Galapagos Resources
Our Galapagos resources provide all the essential information you need to plan your dream vacation. One of the most common questions we receive is about the best time to visit. What weather should you anticipate? What types of wildlife will you encounter? Are there better or worse seasons for travel? When might you experience choppier seas? Additionally, we cover the necessary visas and fees for entering the Galapagos, as well as details on both international and domestic flights. All this information is detailed below for your convenience. And remember, our expert trip advisors are just a few clicks away, ready to offer you personalized assistance with your Galapagos adventure at no extra cost!
When To Travel
Galapagos Land Iguana Amidst Vegetation In Warm Season
Galapagos Marine Turtle In Dry Season
Galapagos Weather
The weather in the archipelago is another thing to behold and marvel about the enchanted islands. as Darwin himself said: “Considering that these islands are placed directly under the equator, the climate is far from being excessively hot” With great climate throughout the whole year, there is no such thing as a bad time to visit the islands.
Warm Season – January To June
Also known as the Hot or Wet season, warmer waters take over the archipelago, with the warm air rising to the point rain clouds are formed, and short afternoon rains become a common affair. With clear skies during the day, vegetation flourishes and there is an abundant food source for herbivore animals in the islands. This is also the nesting and breeding season for a lot of the wildlife in the Galapagos, well into the warm season around March and April the islands will be full of new wildlife. With calmer seas and warmer waters, snorkeling and diving are truly enjoyable, yet there is less marine life as opposed to the dry season.
Dry Season – July To December
The Garua Season, which refers to the common fog and mist on higher elevations displayed this time of the year in the islands is brought in by the great southern Polar current, now known as the Humboldt current, and the upwelling of the ocean that stirs the nutrients, stimulating the growth of algae, as a result rich marine life blossoms in the archipelago. As a cycle of life, many sea birds depend on the wellbeing of marine life in the islands to survive. The highlands receive more moisture this time of year then they do from the rain in the Warm season. Sea currents are colder and rougher; yet are considered to be the best for snorkeling.
Weather Chart
Different events take place during the year that are governed by 2 seasons in the archipelago, the seasonal change is not an exact science and varies somewhat, often with transitional months when either type of weather can occur.
How To Get There
Aerogal Airline
Tame Airline
Entering the Islands
The islands can only be accessed by commercial airlines all 7 days of the week. With flights departing from Ecuador (Quito or Guayaquil) only, and arriving to either Baltra or San Cristobal in Galapagos. Flights usually depart early in the morning, passengers arrive late morning to the islands – (10h00 to 12h00). The islands time (UTC – 06:00) is one hour behind mainland Ecuador.
Transit Control Card
Very similar to a visa when traveling abroad, the transit control card became a necessity in controlling people entering and exiting the islands. TCT, the acronym for the Control Card in spanish, serves as a regulation mechanism to ensure only those that are residents of the islands can enter an exit freely, it regulates tourists from extending their stay from the allowed (90 Days) and controls non-compliant visitors from re-entering the islands. The card has a one time fee of $10, applicable for both locals and foreigners, paid at the airport of Quito or Guayaquil (Cash Only).
Airlines
Currently only 3 airlines operate in the Galapagos, (Tame-Aerogal-Lan), all departing from either Quito or Guayaquil in Ecuador, there is no international flights entering the islands for the time being, although connecting flights can be arranged through Lan. In most cases clients who have booked a cruise are required to book their flight with the boat operator, (specific airline & flight) to ensure the smooth operation of their tour, and avoid long waits between flight arrivals. Almost all airlines have a scale in Guayaquil (30 minute stop), a total 3 hour flight from Quito, flights rarely get delayed or cancelled.
Park Entrance Fee & Flight Chart
The Galapagos park entrance fee has a cost of $100 per person, a one-time fee that is paid upon arrival at the airport in Galapagos, some may find this as an excessive fee, but you can be sure that your money is put to good use, almost half of it goes to the park itself for its preservation and conservation, and the other half is distributed throughout the different entities that regulate and control the islands. Costs and schedules detailed below are only an average, and they fluctuate somewhat through they year, your flight details might vary when your tickets are issued, please only use the information below as an indicator.
Sustainable Visit
Branch & Sun rays
GreenGo Galapagos
The islands have had quite the run over the years, and it’s our participation, awareness and involvement with its conservation which will ensure the archipelago will prevail over time. Some organizations are headed in the right direction and are worthy mentions of examples to follow, and we are proud to be able to support their efforts.
Galapagos Conservation Trust
The GCT is a non-profit organization that sets a great example of the many ways we can contribute to the various conservation needs of the Galapagos Islands. Working with key institutions in the islands, GCT is involved in projects to help save endangered species, training locals in the area with enviromental management, protection of fishing activities to protect the marine life, and many other remarkable ways of supporting the islands. You can be part of this support by visitng their site, they have many interesting and fun ways of getting you involved.
Canopy Co
Based in Ecuador, and working closely with local communities, CanopyCo is a great initiative to carbon offset (neutralize the absorption of atmospheric carbon dioxide – Climate Change & Global Warming) our negative impact and balance the scale. Their programs consist of reforestation, native trees will be planted with your donation, local manpower will be used in rural development projects that will benefit the local population, organic agricultural, and many other ways of making your visit in Ecuador a sustainable one. More information can be found in their website.
Getting Ready
Young Girl reading in Bench
Galapagos Literature
There is no better way of getting prepared and build up the excitement to your once in a lifetime dream holiday then researching and anticipating what will await for you in the Enchanted Islands. From documentaries to books, there is a wealth of information available about the Galapagos Islands, and we have listed some worthy mentions below.
