Galapagos Islands Vacations

You do not need a visa for the Galapagos Islands per se, but you may require a visa for entry into Ecuador dependent upon your nationality. U.S. citizens do not need a visa to enter Ecuador for stays less than 90 days in any 12-month period, however your passport must be valid for at least six months at the date of entry and have one blank page for your entry stamp. There are, however, several entry requirements for the Galapagos (see below).

To enter Galapagos, travelers must present the following documents at the airport in Quito or Guayaquil before their flight to the islands:

• Passport
• Return air tickets between the mainland and Galapagos
• Private travel health insurance
• Transit Control Card, which is available at the airport for a cost of $20 (cash only)

Upon arrival at the airport in Galapagos, travelers must then present their Transit Control Card, and pay the requisite National Park entry fee (currently $100, soon to be $200 starting 1 Aug 2024)  before they are allowed to enter.

We will happily organize your pre-registration of the Transit Control Card and pre-payment of the National Park entry fee (where possible) to smooth this process.

There are no vaccination requirements for the Galapagos Islands. Nonetheless, it is recommended to check with your doctor at least a month before your trip to get any vaccines or medicines you may need for the entirety of your trip. Travelers should be vaccinated against hepatitis A and typhoid. More detailed information can be found on the CDC website.

The Galápagos Islands are famous for their wildlife, but there are so many places that offer unique glimpses, you can’t really go wrong no matter which of the islands you visit.

Many tourists are aware of the Galapagos’ famous endemic species like the Galapagos Tortoise and Darwin’s Finches, but don’t realize the astonishing array of marine life beneath the waves, so be sure to try snorkeling to make your visit all the more spectacular.

The Galápagos Islands aren’t famous for their cuisine, but visitors say they should be. As you can imagine, the seafood is abundant and fresh. The most famous local dish is the ceviche, made with freshly-caught lobster, octopus, squid, or shrimp.

The Galápagos Islands are an extremely safe tourist destination given their dependence on tourism, and have very low crime rates. Travelers need only concern themselves with sun protection, hydration and practicing water safety whilst swimming, snorkeling or diving, especially around sea lion bulls.

On the off chance that something does occur, bear in mind there are limited medical facilities on the islands. Those needing emergency care must be evacuated to the mainland, so comprehensive travel insurance is advised.

There is no real best time to visit the Galapagos archipelago. The islands are pleasantly warm all year round with an average temperature of 75°F (24°C), but there are two main seasons in Galapagos. The drier season from June to December when the islands are cooled by the southern Humboldt current which brings a light, misty fog over the islands. This makes the climate cooler and drier than other months of the year.

In December, the wetter season starts and the climate becomes more tropical, with months of warm sunny weather. The hottest months of the year are March and April. During this season the waters are calmer and underwater visibility is increased, making it a perfect time for scuba diving Galapagos, as well as swimming and snorkeling, even without a wetsuit.

In an extremely safe environment and surrounded by rare wildlife, the Galápagos Islands are an ideal spot for a family vacation. There are countless things to do on this secluded and beautiful archipelago that visitors of all ages can enjoy.

If you and your spouse are looking for a honeymoon destination that you will never forget, the Galápagos Islands are a perfect choice. Serene, remote, and beautiful, this is the perfect place to have adventures while also enjoying your time as a newly-married couple.