The Galapagos Islands are at the top of many travelers’ bucket lists.

Whether you are interested in the biodiversity of the island, want to explore underwater, or you just want to see a lot of turtles - there is much to learn and explore on the Islands.

And there are a couple different ways you can experience the Galapagos - there are a mix of land and sea activities, and you can decide to spend your time land-based or sea-based, depending on your preferences. We work with partners that specialize in land and sea travel, and can find the one that is perfect for your trip!

Why visit the Galapagos?

It’s like anywhere else in the world. This is the place where Charles Darwin laid the foundation for his evolutionary theory. Come for the wildlife, much of it not found anywhere else in the world, and stay for the secluded and calm beaches which you can explore. The Galapagos are known as a perfect snorkeling and diving destination - you’ll see many fish species, sharks, manta rays, and of course, turtles. If you love hiking, take one of the many designated paths around the islands and get to know the unique landscape. Your trip will not just be about relaxing or seeing wildlife, it will also be about learning and experiencing this unique habitat. It’s a perfect family destination for this reason - there is a lot to see and experience and learn with many kid-friendly activities available throughout the Islands.

When should you visit?

The Galapagos are an all-year destination though there are two main seasons - wet and dry. The wet season will be warm and sunny (Dec-April/May), while the dry season is colder and seas are a bit rougher. There is not much rain, however. The only time you may want to avoid visiting is during the holidays as it tends to get very crowded. And there are actually some limitations in place on how many visitors can come to the Islands.

You’ll most likely start and end your journey in Quito, Ecuador - depending on how much time you have, you can add on time to explore Quito or head up to Pappallacta, a small village in the Andes about one hour from Quito known for its hot springs. Or travel to Latacunga to climb the Cotopaxi volcano!

Exploring by Sea

The Galapagos set a cap on the number of visitors arriving from passenger cruise ships in 1998 (less than 100 passengers). Many ships are small as a result (fewer than 16 passengers), so don't expect the typical cruise ship when you come here. Expedition cruise lines such as Hurtigruten and Lindblad, as well as Celebrity and Silversea (which have expedition ships), sail through the Islands and add on tour options for Quito, Lima, Cusco, and Macchu Picchu (two bucket list destinations in one trip).

What’s unique about expedition cruises is that they have an onboard Expedition Team that will educate guests throughout the journey - via onboard lectures and guided nature walks. Some ships, like Hurtigruten’s Santa Cruz II, even offer an onboard Science Center where you can nerd out or opt for the hot tub or sun deck for some relaxation.

A benefit of the cruise trip is that you will easily be able to travel around various islands in the archipelago and see more of the Galapagos. And if you are mostly focused on activities like snorkeling, diving, kayaking, or whale watching, being on an expedition ship might be ideal for you. Cruises are great for couples or small groups and can also be good for families.

No matter which cruise you choose, the experience on the Islands will be the same - so the ship experience is what differs. By working with us, we can help you find the right cruise for you!

Exploring by Land

A land-based trip offers a bit more flexibility than a cruise. Since you’ll be staying on the islands, you’ll have more time to walk around and explore at your own pace. These trips are often better for families - not only because of the flexibility, but also because you’ll have more space and more privacy than on a ship. Staying on land also gives you a chance to meet the locals and interact more with the Islands themselves.

Partners like G Adventures offer group tours, including family-focused itineraries. The groups average at just ten people and include day trips and boat excursions. Other partners, like Big Five and Tropic can create customized itineraries for you and tailor activities to your interests. If you want more time in the water or more time at the tortoise sanctuary, we can make it happen.

After arriving from Quito, you’ll stay on Santa Cruz and San Cristobal islands, with a few nights on each. Accommodations on the Islands include ecoluxe villas, glamping at safari camps or lodges, offering a range of modern luxury to more rustic vibes.. There are villas, suites and rooms with multiple bedrooms and common areas which are ideal for families traveling together. And being that the Islands are also popular with couples, you’ll find romantic and luxe accommodations too.

You don’t have to worry about not being able to island hop while staying on land. The partners we work with can add day trips to visit other islands, arranging speed boats or inter-island flights.

Land-based trips have certainly become more popular and because there aren’t currently any limitations on how many visitors can come via land, the Galapagos are getting concerned about overtourism. It’s possible that there will be limitations on visitors put in place in the future.

Exploring the Islands

No matter which trip type you choose, the activities available to you will be similar and there is so much to discover!

Encounter incredible wildlife
Snorkel and swim with sea turtles and manta rays
Kayak at Tortuga bay
Visit the Charles Darwin Research State
See giant tortoises in their natural habitat and visit tortoise sanctuary
Visit multiple islands including Santa Cruz Island, San Cristobal Island, and Isabela Island

Ultimately, traveling to the Galapagos means you will have a life-changing experience in one of the world’s most beautiful and unique destinations! If you’re curious about planning your own trip to the Galapagos, let’s talk about your interests and preferences so we can design the perfect itinerary for you.

How to Experience the Galapagos