Galapagos Trips & Educational Tours
Galapagos Trips: Magical Wildlife Encounters
Quite simply: the Mecca for extraordinary wildlife and biodiversity. The Galapagos is the highly sought after destination by scientists, explorers and travellers from all over the globe.
This unique archipelago, lying off the coast of Ecuador, boasts dreamlike volcanic islands of deserted beaches, cream cashmere sand and transparent waters.
However, it’s the intriguing animals, all of which you can glimpse at close quarters, that enchants visitors. Nowhere on earth can you witness the likes of marine iguanas, penguins, blue-footed boobies, sea turtles, sea lions, and of course the iconic Galapagos tortoise.
Popular student trips in Galapagos
Educational tour
Environmental Science
Ecuador trip information
Entry payments
Once at the airport in the Galapagos, you will need to pay the tax for entering the national park. This is done at passport control and must be paid in cash. The amount is usually $100 unless you are applicable for a discount.
Details as follows:
$50 USD – Foreign tourists not ecuadorian residents younger than 12 years old
$50 USD – Foreign tourists not living in Ecuador, older than 12 years old from one of the countries belonging to the Andean Community of Nations (Bolivia, Colombia, Peru) or Mercosur (Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, Venezuela).
$25 USD – Tourists, foreign students not living in Ecuador who are enrolled in national educational institutions.
$25 USD – Foreign tourists not residing in Ecuador under 12 years of age, nationals of one of the countries belonging to the Andean Community of Nations or Mercosur.
$6 USD – National or foreign tourists residing in Ecuador, over 12 years old.
$3 USD – National or foreign tourists residing in Ecuador, under 12 years old.
National park rules
The Galapagos is a national park of Ecuador and thus carries rules for you to follow. These are:
- Keep a distance of 2 meters from wildlife including your cameras.
- Do not touch or feed the fauna.
- Do not remove elements from the ecosystem.
- Do not smoke, drink alcohol or make campfires.
- Walk on marked trails only.
- Take pictures without flash. Professional shootings and drones need authorization.
- Camping is only allowed in authorized areas.
- Use authorized sport fishing boats.
- Do not introduce external elements to the ecosystem.
- Motorised water-crafts, submarines, and air tourism is prohibited.
Getting There
The best way to visit the Galapagos is by flying into one of the two main airports: Seymour or San Cristobal. All flights leave from mainland Ecuador, either from Quito or Guayaquil.
Getting around
If you want to travel between the main islands (Santa Cruz, San Cristobal, Isabela, Floreana) you will need to hop aboard a ferry. These run in the morning and afternoon and take around 2 hrs. You can see the timetable here. Alternatively, you can visit the main islands and many more by buying a multi-day package aboard a cruise.
Currency
The official currency of the Galapagos is the US dollar.
Galápagos Islands animals
The Galapagos is home to some of the world’s most extraordinary animals. You’ll come face to face with marine iguanas, penguins, sea lions (lots), blue-footed boobies, the Galapagos tortoise, sea turtles and many, many more.
TCT Transit card
At the airport in Quito or Guayaquil you will need to get a TCT Transit card. You can get this in the Government Council of the Special Regime of Galapagos office that is located in the departure lounge. At the office, they will verify that you have completed the pre-registration form. You can find the form HERE. Complete this beforehand to save time. You will have to pay $20 to attain the Transit Card and you can pay with card or cash.
What you cant bring
You must not bring any of the following items: seeds, plants, animals or any other living thing that may affect the ecosystem. You can find a full list below:
Luggage restrictions
You may bring 1-2 checked bags weighing no more than 20kg in total along with one carry-on bag weighing no more than 8kg.
Other entry requirements
At the airport you’ll need to show proof of accommodation and return flight details.
Frequently asked questions
What is so special about the Galapagos?
The Galapagos is unique because of the stunning islands, cashmere beaches and wildlife which you can get an up-close-and-personal look at. A lack of predators means wildlife is incredibly tame, allowing you close enough to feel the salt water spray from sneezing marine iguanas, or hear the pitter patter of the blue-footed booby as it performs its mating dance.
There is also the theory of evolution that was born from Charles Darwin’s research when visiting the islands.
Can tourists stay on the Galapagos?
How much does it cost to go to the Galapagos? The price of your trip to the Galapagos will vary wildly depending on what you do. Choosing a multi-day cruise will increase costs from 2,000 USD to 4,000 USD per week. To keep costs down, you can stay on one of the main islands and choose free activities like visiting beaches, hiking, snorkeling, and swimming.
Food is generally quite expensive with lunches costing around $10-15 USD. Hotels can cost from $30 USD to $60 USD per night, obviously depending on the standard.
What is the best month to go to the Galapagos?
he Galapagos is great to visit all year round. However, there are slight changes in weather patterns with December to June presenting more rainy days. Visitors also decide to visit the Galapagos depending on mating patterns of the wildlife or for better diving conditions. For more information on when to visit the islands, contact our team.
What are the musts when visiting the Galapagos?
Living amongst the wildlife on the Galapagos is the most magical experience. Even walking along the boardwalk, you’ll pass by sea lions, frigate birds, and other wildlife.
We also recommend exploring the theory of evolution at the Charles Darwin Research Center, which is free to enter. Snorkeling is a great way to come face to face with marine animals like sea turtles and even sharks. Head to turtle bay or Las Gritas on Santa Cruz for great snorkeling spots.
What is the best way to experience the Galapagos?
You can either stay on one of the main islands in the Galapagos or choose to visit different areas on a cruise. Cruising is generally more expensive though you can potentially experience more islands and wildlife as you travel through the night.
A good way to experience the Galapagos is by staying on one of the main islands like San Cristobal, Santa Cruz or Isabela and taking day trips.
Do I need a Covid vaccine to enter?
There are no Covid-19 requirements for most visitors to enter the Galapagos. You don’t need to show a negative test or a vaccination card.