FAQs

Q: Where are the Galapagos Located?
The Galapagos are located 621 miles west off the coast of Ecuador

Q: How large are the Galapagos and many islands are there?
The Galapagos have approximately 8.000 square kilometers of land mass, divided into thirteen large islands, six smaller islands and over forty islets.

Q: How do I get to the Galapagos?
Although some people get to the Galapagos on board private yachts after clearing park requirements, most travel to the Galapagos is had via airplane.

There are no international flights to the Galapagos, with all flights departing from mainland Ecuador. There are two airports in the Galapagos, one in Baltra Island, just opposite Santa Cruz Island, which is the tourist hub of the islands, and the other in San Cristobal Island. There are two daily flights to Baltra - Santa Cruz, and three weekly flights to San Cristobal. Bookings for these flights have to be made with due anticipation, normally through a travel agency.

Q: When is the best time of year to visit Galapagos?
The Galapagos provide for a fascinating experience year round. Different times of the year highlight different natural traits in the islands, such as mating seasons, migration habits, etc. Also, the weather in the Galapagos is relatively mild and does not have extremes, especially to the low end of the spectrum. January through June is the season when sunshine is most prevalent, and is considered the high season in the Galapagos.

Q: What is the climate like?
The climate in the Galapagos is particularly mild and dry for the tropics. There are two main seasons. The rainy season goes from January to June, with the dry season accounting for the rest of the year. Unlike its name may suggest, the rainy season is when sunshine is more prevalent in the coast, with sporadic heavy showers hitting specially the higher parts of the islands.

In the dry season air temperatures range between the upper 60s to the lower 70s (18°C to 23°C). In the rainy season (yes, where sunshine is more prevalent), air temperatures range between the 80s and 90s (from 25°C and into low 30s).

Q: How is the water temperature?
The water temperature in the Galapagos is warm enough for bathers and bare snorkelers on most sites and for the most of the year. For longer immersions and especially for divers a wetsuit is recommended.

The water temperature can range from as low as 16 °C to as high as 28 °C, depending on the site and season. The January to June season has the warmest water temperatures.

Q: Is there an entrance fee?
The entrance fee for the Galapagos National Parks is of $100. This cash payment is collected at the entry airport in the Galapagos. A major portion of this park entrance fee is allocated for Galapagos conservation efforts.

Q: What are the National Park's regulations?
Observing the regulations set forth by the Galapagos National Park Regulations will contribute to the preservation of the islands for future generations. This rules, along with common sense and a conservationist attitude will determine that minimum impact be made on the islands fragile ecosystems.

No plant, animal, or remains of such (including shells, bones, and pieces of wood), or other natural objects should not be removed or disturbed.
Be careful not to transport any live material to the islands, or from island to island.

• Do not take any food to the uninhabited islands, for the same reason.
• Do not touch or handle the animals.
• Do not feed the animals. It can be dangerous to you, and in the long run would destroy the animals' social structure and breeding habits.
• Do not startle or chase any animal from its resting or nesting spot.
• Stay within the areas designated as visiting sites.
• Do not leave any litter on the islands, or throw any off your boat.
• Do not deface the rocks.
• Do not buy souvenirs or objects made of plants or animals from the islands.
• Do not visit the islands unless accompanied by a licensed National Park Guide.
• Restrict your visits to officially approved areas.
• Show your conservationist attitude.

Q: What banks and services can I expect in the Galapagos?
In Puerto Ayora, in Santa Cruz Island there are many basic amenities and services which, although maybe not sophisticated, can allow visitors some convenience.

There are a couple of local banks which can receive money transfers. There is internet, telephone and cellular phone service. There is basic medical care and a hyperbaric chamber for divers. There are bars, restaurants, mini-markets, drugstores, shops, tour operators, galleries, hotels and other conveniences. There are offices for DHL and Western Union.