Travelisto destinations

Galápagos Islands holidays

Giant tortoises, blue-footed boobies and sea lions that swim with you — the islands that inspired Darwin, by small ship or island-hopping.

Plan my Galápagos Islands holiday See holiday types

Overview

Welcome to Galápagos Islands

The Galápagos Islands are one of the few places on earth where wild animals simply don’t mind you being there. Sea lions doze on park benches, blue-footed boobies perform their courtship dance a few feet away, marine iguanas sunbathe on black lava, and giant tortoises lumber through the highland mist. In the water, you can snorkel with sea turtles, penguins, rays and playful young sea lions. It is no exaggeration to call it a once-in-a-lifetime trip.

The islands lie about 1,000 km off the coast of Ecuador and are a national park and marine reserve, so visits are carefully managed. There are two ways to explore. A small-ship cruise moves between islands overnight and reaches remote spots such as Española, Genovesa and Fernandina, with naturalist-guided landings every day. Land-based island-hopping uses hotels on Santa Cruz, San Cristóbal and Isabela, with day trips by boat, and suits travellers who prefer not to sleep at sea.

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Most visitors combine the Galápagos with mainland Ecuador, from Quito’s colonial old town to the Amazon and the cloud forest, or with Peru and Machu Picchu. Best for: wildlife lovers, photographers, snorkellers, families with older children and anyone with the Galápagos on their bucket list. See our guide to Machu Picchu and Galápagos tours.

From the team

Why we love Galápagos Islands

Amanda — Travel Designer · Music & Culture

Decide early between a cruise and island-hopping, because it shapes the whole trip. A cruise reaches the wildest islands; island-hopping is easier on anyone who gets seasick. Either way, pack a good underwater camera.

Amanda Amanda, Americas & Caribbean Specialist Meet our Travel Designers

Find your trip

Holiday types in Galápagos Islands

Pick a holiday style — or combine two. Each section links straight to the next step.

City breaks

Galápagos Islands's cities reward 2-4 nights each — pair two for a tailor-made multi-centre trip.

Puerto Ayora

Puerto Ayora

The islands’ largest town, on Santa Cruz: the fish market sea lions, the Darwin Station and boats to nearby islands.

Cruises

Many visitors explore on a small expedition ship of up to 100 guests, the only way to reach some of the remotest islands. See our expedition cruises and the Galápagos tours below, several of which include a cruise.

Practical info

Knowing before you go

When to go
Jan
29°
Feb
30°
Mar
30°
Apr
30°
May
28°
Jun
27°
Jul
26°
Aug
25°
Sep
25°
Oct
26°
Nov
26°
Dec
28°

The Galápagos is a year-round destination with two seasons. From December to May the weather is warmer and sunnier, with calm seas and short tropical showers, and the water is best for snorkelling. From June to November the air and sea are cooler, with misty garúa skies, but marine life is at its most active.

Flights & how to get there

There are no direct flights from the UK. You fly to Quito or Guayaquil in mainland Ecuador, usually via Madrid or Amsterdam, then take a domestic flight of about two to three hours to Baltra or San Cristóbal. Most trips include a night in Quito or Guayaquil at each end.

Visa & passport

UK visitors do not need a visa for a holiday in Ecuador. Every visitor to the Galápagos pays the national park entrance fee and buys a transit control card before flying to the islands; we include these in your quote or show them before you book. Check the UK FCDO travel advice for Ecuador for the latest rules.

Currency & money

The US dollar (USD). Cards work in larger hotels and on cruises; carry cash for tips and smaller shops.

Language & tipping

Spanish; English is spoken on cruises and by naturalist guides.

Health & safety

The equatorial sun is strong, so pack high-factor reef-safe sun cream, a hat and long-sleeved layers. Bring seasickness remedies for boat days. Consult your GP about six weeks before you travel and buy comprehensive travel insurance.

FAQs

Galápagos Islands — your questions

When is the best time to visit the Galápagos?

Any time. December to May is warmer and sunnier, with calmer seas and the best snorkelling. June to November is cooler and misty, but the marine life is at its most active.

Cruise or island-hopping?

A small-ship cruise reaches remote islands such as Española and Genovesa and moves overnight, so you see more. Land-based island-hopping uses hotels and day boats, suits travellers who get seasick, and is often better value.

Are there extra fees in the Galápagos?

Yes. Every visitor pays the Galápagos National Park entrance fee and buys a transit control card before flying to the islands. We include or show these before you book.

Can I combine the Galápagos with Machu Picchu?

Yes, it is one of the most popular combinations, and several of our tours include both.

Is the Galápagos good for children?

Yes, for older children who can swim and snorkel. The wildlife is extraordinary and the walks are short. Some cruise ships have minimum ages, so check before booking.

Make this trip yours

Plan your Galápagos Islands holiday with a Travel Designer

Pick from any of the options on this page or tell us what you have in mind — we'll build it around how you actually like to travel. ATOL protected, flights included, real humans available 9am–7pm.

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