Galapagos Islands

About Galapagos Islands

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The Galapagos Islands are made up of 13 main islands and numerous smaller ones, all the result of volcanic activity. It was the Galapagos Islands that Charles Darwin visited as a naturalist on HMS Beagle in 1835, and started to form his theory on evolution. His book "On the Origin of Species by Natural Selection" brought the world’s attention to the Galapagos Islands, and since then they have been a focus for the interest of scientists and wildlife enthusiasts alike.

The Galapagos Islands are all very different and they each have specific landing sites and visitor sites. The nature trails are carefully marked out to avoid disrupting the wildlife, and we follow these accompanied by our expert on-board naturalist guide.

Exact Galapagos Islands holidays and itineraries depend on the yacht you choose for your cruise, but as well as the land trails, you will also have an opportunity to go swimming and snorkelling, perhaps even being joined by sea lions. Diving is available on some yachts. Much of the longer distances are covered at night, ensuring that your time visiting the Galapagos Islands is put to the best use.

Featured trips

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Galapagos Island Hopping Tour
This Galapagos Island hopping itinerary visits several different islands allowing you to explore the archipelago with the option of more activities, including longer hikes.

Featured accommodation

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Angermeyer Waterfront Inn
9 room hotel on a peninsula overlooking Academy Bay on the outskirts of Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz in the Galapagos Islands.
Finch Bay Eco Hotel
21 room hotel on the outskirts of Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island, Galapagos.

Pricing guidelines for Galapagos Islands

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We hope the following will give you a rough idea of costs. These are quoted per person based on twin share for two people, without international flights but including internal flights. We’ve used good standard accommodation throughout. There are nearly always ways to spend more money than we’ve suggested (!), but these prices show a good and realistic range for each type of trip.

International flights to Quito or Guayaquil will add from about £750 to £1000 depending on the season and route (unless the airlines have special offers). You will also need internal flights from the mainland to the islands which cost about £275 to £350. A Galapagos National Park tax is payable on arrival - currently $100. A few yachts also offer shorter or longer cruises. Charter cruises are also available. Please ask for details.

For a specific personal quote based on any tailor made itinerary you have in mind, please contact us and we’ll be happy to help you.

Example tripPrice per person
An 8 day cruise on a luxury yachtBetween £2800 and £4000
An 8 day cruise on a prestige yachtBetween £2000 and £2800
An 8 day cruise on a superior tourist yachtBetween £1700 and £1900
An 8 day cruise on a tourist yachtBetween £1500 and £1700

Weather and highlights

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- Jan
- Sunny
- 20
- 27
- Feb
- Sunny
- 22
- 28
- Mar
- Sunny
- 22
- 29
- Apr
- Sunny
- 21
- 28
- May
- Sunny
- 21
- 26
- Jun
- Sunny with Cloud
- 19
- 24
- Jul
- Sunny with Cloud
- 18
- 23
- Aug
- Sunny with Cloud
- 17
- 22
- Sep
- Sunny with Cloud
- 16
- 23
- Oct
- Sunny with Cloud
- 17
- 24
- Nov
- Sunny with Cloud
- 18
- 24
- Dec
- Sunny
- 19
- 25

Remarkable range of wildlife with no fear of man.
Explore the islands with an expert naturalist guide.
Travel from island to island in a comfortable yacht.
Snorkel with turtles, penguins, sea lions and a whole variety of underwater life.
Excellent diving options for the experienced diver.

Map and country information

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Language

Spanish is the official language in the Galapagos Islands.

Visas

Not required for British travellers. Other nationalities should obtain advice from their embassy.

Health

There are no compulsory vaccinations.

Best times to go

The Galapagos Islands are a year-round destination. Daytime temperatures vary from about 20°C to 28°C. December to May are the warmest months. April and May are generally the clearest months. July and August can be windy (but this is still peak season). From July to November you may experience occasional 'garua' or mists and the water is atypically cool for the tropics. Underwater visibility is best around January to March.

Getting there

Flights to the Galapagos Islands leave from Quito and touch down in Guayaquil en route, taking about 3 hours from Quito or 2 hours from Guayaquil. The flights land either at Baltra or San Cristobal.