About Galapagos Islands
The Galápagos Islands are an archipelago of volcanic islands in the Eastern Pacific, located around the equator, 485 nautical miles west of the mainland of South America. They form the Galápagos Province of the Republic of Ecuador, with a population of slightly over 33,000 in 2020. The province is divided into the cantons of San Cristóbal, Santa Cruz, and Isabela, the three most populated islands in the chain. The Galápagos are famous for their large number of endemic species, which were studied by Charles Darwin in the 1830s and inspired his theory of evolution by means of natural selection. All of these islands are protected as part of Ecuador's Galápagos National Park and Marine Reserve.
Things to do in Galapagos Islands by type
14 tours, tickets and experiences across 3 categories. Pick a type to see what is available for your dates.
-
Day Trips & Excursions 8 experiences Bartolome Full-Day Tour from Santa Cruz -
Outdoor activities & Adventure 3 experiences Discover Isabela Island and Tintoreras Islets – Full-Day Tour -
Art & culture 2 experiences Bay Tour
- Over 6 hours 5
- Senior 2
- Couples 2
- Youth 2
- Families 2
Top experiences in Galapagos Islands
Tours, tickets and experiences you can book with Destina Holidays, from 14 available.
Bay Tour
From $49 per adult
Bartolome Full-Day Tour from Santa Cruz
From $345 per adult
Floreana Full-Day Tour - from Santa Cruz
From $194 per adult
Santa Fe Full Day Tour
From $194 per adult
North Seymour Island Full Day Tour
From $331 per adult
Plaza Islands Full-Day Tour from Santa Cruz
From $282 per adult
Best time to visit Galapagos Islands
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Galapagos Islands is June to December, when average daytime highs are around 80–84°F and rain falls on about 2 days a month.
Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.
Know before you go
- Currency
- United States dollar (USD)
- Language
- Spanish
- Calling code
- +593
- Driving
- On the right
- Time zone
- Pacific/GalapagosUTC−6
- Capital
- Quito
Upcoming public holidays in Ecuador
- Christmas DayDía de Navidad
- New Year's DayAño Nuevo
- CarnivalCarnaval
- CarnivalCarnaval
- Good Friday
- International Workers' Day
Banks, offices and some attractions may close on public holidays, and flights and hotels often fill up early around them.
Getting to Galapagos Islands
These are the airports closest to central Galapagos Islands. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.
- GPS Seymour Airport16 mi (27 km) from the city centre
- SCY San Cristóbal Airport67 mi (108 km) from the city centre
Getting around Galapagos Islands
Seeing the sites and wildlife of the Galapagos is best done by boat, just as Charles Darwin did it in 1835. Over 60 cruise ships ply the Galapagos waters - ranging in size from 8 to 100 passengers. Most people book their place well in advance (as the boats are usually full during the high season). Be sure the agent through whom you book is a Galapagos specialist with a good knowledge of a wide variety of ships.
Land-based tours
Ship-based trips to Galapagos are considered to be the optimal way of getting out and about in the archipelago, allowing you to maximize your exposure to what the islands are famous for. Land-based tours have grown dramatically since the early 1990s when very few tourists came to Galapagos without taking a cruise. In 2017 while approximately 72,000 people enjoyed a cruise every year, over 150,000 land-based visitors came to the islands on island-hopping trips.
Galapagos Islands travel FAQ
When is the best time to visit Galapagos Islands?
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Galapagos Islands is June to December, when average daytime highs are around 80–84°F and rain falls on about 2 days a month.
What is the weather like in Galapagos Islands?
March is usually the warmest month in Galapagos Islands, with average highs of 85°F (29°C). September is the coolest, with average lows of 69°F (20°C). The wettest month is typically March, with about 399 mm of rain.
Which airport is closest to Galapagos Islands?
Seymour Airport (GPS) is the closest airport, about 16 miles (27 km) from the centre of Galapagos Islands. Other nearby airports include San Cristóbal Airport (SCY, 67 mi).
What time zone is Galapagos Islands in?
Galapagos Islands uses the Pacific/Galapagos time zone (currently UTC−6). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.
How do I get around Galapagos Islands?
Seeing the sites and wildlife of the Galapagos is best done by boat, just as Charles Darwin did it in 1835. Over 60 cruise ships ply the Galapagos waters - ranging in size from 8 to 100 passengers. Most people book their place well in advance (as the boats are usually full during the high season).
What are the top things to do in Galapagos Islands?
Popular experiences you can book in Galapagos Islands include Bay Tour, Bartolome Full-Day Tour from Santa Cruz and Floreana Full-Day Tour - from Santa Cruz. Destina Holidays offers 14 tours and activities here.
What kinds of tours and activities can I book in Galapagos Islands?
The most popular types of experiences in Galapagos Islands are day trips & excursions (8), outdoor activities & adventure (3), art & culture (2) and zoo, aquarium & nature (1). Filter by type when you search to compare prices and availability for your dates.
