FAQs about Galapagos: Do I need a passport or visa to go to Galapagos?
Other related frequently asked questions
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).
On a general basis, unless included on the given price for the confirmed cruise, passenger needs to bring enough cash on board to cover costs like Galapagos entrance fee ($100 p.p. in cash on arrival to Islands), mandatory Transit Control Card ($20 p.p. paid before check-in in cash), snorkeling equipment & wet suit rental (in cash on board), personal expenses, extras, soft & alcoholic drinks, tips for guide& crew and other expenses not specified in the itinerary.
Some Luxury and First accept Credit Card payments on board for on board consumption but Midrange and Economy require payments in cash only. It is imperative that you bring enough cash (U.S. Dollars) in all cases to cover your expenses while cruising the Galapagos.
Galapagos is a top-destination for travelers, therefore cruises and tours are on very high demand year-around. It is recommended to arrange your trip at least with 6 months in advance to secure and guarantee your spots on the preferred trip.
Now, if you find the opportunity to visit the Galapagos before 6 months in advance, there is also the possibility to find cruise deals that may fill your expectations. However, if you leave your decision for the last-minute, you may not find what you were looking for a tour that will fulfill your expectations.
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
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.
Taking a Galapagos cruise is considered the best way to explorer the Galapagos as it gives you the opportunity to reach the remotest islands as you sail at night from site to site, which means more time to enjoy the location and day’s activities.
However, if you are susceptible to sea sickness the feasible alternative is taking a nice land-based tour with hotel accommodation on the populated Islands of Santa Cruz, San Cristobal and/or Isabela; from here you can enjoy interesting day-tours to the nearby sites or Islands; you will also have the possibility to enjoy snorkeling and other activities while taking day-tours.