Galapagos Transportation

Getting to Galapagos Islands

The Galapagos Islands are some 600 miles (900 kilometers) from Ecuador’s coast, therefore most travelers make the journey to the enchanted isles by airplane. Flights are either 3¼ hours from Quito (including a layover in Guayaquil) or 1½ hours direct from Guayaquil. It is possible to travel by boat, but the trip is generally considered a hassle and not worth the money saved. Flights from Ecuador’s mainland arrive at two airports: Isla Baltra or Isla San Cristóbal.

Travelers should keep in mind that there is a 44lb (20kg) checked luggage limit on the flight to the Galapagos Islands. Also, if taking the flight with a layover in Guayaquil, it is not required that you disembark while stopping over.

Ecuadorian citizens and Galapagos residents fly to and from the Ecuadorian mainland for a discounted price. However, some expats with residency in Ecuador are also eligible for this special discount and should inquire accordingly.

Passengers arriving at the Baltra Airport should know that their hand luggage will be checked to ensure that no foreign animals or plants are being imported/exported. Also, neither the Baltra Airport nor the San Cristóbal Airport offer baggage storage for flyers. However, most hotels on the islands can store guest luggage for no additional charge.

Due to the distance between the two airports, travelers can not transfer between them on the same day.

Galapagos Airport Departure tax and fees:

A departure tax must be paid when leaving both the Galapagos Islands and Ecuador. The former is USD $2, while the latter is USD $40.80 for all international flights and between USD $30-40 for national flights, depending on the airport.

Travelers should also take note of the Galapagos National Park Tax of USD $100 that must be paid upon entry to the islands, as well as a USD $10 immigration card to enter Galapagos. These fees must paid in cash. Traveler’s checks and credit cards are not accepted. Bills larger than twenties and/or not in good condition – no tears or markings – are not accepted. While these may seem extremely rigid requirements, Ecuador has long had a problem with counterfeit $50 and $100 bills and this method is a way of controlling the situation. 

Getting Around Galapagos

Latin America For Less offers both Galapagos Cruises, and land-based tours. Most opt for the cruises as they cover more land in less time, but for those who seek a more adventurous option, the Island-Hopping tour is an ideal Galapagos Island vacation package. The islands with accommodations for travelers are Santa Cruz, San Cristóbal, Santa María (Floreana), and Isabela.

Boat:

While there are hardly any cruises that travel directly to the Galapagos from mainland Ecuador, the islands themselves offer a variety of boat and cruise ship tours around isles that Latin America For Less can book for you. The cruise line tour companies we work with are of top quality and range from tourist to luxury class, ideal for those looking for a more simple Galapagos vacation or a more lavish one. Off-peak season prices can be applied from May to mid-June, as well as September to mid-October.

If you decide to do your tour independently, it is recommended that you hire the tourist and luxury class vessels available that generally offer three-, four-, or seven-night tours. Anything else and you could risk boarding a poorly maintained ship with guides with a limited understanding of English. Whether booking abroad or in Ecuador, be wary of last-minute Galapagos trips since there isn’t a guarantee that you will find space on the cruise ship. Travelers are also advised to be careful if going this route as the quality of the service of these last-minute tours also varies.

A boat or cruise ship tour entails sleeping and dining accommodations on board. Your ship will sail to its next destination at night to maximize your time spent on the various islands. Most ship tours offer an opportunity to swim or snorkel in the clear blue waters of the South Pacific. However, you should confirm this with your tour as not all boats offer this option. Most tours also have a multilingual naturalist to guide tours and answer any questions you may have about the varied wildlife and plant-life found on the islands.

A land-based tour option means traveling from island to island during the day on a ferry or charter boat arranged by your tour operator; accommodations are prearranged on each island.