FAQs

Galapagos is a year round destination, however there are slight variations in the seasons. The climate in the Galapagos Islands is subtropical and is regulated by the warm Nino Current and the cold Humbolt Current. The time period between December and May is considered the “warm season.” During this warmer season, the Galapagos’ climate is more tropical with daily rain and cloudier skies. Also, the ocean temperature is warmer for swimming and snorkelling. From June to December the southern trade winds bring the colder Humbolt current north to the Galapagos. This means that the water is cooler, and a layer of high atmosphere mist pervades the island skies. In effect, the highlands of the larger islands are kept green and lush, while the sea level islands and shorelines have very little rainfall thus; June to December is generally called the “dry season”. Temperature ranges: January to May: from low 80°F (27°C) to low 90°F (32°C) June to September: low 60°F (15°C) to high 70°F (21°C), October to December: 70°F (21°C) to 80° (27°C). Our favourite months to visit are November and May due to the wildlife activity, but most months have their own highlights. 

January to May: from low 80°F (27°C) to low 90°F (32°C) (possible rain)
June to September: low 60°F (15°C) to high 70°F (21°C) (possible rain)
October to December: 70°F (21°C) to 80° (27°C). The time period between December and May is considered the “warm season.” During this warmer season, the Galapagos’ climate is more tropical with daily rain and cloudier skies. Also, the ocean temperature is warmer for swimming and snorkelling.

June to December – From June to December the southern trade winds bring the colder Humbolt current north to the Galapagos. This means that the water is cooler, and a layer of high atmosphere mist pervades the island skies. In effect, the highlands of the larger islands are kept green and lush, while the sea level islands and shorelines have very little rainfall thus; June to December is generally called the “dry season” Graph: Galapagos Air and Sea Temperatures and Rainfall by Month.

The Galapagos Islands are owned by Ecuador, a country around twice the size of the UK, which is nestled between Peru and Colombia on the Pacific Coast of South America. The Galapagos Islands are around 600km off the Pacific coast of Ecuador. 

The Galapagos Islands (official name Archipelago de Colon) are distributed around the equator in the Pacific Ocean, 972 km (604 miles) west of continental Ecuador.

Small yachts bring you closer to nature, providing a much more intimate experience with the Galapagos and its wildlife. Sailing gently between the islands you are closer to the water and the wildlife, seeing dolphins chase the bow, or whales breaching just a few meters away. Smaller yachts also have permission to visit more of the remote and pristine sites than larger yachts, so usually have better itineraries. With a smaller yacht it also means that fewer people are disembarking on an island at any given point in time. Compare 12 people arriving at a visitor site with 40 people say and the difference is clear. However there are advantages to larger yachts, they have more facilities on board, are more spacious and generally move less in the water than smaller yachts, but in our opinion and experience the benefits of smaller yachts for a wildlife experience far outweigh these.

No. We feel quite passionately that the uncontrolled growth of so called ‘Island Hopping’ where visitors stay in hotels on inhabited islands on non-Galapagos National Park land, and travel between the islands, is placing an unsustainable pressure on these islands (water, sewage, power generation etc). This is unlike cruising which is very tightly regulated and when it is well managed, as is the case with all yachts we work with, we believe is an important part of the solution to conserving the Islands wildlife (see our responsible tourism section).

We believe that working with well managed and responsibly run local yacht operators is a way of supporting conservation in the islands.

We are passionate about the Galapagos islands and wouldn’t do anything we believed would harm them – in fact we actively believe that well managed tourism can have a positive effect on conservation – by creating a value to preserving the wildlife to the local community as an alternative from extractive industries like fishing.

We are regular supporters of the UK’s only dedicated Galapagos charity – Galapagos Conservation Trust and we recommend a great way to support conservation in the islands is by becoming a member and donating to help fund some of the wonderful projects they have. For guests from the USA, Galapagos Conservancy is a great charity supporting conservation in Galapagos, and most countries will have their own local Galapagos dedicated charity.  If you would like more guidance on this just let us know.

Non-resident foreign tourists pay US$100 on arrival at the airport in Galapagos. This is doubling to US$200 from August 2024. The fee helps to fund community and conservation work in the islands. Specifically the breakdown received by each institution is:

• Galapagos National Park 40%
• Galapagos Municipal Government 20%
• Regional Council of Galapagos 10%
• Galapagos Marine Reserve 5%
• Galapagos Institute INGALA1 0%
• National Protected Areas System 5%
• Galapagos Quarantine System 5%
• Navy 5 %

All flights to Galapagos depart from the cities of Quito in the Andes or Guayaquil on the Pacific Coast of continental Ecuador. Some flights go to the small islet of Baltra, just off the coast of Santa Cruz Island, others go to San Cristobal Island. Which flight you need depends on where your cruise starts. Usually each yacht has reserved spaces on a particular flight so that all the guests arrive together from the mainland – for any guests travelling with Think Galapagos, we co-ordinate and book your flights to Galapagos for you. Several airlines offer flights to Galapagos, TAME, Aerogal and Icaro

Luggage for your flight from Quito or Guayaquil to Galapagos is restricted to 1-piece weighing no more than 23 kg (50lbs). Excess baggage is subject to a heavy tariff. You can also carry one piece of hand luggage (size restrictions similar to international flights 56 cm long, 45 cm wide and 25 cm deep). All the hotels we use have a safe baggage storage facility with no charge, which our guide can help you co-ordinate.

Please do not bring fresh fruits, vegetables, or nuts to the Galapagos Islands; your luggage will be screened for “biologics” items before you board your flight. 

If you want to use insect repellant, please ensure that  you bring a lotion or oil, not a spray-on kind. Sprays can release chemicals into the environment and we want to protect the Galapagos as much as possible!

The Galapagos Islands are a great destination for those travelling with kids. We have had many memorable trips there as a family and kids are enchanted by the wildlife. With its mix of wildlife, undersea adventures, fresh daily insights and activities to suit all fitness levels and ages, Galapagos offers the perfect chance to disconnect from tech and reconnect with each other and the wonders of the natural world. You can read more about the family holidays we offer here.