Bucket list how to: Plan a trip to the Galapagos Islands

The Galapagos Islands lie 600 miles off the shores of Ecuador and are made up of 13 large islands, 7 minor ones and clusters of tiny pieces of land. The archipelago is well known for its biodiversity and the research of naturalist Charles Darwin. There are two main travel options for exploring the islands. Most choose cruise-based tours which visit 5-10 islands during a week long trip. Meanwhile, others prefer to see the Galapagos in a more independent, land-based style.

Spot the magnificent frigate bird in the Galapagos | Photo by GettingStamped.com

Getting there
Flights to South American capitals are becoming cheaper every year. Round trip flights from U.S. hubs to Quito can be found for around $600. From mainland Ecuador, you can take a regional flight out to the islands to start your trip. There are two commercial airports in the Galapagos. One is the Baltra Airport (Code: GPS) located on a small island off of the larger Santa Cruz Island. The second airport is San Cristobal (Code: SCY). Flights can also be booked directly to the Galapagos from international destinations, however booking separately allows for the options of exploring Quito.

See animals you can only see in the Galapagos like bright yellow land iguanas | Photo by GettingStamped.com

When to go
Due to its location on the equator, the temperatures stay relatively steady all year long. From December to May the water and air temps are slightly higher and the seas are generally calmer. During this time, the islands see slightly more rain which can also result in flowers coming into bloom and more colorful landscapes. June through November is slightly cooler and sea currents change, bringing nutrient rich water and attracting marine life. The seas will be rougher and the skies cloudier, but divers prefer this time of the year. Besides the weather and its effects on the wildlife, the other important thing to note about when to visit is the peak seasons for tourism. From mid-June into September and again in late December to mid-January, the islands see many tourists and it’s important to book well in advance to ensure tours and accommodation.

Cruise the Galapagos or base yourself on land – Photo by GettingStamped.com

Cruises vs. independent island-based visits
Galapagos cruises are a very effective way to see many of the islands, including harder to reach ones. On these cruises, you visit different islands during the day and sail to a new destination overnight, thus maximizing your daytime adventures. However, the price tag can be upwards of $8,000 for a 7-day excursion.

Alternatively, you can base yourself on land and take day trips to the different remote islands. This is generally a more cost-effective way to see the Galapagos. However, it can be difficult to reach the more remote islands. Popular places to choose a base are Santa Cruz, San Cristobal and Isabela. From here you can hire guides to take you on day trips or multi-day packages or excursions. Be sure to hire a company that has proper permits and licensed guides.

Stare into the eyes of the of the rarest species in the world | Photo by GettingStamped.com

Choosing which islands to visit
Some islands and sites are known for their special wildlife and landscapes, which should be included on your Galapagos itinerary. However, many of the islands are home to sea lions, marine iguanas, and many of the famous bird species so you’ll easily encounter them. Below is a breakdown of some of the more popular islands and what to expect to see on each (listed Alphabetically).

Prince Phillip’s Steps on the beautiful island of Genovesa | Photo by GettingStamped.com

Genovesa
The long voyage and rough seas keep most tourists away from Genovesa. Generally, only the week-long sailings will make the trip here. Those that come will see fantastic wildlife and unique geography. After a hike up the large rock wall formation known as Prince Phillip’s Steps, you’ll find many of the famous birds of the Galapagos. A common sight here is the frigate birds who puff their red necks as part of a mating ritual. On Genovesa you shouldn’t have trouble spotting masked boobies, and the island is home to the largest population of red-footed boobies.

Who doesn’t like a flamingo \ Photo by GettingStamped.com

Isabe
The largest island in the Galápagos has many unique features and inhabitants. Among the most popular are Darwin’s lake surrounded by impressive volcanic hills and the aptly named Flamingo Pond. The large size of the island allows for a large number of species to be seen here making it a popular destination for day trippers.

Hangout with the famous giant tortoises of the Galapagos – Photo by GettingStamped.com

Santa Cruz
Most tours will either start or end here and it’s also a popular base for independent travelers. The main town, Puerto Ayora, is among the largest on the islands. In addition to being a transport hub, there’s also the Charles Darwin Research Station. On the site of the research station, you’ll get a chance to get very close to a handful of giant tortoises. Also not far away are “The Twins,” side by side sinkholes which are part of most tours on the island. Finally on the northern end of the island is Cerro Dragon, or Dragon Hill, a prominent rock formation and also a great place to see the colorful land iguanas.

The sea lions in the Galapagos have got the best life and they know it | Photo by GettingStamped.com

Santiago
The main draw to Santiago is that it’s home to the largest population of endemic sea lions of the Galapagos, the Galapagos fur seal. Most other islands have primarily California sea lions.