Galapagos Islands Cruising Holidays

You can visit the Galapagos at any time of the year, fortunately there is no specific window to rule out when planning trips. If you do have flexibility, our favourite months to travel fall between November and June. During this time, you’ll experience more of the warm and wet climate (January to May), rather than the cool and dry season, when the water can get chilly (June to December).

It is worth noting that high season in terms of visitor numbers (June to September) is not the ideal time to travel. Although the weather in mainland Ecuador can be more pleasant, the Galapagos can get especially busy during these months. Even more importantly, the water can be choppier at this time of year due to the arrival of the Humboldt Current.

It's also important to note that while trips can occasionally be booked at short notice, the best value boats navigating these islands often get fully booked up to a year in advance. So do get in touch early to give us the best chance of securing the best boat for you. 

If you're taking a Galapagos cruise, all food will be included during your time on board. You will not go hungry and will be extremely well-fed: local ingredients are generally simple yet fresh and tasty. Typically, meals are served in a buffet style and are a sociable experience where you can dine with other guests. On some of the more luxurious or small boats you may be served set menus or even have a choice of menu. Please let us know in advance if you have any dietary requirements.

In the small towns of Santa Cruz, San Cristobal and Isabela, you’ll find a selection of visitor-oriented cafes and restaurants. Outdoor tables often stretch out onto the streets, where you can soak in the relaxed Galapagos vibe and catch sightings of passing wildlife. As you might guess, seafood is plentiful as well as some of the usual Ecuadorian and South American staples.

The Galapagos Islands and Ecuador are not connected to the UK by direct flights. Most flights to Ecuador’s capital city of Quito will transit through a European hub such as Schiphol, Madrid or Paris. Taking into account the connection times between flights, the travel time is usually between 13 and 15 hours to Ecuador. 

We'd recommend enjoying a minimum of two nights in Quito before you visit the Galapagos. The Galapagos are connected to Quito by three domestic airlines. Flights have a touchdown in Guayaquil en route, and the flying time is usually two to three hours.

UK and European passport holders don’t require visas the Galapagos for stays up to three months. Six months’ passport validity is required as well as return flight tickets.

From February 2018 tourists are required to take out adequate health insurance when visiting Ecuador. It is worth having a copy of your details to hand in case these details are requested.

If you are flying to the Galapagos via the USA, you need to apply online for an ‘ESTA’ electronic travel authorisation, even if you are only in transit. This currently costs $14 per person, is valid for two years and should be applied for on the official Department of Homeland Security website.

Galapagos Entry Charges

Please note that there are two compulsory entry charges for trips to the Galapagos. The first is a transit control tax of $20 per person, payable at the airport upon departure from the mainland. The second is the hefty $100 per person National Park entry fee, payable upon arrival in the Galapagos. Please note this must be paid in cash, and $100 bills are not always accepted. The Galapagos authorities are constantly revising their entry requirements. The latest detail requested by the authorities is blood type for visitor. Please note that not one of our clients has been asked for this information to date, but be prepared that you may still be asked!

South America has a reputation as a dangerous part of the world to visit. Whilst crime rates in Ecuador are above the world average, the Galapagos Islands are very safe. We'd advise taking sensible precautions in the towns, as we would everywhere, such as not being flashy with expensive jewellery and cameras.

As we’re not medical experts, we feel it is essential you contact your doctor regarding vaccinations for travel to the Galapagos and Ecuador. What follows are suggestions; however, please do check everything with a medical professional before you travel.

General: Vaccinations required are the same as those you’d routinely have in the UK, so ensure these are up to date. The Travel Doctor, is an interactive website providing specialist health information for travellers plus customised lists of travel medicines, vaccines and malaria tablets for holiday makers, global adventure travellers and expeditions.

Yellow fever: If you are arriving from a country with yellow fever (such as Peru), then you may be asked to produce a certificate of vaccination against the disease.

Please note that a GP will usually write you an exemption note if you are over 60 years old.

Malaria: The risk of contracting malaria in the Galapagos is extremely low, although it does exist in areas of Ecuador below 1500 metres.

Zika: Fortunately, confirmed instances of the Zika Virus have been limited compared with other countries in the region. At the time of writing, the latest advice from the World Health Organisation does not place any restrictions on travel within the country. Mosquitoes that spread Zika usually do not live at elevations above 2,000 meters because of environmental conditions, so this is worth bearing in mind.

Altitude: It's worth noting that much of mainland Ecuador is above 2400 metres, and it's likely you'll visit Quito before your time in the Galapagos. Altitude affects people differently, but generally, it's rare that people experience significant problems in Ecuador. Drink plenty of non-carbonated water, avoid excessive alcohol consumption, eat light meals, and take things slowly as you acclimatise. Breathlessness and a slight headache are common, but if you experience extreme dizziness or severe headaches, do let our local agents know. Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is extremely rare but can be a very serious condition.

Travel insurance: It is vital you check your travel insurance, as some policies exclude altitudes of more than 2000 metres. You may have to pay a small additional charge to cover you so it is worth checking.

In 1999, there was a near-financial collapse in Ecuador when the Sucre, the century-old currency, took a huge nosedive in value. In 2000, the currency was abandoned completely to bolster stability within the country, and Ecuador’s official currency is now the US dollar. It's worth taking US dollars with you or withdrawing cash directly from ATMs; it can be difficult to change other currencies locally. It's also important to avoid bringing large value ($50 or $100 bills) or ripped notes, as these can be tricky to use in the country.

Galapagos park fees, certain boats and smaller restaurants in the Galapagos won't take credit cards. When boats do take cards, it is usually better to bring cash to add the additional 14% tax that gets added to tips on board. Credit cards are widely accepted in Santa Cruz and San Cristobal only, but it shouldn't be relied upon.

Tipping

Tipping is very common in Ecuador, so do keep hold of smaller notes when you get them, so you don't get stuck with larger bills. We'd advise adding roughly 10% in restaurants, which should be given directly to the waiting staff. Guides always appreciate tips, roughly $10 per day would be appreciated and around half this amount for drivers.

In the Galapagos, cruises can ask for extortionate amounts in their tipping guidelines. We believe that between $10 and $20 per person per day is the rough amount to aim for. It is important to remember that tipping is a very personal thing, and if you feel someone deserves more, or even no tip, then that is entirely your prerogative, and you should not feel bound by these suggestions.

We believe travel should be a force for good. That means exploring with open eyes, treading lightly, and respecting the people and places that make the world so special. Our code of conduct isn’t about rules, it’s simply a guide to help you travel thoughtfully, ethically, and with care. Because every small choice makes a big difference.

• If you choose to trust us with your holiday, we’ll send you a “Travel Facts” document when confirming your booking. This includes useful facts and travel advice, such as restaurant recommendations, reading tips, basic language information, cultural traditions, climate information, brief historical overviews, and more. We feel that this offers a useful insight and can help you interact with local residents in a more sensitive, well-informed manner. Please do try to take the time to read this information before your visit, it’s worth the time!

• A number of the countries in which we operate holidays are religious societies with a widely observed set of customs. Always respect these norms, particularly when visiting religious buildings.

• To the best of our knowledge, all hotels, lodges, and camps within our portfolio operate stringent measures to minimise water usage. All of our destinations have issues with water supplies to a certain extent, so feel free to raise any possible wastage should you encounter it during your stay, either with the accommodation or with us upon your return.

• Please ask permission before taking photographs of people, and respect their wishes if they are not happy to be photographed. We find that friendly requests and a smile are usually met with a ‘yes!’

• Strive, where possible, to make your own contribution to environmental practices as you travel. This might include minimising your electricity usage, not smoking in protected areas, avoiding coral while snorkelling, and safely disposing of all litter (recycling where possible).

• Where possible, try to purchase from local suppliers. This includes shopping for souvenirs, dining out at restaurants, and booking additional excursions during your free time. In areas where haggling is an accepted part of daily life, don’t be offended if you’re unable to obtain what you perceive as a fair price for an item.

• We emphasise to local suppliers that our clients should never be taken on unsolicited shopping trips, but if this does happen, try to retain your sense of humour, provide a firm refusal to participate and do let us know about it on your return. We pass on all feedback from every trip undertaken with us to our relevant local suppliers, who all share our commitment to travelling with sensitivity.

• Please don’t remove any indigenous items from their natural habitat and attempt to bring them home as a souvenir. This particularly applies to everything from coral, shells, plants and food in the natural world, to cultural artefacts and antiques.

If you’re unsure about anything relating to the above, please feel free to chat to us. We've travelled extensively in the country and will be more than happy to offer their considered advice.