Galápagos Islands — Local services in Galápagos

🌋 Overview: Where Nature Writes Its Own Rules The Galápagos Islands are an archipelago of volcanic islands located about 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador. Made famous by Charles Darwin’s visit in 1835, they remain one of the world’s most pristine ecosystems and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With 13 major islands and dozens of smaller islets, each has its own unique terrain, species, and vibe.

🐢 Wildlife: Evolution’s Playground The islands are a living museum of biodiversity. Many species here are found nowhere else on Earth:

Giant Tortoises: These gentle giants can live over 100 years and weigh up to 500 pounds.

Marine Iguanas: The only sea-swimming lizards in the world, often seen sunbathing on lava rocks.

Blue-Footed Boobies: Their comical mating dance and bright blue feet are a tourist favorite.

Flightless Cormorants: A rare bird that evolved to swim rather than fly.

Galápagos Penguins: The only penguins found north of the equator.

Wildlife is so abundant and unafraid of humans that you’ll often find sea lions lounging on park benches or iguanas crossing hiking trails.

🏝️ Landscapes & Activities Each island offers a distinct experience:

Island Highlights Santa Cruz Home to Puerto Ayora, Charles Darwin Research Station, and lava tunnels. Isabela Largest island with Sierra Negra Volcano, flamingos, and snorkeling sites. San Cristóbal Great for surfing, sea lions, and the 360° tour to Kicker Rock. Floreana Rich in pirate history and mysterious legends. Española Best for spotting waved albatross and dramatic cliff views. Activities include:

Snorkeling & Diving: Swim with sharks, rays, turtles, and sea lions.

Hiking: Trails through volcanic craters, mangroves, and cactus forests.

Kayaking & Paddleboarding: Calm bays and clear waters make for serene paddling.

Wildlife Photography: No zoom lens needed—animals often come right up to you.

🚢 Cruise vs. Land-Based Travel You can explore the Galápagos via cruise or by staying on populated islands:

Cruises 🛳 Offer access to remote islands.

🧭 Guided excursions with naturalists.

🧴 Limited amenities, but immersive nature experience.

Land-Based 🏨 More flexibility and comfort.

🚌 DIY tours or day trips.

🍽 Easier access to local culture and cuisine.

Cruises are ideal for deep exploration, while land-based travel suits those who prefer independence and a slower pace2.

🌦️ Climate & Best Time to Visit Warm Season (Dec–May): Hot, humid, and best for snorkeling. Occasional tropical showers.

Cool Season (Jun–Nov): Cooler temps, rougher seas, and better for hiking and birdwatching.

September tends to be warm with some rain, but still great for wildlife viewing.

🧳 Practical Tips 🧢 Sun Protection: The equatorial sun is intense—bring reef-safe sunscreen, hats, and long sleeves.

💵 Cash is King: Many tours and small shops don’t accept cards.

🐾 Respect the Rules: Stay on marked trails, don’t touch wildlife, and follow your guide’s instructions.

📶 Limited Connectivity: Wi-Fi is sparse—embrace the digital detox.

💸 Fees: Expect a $100 National Park entrance fee and a $20 Transit Control Card.

🧠 Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It? Absolutely. The Galápagos Islands are not just a destination—they’re a revelation. Whether you're a biology buff, a photography enthusiast, or just someone who wants to feel like they’ve stepped into another world, this archipelago delivers. It’s not cheap, and it’s not luxurious in the traditional sense, but it’s one of the most enriching and awe-inspiring places...

The Galápagos Islands  are an archipelago of volcanic islands. They are distributed on each side of the equator in the Pacific Ocean, surrounding the centre of the Western Hemisphere, and are part of the Republic of Ecuador. Located 906 km (563 mi) west of continental Ecuador, the islands are known for their large number of endemic species that were studied by Charles Darwin during the second voyage of HMS Beagle. His observations and collections contributed to the inception of Darwin's theory of evolution by means of natural selection. The Galápagos Islands and their surrounding waters form the Galápagos Province of Ecuador, the Galápagos National Park, and the Galápagos Marine Reserve. The principal language on the islands is Spanish. The islands have a population of slightly over 25,000.

The first recorded visit to the islands happened by chance in 1535, when Fray Tomás de Berlanga, the Bishop of Panamá, was surprised to find this undiscovered land on a voyage to Peru to arbitrate in a dispute between Francisco Pizarro and Diego de Almagro.  Berlanga eventually returned to the Spanish Empire and described the conditions of the islands and the animals that inhabited them. The group of islands was shown and named "Insulae de los Galopegos" (Islands of the tortoises) in Abraham Ortelius's map "America Sive Novi Orbis" published in 1570.  The first crude map of the islands was made in 1684 by the buccaneer Ambrose Cowley, who named the individual islands after some of his fellow pirates or after English royalty and noblemen. These names were used in the authoritative navigation charts of the islands prepared during the Beagle survey under captain Robert FitzRoy, and in Darwin's popular book The Voyage of the Beagle. The newly independent Republic of Ecuador took the islands from Spanish ownership in 1832, and subsequently gave them new Spanish names. The older names remained in use in English-language publications, including Herman Melville's The Encantadas of 1854. Administratively, Galapagos constitutes one of the provinces of Ecuador, made up of three cantons that bear the names of its most populated islands, namely: San Cristóbal, Santa...

Galapagos is a lifetime experience. To get the most out of it, don't book a tour every day. Leave at least one day free to get to know the local beaches and people a little bit better. The tours consume a lot of energy and time and, although they are worth it, they prevent you from digging a little bit deeper into the local culture. Make sure to eat where the locals eat. The food will be tasty and not as expensive and you will get the experience of sharing a meal with people from the islands. When going from one Island to another, make sure that you take one of the sea sickness pills. The ride is very bumpy and the boat tilts and rolls quite a lot. If you are not used to this kind of motion, you will get nausea. If you have never snorkeled, I recommend you practice at your local pool before trying it for the first time during the tour. Don't underestimate the mechanics of breathing through the tube. Finally, since for most people this is a once in a lifetime experience, I recommend bringing good photographic equipment. You should have at least one good underwater camera and a relatively portable camera where you can exchange lenses. I do not recommend bringing large cameras. They will weigh you down on the long walks and they will be a constant source of worry given the sand and water. In short, just enjoy the wonderful experience of the...