Galapagos Islands F.A.Q.

The archipelago sits 926 km (575 mi) off the coast of Ecuador and covers an area of almost 8,000 km2 (3,030 mi2). It consists of 19 islands spread out along the equator, 13 of which are major visitor sites and 4 of which are inhabited. Flights to Galapagos departure from our two international airports in Quito or Guayaquil on mainland Ecuador.

Galapagos cruises are famous, and availability is limited during all year - there is not really the best time to visit the enchanted islands! We will therefore always recommend planning as far ahead as possible. Especially if you plan to travel during the high season July, August, Christmas, New Year or Easter when spaces are often fully-booked 12 months in advance. 

The United States Dollar is the official currency of Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands.

No seasons exist in the Galapagos Islands due to fact that they’re along the equator. However, there are two weather patterns that are recognizable every year:

The hottest season is generally from December to April with average temperatures ranging from a low of 70 F to a high of 84 F (22 – 31 C). It’s also the rainy season. The sea is generally calm this time of the year and the water temperature is warmer which is ideal for snorkeling. The skies are often clear during the warm rainy season, but heavy downpours are common.

May to November is considered the “cool” season with average temperatures ranging from a low of 68 F to a high of 82 F (19 – 27 C) and frequent overcast skies. Normally from June to December, the cold Humboldt Current comes from the South and creates an inversion that traps a cool moist fog called a Garúa near the ocean which creates a cool, dry climate. In December, normally the trade winds die down and the ocean currents change, bathing the Galapagos in the warm Panama Current from the North.

GALAPAGOS WEATHER MONTH BY MONTH

Remember that the Galapagos Islands are out of the mainland and include a number of very interesting activities such as walking, swimming, and snorkeling. Consequently, we recommend taking:

• Comfortable lightweight informal clothing appropriate for changes in the weather.
• Taking a bathing suit, T-shirts, shorts, sunglasses, hat or cap, insect repellent, and sunblock.
• Sports shoes good for walking over lava and rocky surfaces, and sandals for walking in water.

For the chilly months:

• A water repellent jacket or poncho and lightweight pants (not jeans) are essential.

Other important items:

• Lip balm, eye drops, medicine (pills or patches) to counteract seasickness.
• Plastic bags to protect cameras or electronic equipment.
• Camera and binoculars

Flash photography is not allowed when taking photos of wildlife. Professional photography and videos recorded for commercial purposes must be authorized by the Galapagos National Park.

Drones are NOT permitted by tourists and are against the rules imposed by the Galapagos National Park Authority.

Galapagos cruises can provide food for vegetarian, vegan, lactose-intolerant/dairy-free, gluten or wheat-free (celiac), diabetic, they can also address specific allergy needs kosher and halal diets only in case of charter onboard our fleet.

As soon as you book, inform the travel agent or cruise line of your dietary needs. Cruises have limited supplies, which are only brought onboard in certain ports, so they need to procure special ingredients. Be specific, for example, if you are lactose-intolerant and prefer rice/oat/almond milk to soy milk, tell the line before you cruise.

Cruises require 30 days advance notice for food requests.

As throughout the rest of Ecuador, the standard electricity supply in Galapagos operates at 110v AC, 60Hz, using flat 2 pin plugs. This is the same supply voltage and plug type found in the USA, so American visitors won it normally require an adapter or transformer. Besides UK and Europeans, they must need an adapter. If you need an adapter it will be provide onboard.