscape.