The Galapagos Islands

Located off the coast of Ecuador the Galapagos Islands are one of the world’s most prolific wildlife destinations. Travellers delight in seeing incredible landscapes formed by recent volcanic activity and numerous creatures such as the giant tortoise, Galapagos iguana, blue-footed booby, flightless cormorant, Galapagos penguin and waved albatross. The islands are best explored by small ship to discover each island’s wonderful differences complete with its own species, a phenomenon used by Charles Darwin as he developed the theory of evolution.

Flying from the mainland

With the Galapagos Islands being located 1000km off the coast of Ecuador, travellers must take a flight from Ecuador’s mainland. Flights depart from Quito or Guayaquil to Baltra Airport, located near the island of Santa Cruz, or San Cristobal Island. If you’re flying from Quito, you’ll have a short transit in Guayaquil.

Large ship cruising

Accommodating 40 to 100 guests, these vessels offer a wider range of facilities compared to smaller ships and generally have more room to move around and socialise. Most importantly, the larger ships have more
guides onboard, allowing guests to enjoy a wider range of activities at one time.

Small ship cruising

These vessels typically accommodate 16 to 24 guests and generally have one or two guides onboard, meaning excursions may be done in larger groups.

Island hopping

This is a great alternative to regular Galapagos Island cruises, allowing guests more time on the islands and to interact with the locals. Itineraries are flexible around departure days and sightseeing inclusions.

Finch Bay Galapagos hotel

This is perfect place to relax in at either end of a cruise, or to base yourself at, taking day trips to nearby islands.

The Galapagos has exciting wildlife happenings any season with snorkelling available all year round with wetsuits provided in winter.

The Galapagos Islands had long been on my wildlife bucket list and there is no better way to experience them than on the luxurious motor yacht La Pinta which offers expedition-style adventure in five star comfort. Comfortable cabins with floor-to-ceiling windows, excellent food (the ship has a Cordon-Bleu gastronomy director), numerous outdoor social areas, bar and lounge, hot tub, cardio-gym and sun deck all combine to ensure a memorable cruise. However it is the passionate and knowledgeable naturalist guides who really bring the islands to life with onboard natural history lectures and carefully planned excursions. Guided activities include island walks, kayaking, glass-bottom boat, snorkelling and coastline explorations by zodiac – all with small groups of no more than 12 guests per guide to ensure a personalised adventure.

Snorkelling with curious sea lions is one of my best memories of the Galapagos along with the island walks which give you remarkably close photos of the very tame wildlife including marine iguanas, blue-footed and Nazca boobies, giant tortoise and waved albatross. Also memorable are the bold and inquisitive Galapagos mockingbirds which will come right up to you without any fear at all – the volcanic islands don’t have much surface water and it seems the mockingbirds have identified that tourists’ drink bottles are a potential source of water!

Tony O’Callaghan, Travel Designer

Currency US Dollars

Language Spanish is the official language and Quechua is also spoken by the indigenous people of Ecuador

Why we love it
Easy access from the mainland and an incredible destination for avid wildlife travellers. Come face to face with untouched and endemic bio diverse wildlife, all differing from island to island. A three night cruise is minimum but we recommend a four or seven night cruise to really appreciate it all.

Weather
We divide the Galapagos Islands in two main seasons: dry (June to November) and hot (December to May), each offering different abundance of wildlife and landscapes.

During the dry season, the Humboldt current brings cooler weather, slightly rougher waters, and plankton to the seas surrounding the Galapagos Islands. This treats snorkellers to an abundance of young wildlife and a more active range of marine life.

The hot season is considered the busiest for Galapagos travel as waters are warmer and seas are calmer. The vegetation is lush and the increased food supply means you have a better chance of seeing a higher abundance of land-based wildlife.

Social customs & quirks The people of Ecuador could be roughly divided into Amazon peoples – maintaining very basic ways of life, the Andean Indians and “mestizo’s” – of mixed Spanish and Indian descent. It is certainly fine if you do not speak Spanish in Ecuador, but if you can learn “Buenos dias” (Good morning, until 12 noon), “Buenos Tardes” (Good afternoon) and “Buenos Noches” (Good evening) it will be most pleasantly received. Learning how to ask for a white wine or a beer “Un vino blanco por favour” (or replace vino blanco with cerveza) is also a good one to know! Tipping is a custom in Ecuador and 10% is about the norm, with U$0.50c per piece of luggage for porterage at airports and hotels.

Festivals & events Ecuador has countless festivities and local events throughout the calendar including Carnival in February, Corpus Christi in June and All Saints Day in November. Most of the festivals held in mainland Ecuador are resplendent affairs complete with masquerades, parades and processions and if you are lucky enough to be a part of one it will be a real highlight of your journey.

Health* There are currently no mandatory health requirements entering Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands. Please contact your health practitioner for full and current details.

Notes *Please be aware that Health information is subject to change at any time and you should always double check these requirements at the time of booking and before travel.