About Galapagos Islands
The Galápagos Islands are an archipelago of volcanic islands in the Eastern Pacific, located around the equator, 485 nautical miles west of the mainland of South America. They form the Galápagos Province of the Republic of Ecuador, with a population of slightly over 33,000 in 2020. The province is divided into the cantons of San Cristóbal, Santa Cruz, and Isabela, the three most populated islands in the chain. The Galápagos are famous for their large number of endemic species, which were studied by Charles Darwin in the 1830s and inspired his theory of evolution by means of natural selection. All of these islands are protected as part of Ecuador's Galápagos National Park and Marine Reserve.
Places to visit in Galapagos Islands
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Charles Darwin Research Station
Landmark · 18 mi from centreThe main scientific base on the islands, where you can see giant tortoises from its breeding program up close. It sits at the edge of Puerto Ayora, so walk there in the cooler early morning.
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Tortuga Bay
Beach · 16 mi from centreA long white-sand beach reached by a paved trail from Puerto Ayora, with marine iguanas on the rocks. Swim in the sheltered lagoon at the far end, since the open beach has strong currents.
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Bartolomé Island
Viewpoint · 26 mi from centreA small volcanic island with a boardwalk up to a summit overlooking the famous Pinnacle Rock. Join a day trip that includes snorkeling below the pinnacle, where you may spot penguins.
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North Seymour Island
Nature · 26 mi from centreA flat island near Baltra with nesting colonies of blue-footed boobies and frigatebirds just off the trail. Stay on the marked path, since birds nest right beside it and the guides enforce the rules closely.
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Sierra Negra
NatureA large shield volcano on Isabela Island with one of the widest calderas in the world. The hike along the rim is long and exposed, so bring rain gear, sun protection, and plenty of water.
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South Plaza Island
Nature · 27 mi from centreA tiny island off Santa Cruz covered in red ground plants, prickly pear cactus, and land iguanas. Look along the cliffs on the far side for sea lions and swallow-tailed gulls.
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Kicker Rock
NatureA split volcanic rock rising from the sea off San Cristóbal Island, famous for snorkeling with sea lions and sometimes sharks. The water can be cool and deep, so a wetsuit is worth renting.
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Puerto Ayora
Neighborhood · 17 mi from centreThe largest town in the islands and the main base for day trips, with a busy waterfront and fish market. Watch the sea lions and pelicans at the fish market in the late afternoon.
Things to do in Galapagos Islands by type
14 tours, tickets and experiences across 3 categories. Pick a type to see what is available for your dates.
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Day Trips & Excursions 8 experiences Bartolome Full-Day Tour from Santa Cruz -
Outdoor activities & Adventure 3 experiences Discover Isabela Island and Tintoreras Islets – Full-Day Tour -
Art & culture 2 experiences Bay Tour
- Over 6 hours 5
- Senior 2
- Couples 2
- Youth 2
- Families 2
Top experiences in Galapagos Islands
Tours, tickets and experiences you can book with Destina Holidays, from 14 available.
Bay Tour
From $49 per adult
Bartolome Full-Day Tour from Santa Cruz
From $345 per adult
Floreana Full-Day Tour - from Santa Cruz
From $194 per adult
Santa Fe Full Day Tour
From $194 per adult
North Seymour Island Full Day Tour
From $331 per adult
Plaza Islands Full-Day Tour from Santa Cruz
From $282 per adult
Best time to visit Galapagos Islands
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Galapagos Islands is June to December, when average daytime highs are around 80–84°F and rain falls on about 2 days a month.
Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.
Galapagos Islands weather forecast
- Wed 21 Oct 85° 76° 17%
- Thu 22 Oct 83° 77° 53%
- Fri 23 Oct 85° 75° 78%
- Sat 24 Oct 84° 77° 73%
- Sun 25 Oct 85° 77° 53%
- Mon 26 Oct 85° 77° 40%
Know before you go
- Currency
- United States dollar (USD)
- Language
- Spanish
- Calling code
- +593
- Driving
- On the right
- Time zone
- Pacific/GalapagosUTC−6
- Capital
- Quito
Upcoming public holidays in Ecuador
- All Souls' DayDía de los Difuntos, Día de Muertos
- Independence of CuencaIndependencia de Cuenca
- Christmas DayDía de Navidad
- New Year's DayAño Nuevo
- CarnivalCarnaval
- CarnivalCarnaval
Banks, offices and some attractions may close on public holidays, and flights and hotels often fill up early around them.
Getting to Galapagos Islands
These are the airports closest to central Galapagos Islands. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.
- GPS Seymour Airport25 mi (40 km) from the city centre
- SCY San Cristóbal Airport67 mi (107 km) from the city centre
Getting around Galapagos Islands
Seeing the sites and wildlife of the Galapagos is best done by boat, just as Charles Darwin did it in 1835. Over 60 cruise ships ply the Galapagos waters - ranging in size from 8 to 100 passengers. Most people book their place well in advance (as the boats are usually full during the high season). Be sure the agent through whom you book is a Galapagos specialist with a good knowledge of a wide variety of ships.
Land-based tours
Ship-based trips to Galapagos are considered to be the optimal way of getting out and about in the archipelago, allowing you to maximize your exposure to what the islands are famous for. Land-based tours have grown dramatically since the early 1990s when very few tourists came to Galapagos without taking a cruise. In 2017 while approximately 72,000 people enjoyed a cruise every year, over 150,000 land-based visitors came to the islands on island-hopping trips.
Galapagos Islands travel FAQ
When is the best time to visit Galapagos Islands?
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Galapagos Islands is June to December, when average daytime highs are around 80–84°F and rain falls on about 2 days a month.
What is the weather like in Galapagos Islands?
March is usually the warmest month in Galapagos Islands, with average highs of 85°F (29°C). September is the coolest, with average lows of 69°F (20°C). The wettest month is typically March, with about 399 mm of rain.
Which airport is closest to Galapagos Islands?
Seymour Airport (GPS) is the closest airport, about 25 miles (40 km) from the centre of Galapagos Islands. Other nearby airports include San Cristóbal Airport (SCY, 67 mi).
What time zone is Galapagos Islands in?
Galapagos Islands uses the Pacific/Galapagos time zone (currently UTC−6). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.
How do I get around Galapagos Islands?
Seeing the sites and wildlife of the Galapagos is best done by boat, just as Charles Darwin did it in 1835. Over 60 cruise ships ply the Galapagos waters - ranging in size from 8 to 100 passengers. Most people book their place well in advance (as the boats are usually full during the high season).
What are the best places to visit in Galapagos Islands?
Top sights in Galapagos Islands include Charles Darwin Research Station, Tortuga Bay, Bartolomé Island and North Seymour Island. The main scientific base on the islands, where you can see giant tortoises from its breeding program up close. It sits at the edge of Puerto Ayora, so walk there in the cooler early morning.
What are the top things to do in Galapagos Islands?
Popular experiences you can book in Galapagos Islands include Bay Tour, Bartolome Full-Day Tour from Santa Cruz and Floreana Full-Day Tour - from Santa Cruz. Destina Holidays offers 14 tours and activities here.
What kinds of tours and activities can I book in Galapagos Islands?
The most popular types of experiences in Galapagos Islands are day trips & excursions (8), outdoor activities & adventure (3), art & culture (2) and zoo, aquarium & nature (1). Filter by type when you search to compare prices and availability for your dates.
