Galapagos Tours in 2024 & 2025

Visa requirements may change, so for the most up to date information we recommend using our Entry Requirements tool. Alternatively, check the Ecuadorian embassy website in your country of departure.

Recommended vaccinations for the Galapagos Islands include hepatitis a, hepatitis b, tetanus, typhoid, diphtheria, and typhoid. However, as advice can often change, you can check out our Entry Requirements tool for the most up-to-date details on vaccination requirements.

If you’re arriving from Brazil, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo and have stayed for more than 12 hours in each country, you’ll need to show proof of a yellow fever vaccination.

The Galapagos Islands have a climate characterised by two main seasons: the warm, wet season (December to May) and the cool, dry season (June to November). The former has temperatures which tend to range from 21 to 32°C (70 to 90°F) — expect occasional rain showers and more humid temperatures throughout this period of time.

The cool, dry season tends to have temperatures ranging from 15 to 27°C (59 to 80.6°F), and though there is less rain during this period.

While there’s no bad time to visit the Galapagos Islands, but if you’re wanting to hit the beach and go snorkelling, then the warm, wet season (December to May) is probably the best time to visit. This is also the breeding season for many of the unique species of wildlife found here.

If you’re wanting to go diving or see migratory birds, then the cooler dry season (June to November) offers the best visibility. However, be aware that the sea may be choppier at this time.

It’s customary in Latin America to tip service providers such as waiters, at approximately 10%, depending on the service. Tipping is an expected — though not compulsory — component of your tour programme and an expression of satisfaction with the persons who have assisted you on your tour. Recommendations for tipping drivers and local guides would range from USD $5-10 per day depending on the quality and length of the service; ask your CEO for specific recommendations based on the circumstances and culture.

Also at the end of each trip if you felt your CEO did an outstanding job, then tipping is appreciated. The amount is entirely a personal preference, however as a guideline USD $20-25 per person, per week can be used.

Internet access in the Galapagos Islands varies significantly by location. Puerto Ayora in Santa Cruz and San Cristóbal Island both have pretty good internet access, and you’ll find it in most hotels, hostels, bars, restaurants and cafes on both islands. Isabela and Floreana have less reliable internet access, and connectivity tends to be much slower. In more remote parts of the islands or on smaller islands, internet access can be very limited or even nonexistent.

There are ATMs in the Galapagos, though they tend to be limited to Puerto Ayora in Santa Cruz and San Cristóbal Island. Double check with your bank that your card will work — Visa and Mastercard tend to both be accepted here — and expect withdrawal fees. Isabela only has around two ATMs, and Floreana doesn’t have any, so make sure you bring cash in USD with you if you’re visiting either of these islands.

As currency exchange rates can fluctuate often we ask that you refer to the following website for daily exchange rates: www.xe.com.

Yes, the Galápagos Islands are generally considered fairly LGBTQ+ friendly — especially in the main towns like Puerto Ayora and San Cristóbal. While the islands themselves are more remote and traditional, the tourism industry here is well-established and incredibly welcoming, so as long as you are respectful, you should run into no issues here. As part of their commitment, all CEOs receive LGBTQ+ inclusion training so every traveller feels respected and welcomed on all of our tours. We commit to making our tours a safe and inclusive place for people to express their authentic selves without judgement, free from any discriminatory language or harassment.

While travelling with G Adventures, all travellers must treat each other with dignity and respect to create an environment that is positive, safe, and where everyone feels welcome. You can find out more via our LGBTQ+ travel page.

The main language spoken here is Spanish, which is spoken by practically everyone here. However, given the tourist infrastructure, English is also widely spoken here too.

Drinking tap water in the Galapagos Islands is not recommended, and if you’ve got a particularly sensitive stomach, you should avoid drinking drinks with ice in it too.

Please note however that all drinks provided on our tours are safe to drink (including drinks with ice), as well as the water in most hotels and restaurants visited on tour. If in doubt, please ask your CEO for further info.

Overall, the Galapagos Islands are considered incredibly safe for travellers, and crime is really very low here. That being said, like with anywhere in the world, petty crime does exist, so it pays to be aware in larger towns. Ocean currents (and the sun) can also be incredibly strong here, so just use common sense and apply plenty of sunscreen. Finally, respect the wildlife, as some species can be fairly protective!

G Adventures takes all reasonable measures to ensure your safety and enjoyment while travelling with us. All of the included activities are properly vetted and regularly checked by us, and we take great care in choosing the right transportation, stays throughout your trip, and guides to lead your tour. However, there are always inherent risks when travelling — you can find out more via our travel safety page.