FAQs about Galapagos: Are all your prices in US dollars?

Traveling to the Galapagos is considered more expensive than taking trips on Mainland; the cost of a trip depends of many factors like taking a cruise or a land-based program. A Cruise is more expensive but definitely a more complete experience in comparison with a land-based program.

Prices vary depending on cruise/tour category: Luxury, first, Midrange and Economy Class and the differences are mainly due to type of cabins (accommodations), level of service, social areas, amenities, cuisine and guide’s experience.

Also, take into consideration the additional expenses for your trip like: domestic flight tickets, Entrance Fees, personal expenses, tips, drinks, equipment rental, etc. Please contact us for guidance on how to choose the right type of trip to Galapagos based on your Budget.

First, you must get to Ecuador Mainland. Make sure you arrive to Quito or Guayaquil at least one day before your departure to the Galapagos; there are no direct connections with international flights and flights to Galapagos Islands depart from mainland Ecuador early in the morning from Quito and/or Guayaquil.

Visitors arrive by plane from Mainland (flight takes about 2 ½ hours) with three main Airlines: AVIANCA, LAN and TAME and arrive to Galapagos to one of its two Airports: One in Baltra Island and one in San Cristobal.

Land visits are a recommended alternative if not taking a sailing cruise in the Galapagos; you spend the nights at a comfortable Hotel and every day you have day-trips whether on the same Island or take a yacht to a nearby Island where you will enjoy different activities like hiking, snorkeling, kayaking, swimming always surrounded by amazing and untamed Wildlife and breathtaking scenarios, accompanied by a certified Bilingual professional Guide to make your experience on each site more enjoyable each day.

In general, cruises include: accommodation in cabin with private facilities, guided excursions with professional Licensed bilingual guide, transfers within Galapagos (on cruise dates), Airport assistance, all meals on board while cruising, drinking water, tea, coffee.

Luxury and First class cruises also include usage of snorkeling equipment and most of them have sea-kayaks on board for guests. Some Luxury class cruises also include Wet suits and others and First class cruises have them available for rent on board.

Midrange and Economy class cruises have snorkeling equipment and Wet suits available for rent on board (in cash).

Land visits are, just as cruises, subject to National Park regulations for all departures; this means that all the day-visits are subject to a pre-determined schedule for the day’s activities and visits to one or more sites in one Island and they cannot be modified in any way.

During your free time in one of the populated Islands, you can stroll within the Town and enjoy many local attractions, good restaurants and bars, visit Darwin Research Center (Santa Cruz) or Interpretation Center (San Cristobal) and, of course, feel surrounded by many birds and playful Sea lions, especially at the Town’s Docks

Large luxury vessels have a Medic on board for passengers’ aid while on board. Small yachts/catamarans cannot offer this service due to the space on board. Note that your guide is properly trained to face emergencies and have first-aid training to assist passengers while cruising. Also all boats are equipped with satellite phones and have contact with Island authorities and emergency services, should they be required during a cruise. All cruises take passenger’s safety and well-being very seriously.