The best time to visit the Galapagos Islands depends on what you want to see and experience there, and whenever your schedule allows! Because it’s on the equator, air temperatures don’t change a lot. However water temperature does fluctuate as much as ten degrees during the year. The cooler Humboldt Current comes up from Antarctica from May to September/October and the sea is cooler and tends to be rougher at this time of year. Cooler water temperatures mean you generally see more sea life because there is more food for the animals that depend on the planktons and other sea nourishment. From November to April, the warmer Panama Current flows from the north and brings slightly warmer water. The sea tends to be calmer at this time of year. If you’re going on our land-based tour then rough water is less of a concern. If you’re doing a cruise, and you are prone to seasickness, you might want to consider coming in the November to April time frame. Check out further recommendations on when to go here. 

For a month to month comparison of temperatures and wildlife activity check out the Galapagos Calendar.

Visit this page for a month-to-month detail on weather. Because the Galapagos Islands are on the equator, it’s warm most of the year. The warmest season is usually January to April and average temperatures range from a low of 70F/22C to around of 84F/31C. This is also the “wet season” and there may be afternoon thundershowers. During a severe El Nino year, it’s more likely to rain at any time of day. April to December is considered the “dry season” and is cooler, with average temperatures ranging from around 68F/19C to 82F/27C. At this time of year it is not uncommon to have the "garua" (misty rain) early in the morning and in the highlands of Santa Cruz and San Cristobal. Our experience is that the time of year doesn’t make a lot of difference in terms of the amount of rain as there isn’t enough to impact your trip too much.

The Galápagos Islands (Archipiélago de Colón) are a province of Ecuador located about 500 miles (800 km) off the country’s western coast, sitting directly on the equator.

For travel to the islands, you’ll want to book your international flights into Guayaquil, as our Galápagos Unbound tour begins there.

You may also choose to fly into Quito and spend a few days exploring the capital. However, you will need to arrange a short 45-minute domestic flight from Quito to Guayaquil to arrive in time for the start of the Galápagos Unbound tour.

On this active, land-based Galápagos itinerary, you should plan to arrive in Guayaquil on Day 1. This first day is considered a travel day, allowing all guests to get into Guayaquil before the early flight to the islands on Day 2.

For your return, please keep in mind that you should not schedule your departing international flight before 8:00 p.m. on the final day of the itinerary. Flights from the Galápagos typically arrive back into Guayaquil around 4:00 p.m., but this can vary due to weather or delays.

Because of the timing, many guests choose to stay an extra night in Guayaquil and fly out the following morning for a more relaxed end to their trip.

We do not arrange international air travel to the Galápagos but we do have a great air travel specialist we refer you to if you’d like.

Yes, all Domestic flights between mainland Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands will be included on your invoice. We will make the arrangements in conjunction with our partners in Ecuador.  Flights to the Galapagos Islands depart several times daily from both Quito and Guayaquil aboard Boeing 737’s or Airbus 320’s or similar.

Ecuador uses the US dollar which was adopted as the official currency in 2000. Be sure to bring cash bills in good condition because bills with markings or tears won’t be accepted. There are also ATM machines in the larger towns. It’s a good idea to alert your bank that you’ll be traveling to Ecuador so they don’t stop the transactions.

We have been running trips in Ecuador since 1992 and know the country well. We have plenty of ideas for extending your trip whether it be to the Amazon, the Cloud Forest, the highlands in the north or south, or whatever might be your special interest. We can also arrange extensions to Peru and Machu Picchu.

There are a lot of arrangements to be made for a custom trip like our Galapagos Unbound active adventure. It’s very helpful with our planning if you book four to 12 months in advance. However, if you can’t plan that far ahead, then it’s usually not a problem to book up to about two months in advance. If you find yourself looking for last-minute space just call us and check!

There is an opportunity for snorkeling almost every day on this trip and the underwater life is a true highlight of visiting the Galapagos. Our trip offers more opportunities than most, and on some days we stop at two or three locations to snorkel. We do recommend you try snorkeling ahead of time for your trip to get the most out of your experience, if you have never done so. Wetsuits aren’t strictly necessary, but “shorty” wetsuits (knees to elbows) of about 2mm are recommended to keep out any chill. We have full snorkel gear available to use including wetsuits

We provide all of the kayaking and camping equipment, while you need to simply bring your clothing and personal gear. We also provide wetsuits and snorkeling gear for your convenience, or your may bring your own. We send a complete list with items to bring such as paddling gloves, a water bottle, flash light, etc. We suggest traveling “light” for this adventure. 

Yes, scuba diving in the Galapagos is plentiful. We recommend if you'd like to enjoy some scuba diving, that you stay on the islands for an extra day or two. This can easily be arranged at an additional cost. Please note that most diving locations in the Galapagos are very technical and often require certification in addition to significant experience. 

Yes. Spanish is the official language of Ecuador and the Galapagos but all tour guides are bilingual and speak english.

Yes, most major credit and debit cards are accepted throughout Ecuador. We still recommend bringing at least $500 in cash. $200 for your Galápagos National Park entry fees and around $300 for tips and incidental expenses during your trip.

We provide all necessary camping equipment to ensure quality and comfort. At our exclusive oceanfront camp, we have spacious tents that allow you to stand up. Each tent is equipped with cots, sleeping bags, sheets, pillows, and a small lantern. There is also plenty of space for your luggage to be stored inside your tent. While you're out enjoying the Galapagos Islands during the day, your tents will be cleaned, so you return to a comfortable and inviting space at the end of the day.

If you’d like to rinse off after a long day in the water, a designated shower tent will be set up by your guides.

Yes, we can absolutely arrange a pre- or post-night stay at the Wyndham Guayaquil Puerto Santa Ana. This is a beautiful hotel that also includes a complimentary airport shuttle to and from the airport. If you are booking a pre-arrival night, we will request that you stay in the same room for both nights; however, this cannot be guaranteed. Please note that check-in time at the Wyndham Puerto Santa Ana is 3:00 PM.

Additional Hotel Night – Wyndham Guayaquil
Double Accommodation: $110 per person, per night
Single Accommodation: $210 per night

Most travelers, including U.S. and Canadian citizens, do not need a visa to visit Ecuador for stays of up to 90 days.
You must have a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your arrival date and proof of onward or return travel.

If you are traveling to the Galápagos Islands, you will also need to pay the Galápagos National Park entrance fee, handled at the airport before your flight. 

Some nationalities do require a visa, so if you are not a U.S. or Canadian passport holder, please check your country’s entry requirements.

No vaccines are required for entry into Ecuador or the Galápagos for most travelers.

A yellow fever vaccine is recommended (not required) only if you plan to visit certain remote areas of mainland Ecuador, such as the Amazon region. It is not required for the Galápagos Islands.

If you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission, Ecuador may require proof of vaccination.

As always, travelers should consult their doctor or a travel clinic at least 4–6 weeks before departure.

Please see our full Terms & Conditions HERE.