East, Central & West Galápagos
10 Days Galápagos cruise on board the Eden
Length
10 Days
Ship category
Classic
Ship type
Small Yacht
Capacity
16 Passengers
East, Central & West Galápagos
4 Reviews
Trip highlights
Thousands of Marine Iguanas at Espinosa Point
Scientific insights at C. Darwin Research Station
Playful Sea Lions in South Plaza
Mars-like landscapes at Rábida
The Galapatours experience
Great value for money
Relaxed, Cosy Feel
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 Eden! On this Expedition Cruise, you will discover the incredible wildlife of the Galápagos Islands: Fernandina, the youngest island, will blow your mind with its rugged lava landscapes. The youngest island in the archipelago, it is still being formed by volcanic eruptions and makes for a wonderful, otherworldly contrast to the other islands. Isabela, the biggest of all islands in the Galápagos, offers you fantastic hikes, views and arguably some of the best snorkeling spots in the Archipelago. 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. During your time spent on Rábida, you will have the opportunity to watch wild Flamingos and walk on a blood-red sandy beach. 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. During your time on Santa Cruz, you will have the chance to observe the famous Galápagos Giant Tortoises in the wild and learn more about the preservation and scientific study of these amazing animals. Your visit to Santa Fe will involve a beautiful short hike, during which you can observe Galápagos Hawks, Darwin's Finches, Galápagos Mockingbirds. and Galápagos Sea Lions. On Santiago, an island formerly inhabited by pirates, you will be able to enjoy hikes and dinghy rides. 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: Eden
"Stylish" and "elegant" are the comments we most hear associated with Eden, and it's not hard to see why. Although she was only built in 1996 in Ecuador, she has the timeless lines of a classic luxury motor yacht. A 2002 total brought her even further up to date, and she now boasts a beautiful mix of traditional and contemporary features that make an Eden Galápagos cruise a real trip to paradise. What's even better is that our cruise packages on Eden now come with Galápagos flights included.
- Purpose-built Galápagos motor yacht
- Galápagos flights included in the price you pay
- Snorkeli … Read more about Eden
Cabins
Amenities
Transfers to and from ship
Snorkel gear (free of charge)
Travel for good: Your Each booking contributes to Ventura’s Conservation Project.
Air conditioning & private bathroom
Single travellers can share cabin
Water, Coffee, Tea & fresh juices
Wetsuits
English guide
Flights to and from Galapagos
All meals
Food & Drinks
The food on our Galapágos Cruises is among the very best you will find in South America. Most of the on-board chefs are internationally trained and have prior experience working in the best hotels and restaurants in Ecuador and indeed around the world.
You can expect a first-class selection of food, including a good variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, locally sourced poultry and fish/seafood, rice and pasta dishes. Most boats will always include some typical Ecuadorian dishes on the menu during your cruise. If you have specific dietary requirements then these can usually be accommodated by the chef providing you have given advance notice. Please make sure you tell us about any allergies or dietary requirements you have at the time you book with us. If you leave it until you arrive at the dockside, then it may well be impossible to accommodate your needs.
Most boats serve a range of options at meal times in a relaxed buffet-style. At the first class and luxury end of the market, some boats have more formal dining where you will be served at your seat. However the atmosphere is always relaxed on board our cruises, and never stuffy or formal.
Map
Itinerary
Your itinerary below may vary, depending on the weather, wildlife breeding, and local conditions.
Pre-trip add-ons
Day 1
PM
Arrive to Hotel at any time & Welcome meeting
Quito • Arrive to Hotel at any time
The adventure begins today! There are no planned activities for the first day, so check into the hotel and enjoy the city. Please look for notices in the hotel lobby for a time and location of the welcome meeting by the operator, G Adventures.
Feel free to explore the city and or surroinding, but make sure you're back in time to meet the group. Your Representative will review the details of your tour.
Accommodation: Hotel Hilton Colon (or similar) included. Transport to the hotel not included.
Quito • Welcome meeting
After having spent a day in the beautiful old town of Quito (time at your own disposal), please be sure to be in the Hotel in time again to meet your represenatative. Your Representative will review the details of the upcoming Galápagos tour with you, answer any questions and brief you on the transfer to the airport in the upcoming morning.
Day 2
AM
Arrival at San Cristóbal airport+transfer to ship
San Cristóbal • Arrival at San Cristóbal airport+transfer to ship
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.
San Cristobal is home to the official capital city of the Galápagos, Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, and one of the archipelago's 2 airports. We don't know of any other airport where jet airliners land that is within walking distance of the town it serves, as is the case here on San Cristobal - you can stroll to the centre of town from the terminal in 15 minutes!
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 are already in San Cristóbal before the cruise and want to meet the group there, please let us know. This is no problem at all and the transfer from Puerto Baquerizo Moreno and back couldn't be easier.
Day 2
PM
Lobos Island
San Cristóbal • Lobos Island
Lobos Island is named after the colony of Galápagos Sea Lions that live here, but they aren't the only native Galápagos species that calls this narrow island home. You can see Galápagos Fur Seals basking here, and there is a nesting colony of Blue-Footed Boobies that come to Lobos each year to raise their chicks.
There are one or two short hiking trails that lead into the center of the island, and this is always a peaceful place to visit. Galapatours visitors tell us it's one of their favorite visitor sites to just sit and soak up the Galápagos atmosphere.
Back on the beach, the swimming and snorkeling is wonderful, and thanks to the island's position close to the main shore of San Cristobal, the channel between them is sheltered and the turquoise water is crystal clear. This is a Galapatours favorite spot, so speak to one of our Galápagos specialists if you want help choosing an itinerary that includes a visit to this special place.
Day 3
AM
A walk on Santa Fe
Santa Fe • A walk on Santa Fe
Santa Fe is a small, flat island right in the center of the Galápagos archipelago, and is thought to be one of the oldest volcanoes here. Dating of the rocks below the water estimates they were formed almost 4 million years ago.
Santa Fe had its own breed of Giant Tortoise that became extinct at some point in the 1800s due to being hunted for meat. There are two species that are unique to the island still present here - the Santa Fe Land Iguana, and the Santa Fe Rice Rat.
There is one visitor site on Santa Fe, and you will have a panga ride to a wet landing on the beach at Barrington Bay on the island's north coast. From here there are two hiking trails. One is a short loop close to the beach that takes you into an Opuntia forest filled with these massive cactus. This is the best opportunity to see the Santa Fe land iguanas and also other species such as Galápagos Hawks.
The second trail is a tougher proposition as it climbs quite steeply to the top of a cliff from where you will enjoy stunning views over the island's unspoilt interior.
Back on the beach you can join the Galápagos Sea Lions who often play in the waves and you can enjoy some wonderful snorkeling in the clear blue-green waters here.
Day 3
PM
A walk on South Plaza
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.
Day 4
AM
Charles Darwin Research Station
Santa Cruz • Charles Darwin Research Station
The world famous Charles Darwin Research Center is just a 10 minute walk from downtown Puerto Ayora, and is the home of the non-profit Charles Darwin Foundation.
Inside, you'll find exhibits about the geography, geology and climate of the Galápagos, and the evolution of her unique species. There is also lots of information on the Foundation's current conservation and education programs.
As well as conducting it's own key research, the Charles Darwin Center also hosts international scientists, and supports the work of government agencies like the Galápagos National Park.
Next door is the site of the Galápagos' first giant tortoise breeding center, where pioneering work has been done since 1965 for the preservation of these species. Here you can see newly hatched babies, up to juveniles and full-grown adults ready to be released back into the wild.
Day 4
PM
El Chato Giant Tortoise Reserve
Santa Cruz • El Chato Giant Tortoise Reserve
The inland areas of Santa Cruz provide fantastic opportunities to get close to wild Galápagos giant tortoises. These wonderful creatures can be seen roaming around in the agricultural fields, and also in the famous El Chato Tortoise Reserve, where the native vegetation is preserved.
The trail to the Reserve begins at Santa Rosa, about an hour's drive from Puerto Ayora, and during the dry season this is a haven for Giant Tortoises as they migrate from coastal to highland areas, and you can observe the natural behaviours of these truly wild animals.
There is a pond at El Chato that is often surrounded by tortoises, and sometimes even filled with them as they enjoy wallowing in the cool water. Surrounding the ponds are hundreds of acres of natural highland pasture and native Scalesia forest where you may encounter owls, Darwin’s finches, Vermilion Flycatchers, and Galápagos Rails.
For many Galapatours guests the highlight of their trip is following our expert guide into the ancient forest and then hearing heavy footsteps and crunching noises ahead, finally rounding a corner to see a truly wild Galápagos Giant tortoise doing what they have done for millennia before humans came to Galápagos.
Day 5
AM
Puerto Villamil & Wall of Tears
Isabela • Puerto Villamil
The vast majority of Isabela's human population live in Puerto Villamil, which still holds onto its traditional fishing port charm. Indeed many of Galapatours visitors tell us they think it's the prettiest village in the whole archipelago.
The main reason for this is that Villamil had little impact from tourism until the 1990s, the residents quietly making their living from fishing and farming. Then in 1996 a small runway was opened for flights for light aircraft operating inter-island flights. There are now 13 hotels and 18 bars and restaurants in town, compared to only 1 and 2 respectively in 1980! Despite this, the town still enjoys a relaxed and authentic atmosphere.
Villamil enjoys a beautiful long beach, which is picture-book tropics - palm trees line it's bright white coral sand. Behind the beach are several saltwater lagoons which are home to pink flamingos, pintail ducks and several other species. There are several visitor sites that can be the subject of excursions from town on foot, by minibus or panga.
Isabela • Wall of Tears
Called “El Muro de las Lágrimas” in Spanish, the Wall of Tears is located 6km from the town of Villamil. For visitors who enjoy hiking this a very interesting and historic path that leads from the centre of town. You soon pass the the Villamil cemetery, which contains the graves of some of the first permanent settlers on the islands.
Halfway along its length, the walking trail goes along a white sand beach surrounded by lagoons which host all 4 of the native Galápagos mangrove species close to one another.
Your walk continues through the arid zone until, out of nowhere, you come across the Wall of Tears. This is close to the site of the former penal colony that existed on Isabela Island between 1944 and 1959. Prisoners were forced to construct The Wall for no other reason than to punish them with "hard labor". In places the wall is almost 20ft tall and 10ft wide, and it runs for over 300ft in length. It was constructed entirely by hand from the sharp lava rocks, and this cruelty is said to have resulted in many deaths.
Locals say that if you listen closely to the wall you can hear the cries of the spirits of long-dead prisoners…
Day 5
PM
The Wetlands & Arnaldo Tupiza Tortoise Breeding Center
Isabela • The Wetlands
The Wetlands is the name given to the area of lagoons and mangrove swamps just along the coast from Villamil on Isabela Island. This is a popular excursion as it is just a short walk from town on good paths and boardwalks.
This is an important habitat, and is one of the only places where you can see all 4 of the native Galápagos Mangrove species. These mangroves are hugely important, not only for the wildlife they contain, but also for their help in preserving the coastline and resisting the eroding action of waves.
There are a large number of bird species that make their home in the Wetlands, and if you are a birdwatcher this is an excursion you will want to make sure is on your schedule. Speak to one of our Galápagos experts to help select the best itinerary for a visit to the Isabela Wetlands.
Isabela • Arnaldo Tupiza Tortoise Breeding Center
A short walk from Puerto Villamil on Isabela Island will bring you to the Arnaldo Tupiza Tortoise Breeding Center. The short trail from town is lovely in itself - you follow a boardwalk that takes you across the wetlands and Opuntia cactus fields.
At the breeding centre you can see 5 different subspecies of Galápagos Giant Tortoise that are all native to Isabela, but currently threatened by habitat damage caused by introduced animals and volcanic eruptions. Here, the Giant Tortoise eggs are carefully incubated in a special hatchery, whilst the adults are cared for in large supervised corrals. This careful breeding program is aiming to increase the populations of these remarkable animals to ensure their survival as a wild species that's unique to the Galápagos.
Day 6
AM
Moreno Point
Isabela • Moreno Point
Moreno Point (known locally as Punta Moreno) is a short journey from Elizabeth Bay on the west coast of Isabela Island. You will take a panga ride which will give you great views of the striking rocky shoreline before you make your landing.
Here you will see the eerie site of a huge lava field leading up to the distant Cero Azul volcano. Hiking through this alien landscape you will come across several tidal lagoons, pools and mangroves - all of which provide an oasis for a range of wildlife, particularly bird species. In the larger tidal pools you may see green turtles or sharks, the clear waters giving you a unique opportunity to view them from on land!
On your journey back to the boats from your 1.2 mile hike you're likely to see Galápagos Penguins on the rocky shores as well a range of birds including herons and Galápagos Flamingos. This is a favorite excursion as it combines the opportunity to see coastal species with a hike through stunning landscapes.
Day 6
PM
Elizabeth Bay
Isabela • Elizabeth Bay
On the eastern coast of Isabela, the wide and sheltered Elizabeth Bay is a haven for wildlife. With areas of mangrove on the shore that contrast with the surrounding lava fields, and a myriad of small islets and rocky reefs, this is a particularly rich area for wildlife.
Accessible only by panga (small motorised dinghy), exploring Elizabeth Bay will provide you with an opportunity to get up close and personal with many of Isabela's species. During your 2 hour boat ride around Elizabeth Bay you can see rays, sharks, green sea turtles, Galápagos penguins, pelicans, and plenty of Galápagos Sea Lions. Nearer to the shores and mangroves, you'll see Galápagos Flightless Cormorants and marine iguanas.
Galapatours guests regularly tell us that Elizabeth Bay is one of their favourite Galápagos excursions and visitor sites.
Day 7
AM
Tagus Cove
Isabela • Tagus Cove
Tagus Cove is a sheltered deep-water bay on the western coast of Isabela Island, overlooking Fernandina Island. This natural anchorage has been a popular destination for ships since the 1800s, and when you come ashore you can see ancient graffiti left by whalers and buccaneers.
A steep (but thankfully short) hiking trail then takes you up to the salt water Darwin Lake, formed inside a volcanic cone. How did salt water get all the way up here? Scientists think tsunamis caused by eruptions or landslides on Fernandina may have deposited seawater originally, and then evaporation has made it even more salty over time.
From Darwin Lake, a series of 160 steps takes you to a stunning viewpoint where you will not only enjoy amazing views over the Galápagos, but may also see some unique wildlife, such as Galápagos Hawks, Vermilion Flycatchers, and species of Darwin's Finches.
Your panga ride along the shoreline back to your ship gives a great opportunity to see Galápagos Flightless Cormorants, Galápagos Penguins, Galápagos Martins, and the friendly Galápagos Sea Lions.
Day 7
PM
Espinosa Point
Fernandina • Espinosa Point
Fernandina Island has never been colonised by any non-native species, and this makes it ones of the world's most pristine island ecosystems. Coupled with its young age (Fernandina was only formed a few hundred thousand years ago) this makes a visit to this Galápagos island very special indeed.
At Espinosa Point on the northeastern shore of Fernandina the vista is dominated by "La Cumbre", the volcano whose lava fields formed the island. A visit to Espinosa Point is high on many people's list thanks to the number of iconic unique Galápagos species you will see here. As well as the noisy and fun-loving Galápagos Sea Lions, Espinosa Point is a great place to see Marine Iguanas, the wonderful Galápagos Penguins and the unique and endangered Galápagos Flightless Cormorant. If you are very lucky and keep your eyes skyward you may also catch sight of a Galápagos Hawk circling overhead looking for its next meal.
Day 8
AM
Egas Port
Santiago • Egas Port
Puerto Egas (Port Egas) is a sheltered landing site at the southern end of James Bay on the northwestern coast of Santiago. This landing site is the trailhead for two hiking paths.
The first trail runs along the coast to visit the so-called "Fur Seal Grottos". The Galápagos Fur Seals like to seek shade from the equatorial sun, and they prefer rocky shores with caves or other nooks and crannies in which they can keep cool. The grottos here are perfect for them, and the tidal pools are also popular with Galápagos Marine Iguanas who can be seen feeding in and around them.
The second trail from Egas Port heads inland to the "Salt Mine Volcano". This hike is just under 2 miles long and takes you to the rim of a salt mine crater. This "mine" is actually a small volcanic cone that is filled with a salt water lagoon that dries up in the dry season. At several points in the 20th century individuals or companies attempted to mine salt from it, but without commercial success. The name of your landing site is after the owner of the last company to try salt mining here, Hector Egas.
The lagoon is often home to Galápagos flamingos and other birds, and the wonderful Galápagos Hawk can often be seen circling above this area.
Day 8
PM
A walk on Rabida Island
Rábida • A walk on Rabida Island
Rabida is a small, steeply-sloped island with red-sand shores, and was originally called Jervis. Despite its small size, Rabida has one of the highest concentrations of volcanic features in the Galápagos, and it's thanks to the iron-rich lava deposits that its sands and soils are so red.
After a wet landing on the northern coast you will often see Galápagos Sea Lions and marine iguanas around the beach, especially near the sheltered caves in hot weather. Just behind the beach is a nesting site for brown pelicans, who use the saltbush as cover. Rabida is one of the best spots in the archipelago to observe pelicans. Sometimes flamingos can also be seen in the lagoon here.
There is a short hiking trail that leads further inland through Opuntias where there are good opportunities to see land birds like Darwin's finches, Galápagos Doves and Galápagos Mockingbirds.
After your trip inland you can then have a relaxing swim and enjoy some snorkeling, which is very good in the clear waters off the beach. While you swim, you'll be able to see Blue-Footed Boobies taking off over your head from their cliff-top roosts.
Day 9
AM
North Seymour & Transfer to Baltra airport
North Seymour • 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.
Baltra • Transfer to Baltra airport
Your Galápagos adventure ends with the arrival of your ship back at Baltra Island. After what many guests describe as an emotional goodbye to your ship and its crew, you'll board the transfer vehicle that will take you on the short journey to the airport in plenty of time for your flight back to the mainland.
Baltra airport serves both Guayaquil or Quito, and we can arrange flights that fit best with your onward plans - particularly if you are continuing a South America tour. Speak to one of our travel experts as we are often able to beat even internet pricing on flights to and from Galápagos.
Note: If you plan to spend a few days in Galápagos after your cruise this is no problem at all. Just let us know and we will arrange for the logistics. The transfer from Baltra to Puerto Ayora, for example, is very easy.
Day 9
PM
Return to Quito + Transfer to Hotel
Quito • Return to Quito + Transfer to Hotel
Upon your return to Quito, you will transfer to the hotel with the rest of the group. Here, you can enjoy one last night in Quito. You will arrive back at the hotel in the early evening in time for dinner.
Accomodation: Hotel Hilton Colon (or similar)
Day 10
AM
Departure day
Quito • Departure day
You can check out of the hotel at any given time. Not ready to leave? Contact us, we'll be glad to help you with extensions to your trip in Ecuador!
Post-trip add-ons
Dates & Prices
When do you want to travel?
From
Until
Info
Availability
Price
4
May
2024
13
May
2024
- National flights + 2 hotel nights in Quito, pre and post cruise included
From
USD 5,586
USD 5,686
4
May
2024
13
May
2024
National flights + 2 hotel nights in Quito, pre and post cruise included
From
USD 5,586
USD 5,686
18
May
2024
27
May
2024
- National flights + 2 hotel nights in Quito, pre and post cruise included
From
USD 5,586
USD 5,686
18
May
2024
27
May
2024
National flights + 2 hotel nights in Quito, pre and post cruise included
From
USD 5,586
USD 5,686
1
Jun
2024
10
Jun
2024
- National flights + 2 hotel nights in Quito, pre and post cruise included
From
USD 5,285
USD 5,385
1
Jun
2024
10
Jun
2024
National flights + 2 hotel nights in Quito, pre and post cruise included
From
USD 5,285
USD 5,385
15
Jun
2024
24
Jun
2024
- National flights + 2 hotel nights in Quito, pre and post cruise included
From
USD 5,457
USD 5,557
15
Jun
2024
24
Jun
2024
National flights + 2 hotel nights in Quito, pre and post cruise included
From
USD 5,457
USD 5,557
13
Jul
2024
22
Jul
2024
- National flights + 2 hotel nights in Quito, pre and post cruise included
From
USD 5,457
USD 5,557
13
Jul
2024
22
Jul
2024
National flights + 2 hotel nights in Quito, pre and post cruise included
From
USD 5,457
USD 5,557
27
Jul
2024
5
Aug
2024
- National flights + 2 hotel nights in Quito, pre and post cruise included
From
USD 5,457
USD 5,557
27
Jul
2024
5
Aug
2024
National flights + 2 hotel nights in Quito, pre and post cruise included
From
USD 5,457
USD 5,557
10
Aug
2024
19
Aug
2024
- National flights + 2 hotel nights in Quito, pre and post cruise included
From
USD 5,457
USD 5,557
10
Aug
2024
19
Aug
2024
National flights + 2 hotel nights in Quito, pre and post cruise included
From
USD 5,457
USD 5,557
24
Aug
2024
2
Sep
2024
- National flights + 2 hotel nights in Quito, pre and post cruise included
From
USD 5,285
USD 5,385
24
Aug
2024
2
Sep
2024
National flights + 2 hotel nights in Quito, pre and post cruise included
From
USD 5,285
USD 5,385
7
Sep
2024
16
Sep
2024
- National flights + 2 hotel nights in Quito, pre and post cruise included
From
USD 5,285
USD 5,385
7
Sep
2024
16
Sep
2024
National flights + 2 hotel nights in Quito, pre and post cruise included
From
USD 5,285
USD 5,385
21
Sep
2024
30
Sep
2024
- National flights + 2 hotel nights in Quito, pre and post cruise included
Almost full
From
USD 5,285
USD 5,385
21
Sep
2024
30
Sep
2024
National flights + 2 hotel nights in Quito, pre and post cruise included
Almost full
From
USD 5,285
USD 5,385
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.
Your booking contributes to our Conservation Project.
What's not included
Galápagos National Park Fee, 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
FAQs
Are their any customs restrictions for travel to Galapagos?
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!
Do I need a visa to go to Galápagos?
As the Galapagos Islands are part of Ecuador, and all flights to the Galapagos depart from mainland Ecuador, you will need to enter Ecuador first.
Entering Ecuador: Every traveler is responsible for checking the individual visa requirements for their nationality. We recommend using https://www.passportindex.org/ to find out if you need a visa for Ecuador. At the time of writing, U.S. citizens do not need to apply for a visa beforehand. Similarly, visitors from the UK, Germany, and most other European countries do not require a visa for the Galapagos Islands. Upon entering the country, you will be given a visa stamp that permits you to stay in Ecuador for up to 90 days. This also applies to many other countries, but please verify the current visa regulations yourself before booking any tickets. In any case, your passport must be valid for at least six more months from the date of entry into Ecuador. You will also need to show proof of onward or return travel out of Ecuador to customs and immigration officials upon arrival; this can be a return or onward airline ticket. If you do not meet these requirements, you may not be allowed to enter the country.
Entering Galapagos: To enter Galápagos, 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.
What are the entry requirements for Galápagos?
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:
- Passport & Visa: Tourists visiting the Galapagos Islands must have a valid passport and, in most cases, can obtain a visa upon arrival in Ecuador. Click here to read more.
- Luggage Check: 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.
- Entrance Fee: A Galapagos National Park entrance fee must be paid upon arriving in Galapagos.
- Travel Insurance: A travel insurance that covers emergency evacuation and medical expenses. is highly recommended, and even obligatory on board of some ships.
- Vaccinations: At the following link you can find out more about vaccinations for a Galápagos trip.
What is the Galápagos National Park Entrance Fee?
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.
What is the SICGAL baggage check?
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.
How long does it take to get to the Galápagos Islands?
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.
East, Central & West Galápagos
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