Step into a spectacularly isolated world where giant tortoises roam freely and unforgettable landscapes unfurl before your very eyes.

Inquisitive sea lions and spiky marine iguanas breach and bask between island and shore. Friendly hammerhead sharks patrol the depths and blue-footed boobies cut through the sky. Come with us on our Galapagos Islands tours & holidays and observe the local wildlife in the same, untouched way Charles Darwin did hundreds of years ago. Nowadays, these Ecuadorian islands host a steady stream of modern-day explorers from animal-seekers who long for face-to-face encounters to sun-chasers itching to relax on a pristine beach or two. Embark on your own adventure as you wander from isla to isla, soak in crystal-clear waters, traverse volcanic landscapes, and spot animals you've only ever seen pictures of. To be honest, there's simply no place on Earth quite like the Galapagos. 

{{ sale_merchandise({ }) }}

Top Galapagos Islands travel deals

Departing Days From USD
25 Jun 2023
Galapagos In Focus (Grand Queen Bea)
8 7210
5119
1 Jul 2023
Classic Galapagos: Southern Islands (Grand Queen Beatriz)
10 8225
5794
4 Jul 2023
Galapagos Voyager: Central Islands (Grand Queen Beatriz)
14 12190
8569
4 Jul 2023
Ultimate Galapagos: Central Islands (Grand Daphne)
10 7845
5528
5 Jul 2023
Pure Galapagos (Grand Daphne)
8 6900
4866
8 Jul 2023
Galapagos Encounter: Central Islands (Grand Queen Beatriz)
6 4165
2952
8 Jul 2023
Classic Galapagos: Central Eastern Islands (Grand Queen Beatriz)
10 8345
5914
11 Jul 2023
Galapagos Explorer: Central Islands (Grand Queen Beatriz)
7 5245
3708
11 Jul 2023
Classic Galapagos: Central Southern Islands (Grand Queen Beatriz)
10 8460
5994
15 Jul 2023
Treasures of Galapagos: Western & Central Islands (Grand Queen Beatriz)
13 11245
7908

Our Galapagos Islands trips

Search all similar trips
10 Days From 3269

Amazing wildlife, both on land and underwater, is the drawcard of the remote Galapagos...

24 Days From 7638

Visit South America and travel to the Galapagos Islands, Peru, Ecuador and Bolivia....

10 Days From 5861

Travel to the Galapagos Islands and sail around the central eastern islands, witnessing...

10 Days From 5861

Sail the aquamarine waters of the Galapagos’s central southern islands taking in...

9 Days From 2246

See the Galapagos Islands on an eight-day adventure including Isla Isabela, Isla Santa...

Tailor-Made trips

Take four or more on an exclusive trip and tailor your itinerary

10 Days From 5528

Spend 10 unforgettable days on board the Grand Daphne, discovering the central islands...

8 Days From 2200

Explore the Galapagos Islands on this island-hopping tour that begins in Quito and...

17 Days From 6118

Focus on two of South America's heaviest hitters on this 17-day tour through both the...

7 Days From 1262

As far as face-to-face wildlife encounters go, the Galapagos wildlife experience rivals...

10 Days From 5528

Take an active 10-day adventure cruise though the Galapagos Islands, from Isla Santa...

10 Days From 5636

Travel to the Galapagos Islands from Quito and embark on a sailing adventure around...

10 Days From 5741

Explore the best of the otherworldly Galapagos Islands on this 10-day tour that takes...

13 Days From 7908

Embark on an immersive Adventure Cruise through the Galapagos Islands and experience...

7 Days From 3571

Discover the treasures of the northern Galapagos Islands on this cruise, including Isla...

7 Days From 3610

Take to the water and explore the beautiful Galapagos Islands. See huge populations of...

7 Days From 2941

Take to cerulean waters to explore the beautiful Galapagos Islands. See huge...

6 Days From 2941

Explore the Islands of the Galapagos on this startling adventure that highlights the...

6 Days From 2927

Explore the central islands of the Galapagos on this startling adventure that...

17 Days From 10666

This 17-day Galapagos Adventure Cruise is the perfect way to explore the islands of...

14 Days From 8922

Travel to Ecuador and join a 13-day Intrepid journey in the Galapagos’. Visit Isla...

8 Days From 5119

Hop aboard the M/Y Grand Queen Beatriz for a wildlife-filled 8-day adventure around the...

9 Days From 2389

Get the best of the Galapagos on a 9-day tour from Quito to Isla San Cristobal, Isla...

6 Days From 2906

See the best of the Galapagos Islands on this action-packed adventure cruise, touring...

7 Days From 1190

Get the best of the Galapagos on a 7-day tour for 18 to 29 year olds that visits Isla...

30 Days From 7690

Experience the highlights of Peru and the Galapagos Islands on this 30-day tour,...

17 Days From 10425

Discover the bizarre and the beautiful on this 17-day cruising tour of the Galapagos...

8 Days From 4866

Come face-to-face with the extraordinary central islands of the Galapagos on an 8-day...

18 Days From 6546

Visit South America and travel to Peru. Visit Lima, Cusco and Lake Titicaca, tour the...

8 Days From 2544

Take your family on a holiday with a difference to the Galapagos Islands. Snorkel with...

17 Days From 4280

From the heights of the Andes to the depths of the Amazon Jungle to the amazing...

24 Days From 6700

Focus on South America's heaviest hitters on this 24-day tour through the wildlife-rich...

Travel lightly with Intrepid. We’ve offset the main sources of carbon emissions from this trip on your behalf, including transport, accommodation & waste. Read more

Galapagos Islands tour reviews

Articles on Galapagos Islands

Galapagos Islands travel highlights

Transport in Galapagos Islands

Intrepid believes half the fun of experiencing a new country is getting there, and getting around once there! Where possible, Intrepid uses local transport options and traditional modes of transport - which usually carry less of an environmental impact, support small local operators and are heaps more fun.

Depending on which trip you're on while in Galapagos Islands, you may find yourself travelling on:

Grand Queen Beatriz

Built to specification in 2018, the Grand Queen Beatriz is one of the younger boats operating in the Galapagos. It comes equipped with the latest in safety, navigation systems and fuel efficiency.

  • A choice of 3 spacious cabin types with large picture windows, ensuite bathrooms, air conditioning & safety deposit boxes
  • Junior and Deluxe cabins come with private balconies
  • Spacious bar and dining room, interior lounge with large screen TV for daily briefings, exterior lounge & bar, sun deck and spa
  • 3 meals and refreshments prepared by our on board chef
  • Tea, coffee & drinking water available 24 hours a day
  • All snorkelling equipment, wetsuits and beach towels included
  • Experienced multi lingual guide
  • 5 star accommodation in Quito pre and post cruise
  • Complimentary arrival transfer

Learn more about Grand Queen Beatriz

Grande Daphne

Grande Daphne is a brand new ship that hit the water in 2021, making it one of the newest boats on the market. With indoor and outdoor dining areas and bars, plus a sundeck with lounges, there is plenty of places to relax and enjoy time with your fellow travellers. All meals are included on the Grande Daphne. The lower deck cabins have portholes, while the main deck and upper deck cabins have large windows. Please note, all images are artist impressions.

  • A choice of 4 spacious cabin types with large picture windows, ensuite bathrooms & air conditioning
  • Spacious indoor and outdoor bar
  • You will be transported to the islands or sites by zodiac. A high level of agility & flexibility will be required to exit the zodiac during wet landings and sometimes basic piers/wharf.
  • All snorkelling equipment and beach towels included
  • Wetsuits are available for hire

Learn more about Le Grande Daphne

Meet our leader

Tips and advice

 

Galapagos Islands holiday information

About the Galapagos Islands
At a glance
Best time to visit Galapagos Islands
Culture and customs
Geography and environment
Top wildlife to spot in the Galapagos
Health and safety
Further reading

Galapagos Islands travel FAQs

Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards

From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travellers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (excluding all Polar trips and select adventure cruises). 

However, we continue to strongly recommend that all Intrepid travellers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and others.

Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.

Learn more about Intrepid's COVID-19 policy

Visas are the responsibility of the individual traveller. Entry requirements can change at any time, so it's important that you check for the latest information. Please visit the relevant consular website of the country or countries you’re visiting for detailed and up-to-date visa information specific to your nationality. Check the Essential Trip Information section of the itinerary for more information.

Read about what should be on your Galapagos Islands checklist

While tipping isn’t mandatory, tips are very much appreciated by service workers and guides. Leaving a 10% tip is customary in restaurants. Some automatically add a 10% service charge to your bill, in which case an extra tip isn’t required.

The Galapagos Islands enjoy pretty much perfect weather all year with two distinct seasons offering warmer, rainier months and cooler, drier months. Temperatures rarely dip below 70°F (21°C) or reach higher than 90°F (32°C) so you can travel to the islands at any time throughout the year and experience fantastic weather. Light rainfall is expected from January to May (along with high humidity levels) but it never lasts for long and doesn't often turn into heavier downpours.

Read more about the Galapagos weather

There are reliable internet cafes in Puerto Ayora (Santa Cruz Island) and Puerto Baquerizo (San Cristobal Island). Some hotels and restaurants on other islands will have a Wi-Fi connection, but it is best not to rely on it.

There is good mobile phone reception on the larger islands, but don’t expect it when at sea. The best local telephone companies are Porta and Movistar. Ensure you have global roaming activated before leaving home if you wish to use your mobile phone.

Read more about whether your phone will work in the Galapagos Islands

Most towns have Western-style flushable toilets, though you will likely encounter squat toilets as well. Regardless, it’s a good idea to carry your own toilet paper and hand sanitizer, as they are not always provided.

Juice = USD 1
Street food snack = USD 1.50
Simple lunch at a local restaurant = USD 3-5 
Sit-down dinner at a cafe or restaurant = USD 10–20

Tap water isn’t considered safe to drink in the Galapagos Islands. Avoid drinks with ice and make sure to peel fruit before eating it. Help the environment and try to avoid buying bottled water. Instead, fill a reusable water bottle with filtered water. Your leader or hotel can tell you where to find filtered water.

Read more about what to drink in the Galapagos Islands

No, credit cards are not widely accepted. There are a handful of shops on Santa Cruz that may accept major credit cards, but it’s preferable to pay in cash.

The Galapagos Islands are made up of 13 larger islands and more than 60 smaller islands and islets with 5 islands proving habitable to just over 30,000 people. These 5 islands are Isla Baltra, Isla Floreana, Isla Isabela, Isla Santa Cruz, and Isla San Cristobal. 

Read more about the Galapagos Islands

The banks in Puerto Ayora and Puerto Baquerizo have ATMs. The Banco del Pacifico in both towns is open from 8 am to 3:30 pm Monday to Friday and 9 am to 12.30 pm on Saturdays. It's best to withdraw your money on the mainland, however, in case these are out of order. Check each bank’s website for up to date opening hours.

Absolutely. All passengers travelling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their trip. Your travel insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day of the trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is very much an essential and necessary part of every journey. 

For more information on insurance, please go to: Travel Insurance

  • 1 Jan: New Year’s Day
  • 6 Jan: Epiphany
  • 1 May: Labour Day
  • 24 May: Battle of Pichincha
  • 10 Aug: Independence Day
  • 9 Oct: Guayaquil Independence Day
  • 2 Nov: All Soul’s Day
  • 3 Nov: Cuenca Independence Day
  • 25 Dec: Christmas

For a current list of public holidays in the Galapagos Islands and Ecuador go to: https://www.worldtravelguide.net/guides/south-america/ecuador/public-holidays/
 

The Galapagos Islands are a relatively hassle-free destination for LGBTQI-travellers. Same-sex marriage was legalised in Ecuador in 2008 and the country hosts several fiestas where it’s acceptable for men to cross-dress as women. That being said, homophobic attitudes do exist among the older generations, and travellers are advised to avoid public displays of affection where possible. 

For more detailed and up-to-date advice, we recommend visiting Equaldex or ILGA before you travel.

Read more about whether the Galapagos Islands are safe for LGBTQIA+ travellers

Responsible Travel

Intrepid is committed to travelling in a way that is respectful of local people, their culture, local economies and the environment. It's important to remember that what may be acceptable behaviour, dress and language in your own country, may not be appropriate in another. Please keep this in mind while travelling.

Sea turtle swims in turquoise waters

How we're giving back

In Galapagos Islands, we stay in locally run accommodation including guesthouses, smaller-scale hotels and homestays in an effort to support the local economies. We also visit locally-run restaurants and markets where travellers will have opportunities to support local businesses and purchase handicrafts created by local artisans.