How Much Does It Cost To Go To The Galapagos?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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A vacation to Galapagos Islands for

one week usually costs around $774 for one person

. So, a trip to Galapagos Islands for two people costs around $1,548 for one week. A trip for two weeks for two people costs $3,095 in Galapagos Islands.

Is Galapagos cheap?

It is easily doable to get by in the Galapagos on a budget of

less than $50 per day

. In fact, we achieved days with a spend of $30 per person that included incredible wildlife encounters, eating lots of seafood, and retreating to a hotel with A/C.

Is the Galapagos island expensive?

Galapagos is not a cheap destination and traveling on the cheap is very much not recommended. The Galapagos Islands are

more expensive than mainland Ecuador

mainly because of their location and the logistics of maintaining tourism sustainability and helping community development.

How many days should I spend in Galapagos?

The minimum recommend number of days for visiting the Galapagos Islands is

5 days

. The primary reason for this has to do with a.) the time and money it takes to get in and out of the Galapagos and b.) the size of the archipelago itself.

Can you scuba dive in the Galapagos?


Diving is great year-round in the Galapagos

. The wet/warm season, between December to June, is considered by many the best time to scuba dive Galapagos. This is because there is calmer, warmer water and better visibility. This is also the season to see manta rays and hammerhead sharks.

What is the best time to visit Galapagos?

But that said, our experts generally agree that the best time to visit the Galapagos Islands is from

December to May

. Why? These months coincide with the warm season and ocean conditions are clear, warm excellent for snorkeling and diving.

Can you stay overnight on the Galapagos Islands?


Yes, you can stay overnight on some Galapagos Islands

. Those islands are Santa Cruz, San Cristobal, Isabela, and Floreana. The other islands and islets of the archipelago are not inhabited by humans, and do not permit any overnight stays. You can visit them throughout the day though.

Which airlines fly to the Galapagos Islands?

Airlines that fly to the Galapagos Islands

At the time of writing, there are three airlines flying to Galapagos, TAME the Ecuadorean airline (www.tame.com.ec), LAN the Chilean airline (www.latam.com) and Avianca the Colombian airline (www.avianca.com).

How long is the boat ride to the Galapagos Islands from Ecuador?

By sea it takes

3 days

to reach the Galapagos Islands from Ecuador. Boats depart from Guayaquil to the Galapagos. Most often these are cargo ships with basic accommodations not matching the luxury cruises in the archipelago.

Can you vacation in the Galapagos Islands?

1. Can You Visit the Galapagos Islands?

Yes, the Galapagos Islands and Ecuador are open to tourists

. Cruises and tours are operating.

What should you avoid in the Galapagos Islands?

Don’t forget Galapagos National Park (GNP) rules


Do not use flash photography

. Do not leave the trail. Keep your distance – please keep at least two metres away from all animals and NEVER touch them no matter how tame they appear. Don’t feed the animals.

What money is used in Galapagos?

The

US dollar

is the official currency of Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands.

How long is the flight to the Galapagos Islands?

There are no direct international flights to the Galapagos Islands. Daily flights to the Galapagos Islands depart from the cities of Quito and Guayaquil on mainland Ecuador. The Galapagos flight will take you

around two and a half hours

.

What is the water temperature in the Galapagos Islands?

Surface Water Temperature:

71°F – 74 °F

The waters of the Galapagos are influenced by the Humboldt Current that brings cold water to the islands, especially during the mist or Garua season (cool, dry weather) from June to December.

Can you snorkel in the Galapagos?


The Galapagos Islands are one of the world’s greatest snorkeling destinations

, where legends of the ocean can be spotted close to the surface. And you don’t need to be an expert to enjoy snorkeling, either. Warm and shallow waters make the Galapagos an ideal destination for both beginner and experienced snorkelers.

How do you get to Galapagos Islands?

The only way for travelers to get to the Galapagos Islands is

by air

. Travelers must fly from mainland Ecuador to the Galapagos Island. It is not possible to cruise from mainland on a tourist-class ship, and there is no road or ferry service.

Do any humans live on the Galapagos Islands?

The Galapagos Population Today – Do people live on the Galapagos Islands. Currently,

four islands are inhabited, with a total of around 30,000 inhabitants

. The largest ethnic group is Ecuadorian Mestizos. In 1959, only 1,000 to 2,000 people lived on the islands, growing to 15,000 by the 1980s.

What is the coldest month in Galapagos?

Average Temperature in Galápagos

The cold season lasts for 3.7 months, from November 14 to March 6, with an average daily high temperature below 56°F. The coldest month of the year in Galápagos is

January

, with an average low of 32°F and high of 49°F.

Is Galapagos better inner or outer loop?

When deciding on Inner Loop vs. Outer Loop Galapagos itineraries,

consider your degree of interest in the flora and fauna of the islands visited on each loop

. If seeing the Waved Albatross is on your bucket list, choose the Outer Loop with a stop at Espanola, where most of these incredible Galapagos birds reside.

Do you need a permit for Galapagos?

Do you need a visa for Galapagos islands?

U.S. citizens do not need a visa to enter Ecuador

, which simplifies entry into the country. However, a passport valid for at least six more months at the date of entry to Ecuador is essential.

Can you drink the water in the Galapagos?


The tap water on the Galapagos Islands is not safe to drink

so only drink bottled water, which is readily available on board cruise boats. It’s wise to avoid ice cubes in drinks, and salads, which may have been washed in unhygienic water.

Who owns the Galapagos Islands?

2. Who Owns the Galapagos Islands? Similar to the way that the Hawaiian Islands are a part of the United States, the Galapagos Islands are

a part of the neighboring country of Ecuador

, located in South America.

Timothy Chehowski
Author
Timothy Chehowski
Timothy Chehowski is a travel writer and photographer with over 10 years of experience exploring the world. He has visited over 50 countries and has a passion for discovering off-the-beaten-path destinations and hidden gems. Juan's writing and photography have been featured in various travel publications.