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 & vacations 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. 

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Top Galapagos Islands travel deals

Departing Days From USD
6 Oct 2023
Galapagos Adventure: Northern Islands (Grand Daphne)
7 4960
3992
28 Oct 2023
Galapagos & Peru Adventure
24 9065
7278
28 Oct 2023
Galapagos Encounter: Central Islands (Grand Queen Beatriz)
6 4075
3284
28 Oct 2023
Classic Galapagos: Central Eastern Islands (Grand Queen Beatriz)
10 8155
6572
28 Oct 2023
Best of Galapagos
10 4315
3478
29 Oct 2023
Galapagos Island Hopping
8 2890
2338
29 Oct 2023
Galapagos In Focus (Grand Queen Bea)
8 7145
5764
31 Oct 2023
Galapagos Explorer: Central Islands (Grand Queen Beatriz)
7 5500
4424
31 Oct 2023
Galapagos at a Glance: Southern Islands (Grand Daphne)
6 4025
3244
9 Nov 2023
Galapagos & Inca Trail Adventure
17 7325
5886

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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 lots more fun.

Depending on which trip you're on while in Galapagos Islands, you may find yourself traveling 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 snorkeling 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 travelers. 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 snorkeling equipment and beach towels included
  • Wetsuits are available for hire

Learn more about Le Grande Daphne

Meet our leader: Oswaldo Noboa

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 travelers 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 travelers 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 traveler. 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 banks in Puerto Ayora and Puerto Baquerizo have ATMs. The Banco del Pacifico in both towns is open from 8:00 am to 3:30 pm Monday to Friday and 9:00 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 traveling 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

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

  • 1 Jan: New Year’s Day
  • 6 Jan: Epiphany
  • 1 May: Labor 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-travelers. Same-sex marriage was legalized 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 travelers 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+ travelers

Yes, all Intrepid trips support the Intrepid Foundation. In fact, we make a donation on behalf of every traveller. Trips to this country directly support our global Intrepid Foundation partner, Eden Reforestation Projects. 

Eden Reforestation Projects

Eden Reforestation Projects are helping to mitigate climate change by restoring forests worldwide; they also hire locally and create job opportunities within vulnerable communities. Donations from our trips support restoration across planting sites in 10 countries around the globe.

Find out more or make a donation

Responsible Travel

Intrepid is committed to traveling 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 behavior, dress and language in your own country, may not be appropriate in another. Please keep this in mind while traveling.

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 travelers will have opportunities to support local businesses and purchase handicrafts created by local artisans.