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Galapagos Legend Cruise

Eastern Galápagos Cruise

4 Days Galápagos cruise on board the Legend

Length

4 Days

Ship category

Premium

Ship type

Small Ship

Capacity

100 Passengers

Eastern Galápagos Cruise

13 Reviews

Trip highlights

Playful Sea Lions in South Plaza

Iconic views during a walk on Bartolomé

Seymour: A Blue-footed booby's paradise

A Blue-Footed Booby paradise

The Galapatours experience

Facilities to rival any cruise ship

Fantastic family-friendly Galápagos cruise

English-speaking guide for all activities

Lectures in the evening

Get to know the highlights of Galápagos with this Naturalist cruise on board the beautiful Legend! On this Expedition Cruise, you will discover the incredible wildlife of the Galápagos Islands: On North Seymour, an incredible hike and snorkeling session awaits you. This island is the archipelago condensed into very little space, and you'll be able to see almost all the iconic Galápagos species in just a few hours. On San Cristóbal, you will be able to snorkel in crystal clear waters, relax with sea lions on pristine white sand beaches and learn more about the evolution of giant tortoises. A walk across South Plaza is one of the best visitor experiences in the Galápagos thanks to the large number of species living in such a small area.

Your ship: Legend

Galapagos Legend Cruise
Galapagos Legend Cruise
Galapagos Legend Cruise

The Motor Vessel Galápagos Legend is a superb, 300 feet long, purpose built luxury expedition vessel. Offering the very best in boutique adventure cruises, your journey will bring you all the amenities you would expect from a luxury cruise liner, and yet affords an intimate and personal glimpse into the stunning wildlife and habitats of the Islands.

Built in 2001 and fully refurbished to an exceptional standard in 2017, Legend boasts amongst the best facilities available on any vessel in the archipelago. With 5 decks of accommodation and communal space, yet a maximum of only 100 passengers Ga … Read more about Legend

Cabins

Standard Plus
Standard Plus

Type:

Matrimonial

Max. occupancy:

2

More about this cabin

Legend Balcony Suite
Legend Balcony Suite

Type:

Triple

Max. occupancy:

3

More about this cabin

Standard Interior
Standard Interior

Type:

Matrimonial

Max. occupancy:

2

More about this cabin

Triple Junior Suite
Junior Suites

Type:

Quadrupel

Max. occupancy:

4

More about this cabin

Balcony Suite
Balcony Suite

Type:

Triple

Max. occupancy:

3

More about this cabin

Map

Itinerary

Your itinerary below may vary, depending on the weather, wildlife breeding, and local conditions.

Flight to Baltra XL1411
Popular

1 Day

4.5

(42)

Flight from Mainland Ecuador to Galápagos

Important: Please do inquire with us for your flights to Galápagos! The timing of your flights is crucial for a smooth operation of your cruises. Together, we must ensure that you arrive well before the departure of the cruise - better even on the exact same flight as the other passengers on board your ship. Therefore: Should you chose to book your own flights from Mainland Ecuador (Quito or Guayaquil) to Galápagos (Baltra Airport or San Cristóbal Airport) and arrive late to Galápagos, then we will not assume any responsibility. The ship might not wait for you, in which case you will **miss your cruise without right to compensation**.

From

USD 299

Punta Moreno walk - Nemo i galapagos cruise - gal0087

3 Days

Day Trip + 2 Hotel Nights

Enjoy a 3-day cruise extension from Puerto Ayora, including a full-day land excursion to an exquisite uninhabited island in the Galápagos. Observe the remarkable biodiversity up close and snorkel in the tropical waters in the afternoon.

From

USD 680

Galapagos Green Turtle

3 Days

Diving Trip + 2 Hotel Nights

This Mid-range 3-day cruise extension will take you from Puerto Ayora on a full-day diving trip to one of the most spectacular sites in the Galápagos Islands. Get up close to the amazing life, swim amongst sea turtles, sea lions and an endless array of colorful fish!

From

USD 490

Baltra Arrival at Baltra airport+transfer to ship
Baltra: Arrival at Baltra airportBaltra: Arrival at Baltra airport + transfer to ship - la pinta yacht galapagos cruise - gal0104 + transfer to ship - la pinta yacht galapagos cruise - gal0104

Welcome to Galápagos! Once your flight has landed and you went through the immigration process, you'll be met in the Arrivals lounge by our English-speaking guide who will take you to your transfer vehicle for the short journey to your waiting ship.

Baltra Island, where your arrival airport is, was used as an important Air Force base in the Second World War. This is the primary airport for the Galápagos Islands and you'll be rubbing shoulders with fellow tourists, international naturalists and conservationists, researchers and academics, and Galápagos residents alike. The airport has been built as a "green" airport, and as well as using recycled materials in its construction, it's special design keeps the buildings relatively cool without the need for any air conditioning.

Once on board your ship, you will be introduced to the crew and given a welcome briefing as well as an important safety drill. After this you'll be shown to your cabin. While you're served a well-deserved and delicious lunch, the captain will cast off and your adventure truly starts.

Note: If you plan to spend a few days prior to the cruise in Puerto Ayora and want to do the cruise later this is no problem at all. The transfer from Puerto Ayora to Baltra is very easy.

Bartholomew A walk on Bartholomew
A walk on Bartholomew, Galápagos

Bartholomew (known as Bartolomé locally) is the most popular excursion for Galápagos visitors, and its iconic scenery is the most photographed in the whole archipelago.

To start your walk on this island you will land in the small bay opposite the famous Pinnacle Rock. You then start the climb to the 375ft peak of Bartholomew. You’ll travel along a half mile trail that includes a series of wooden steps that have been built by the National Park Service to protect the ground here from erosion caused by tourists hiking to the summit.

When you arrive at the top of island the spectacular views will have made your efforts worthwhile. Your Galapatours expert guide will point out all the landmarks you will see from here - Pinnacle Rock itself, jutting skywards. The huge black lava flows of Sullivan Bay. The islands of Daphne Major and Daphne Minor.

On the way back down, you will be able to recognise the different volcanic formations evident on the island, such as tuff cones and volcanic spatter. You'll also see some remarkable examples of the Galápagos' ability to highlight the adaptation of species. For example the  bushes that all look dead are actually very much alive, with leaves covered with special grey hairs that help to reflect the harsh sun and reduce moisture loss for the plants.

Back at the beach there is excellent snorkeling, thanks to the underwater caves and rocks in the area. You will see various sharks, rays and tropical fish. You may also see Galápagos Penguins swimming with you!

South Plaza A walk on South Plaza
A walk on South Plaza

Whilst her twin, North Plaza, is closed to visitors, South Plaza is one of the best visitor sites in the Galápagos thanks to the large number of species present on her small area.

The Plazas were formed as the result of a geological uplift, and because this was uneven they both have cliffs on their south sides and low lying shores on their northern coasts.

The most noticeable (and noisiest) of South Plaza's residents are her Galápagos Sea Lions, who have a large colony here. Less obvious are her land iguanas (the smallest in the islands), many marine iguanas and large numbers and varieties of seabirds.

Inland is a mix of scrubby vegetation and giant opuntia cactus forest, providing food for the iguanas. As you follow the circular hiking trail you will come to the summit of the cliffs here where you'll be among countless nesting seabirds.

North Seymour North Seymour
A walk on North Seymour

The island is named after an English nobleman, Lord Hugh Seymour and has an area of 1.9 square kilometers and a maximum altitude of 28 meters. This island is home to a large population of blue-footed boobies and swallow-tailed gulls and hosts one of the largest populations of frigatebirds. North Seymour has a visitor trail approximately 1.2 mi in length crossing the inland of the island and exploring the rocky coast.

North Seymour was formed at the same time as neighboring Baltra Island, and by the same process - an uplifting of undersea lava. This small, flat island has hiking trails throughout, allowing you to explore the arid landscape and to meet the seabirds that call North Seymour home.

North Seymour was the site of one of the earliest conservation experiments in the Galápagos. In 1934 a group of Galápagos Land Iguanas were moved there by Captain Hanckock. They have since thrivedthrived, and there are now well over 2,500 of them on the island and more than 3,000 on the neighbouring Baltra island.

The biggest attraction of North Seymour is its large colony of Blue-Footed Boobies and its Frigatebirds. These popular Galápagos species are often found together because the Frigatebirds rely on the Boobies’ fishing prowess. The Frigatebirds actively steal the Boobies catch to feed themselves!

There is also a population of Marine Iguanas and Galápagos Sea Lions are frequently spotted. The snorkeling here is also very good, with plenty of marine life to see including rays and reef sharks.

San Cristóbal Pitt Point
Pitt Point

Pitt Point, or Punta Pitt, is at the far eastern edge of San Cristobal. Following a wet landing directly onto the beach you'll be welcomed by the friendly and noisy barking of the local colony of Galápagos Sea Lions! This is actually a bachelor colony of males who haven't held a breeding territory, and they can sometimes be the worse for wear if they have been fighting on one of the breeding beaches elsewhere.

After the noise of the beach, a quieter path takes us up the cliffs to a breeding site used by all 3 resident species of booby - the Blue-Footed, Red-Footed and Nazca Boobies. Nowhere else in the Galápagos do all three species nest side-by-side like this.

As well as this unique booby colony you can also see Galápagos Frigatebirds and petrels. In addition to the wonderful bird life, the view down to the beach and across the island from this high vantage point make the climb worth it.

The hiking trail lets you get a close look at the Saltbush and other tough shrubs that manage to survive in this sometimes eerie volcanic landscape. Your Galapatours guide will be able to explain in detail how hardy plants such as these colonise the lava fields all over the Galápagos.

San Cristóbal Witch Hill
San Christobal - Punto Pitt - la pinta yacht galapagos cruise - gal0104

The brilliant white coral sand beach at Witch Hill ("Brujo Hill") is, in our opinion, one of the very best in the Galápagos. The hill itself is the remains of a volcanic "tuff cone" - one made up of compacted volcanic ash and debris. This was one of the first sites where Charles Darwin made landfall on his famous journey here on HMS Beagle.

This is a wonderful place to see many Galápagos species, both in the sea and on the land and in the air. Among the creatures you are likely to see on a visit to Brujo Hill are Galápagos Sea Lions, marine iguanas, pelicans, and Galápagos Blue-Footed Boobies. It's possible to walk right along the beach at a leisurely pace, taking in everything around you.

We really recommend you snorkel here, and if you do you'll be rewarded with likely sightings of Galápagos rays, green sea turtles, sponge coral and a wide range of beautiful fish. If you aren't a swimmer, then a panga ride will still let you see plenty of wildlife thanks to the crystal clear waters off this stunning beach.

San Cristóbal La Galapaguera / Cerro Colorado
La Galapaguera "Jacinto Gordillo Breeding Center"

Also known as Cerro Colorado, this is one of the newer visitor sites in Galápagos and was opened in 2003. Previously accessible only from the coast via a long hike, it's now possible to travel by road from Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, where the trip takes about an hour.

This breeding station has an informative visitor center that allows you to learn about the origins and evolution of the Galápagos Giant Tortoises, and about the steps being taken to preserve the species from threats such as habitat destruction and introduced species.

In the center you will see baby hatchlings and young tortoises. After they reach 4 months old they are taken out to be released into the natural habitat in the area. There is a short hiking trail where you may be able to spot giant tortoises in the wild.

San Cristóbal Transfer to San Cristóbal airport
Transfer from ship to San Cristóbal airport (organized)

It's sadly time to make the very short trip to the airport for your flight back to the Ecuador mainland. Your Galapatours guide, who will have been with you throughout your adventure, will accompany you back to the departures area, giving you one final chance to tap into their excellent local knowledge and unrivalled experience.

Note: If want to spend some time in Galápagos after your cruise, please let us know. This is no problem at all and the transfer from Puerto Baquerizo Moreno to the airport and back couldn't be easier.

Flight to Baltra XL1411
Popular

1 Day

4.4

(41)

Flight from Galápagos to Mainland Ecuador

Please inquire with us for your flight from Galápagos (Baltra Airport or San Cristóbal Airport) to Mainland Ecuador (Quito or Guayaquil). Note: As Galápagos is a protected National Park, there are some regulations that airlines shall fulfill. For this reason, there are no direct international flights to and from Galápagos. Whether you're traveling from the United States, Europe or anywhere else, you should book an international flight to Guayaquil or Quito, the capital of Ecuador, and then travel on to Galápagos on a separate flight.

From

USD 299

Kicker Rock

3 Days

Snorkelling Trip + 2 Hotel Nights

This Mid-range 3-day cruise extension will take you from Puerto Baquerizo Moreno on a full-day land excursion to Kicker Rock or the legend of the sleeping lion. Explore this fascinating site of breathtaking beauty on land and at sea.

From

USD 410

ASAMOGAL Community Tour Galapagos Coffee Tour

1 Day

A day with locals: Coffee Tour (4h)

This is more than a typical day tour; it's a heartfelt invitation to immerse yourself in the local community and grasp the realities they face while residing in the enchanting Galapagos. In this 4-hour adventure through the highlands of San Cristóbal, you'll explore a coffee farm and a remarkable social project, a true beacon of hope and sustainability for the island. This experience offers more than just insights into coffee production; it's an odyssey beyond typical tourist paths. The tour sheds light on critical subjects like food sovereignty, female empowerment, youth employment, and community support through their impactful Solitaire Fund. Within this addon, you'll unravel the very essence of Galapagos living. Gain a deeper understanding of the islanders' challenges and witness ASAMOGAL's multifaceted economic efforts in action. From coffee cultivation to fruit pulp production predominantly driven by women, as well as engaging coffee tours and tasting experiences, you'll witness the seamless integration of agriculture and tourism, fundamental for a sustainable future. Seize this opportunity to invest a profound day alongside the locals, delving into their daily triumphs and tribulations. Peer beyond the idyllic postcard scenery and comprehend the unwavering resilience and determination ingrained in the daily life of this paradise. ASAMOGAL's inspiring journey epitomizes community unity and showcases their dedication to upholding the delicate harmony between humanity and nature in the Galapagos Islands.

From

USD 145

Ocean Spray Galapagos Cruise

3 Days

Diving Trip + 2 Hotel Nights

This Mid-range 3-day extension of our cruise will take you from Puerto Baquerizo Moreno on a full-day diving trip to one of the best diving spots in the Galápagos Islands and certainly around the world : Kicker Rock! Get up close to the amazing life, swim amongst sea turtles, sea lions and an endless array of colorful fish!

From

USD 590

espanola - la pinta yacht galapagos cruise - gal0104

3 Days

Day Trip + 2 Hotel Nights

This comfort 3-day extension of our cruise will take you from Puerto Baquerizo Moreno on a full-day land excursion to one of the most amazing and uninhabited islands of the Archipelago, either Pitt Point or Española island. In the afternoon, you’ll be invited to put on a mask and snorkel to explore the extraordinary world down there!

From

USD 630

Dates & Prices

When do you want to travel?

From

Until

Info

Availability

Price

1

Apr

2024

4

Apr

2024

- Cheapest cabins already sold out. Few spaces remaining!

Available

From

USD 2,028

USD 2,401

1

Apr

2024

4

Apr

2024

Cheapest cabins already sold out. Few spaces remaining!

Available

From

USD 2,028

USD 2,401

15

Apr

2024

18

Apr

2024

- Standard Plus and up: 3 Quito nights included

Available

From

USD 2,548

USD 2,737

15

Apr

2024

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Apr

2024

Standard Plus and up: 3 Quito nights included

Available

From

USD 2,548

USD 2,737

29

Apr

2024

2

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2024

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USD 1,706

USD 1,939

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Apr

2024

2

May

2024

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USD 1,706

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13

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2024

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May

2024

- Standard Plus and up: 3 Quito nights included

Available

From

USD 2,281

USD 2,401

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2024

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2024

Standard Plus and up: 3 Quito nights included

Available

From

USD 2,281

USD 2,401

27

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2024

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May

2024

- Standard Plus and up: 3 Quito nights included

Available

From

USD 2,281

USD 2,401

27

May

2024

30

May

2024

Standard Plus and up: 3 Quito nights included

Available

From

USD 2,281

USD 2,401

10

Jun

2024

13

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2024

Full

From

USD 1,939

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2024

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2024

Full

From

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2024

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Jun

2024

- Standard Plus and up: 3 Quito nights included

Available

From

USD 2,281

USD 2,401

24

Jun

2024

27

Jun

2024

Standard Plus and up: 3 Quito nights included

Available

From

USD 2,281

USD 2,401

8

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2024

11

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2024

Available

From

USD 1,939

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2024

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USD 1,939

5

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2024

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2024

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USD 1,939

Preferred date unavailable? Contact us

Info

Single Cabin Supplement

When booking online, you can choose the option to "Upgrade to single occupancy". This will guarantee you the whole cabin to yourself, for an additional fee. If you don't select this option, then another traveler of the same sex might be placed into the same cabin with you.

What's included

All meals onboard (International and Ecuadorian Cuisine). Almost all dietary requirements can be catered for with advance notice - please ask us about your needs.

Snorkeling sessions - whenever possible and allowed by the National Park.

Extensive Zodiac Rides to explore the shorelines and mangrove forests from close up.

All transport to and from the ship: Pick-up by your guide directly from the airport (if you arrive at the first day) and drop-off by your guide directly to the airport (if you leave on the last day).

English-speaking naturalist guides with you at all times during the excursions.

Briefings in the evening, during which your guide will explain what you can expect from your next day.

Lectures in the evenings about a variety of topics, including Geology, Marine Biology, Natural History, Human History, and more.

Entry costs to museums, research stations, breeding stations, etc.

We offset 100% of all CO2 emissions caused by your trip, including all transport, your cruise and your flights (should you choose to book them through us). Carbon offset is achieved through a Gold Standard Climate Protection Project. Learn more

What's not included

Galápagos National Park Fee: 100USD, payable in cash upon arrival at the airport in Galápagos (please see our FAQ)

INGALA Luggage Check Fee at the airport on the mainland: 20USD (please see our FAQ)

Alcoholic beverages onboard (please see our FAQ)

Bottled soft drinks onboard (Coke, Sprite etc.)

Tips & Gratuities for your Guide and Crew (please see our FAQ)

Travel Health Insurance

Reviews

Daisy Z., New York City

Galapagos Legend Cruise

Premium

Loved the Legend Me and my parents recently just came back from Galapagos Island. We booked 4-Day/3-Night Legend Cruise tour through Galapatours. Our travel specialist Thomas is very helpful and quick for replying our emails. Thomas answered all of our questions and concerns before we book our tour through Galapatours. He also get us a great deal by upgrading our cruise cabin. The Legend Cruise itself is great.It's recent renovated cruise. All the staffs and guides on the cruise are so friendly and professional. The itinerary is full and well planned. Definitely worth the money.

Daisy Z., New York

Galapagos Legend Cruise

Premium

Die Legend ist super! Meine Eltern und ich waren noch vor kurzen auf der Legend, eine 4 Tages Tour hatten wir gebucht. Der Thomas von Galapatours war sehr hilfsbereit und antwortete schnell auf Mails. Thomas beantwortete all unsere Fragen bevor wir buchten. Die Legend ist gerade renoviert worden und sieht toll aus! Alle Angestellten und Guides auf diesem Schiff sind sehr freundlich und machen ihre Arbeit gut. Die Route ist gut durchdacht. Das Geld war es auf jeden Fall wert.

gmcatlin, California

Galapagos Legend Cruise

Premium

Great ship My wife and I did a 4 night cruise on the Galapagos Legend last month, from May 1 to 5. We opted for the cheapest cabins on the lowest level, and of course this was still the most expensive cruise we have ever been on. We were in cabin 39 on the Sea Deck. The cabin consisted of two single beds separated by about three feet, with a narrow space at the foot of the beds. There were a couple drawers, a small closet and a small but workable bathroom with shower. We had two non-opening portholes for light and view. All perfectly functional but nothing luxurious. Preferences and budgets vary, but I would not recommend paying for a larger room for the simple reason that you will spend so little time in the cabin. We were awake at 6:00 AM every day (the ship goes by mainland time, so this is actually 5:00 AM Galapagos time). Breakfast was at 7:00, and we boarded the zodiac boats at 8:00 for our first outing of the day. Other than a couple hours of "free time" after lunch each day, we were always busy with something. And even during that early afternoon break, there are many pleasant places on the deck to hang out, so I don't see a need for a private balcony. The Legend is one of the largest ships in the Galapagos, and can carry 100 passengers. We were fortunate with our shoulder-season timing, because the ship only had 59 passengers for our cruise. Our decision to choose a large ship was primarily driven by concerns about seasickness. I know people that bobbed around on a small boat for a week and were sick the whole time. My wife is particularly susceptible to this - in a large group she will usually be among the very first to feel queasy. We also timed our trip for a period when sea conditions are usually fairly mild, and as it turned out seasickness was never an issue for us or any other passenger on that trip. However I think there are other advantages to a large ship. The Legend is 301 feet long, with several decks, so there are lots of places to wander around, or to hang out and chat, or to find a secluded spot to read or enjoy the view. They have a large dining room, and well-staffed kitchen. Breakfast and lunch are served buffet style, which we prefer since we can focus on just the foods we like. I am not the one to give a food review, but I found the meals to be very good. Although I doubt they would particularly impress people who are used to the Holland America style cruises. A Galapagos cruise is much more about the destination than the shipboard experience. There is a significant down side to a large ship, and that is the potential for crowds to disrupt your interactions with the natural Galapagos experience. According to National Park rules, each group at a Galapagos site must be limited to 16 people and have an offical guide. So if you are on a small boat with 16 passengers, you will land at each site with just your guide and that group. Your group will be the only ones there. But with a larger ship, there will be multiple groups each with their own guide. Since we had 59 passengers on the Legend for our trip, there were four different groups. Each group departs the Legend in their own zodiac boat, so they get staggered a little in their arrival time at the beach. But you will typically have one group not very far ahead of you, and another not far behind. And you may end up on a beach will all the other people, which can disrupt the experience somewhat. I found that having the extra groups roaming around was a small negative, but not terribly serious. This is because the wildlife you are viewing are not shy - they don't run and hide when the first group passes by. I think each group ends up getting a similar experience. But this is something to think about if you would like to feel a bit more isolation in your visit. I felt the Legend was a pretty decent ship. It seems well maintained (it is an older ship but recently refurbished). The crew did a good job making the cruise a good experience. Things were well-organized and made good use of our limited time in the islands. I would definitely recommend the Legend to someone who makes a well-thought out decision to choose a larger ship. In summary, we were happy with our choice of the Legend. For us, the advantages of the large ship outweighed the crowds. But we were lucky that the ship did not have a full complement of passengers.

FAQs

Under Ecuadorian law, if you are only temporarily visiting the Galápagos then you are exempted from the requirement to pay any customs charges on items that you are bringing in to the country. This includes new or used portable electronics such as cameras, laptops, music players, etc.

You MUST NOT bring any agricultural or plant materials or any unprocessed food products to the islands. To avoid problems at customs and bag check we suggest only traveling to Galápagos with pre-wrapped snack products such as chocolate bars, etc. Food is plentiful and freshly cooked on your Galapatours cruise, with a wide range of choice on offer to suit all tastes - you really don't need to bring anything with you!

US, Canadian and Australian citizens do not need a visa for tourist stays of less than 90 days in Ecuador. Upon entry, the passport must be valid for at least 6 months. To enter Galapagos, the first official requirement is a valid Ecuadorian tourist visa stamp in your passport - this should have been issued to you upon arrival to mainland Ecuador.

This is a multi-layered question, that we have tried to answer in various articles. Please click on the corresponding links to learn more about the different topics. To recap: Tourists visiting the Galapagos Islands must have a valid passport and, in most cases, can obtain a visa upon arrival in Ecuador. When leaving Ecuador's main land, tourists' luggage will be checked for restricted items by the Tourist Control and Certification (TCC) to ensure the preservation of the islands' unique environment and wildlife. This check costs 20USD and is done at the airport in Quito or Guayaquil, before checking in for your flight to Galapagos. A Galapagos National Park entrance fee must be paid upon arriving in Galapagos. Travel insurance that covers emergency evacuation and medical expenses is also recommended. Visitors are advised to respect the park's rules, such as restrictions on hiking and camping and removal of natural objects. At the following link you can find out more about vaccinations for a Galápagos trip.

The Galápagos National Park Entrance fee is levied on all visitors to the islands. For foreign visitors, the entry fee is currently 100 USD per person (50 USD for children under 12 years old), but will be increased to 200 USD per person (100 USD for children) from 1 August 2024 onwards. If you are a citizen of a country in South America you might pay less, check here for more information.

Important: This fee must be paid, in cash, at the airport of arrival. If you do not pay, you will not be allowed to leave the terminal - so please make sure you have the means to pay the Galápagos entrance fee! Therefore, the payment of this entrance fee is indispensable to take part in a Galapagos cruise.

The entrance fees collected will be allocated to various local entities to support sustainability and community development in the Galápagos Islands. The proceeds are split between several important institutions as follows:

  • 40% to the Galápagos National Park
  • 20% to Galápagos Municipalities
  • 10% to the National Institute
  • 10% to Galápagos Province Local Government
  • 5% to the National Navy
  • 5% to the Ministry of Environment
  • 5% to Quarantine and Pest Control
  • 5% to the Galápagos Marine Reserve

For more information about the entrance fee structure and the distribution of funds, please visit the official website of the Galápagos National Park Administration.

To protect the vulnerable and unique Galapagos habitats and wildlife, no non-native plant or animal species must be allowed to arrive on the archipelago. SICGAL is the government department responsible for ensuring the islands are protected in this way.

After you have received your TCT/TCC card at the airport in Ecuador, you should proceed to the SICGAL booth. There you will be asked to fill out a form and may have your luggage examined.

To make sure you don't have any trouble here, please do not attempt to travel with any foods other than small quantities of pre-wrapped snack items like chocolate bars or similar, and certainly don't have any plants or plant materials in your bags. Once checked, you will receive an approval label to attach to your bags, and you can then make your way to your airline check in.

Arrival at Quito Airport: SICGAL Luggage Check and TCC Card for your flight to Galápagos
SIGAL Luggage Check at Quito Airport

Galapagos boasts two airports on Baltra and San Cristóbal Islands, offering daily flights from Quito and Guayaquil. Departing in the early morning, the journey from Quito to Galapagos takes approximately 2.5 hours, often including a brief stopover in Guayaquil. The direct flight from Guayaquil to Galapagos clocks in at around 1.5 hours. Three airlines currently serve Galapagos - Avianca, TAME and LATAM.

To mitigate any potential issues arising from flight delays or cancellations on your international leg, it is advisable to arrive in Quito or Guayaquil the night before your Galapagos departure. Ask us for advice on Ecuador hotels when you book your cruise with us.

Galapagos Flights
Eastern Galápagos Cruise

4.8

(13)

Premium

From

USD 1,706



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