What should I know before visiting Galapagos Islands?

Direct answer

You need a valid passport, comply with Ecuador/Galápagos entry rules, pay park and transit card fees, choose between liveaboard or land-based options, and follow strict biosecurity and wildlife rules. Plan for limited services, book in advance, and expect strong sun and variable weather.

Visa / entry requirements

• Passport: valid at entry; many nationalities enter Ecuador visa-free for 90–180 days. Check your country’s specific Ecuador visa rules before travel.
• Galápagos Transit Control Card (TCT): must be purchased before arrival (online or via your tour operator); a physical copy is required at the airport in Ecuador.
• Galápagos National Park Entrance Fee: pay on arrival (USD cash or card at airport kiosks). Fee varies: higher for non-residents.
• Immigration: arrive via mainland Ecuador (Baltra or San Cristóbal flights). Keep all receipts and stamps—officers check them on exit.

Best time to visit

• Warm/wet season (Dec–May): warmer water, calmer seas, green landscapes, best for snorkeling and seeing marine life mating/feeding.
• Cool/dry season (June–Nov): cooler air/water (bring a wetsuit), clearer water, nutrient-rich upwellings bring humpback whales and abundant fish; prime for diving.
• Shoulder months (April/May, Nov): mix of both seasons, fewer crowds, good conditions.

Safety tips

• Biosecurity: strict rules—no fresh fruit/vegetables, certain seeds, mud, or biological material. All luggage is inspected; declare anything doubtful.
• Wildlife safety: keep distance, never touch or feed animals, follow guide instructions. Fines apply for infractions.
• Health: pack sea-sickness meds (boats can be choppy), sunscreen (reef-safe strongly recommended), insect repellent, and basic meds. Bring prescription copies.
• Emergencies: medical facilities are basic on islands—carry travel insurance with evacuation/medical coverage.
• Personal safety: Galápagos is generally safe; use normal precautions for belongings, avoid isolated areas at night.

Local customs and etiquette

• Respect protected areas: stick to marked trails and visitor sites with licensed guides.
• Interactions: be quiet and unobtrusive around wildlife and local communities.
• Tipping: customary for guides, naturalist guides and crew (10–15% depending on service); restaurants may add service but small tips are appreciated.

Currency and money

• Currency: US dollar (USD) is official currency in Ecuador/Galápagos.
• Payment: major islands accept cards in hotels and larger businesses; carry cash (small bills) for park fees, taxis, tips, and remote services.
• ATMs: limited and unreliable—withdraw on mainland Quito/Guayaquil before flying to the islands.

Transportation and getting around

• Flights: all flights to Galápagos depart from Quito (UIO) or Guayaquil (GYE) to Baltra (GPS) or San Cristóbal (SCY). Book early and allow domestic connection time.
• Inter-island travel: short domestic flights or ferries between inhabited islands. Ferries can be rough; schedules change with weather.
• On-island: taxis, small buses, rental bikes; many excursions require boats with licensed operators. Licensed guides required for many visitor sites.
• Liveaboard vs land-based: liveaboards offer island-hopping and access to remote sites; land-based trips allow more time in towns and flexibility but require day tours to visit more remote sites.

Must-know practical tips and local insights

• Book in advance: tours, national park permits, and accommodations (especially liveaboards) fill up in high season.
• Guided visits: many visitor sites require certified naturalist guides; independent wandering in protected zones is prohibited.
• Packing: reef-safe sunscreen, sunhat, sunglasses, light layers (it can be windy and cool mornings/evenings), quick-dry clothing, sturdy water shoes, snorkel gear if you prefer your own, waterproof dry bag.
• Limits and conservation: follow strict rules—no pets, no new plants/food without inspection, don’t remove anything (rocks, shells, coral, or souvenirs), and avoid single-use plastics when possible.
• Wildlife viewing: be patient and quiet—best sightings often happen early morning or late afternoon. Bring binoculars and an underwater camera if possible.
• Connectivity: limited Wi‑Fi and cellular coverage; expect slower internet and plan offline maps/documents.
• Time management: allow buffer time for flight connections (domestic flights can be delayed) and for immigration/biosecurity checks.
• Environmental responsibility: choose operators with strong conservation practices; consider contributing time or donations to local conservation programs.

Quick checklist

• Passport, visa info, TCT and park fee paid/printed
• Travel insurance with medical/evacuation
• Cash USD (small bills), cards
• Reef-safe sunscreen, hat, layers, seasickness meds
• Binoculars, snorkel gear (optional), dry bag
• Luggage clean of soil/biological material before arrival

Enjoy the trip: the Galápagos rewards respectful visitors with unique wildlife encounters and extraordinary island landscapes. Follow park rules and local guidance to help preserve this fragile ecosystem.