Holiday in Galápagos Islands

Island in Ecuador — tips, highlights & best time to visit 🇪🇨

Country

Ecuador

Type

Island

Best time to travel

June to November — cool Garúa season, best time for snorkeling. December to May warmer, more rain, greener islands.

Budget/day

Getting there from Germany

Flight to Quito or Guayaquil, then domestic flight to Galápagos (Baltra/San Cristóbal), total about 18-24 hours.

About Galápagos Islands

The Galápagos Islands, located about 1,000 kilometers off the coast of Ecuador in the Pacific, are a vibrant natural laboratory of evolution and one of the most extraordinary places on Earth. Here, Charles Darwin developed his groundbreaking theory of evolution, and to this day, animals inhabit these volcanic islands that are unafraid of humans — an experience that cannot be found anywhere else in the world. Giant tortoises that can live over 100 years, marine iguanas that are found nowhere else in the world, blue-footed boobies with bright blue feet, and playful sea lions swimming alongside snorkelers — the biodiversity is overwhelming. Each island has its own personality: Santa Cruz is home to the Charles Darwin Research Station, Isabela offers volcanic landscapes and penguins at the equator, and Española is the only breeding ground for the Galápagos albatrosses. The underwater world is equally spectacular: schools of hammerhead sharks, sea turtles, manta rays, and whale sharks make the Galápagos one of the best diving and snorkeling spots in the world. Multi-day cruises between the islands are the best way to explore the archipelago. Visitor numbers are strictly limited to protect the fragile ecosystem. January to May offers warmer water, while June to November has cooler temperatures with more marine life.

Nature
100
Adventure
90
Beach
75
Winter
75
Romance
70

Top 5 highlights in Galápagos Islands

The places you absolutely must not miss.

1

Charles Darwin Research Station

Research station on Santa Cruz with a tortoise breeding program and the legacy of 'Lonesome George'.

2

Snorkeling at Kicker Rock

Volcanic rock off San Cristóbal — snorkeling with hammerhead sharks, turtles, and sea lions.

3

Isabela Island

Largest island with the active volcano Sierra Negra, flamingos, and the best snorkeling spots.

4

Bartolomé Island

Pinnacle Rock and the moon-like landscape — the most iconic panorama of the archipelago.

5

Tortuga Bay

Dream beach on Santa Cruz with white sand, marine iguanas, and rays in the crystal-clear water — free.

Hotels in Galápagos Islands

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Reise-SIM für Galápagos Islands

Günstig surfen im Urlaub mit travSIM

Pauschalreisen & Rundreisen

Berge & Meer – 170 Tage Cookie

Best time to travel for Galápagos Islands

Recommended travel time

June to November — cool Garúa season, best time for snorkeling. December to May warmer, more rain, greener islands.

Summer

22-28°C, warm and humid (Jan-May)

Winter

18-24°C, cooler and dry (Jun-Nov)

How much does a holiday in Galápagos Islands cost?

Average costs per person per day

🎒

Budget

80-120 €

Hostel, Street food, Public transport

🏨

Mid-range

Hotel, Restaurant, Excursions

🌟

Luxury

300-800 € (cruise)

Boutique hotel, Fine dining

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4 travel tips for Galápagos Islands

Insider knowledge that makes your holiday better.

TCT entry: 100 USD national park fee + 20 USD transit card upon arrival — cash only in US dollars.

Cruise vs. Island Hopping: Cruise (from 2,000 €/week) is more convenient but more expensive. Island hopping with speedboats is the budget option.

Do not touch animals: Strict rules: 2 meters distance, do not feed, do not use flash. A naturalist guide is required on most trails.

Reef-friendly sunscreen: Only use mineral sunscreen — chemical filters harm the marine ecosystem.

Food & drink in Galápagos Islands

These specialties you must try!

Ceviche de Camarón — Fresh shrimp in lime juice with onions, tomatoes, and cilantro — ubiquitous on the islands.
Encebollado — Ecuadorian fish soup with tuna, yuca, and pickled onions — the national dish of the mainland.
Langosta (Lobster) — Fresh Galápagos lobster — seasonal (September-December) and a feast in local restaurants.
Arroz con Menestra — Rice with lentils and grilled meat — the everyday Ecuadorian lunch.
Bolón de Verde — Fried green plantain balls with cheese — the typical breakfast of Ecuador.
Suitable for:EvolutionWildlifeUNESCOSnorkelingTortoisesUniqueConservation

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