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.
Top 5 highlights in Galápagos Islands
The places you absolutely must not miss.
Charles Darwin Research Station
Research station on Santa Cruz with a tortoise breeding program and the legacy of 'Lonesome George'.
Snorkeling at Kicker Rock
Volcanic rock off San Cristóbal — snorkeling with hammerhead sharks, turtles, and sea lions.
Isabela Island
Largest island with the active volcano Sierra Negra, flamingos, and the best snorkeling spots.
Bartolomé Island
Pinnacle Rock and the moon-like landscape — the most iconic panorama of the archipelago.
Tortuga Bay
Dream beach on Santa Cruz with white sand, marine iguanas, and rays in the crystal-clear water — free.
Hotels in Galápagos Islands
Vergleiche tausende Hotels, Apartments und Resorts auf Expedia – mit Bestpreis-Garantie, kostenloser Stornierung und Bonuspunkten.
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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
Book a package holiday to Galápagos Islands
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Compare package holidays now4 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!
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