Visiting the Galápagos Islands takes different planning from a beach holiday: the archipelago is a national park, with an entry fee, a transit card, sites open only with an accredited guide and strict rules around wildlife. This guide explains how to visit the Galápagos, by cruise or from the inhabited islands, which islands to choose, when to go, what to budget and which formalities to complete.
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Galápagos Islands at a glance
- Location volcanic archipelago of Ecuador, in the PacificAbout 1,000 km (621 mi) off the coast
- Airports flights from Quito or Guayaquil to Baltra · details(for Santa Cruz) or San Cristóbal
- National park entry fee US$200 per foreign visitor over 12US$100 under 12 (official rates, Galápagos National Park Directorate, checked 26 October 2026)
- Transit control card (TCT) US$20, obtained before your flight from the mainland (Galápagos Governing Council)
- Currency US dollar (USD) · currencies
- Time zone UTC−6, one hour behind mainland Ecuador (Quito); no daylight saving timeLocal time now: –:–
- Entry US and UK citizens: no visa for up to 90 days in Ecuador; tourists can stay up to 60 days in the Galápagos · travel.state.gov · GOV.UK
- Best time year-roundDecember to May for a warmer, calmer sea, June to November for marine life
- Budget see our budget section
Galápagos entry fees and formalities
Two payments are compulsory for every visitor, on top of the airfare. The amounts below are those published by the Galápagos authorities; they may change: check them before you go.
| Payment | Amount | Where and when |
|---|---|---|
| Transit control card (TCT) | US$20 per person per trip | Before checking in for your flight from the mainland; the TCT is now processed online and paid by card, according to the Galápagos Governing Council |
| National park entry fee, foreign visitor over 12 | US$200 | On arrival, at Baltra or San Cristóbal airport |
| Entry fee, foreign visitor under 12 | US$100 | On arrival |
| Entry fee, nationals of Andean Community or Mercosur countries (over 12) | US$100 | On arrival |
- Conditions of entry: according to the UK FCDO (GOV.UK, updated 2 October 2026), tourists can stay in the Galápagos for up to 60 days and must have evidence of a hotel booking or an invitation letter, evidence of a return flight to the mainland, a transit control card bought at the departure airport before check-in (keep a copy) and travel health insurance, which is mandatory for foreign tourists.
- Biosecurity: the Ecuadorian government restricts the entry of certain items into the Galápagos (U.S. Department of State): luggage is inspected, so do not bring fresh fruit, plants, seeds or animals.
- Bring cash: the entry fee is paid on arrival; ask your airline or agency which payment methods are accepted.
Ecuador’s entry rules (passport, length of stay) also apply: see below and our Ecuador travel guide.
Cruise or island-based stay: how to visit the Galápagos
This is the first decision to make. Four islands are inhabited (Santa Cruz, San Cristóbal, Isabela and Floreana); the others can only be visited by boat, with a park naturalist guide.
| Option | Best for | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cruise (usually 4 to 8 days) | Seeing remote islands, maximizing wildlife | Access to uninhabited islands (Española, Genovesa, Fernandina and more), night sailing, guide always on hand | High price, possible seasickness, limited places |
| Island-based stay | Tighter budget, independent travel | Freedom, varied accommodation, beaches and sites open without a guide | Only the inhabited islands and a few nearby islets on day trips |
| Combination | Two weeks or more | A few days on land and a short cruise | More complex to organize |
On a land-based stay, some sites can be visited freely (beaches, marked trails near the towns), others only on guided day trips: islets, offshore snorkeling sites, volcanoes. The number of boats and itineraries is regulated by the national park.
Which Galápagos islands to visit
Santa Cruz
The central and most populated island, with Puerto Ayora, the archipelago’s main town. Here you can visit the Charles Darwin Research Station and its giant tortoises, the highlands where tortoises roam free, Tortuga Bay beach (reached on foot by a trail) and the clear-water crevice of Las Grietas. It is the most convenient base for day trips to North Seymour, Bartolomé or Santa Fe.
San Cristóbal
The island of the administrative capital, Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, where sea lions lounge on the waterfront. The interpretation center explains the archipelago’s history; La Lobería beach and the trails to Cerro Tijeretas are reached on foot. By boat, Kicker Rock (León Dormido) is a renowned snorkeling and diving site. The island has its own airport.
Isabela
The largest island and the least populated of the inhabited ones. From the village of Puerto Villamil, you can climb the Sierra Negra volcano, watch flamingos and iguanas, swim at Concha de Perla and take a trip to Los Túneles, lava arches where you often meet sea turtles and rays. Allow about 2 hours by speedboat from Santa Cruz.
Floreana
A small, very sparsely populated island, known for Post Office Bay and its barrel mailbox inherited from the whalers. It is mostly visited on a day trip from Santa Cruz or on a cruise.
Islands reached by cruise
Española (waved albatrosses in some seasons, boobies and colorful marine iguanas), Genovesa (seabirds by the thousand), Fernandina (marine iguanas and an active volcano) and Bartolomé (the famous view of Pinnacle Rock) are reserved for authorized boats or certain excursions. Check the cruise itinerary carefully before booking: each boat follows a route set by the park.
Itinerary ideas
5 days on the islands
- Day 1: arrival at Baltra, crossing to Santa Cruz, Charles Darwin Station
- Day 2: the highlands (giant tortoises), Las Grietas
- Day 3: Tortuga Bay in the morning, day trip to a neighboring island
- Day 4: boat to Isabela, Concha de Perla
- Day 5: Sierra Negra or Los Túneles, then back to Santa Cruz and your flight
10 days: three islands
- Days 1-4: Santa Cruz and day trips
- Days 5-7: Isabela
- Days 8-10: San Cristóbal (Kicker Rock, La Lobería), return flight from San Cristóbal
Add at least one night in Quito before your flight to the archipelago, to absorb any delay on your international flight. To combine with the mainland, see our Ecuador travel guide and our tips for multi-stop trips.
When to go to the Galápagos
The Galápagos can be visited year-round. The archipelago has two seasons. From December to May, the warm season: warmer air (average highs of 29 to 30.5 °C / 84 to 87 °F in San Cristóbal), showers, a calmer sea and warmer water, ideal for snorkeling. From June to November, the cool « garúa » (drizzle) season: less than 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain a month, often gray skies, a rougher sea and colder water, but particularly active marine life.
| Month | High °C (°F) | Low °C (°F) | Rain mm (in) | Crowds | Prices | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 29.2 (85) | 22.9 (73) | 83 (3.3) | High (early January) | High | ✅ Warm season, calm sea |
| February | 30.3 (87) | 23.1 (74) | 107 (4.2) | Medium | Medium | ✅ Warm water, showers |
| March | 30.5 (87) | 22.9 (73) | 106 (4.2) | Medium | Medium | ✅ Warmest, snorkeling |
| April | 30.2 (86) | 22.8 (73) | 95 (3.7) | Medium (Holy Week) | Medium | ✅ Warm, calm sea |
| May | 29.2 (85) | 22.7 (73) | 42 (1.7) | Medium | Medium | ✅ Transition, good compromise |
| June | 27.6 (82) | 21.7 (71) | 33 (1.3) | Medium to high | Medium → high | ✅ Cool season begins |
| July | 26.4 (80) | 20.7 (69) | 19 (0.7) | High | High | ✅ Active marine life, book early |
| August | 25.6 (78) | 19.8 (68) | 10 (0.4) | High | High | ⚠️ Cool water, rough sea |
| September | 25.7 (78) | 19.8 (68) | 8 (0.3) | Low | Medium | ⚠️ Rough sea, lower prices |
| October | 26.0 (79) | 20.0 (68) | 11 (0.4) | Low | Medium | ⚠️ Cool and gray, few visitors |
| November | 27.0 (81) | 20.9 (70) | 13 (0.5) | Medium | Medium | ✅ End of cool season, good value |
| December | 27.8 (82) | 21.7 (71) | 52 (2.0) | High (holidays) | High | ✅ Warmth returns |
| Plan | Best time |
|---|---|
| Warm-water snorkeling | December to May |
| Abundant marine life | June to November |
| Calmest sea (cruises, seasickness) | February to May |
| Fewer visitors | September-October, or May |
| Family summer holidays | July-August (book very early) |
To combine with the Andes, see our page when to go to Ecuador; to compare with other destinations, where to go in March or where to go in July.
Budget for a Galápagos trip
The Galápagos are the most expensive part of a trip to Ecuador. On top of daily costs come the flight from the mainland, the TCT card (US$20) and the entry fee (US$200 for a foreign adult). Estimates per person per day on an island-based stay, converted from euros at the European Central Bank rate of 23 October 2026:
| Item | Tight budget | Comfort |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (per person, sharing a double room) | about US$34 to $56 | about US$112 to $224 |
| Meals | about US$22 to $34 | about US$50 to $78 |
| Boats between islands | about US$34 to $45 per trip | about US$34 to $45 per trip |
| Guided day trips | about US$56 to $168 per trip | about US$168 to $280 per trip |
| Total per day (with a day trip every other day) | roughly US$100 to $170 | roughly US$280 to $450 |
To cut costs: stay on the islands rather than cruising, enjoy the free sites (Tortuga Bay, La Lobería, Concha de Perla), eat at small local restaurants and travel outside July-August and the holidays.
Getting around the Galápagos
- From Baltra airport: a shuttle to the Itabaca Channel, a small ferry to Santa Cruz, then a bus or taxi to Puerto Ayora (about 45 minutes in all).
- Between the islands: speedboats (« lanchas ») between Santa Cruz, San Cristóbal and Isabela, about 2 hours per trip; the sea can be rough, so bring seasickness medication. The UK FCDO reports several serious accidents involving tour boats and smaller vessels, some of which do not follow safety rules: use reputable operators and check for life vests before boarding.
- Small planes: inter-island flights exist and cost more.
- On the islands: taxis (often pickups), bikes and walking.
Where to stay in the Galápagos
- Puerto Ayora (Santa Cruz): the widest choice, from small family hotels to upscale hotels; the most practical base for day trips.
- Puerto Baquerizo Moreno (San Cristóbal): a calmer feel, sea lions in town, airport on site.
- Puerto Villamil (Isabela): a sandy village, simple accommodation and a few lodges.
- On board: on a cruise, your cabin is your accommodation; check the boat’s category and number of passengers.
Entry requirements, health and safety
- US citizens: according to the U.S. Department of State (travel.state.gov, last updated February 18, 2026), you do not need a visa for business or tourism stays of up to 90 days in any 12-month period. Carry ID and a copy of your passport with the entry stamp at all times.
- UK citizens: according to the UK FCDO (GOV.UK, updated 2 October 2026), you can visit without a visa for up to 90 days in any 12-month period. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after your arrival date, and you may be asked for proof of a return or onward journey.
- Transit via Guayaquil: the FCDO advises against all but essential travel to Guayaquil, except for airside transit through the airport: if your flight goes via Guayaquil, check with the airline that you will stay airside. The U.S. Department of State, which rates Ecuador Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution, restricts its employees’ travel in parts of Guayaquil.
- Health: medical facilities in the Galápagos are limited; serious cases require evacuation to the mainland or the United States, which can cost US$60,000 or more (U.S. Department of State). Make sure your insurance includes air ambulance evacuation (UK FCDO). The equatorial sun is very strong, even on gray days.
- Natural hazards: there is a high risk of tsunamis in the Galápagos, and some volcanoes are active: follow local authority instructions (UK FCDO).
Insurance covering medical costs and evacuation is essential: see our travel insurance guide.
National park rules and practical tips
- Respect the wildlife: do not touch or feed the animals, keep your distance and stay on marked trails. The full visitor rules are published by the Galápagos National Park Directorate: read them before you go and follow your guides’ instructions.
- Guide: natural sites outside the free-access areas are visited with a park-accredited naturalist guide.
- Drones, plastics, souvenirs: check the current restrictions; do not take shells, sand or rocks.
- Money: US dollar; ATMs in Puerto Ayora and Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, much rarer on Isabela: bring cash.
- Internet: slow and patchy on the islands, often absent at sea.
- Gear: reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, mask and snorkel, a shorty wetsuit from June to November.
The Galápagos: which travelers are they for?
Our verdict by profile, based on the information in this guide:
- Nature and wildlife lovers: yes, it is the whole point of the trip: giant tortoises, sea lions, marine iguanas, seabirds and snorkeling at Kicker Rock or Los Túneles.
- Couple: yes, on a cruise for the remote islands or on a freer stay on Santa Cruz, San Cristóbal and Isabela.
- Family: possible, with easy sites (Tortuga Bay, La Lobería, Concha de Perla); in July-August, book very early and bring seasickness medication for the boats.
- Tight budget: difficult: allow roughly US$100 to $170 a day on an island-based stay, plus the flight from the mainland, the TCT card and the entry fee; a cruise costs much more.
- Adventure and diving: yes: Sierra Negra volcano, speedboat crossings, offshore snorkeling and diving sites, with an accredited guide outside the free-access areas.
- Beach and relaxation: not the main goal: there are some beautiful beaches, but the pace is set by excursions and strict national park rules.
See also
The Galápagos are almost always combined with the mainland: our page when to go to Ecuador helps you fit the Andes and the archipelago into the same dates. For formalities, safety and itineraries on the mainland, see our Ecuador travel guide.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to enter the Galápagos?
US$200 per foreign visitor over 12 and US$100 under 12, paid on arrival at the national park, according to the provincial ordinance in force in October 2026. On top of that is the US$20 transit control card (TCT), obtained before your flight from the mainland.
Can you visit the Galápagos without a cruise?
Yes. You can stay on the inhabited islands (Santa Cruz, San Cristóbal, Isabela), visit some sites freely and book guided day trips. The most remote uninhabited islands are reserved for cruises.
When is the best time to go to the Galápagos?
Year-round. From December to May the sea is warmer and calmer; from June to November the water is cooler and the sea rougher, but marine life is very active.
How many days should you spend in the Galápagos?
Five days let you see Santa Cruz and Isabela. Allow 8 to 10 days for three islands or a week-long cruise, plus a night in Quito before your flight.
How do you get to the Galápagos?
First fly into Quito or Guayaquil, then take a domestic flight to Baltra or San Cristóbal. There are no direct international flights to the archipelago.
Are the Galápagos safe?
Crime is less of a concern than in parts of the mainland; the main risks are boat safety, sea currents, tsunamis, the sun and limited medical care. The UK FCDO advises against all but essential travel to Guayaquil, except for airside transit.
Our sources
- Galápagos National Park Directorate, entry fee (tributo de ingreso): provincial ordinance no. 001-CGREG-30-06-2025, checked 26 October 2026
- Galápagos Governing Council, digital transit control card (TCT), checked 26 October 2026
- U.S. Department of State, Ecuador country information (travel.state.gov, last updated February 18, 2026) and Ecuador travel advisory (Level 2), read on 26 October 2026
- UK FCDO, foreign travel advice for Ecuador (GOV.UK, updated 2 October 2026), read on 26 October 2026
- Climate: normals for the Puerto Baquerizo Moreno station (San Cristóbal) published by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO)
- European Central Bank euro reference rates of 23 October 2026 (budget conversion)
- Our methodology
Updated October 2026.
To extend your trip, see our Ecuador travel guide, our page on visiting Machu Picchu in neighboring Peru, our Costa Rica guide for another nature destination, and all our destinations in Latin America.
