Planning a trip to the Galapagos Islands involves more than just booking a flight. Putting in some thought and preparation will help you make the most of your exciting Galapagos adventure. With unique wildlife, remote locations, and strict environmental rules, knowing how to plan for your best trip is key. Here we will talk you through everything needed to plan your fabulous trip of a lifetime.
Probably the biggest factor in planning your Galapagos Islands trip is deciding when you are going to go. Whenever you go you will be sure to see a lot of wildlife and have a fantastic trip. But the choices you make should be based on weather, wildlife and budget (we have dealt with budget as a separate question beneath this one).
Realistically, the weather does not vary massively in the Galapagos Islands. However, there are two recognized seasons in the archipelago – a warm and wet season running from December to May and a cool and dry season from June to November. For those that do not want to get rained on, going in the cooler, drier season will be best. But it will be a bit colder in the water in the dry months, and the sea may be rougher too.
Turning to wildlife, it is worth doing a little research on this during the trip planning process. There are definite highlights at certain times of the year, and all of the species have different breeding cycles. You will not get to see it all, but, for example, if you want to see the blue-footed booby mating dance you will probably need to travel in a different time period to hatching season for this species. Also, some species are only present in the enchanted isles for certain months – the prime example being the waved albatross which is present from April to December.
Closely linked to the question of when to go is: How much is your budget? If your budget is smaller you could maximize what you can get from your trip by traveling in the low season when prices can be a lot cheaper. The highest prices for visitors will be over the Christmas period, during Easter and through the months of June through August when schools and colleges are out for the summer. The lowest prices will usually be found in May, September and early December. If your budget stretches to it, travel when you want, but if it is tighter, choosing these months will probably be best.
You should budget for flights, cruise or land-based trip, park entry fees, transit control card and travel insurance. You need to also budget for extras not included in your tour. These will depend on your specific trip, but which will at the very least probably include money for drinks and tips, but if on a land-based trip may also include money for some meals and possibly some day trips.
If budget is no option we recommend the longest trip that you have time for as this will allow you to see the widest variety of Galapagos Islands visitor sites. If you have just 4 days you can go on a short cruise and see a few visitor sites. If you can stay for 5-7 days you can go on a longer cruise and see several more visitor sites and islands, or do a land-based trip, staying at 1 or 2 islands. If you have 8 days or more you could take a longer cruise or consider combining a cruise with a land-based trip to get the best of both worlds.
The main decision to be made here is whether you will go on a Galapagos Islands cruise or take a Galapagos land-based option. On the former you will be based on a boat for the duration of your trip, eating and sleeping there and traveling to different islands every day. On the latter, you will be based in one or more hotels on the inhabited islands (usually Santa Cruz Island, Isabela Island and San Cristobal Island, or very occasionally, Floreana Island) and you will take trips from your hotel to go to visitor sites.
With either trip style you get to see a range of visitor sites. On a cruise you will be able to get to islands that are further afield enabling you to see a greater diversity of visitor sites, and wildlife. However, some people may not want to take a cruise due to issues such as sea sickness. In this case, a land-based Galapagos trip is a solid option to get to visit the islands and see some of the amazing wildlife there. It is also possible to combine cruises and land-based trips.
To plan your Galapagos trip, you will need to book flights and arrange your cruise or land-based option. You should book your cruise or land-based option first before the flights. You should choose a licensed tour operator. We recommend that you choose us as we have a wealth of knowledge of the islands and the options and we are committed to finding you the best possible trip.
For the flights, you will need to book to fly to mainland Ecuador in the first instance, landing in either Quito or Guayaquil. From there you will need a domestic flight to the Galapagos Islands to either Baltra or San Cristobal. We can book your flights for you as part of your Galapagos Islands package.
Another key factor in planning your Galapagos trip is knowing what to bring with you. Being prepared for being out in the sunshine a lot is important as it is generally quite warm in the islands, regardless of the season. This means that sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat are necessary. In some months, some warmer items may be needed, particularly in the evenings. Good shoes for walking on trails on the islands are a must, and for wet landings, water shoes or walking sandals are needed. Other than that, lightweight quick drying clothing is likely to be best.
An essential for the Galapagos Islands is cash. Cards are not accepted in many places, so cash will be needed for extras not included in your trip. Cash is also needed for park entry fees.
It is also worth thinking about what not to bring. For one thing, it is not worth bringing lots of valuable jewelry. It is also important to not bring prohibited items into the islands like plants, animals or food.
Once you have planned your unforgettable journey you can sit back and enjoy everything the Galapagos Islands has to offer. Slow down, be curious, and be amazed. After all, the Galapagos Islands is one of the most unique and biodiverse places on our planet!
