Galapagos trips & educational tours
Galapagos Trips: Magical wildlife encounters
The Galapagos Islands are quite simply a Mecca for extraordinary wildlife and biodiversity. They continue to fascinate scientists, explorers, and travelers 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, the real box-office draw is the animals. There’s nowhere on Earth where you can get up close and personal with marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies, and the iconic Galapagos tortoise.
Popular student trips in Galapagos
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Environmental Science
Galapagos trip information
Entry payments
Once at the airport in the Galapagos, you will need to pay a fee to enter the national park. This is done at passport control and must be paid in cash. For international tourists, it is $200 for adults and $100 for children under 12.
National park rules
When visiting the national park, visitors are expected to treat the flora and fauna with respect, act responsibly, and follow some basic rules:
- Always keep a distance of six feet from wildlife – including your cameras
- Don’t touch or feed the animals
- Do not introduce or remove external elements to and from the ecosystem
- Do not smoke or make campfires
- Walk on marked trails only
- Do not take pictures with flash
- Only use authorized sport fishing boats
- Motorized water-crafts, submarines, and air tourism are 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 either Quito or Guayaquil on mainland Ecuador.
Getting around
If you want to travel between the main islands (such as Santa Cruz, San Cristobal, Isabela, and Floreana) you can take the speedboat ferry. These run in the morning and afternoon and take around two hours between islands. You can see the timetable here. If you’d like a less bumpy ride, 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.
Galapagos 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, blue-footed boobies, the Galapagos tortoise, sea turtles, and many more.
TCT Transit card
You’ll need to buy a mandatory TCT (transit control card) on arrival at Quito or Guayaquil airport before transferring to the Galapagos. This card will act as your temporary ID card while on the archipelago so that the authorities can monitor and manage the flow of tourists. It costs $20 and you’ll pay at the INGALA counter in the departures lounge. It’s highly advisable to complete a pre-registration form to speed things up. You can find the link here.
What you can't bring
You cannot bring seeds, plants, animals, or any other living thing that may affect the local ecosystem. You can find a full list of prohibited items here.
Luggage restrictions
You may bring 1-2 checked bags weighing no more than 44lbs in total along with one carry-on bag weighing no more than 15lbs.
Other entry requirements
At the airport you’ll need to show proof of accommodation and a return flight.
Frequently asked questions
What is so special about the Galapagos?
The Galapagos is unique because its endemic animals have evolved in isolation and can’t be found anywhere else on Earth. Its ecosystem is so unusual it inspired the young Charles Darwin to develop his theory of evolution. A lack of natural predators has resulted in wildlife unafraid of humans, so you’ll feel the salt water spray from sneezing marine iguanas and hear the pitter-patter of the blue-footed booby as it performs its mating dance.
How much does it cost to go to the Galapagos?
Return flights from Quito or Guayaquil typically cost between $400-600.
Everyone has to pay the national park fees which are $200 for adults and $10 for children under 12.
Budget accommodation falls between $40-100 a night, whereas a luxury hotel is likely to cost between $500-1,000. A seven-day cruise of the major islands is likely to set you back between $5,000 and $10,000 for a truly unforgettable experience.
Food on the archipelago is relatively expensive – you can get a standard set menu for between $5 and $10 in any kiosko (local restaurant), while a high-end splurge will cost upwards of $30.
What is the best month to go to the Galapagos?
From December to May, you’ll enjoy higher temperatures, sunny days, and calmer seas for water activities. Between June and November, it will be cooler, divers will enjoy better visibility, and you’ll see lots of unique wildlife behavior, such as the courtship displays of blue-footed boobies.
For more information on when to visit the islands, contact our team.
What are the must-do activities when visiting the Galapagos?
Diving or snorkeling: a treasure trove of marine life awaits those keen to explore under the water – you’re likely to spot hammerhead sharks and manta rays as well as some of the island’s endemic species such as sea lions and Galapagos penguins.
Wildlife watching: there are few more fascinating places on Earth to get to know the flora and fauna – and a trip to the Charles Darwin Research Center is a must.
Watersports: kayaking and paddleboarding are great activities that allow you to see the local wildlife from the water.
Exploring the islands: taking a day cruise is a fantastic way to explore some of the lesser-known islands in the Galapagos.
Hiking: the archipelago is full of dramatic volcanic landscapes that are perfect for visiting on foot.
What is the best way to experience the Galapagos?
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 to the other islands. Another option is to take an all-inclusive cruise, which is considerably more expensive but means you’ll visit all the major islands in luxury.
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.