Galápagos Islands
Get inspired and make a round trip through the Galápagos Islands, completely tailor-made.
The Galápagos Islands are one of the most unique travel destinations in the world, a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Discover pristine nature, unique wildlife, and the spectacular underwater world. Experience the unique islands during your tour of the Galápagos by cruise or island hopping.
Ultimate eco-destination
Photo impression of our round trips through the Galapagos Islands
General information about the Galápagos Islands
The Galápagos Islands are located in the Pacific Ocean and belong to Ecuador. The archipelago consists of about thirteen main islands and many smaller islands and rock formations. Only a few islands are inhabited. The islands are of volcanic origin and are known for their unique ecosystems, plants, and animal species. Some species are found nowhere else in the world. Additionally, the archipelago is on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Where are the Galapagos Islands?
The Galápagos Islands are located about 1,000 kilometers off the west coast of Ecuador, at the equator and in the Pacific Ocean. Due to its unique flora and fauna, it is one of the most extraordinary places in the world.
Charles Darwin and the Galápagos Islands
Charles Darwin visited the Galápagos Islands in 1835 aboard the research ship Beagle. He spent several weeks there studying the geology and biology of a number of islands. He was astonished by the species he saw. The animals he observed showed similarities to species from the South American mainland, yet they looked slightly different. Partly due to his findings, the theory of evolution emerged. Briefly summarized, this theory posits that humans, plants, and animals originated from a common ancestor and have adapted to their environment through natural selection. Darwin’s finches are a well-known example.
When is the best time to travel to the Galapagos Islands?
You can visit the archipelago all year round. The best time depends mainly on what you would like to see. The weather is influenced by the water currents that converge around the islands. Each season has its own advantages and disadvantages.
Rain season
- January through April (May is a transitional period)
- Temperature is between 26 and 32 degrees
- Water temperature can be up to 25 degrees
- Clear underwater view
- Rain falls mostly at the end of the afternoon and at night
Dry season
- July through December
- Temperature around 25 degrees
- Water temperature around 21 degrees
- Rougher sea with higher waves, less visibility
How to reach the Galápagos Islands
The islands can be reached by plane from Quito or Guayaquil. There are two airports on the Galápagos Islands, on the islands of Baltra and San Cristóbal. Once there, you travel by ferry or by a domestic flight.
What options are there for travelling to the Galápagos Islands?
There are several options when travelling to the Galápagos Islands. Discover the inhabited islands by island hopping and take various tours to other islands. Or experience staying overnight on a cruise and travel to the uninhabited islands, where other travellers do not go. Unico Travel always recommends the combination of a cruise and a few days on an island, so that you can have both experiences.
Island hopping or cruise?
When island hopping, you can stay overnight on four islands and take various excursions from there. During a cruise, everything is arranged for you in terms of tours and meals, and you often get to discover places that island hoppers cannot reach.
Benefits of island hopping:
- More freedom
- Choose where, what, and when to eat
- You experience the local life on the islands
- Lower price than a cruise
Disadvantages of island hopping:
- Travelling between the islands takes quite some time
- Often limited to one or sometimes two tours a day
- Certain places are not possible to be visited from the inhabited islands
Benefits of a cruise:
- Often four tours a day
- Exclusivity and luxury on board
- You reach places other travellers cannot visit
- Less travel time, since you travel at night
- Everything is included, no unexpected spendings
Disadvantages of a cruise:
- Strict planning and dependent on time limits
- More expensive than island hopping
Nature on the Galápagos Islands
The islands are of volcanic origin. The oldest peaks are about four to five million years old. You will find ancient craters, pristine lunar landscapes, black lava flows, lava tunnels, and lava fields there. The coastal strips of the islands often have a desert- or steppe-like appearance. Tropical forest is only found high on the slopes.
The Galápagos Islands also have stunning beaches. there are a number of white sandy beaches, but also beaches with black, green, or even red sand. Discover all these landscapes during your tour of the Galápagos Islands.
Animals on the Galápagos Islands
Spotting unique wildlife is one of the main reasons to travel to the Galápagos Islands. Many animals are endemic, and what makes them even more unique is that they often live freely and without fear of human interference. This allows you to admire the animals up close.
The most famous animal of the Galápagos Islands is the giant tortoise. In addition, sea lions, fur seals, iguanas, penguins, and lava lizards, are also found there. The bird species are also quite unique. Blue-footed boobies, frigatebirds, albatrosses, cormorants, and countless other bird species live on the islands.
Unique destination for underwater enthusiasts
You will find unique animal species, not only on land, but also underwater. Therefore, snorkeling or diving tours should not be misssed when travelling to the Galápagos Islands. Swim with stingrays, marine iguanas, hammerhead sharks, reef sharks, sea turtles, whale sharks, and colorful fish species. Snorkel with sea lions and penguins as well. The underwaterworld is truly magnificent.
Diving at the Galápagos Islands
Due to the convergence of warm and cold water currents, you can dive in a pristine underwater world. Dive with manta rays, dolphins, marine iguanas, penguins, eagle rays, reef sharks, hammerhead sharks, colorful fish species, whale sharks, seahorses, and Galápagos sharks. The best places to dive are Wolf and Darwin Island.
Snorkeling at the Galápagos Islands
Besides diving, there are also many places suitable for snorkeling. Snorkel with sea turtles, marine iguanas, penguins, sea lions, rays, sharks, and colorful fish species. There are many stunning snorkel spots near the islands.
Important information and expectiations
– Do not wait too long with booking the trip.
The Galápagos Islands are a protected area, meaning a maximum number of visitors is allowed per year. It is important to book your trip to the Galápagos Islands well in advance, as hotels and cruises are fully booked months ahead.
– Additional costs
The domestic flight from Quito or Guayaquil costs about 400-600 USD per person (retour). In addition to that, you will also have to pay about 200 USD per person for entrance fees.
– Expectations
The islands are of volcanic origin, resulting in rugged landscapes reminiscent of a lunar landscape. There are a number of green plains to be found, but otherwise, craters, lava fields, lava flows, and volcanic beaches are primarily present on the islands. Naturally, there are also a number of white sandy beaches, but most beaches are volcanic and have black, red, or even green sand.
Inhabited Islands
Santa Cruz
Almost every tour to the Galápagos Islands starts on Santa Cruz. This is the second largest island and the most centrally located. The port town of Puerto Ayora is situated on the south of the island and consists of various hotels, restaurants, and souvenir shops. It is a pleasant place to explore the island or to take day trips to nearby islands (such as Bartolomé, Santa Fe, and North Seymour.)
Activities and tours:
– Charles Darwin Research Station
– Highlands of Santa Cruz
– Tortuga Bay
– Snorkeling at Las Grietas
San Cristóbal
Do not miss the island of San Cristóbal during your trip to the Galápagos Islands. San Cristóbal was the first island where Charles Darwin arrived, and perhaps also your first introduction to the archipelago. The island is home to an airport. From the port town of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno (also the capital of the Galápagos Islands), various excursions depart to nearby islands such as Española. There is also plenty to do on the island itself.
Activities and tours:
– Freshwater lake El Junco
– La Loberia
– Snorkeling at Tijeretas
Isabela
Isabela is the largest island of the archipelago. The port town Puerto Villamil is located on the south of the island. The island is rougher, and more authentic, than the other islands.
Activities and tours:
– Snorkeling at Las Tintoreras
– Sierra Negra volcano
– Concha de Perla
Floreana
Floreana is the southernmost island of the archipelago and boasts an impressive history. Throughout the centuries, pirates, whalers, prisoners, and settlers, lived here. The island is inhabited only by a small number of residents. Puerto Velasco Ibarra is located in the north of the island. If you would like to stay overnight on this quiet and authentic island, book well in advance as there are only a few accommodations. It is one of the highlights when travelling to the Galápagos Islands.
Activities and tours:
– Punta Cormorant
– Bahía Post Office
– La Lobería
Uninhabited Islands
The archipelago has many uninhabited islands. Many of these islands can be reached from the inhabited islands, but some are only accessible by cruise. Examples of uninhabited islands include Española and Bartolomé.
Española
Española is one of the most beautiful islands of your trip to the Galápagos Islands. It is the only place in the archipelago where the Galápagos albatross nests. The island can be visited by cruise or by day trip from San Cristóbal.
Bartolomé
Bartolomé is a stunning island known for its unparalleled views and unique snorkeling spots. The island can be visited by cruise or by day trip from Santa Cruz. Enjoy the view of Pinnacle Rock, James Island, and the many volcanic craters. It is one of the most beautiful places during your trip to the Galápagos Islands.
Why travel through the Galápagos Islands with Unico Travel?
We would love to put together your dream journey. When travelling with Unico Travel, you will always stay in unique locations and in luxurious, atmospheric, and small-scale accommodations. Before we put together a tailor-made trip, we would like to speak with you personally. That way we know exactly which locations and accommodations suit you best. Are you interested in travelling to the Galápagos? Please contact us or view our example trips to the Galápagos Islands.