Travel to the Galápagos Islands

Imagine the South Pacific, only better. Deep-diving, surfing, giant tortoises, volcanoes, and pirate coves. The colours: red, blue. Sea turtles and iguanas. A place so rich in life that Charles Darwin walked here and came up with his theory of evolution. 600 miles west of the Ecuadorian coast, 13 Islands make up the Galapagos, each one unique. 

Wildlife

The Galápagos Islands are the most famous wildlife sanctuary on the planet. The Galápagos Islands are home to endemic animal species and birds. It is a place where animals and birds have no natural predators; this has allowed them to evolve in a relatively undisturbed environment. This has also made them unafraid of humans. They allow you to get up close and photograph them, sharing space as if they weren’t the rarest animals on Earth. 

Getting there

Fly to Quito, Ecuador, then fly to the Galápagos– It’s the safest, easiest, and most practical way to reach the Galapagos.

Stay

There are no “hotels” (as you would find in a city) in the Galápagos, but you will find many local lodges and locals in hostels willing to rent out their rooms. Hostels are clean and safe, and usually located in the town center of every village. The best rooms have private bathrooms, and most have air conditioning. There is a big difference in lodging prices from one island to another, and most of the rooms have a charge for meals. Local meals are very unique, and are often better than anything you can buy at a store anywhere.

What to Bring

Waterproof bags for cameras, flash cards, film, etc. A waterproof camera (or underwater camera housing) is absolutely necessary. A dive mask, snorkel, and fins. A flashlight is always useful to have, and there are plenty of places to get great photos using good light. 

A sense of adventure.

Currency

Ecuador uses the US dollar. Bring along cash in small bills and coins. Credit cards and traveler’s checks are not as widely accepted, yet ATMs can be found. 

Cuisine

Seafood is abundant. Lobster, octopus, squid, and other seafood is used by many restaurants. Chicken, rice, beans and plantains are also staples. 

Activities

Surfing, snorkelling, scuba diving, deep-sea fishing, bird watching, hiking, swimming, and kayaking. 

Transportation

Most small boats transfer from one island to another. Ferries are often the only option, and can be very full at times. Island-hopping can be your best option for getting around.

People

Friendly, helpful, and laid back.

Climate

The Galápagos Islands have a warm climate and only two seasons: wet and dry. The wettest months are December through May, and the driest are June through November. 

Weather

December through May is the wettest season. Temperatures are mild year-round, but are cooler and more humid during the wettest months. 

Sights

The islands are a world away from anything you’ve ever seen before. The beauty of the Galápagos is in the details, the smells, the colours, and the uniqueness of each island. You will find that each island has a unique charm. 

The Dream

Imagine waking up in a cruise in the Galápagos Islands. Cruising the 12 mile long islands that make up the archipelago. You have breakfast, you talk about what you want to do today, and then you head out. You snorkel with sea lions and manta rays; watch them swim with you. You walk along the beach, watching baby iguanas play, and giant tortoises grazing. You walk to the cli side, and look down into the ocean. The water is as blue as the sky above. Tropical birds soar overhead. 

If you are looking for an experience which will allow you to disconnect from the modern world, enjoy your days sailing. Or sail and snorkel through 6,000 feet of pristine reef. Explore the islands, hike to the top of a dormant volcano. Or, take a snorkel tour, swim with sea lions, turtles and an abundance of tropical fish in the protected waters off the North, South, and Central Islands.