The Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

Galapagos Islands, Ecuador — The World's Most Extraordinary Natural Destination

The Galapagos Islands are a volcanic archipelago located 1,000 km off the coast of mainland Ecuador, declared a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site in 1978. This is where Charles Darwin developed his theory of evolution in 1835, and the only ecosystem on Earth where wildlife shows no fear of humans — allowing you to observe sea lions, giant tortoises, marine iguanas, penguins, and blue-footed boobies from just a few meters away.

The archipelago consists of 13 major islands, 6 smaller islands and over 40 islets. Only four islands are permanently inhabited: Santa Cruz (the most visited), San Cristóbal (the administrative capital), Isabela (the largest island) and Floreana (the smallest and most mysterious). 97% of the land territory is protected within the Galapagos National Park.

How to Get to the Galapagos Islands from Ecuador

Flights to the Galapagos depart daily from Quito (Mariscal Sucre International Airport, UIO) and Guayaquil (José Joaquín de Olmedo Airport, GYE) to two airports in the islands: Seymour Airport on Baltra Island (near Santa Cruz) and San Cristóbal 

Airport (SCB).

Flight time: approximately 2 hours from Quito and 1 hour 30 minutes from Guayaquil.

Entry requirements: All visitors must pay the Galapagos National Park entrance fee — $200 USD for non-Andean foreign tourists, $100 USD for citizens of Andean Community countries (Bolivia, Colombia, Peru, Venezuela), and $6 USD for Ecuadorian citizens. Additionally, a Transit Control Card (TCT) fee of $20 USD per person is required.

Top Things to Do in the Galapagos Islands

Santa Cruz Island — The main hub for tourism and the base for most island hopping tours. Must-see: El Chato Reserve to see free-roaming giant tortoises, Lava Tunnels, Los Gemelos (twin volcanic sinkholes), and Tortuga Bay — one of the most beautiful beaches 

in the world. Puerto Ayora is the main town with hotels, restaurants and the Charles Darwin Research Station.

San Cristóbal Island — The closest island to the mainland and the provincial capital. Key highlights include Kicker Rock (León Dormido) — snorkeling with hammerhead sharks and Galapagos sharks —, Punta Pitt, the only mixed booby colony in the 

archipelago, and Cerro Brujo, a white sand beach with turquoise waters perfect for snorkeling with sea lions.

Isabela Island — The largest island in the archipelago, with six active volcanoes. Unique experiences include Los Túneles (underwater lava structures where turtles, penguins and blacktip sharks swim), Sierra Negra volcano hike (the world's second largest volcanic caldera), the Wall of Tears, and flamingo lagoons near Puerto Villamil.

Floreana Island — The smallest inhabited island and the most mysterious in the archipelago. Famous for the Barrel Post Office (in use since 1793), sea turtle nesting at Punta Cormorant, and snorkeling at Champion Islet with sea lions and sea turtles.

Española Island — A popular day trip from Santa Cruz or San Cristóbal. The oldest island in the archipelago and home to the only colony of Galapagos albatross (Phoebastria irrorata), plus blue-footed boobies, red iguanas and the spectacular Punta Suárez blowhole.

Genovesa Island (Tower Island) — Known as "The Bird Island." Home to the largest red-footed booby colony in the archipelago and magnificent frigatebirds. Snorkeling at Darwin Bay with reef sharks.

Island Hopping vs. Cruise — Which Should You Choose?

Island Hopping — Ideal for independent travelers who prefer a land-based experience. You stay in hotels on Santa Cruz, San Cristóbal or Isabela and take day tours to neighboring islands by speed boat. More flexible and budget-friendly. Perfect for 5–8 day itineraries.

Cruise — The most comprehensive way to experience the archipelago. You move from island to island sleeping aboard the vessel, with certified naturalist guides included. You gain access to visitor sites not available to land-based tourists. Available in economy, tourist, first class and luxury categories. Recommended for 7–10 day itineraries.

Best Time to Visit the Galapagos Islands

Warm and wet season (December–May): warmer water (22–25°C), overcast skies, sea turtle nesting and marine iguana hatchlings. Best for snorkeling and diving.

Cool and dry season (June–November): cold Humboldt Current brings cooler water (18–22°C) but clearer visibility. Best for whale watching, hammerhead sharks at Kicker Rock and albatross nesting on Española Island.Both seasons offer unique wildlife experiences. The Galapagos can be visited year-round.

Frequently Asked Questions — Galapagos Islands

How much does a Galapagos trip cost?

A 5-day island hopping trip to the Galapagos from Ecuador starts from $800 USD per person, including round-trip flights from Guayaquil, hotel, daily tours and National Park fees. Tourist-class cruises start from $2,500 USD per person for 7 nights.

Do I need a visa to visit the Galapagos?

No specific visa is required for the Galapagos beyond your Ecuador entry permit. However, all visitors must pay the Galapagos National Park entrance fee: $200 USD for non-Andean foreign tourists, plus the Transit Control Card (TCT) fee of $20 USD per person.

How many days do you need in the Galapagos?

A minimum of 5 days is recommended for island hopping between Santa Cruz and San Cristóbal. To include Isabela, plan for 7–8 days. A full expedition cruise covering the most remote islands requires 8–10 days.

When is the best time to visit the Galapagos?

The Galapagos can be visited year-round. The warm season (December–May) is best for snorkeling and sea turtle nesting. The dry 

season (June–November) is ideal for whale watching, hammerhead sharks and the Galapagos albatross on Española Island.

What animals can you see in the Galapagos?

The most iconic Galapagos species include the giant tortoise (Chelonoidis niger), marine iguana, Galapagos penguin (the only 

penguin in the Northern Hemisphere), blue-footed booby, red-footed booby, waved albatross, magnificent frigatebird, Galapagos sea lion and hammerhead shark.

Why book Galapagos tours with BMTours?

bmtours is an Ecuadorian travel agency with nearly 20 years of experience and headquarters in Guayaquil, Ecuador. We operate Galapagos island hopping tours and cruises departing from Quito and Guayaquil, with USD pricing and no international middlemen — giving you direct access to the best local rates and expert guidance.