WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Galápagos Islands Location: The islands are quite remote and isolated, lying some 1000 km (620 miles) west of Ecuador.

Discovery of the Galápagos Islands is recorded occurring in March 1535, when the Spanish bishop of Panama Tomás de Berlanga was sailing to Peru. The Galápagos species were studied of Charles Darwin in the 1830s and inspired his theory of evolution by means of natural selection. Ecuador formally occupied and claimed the Galapagos islands on 12 February 1832. On 1978 the Galápagos was declared as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

The islands are well known for their distinctive endemic species, including giant tortoises, finches, flightless cormorants, Galápagos lava lizards and marine iguanas, which evolved to adapt to islands’ environment.

Most of the Galápagos is covered in semi-desert vegetation, including shrublands, grasslands, and dry forest. A few of the islands have high-elevation areas with cooler temperatures and higher rainfall, which are home to humid-climate forests and shrublands, and montane grasslands at the highest elevations.

The Galapagos Islands have a unique climate that is influenced by various factors such as ocean currents, trade winds, and elevation. The islands have a subtropical climate with relatively mild temperatures throughout the year. Here’s a general overview of the climate in the Galapagos Islands:

Dry Season (June to December): This is the cooler and drier season in the Galapagos Islands. The average temperatures range from 20°C to 26°C (68°F to 79°F). During this time, the southeast trade winds bring cooler air and water temperatures to the islands. The skies are often overcast, or foggy, and occasional drizzles may occur. The ocean temperatures are cooler, making it ideal for marine activities such as snorkeling and diving.

Wet Season (January to May): This is the warmer and wetter season in the Galapagos Islands. The average temperatures range from 23°C to 30°C (73°F to 86°F). The weather is generally more humid, and there is a higher chance of rainfall, although showers are usually short-lived. The ocean temperatures are warmer during this season, making it a great time for swimming and snorkeling. The vegetation on the islands is lush and vibrant, and some bird species, such as the waved albatross, can be seen during this time.

It’s important to note that weather patterns can vary from year to year, and there may be some variations within different parts of the archipelago. The above information provides a general idea of the climate in the Galapagos Islands, but it’s always advisable to check the weather forecast closer to your travel dates for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Additionally, the Galapagos Islands straddle the equator, so the islands experience minimal seasonal temperature fluctuations compared to other regions.

HOW TO GET TO THE GALAPAGOS ISLANDS

Plan your international arrival flight to Ecuador on time: If you don’t have plans to visit mainland Ecuador before your Galapagos cruise it is recommended to arrive at least 2 days (48 hours) prior to the cruise departure date. This advice accounts for any potential delay or cancellation of your international flight to Ecuador.

Galápagos flights must depart from either of two Ecuadorian cities: Quito (The Mariscal Sucre International Airport) or Guayaquil (José Joaquín de Olmedo International Airport.) 

Flying from Quito to Galapagos takes around two and a half hours. Most of the flights departing from Quito make a 40-minutes stop in Guayaquil to pick up passengers before continuing to Galápagos.

Getting to the Galápagos is part of the adventure, and you will find two airports: Baltra on Seymour Island and San Cristóbal on the island of same name. The arrival and departure airport will be in accordance with the booked itinerary (cruise or island hopping).  

All the Galapagos flights operate in the morning only, and three airlines operate the Galápagos flights from mainland Ecuador: Latam, Avianca and Equair.

 KEY POINTS TO KEEP IN MIND:

• Booking the cruise and Galápagos flight together is the  best option, as cruises operate with specific flights according with their operation and itinerary. Some cruises charge a handling fee if air tickets are not issued with them.
• Avoid international connections on the same day that you are returning from The Galápagos (due to possible flights delays) or book the latest flight to your next destination.
• Baggage allowance for Galapagos Flights: 23 kg for hold luggage and 8 kg for hand luggage.
• You need to be at Quito or Guayaquil airport between 3 to 2.5 hours in advance of the flight departure time to meet with our cruise representative. Details and times will be specified in your voucher.
• Transit Control Card and SICGAL Baggage check-in Quito and Guayaquil: To protect the Galapagos environments and wildlife, no non-native plant or animal species must be allowed to arrive on the archipelago. Upon you arrive at either to these airports, Quito or Guayaquil, the first step is to buy your Transit Control Card (US$ 20 per person). After receiving it, proceed to the SICGAL counter where your luggage will be examined. Please, ensure you do not attempt to travel with any food items other than small quantities of pre-wrapped snacks, like chocolate bars or similar items. Also, avoid carrying any plants or plant materials in your bags.  You will receive an approval tag to attach to your bags before proceeding with airline Check In.

Upon arrival in the Galapagos Islands, all flights are sanitized for pest control to prevent the introduction of external species. The product used is non-toxic to humans. Once on land, you must register your information at the counter with the staff of Galapagos national park and pay the Entrance Fee (US$ 100).

For the most of our passengers, Nomadic Ecuador makes the pre-registration of your information, and you can pre-pay the Transit Card and National Park Fee. In case of last-minute bookings this process is not available.

Pick up your luggage and meet with our Galapagos guide!   Please, take into account that Transit Control Card and Galapagos Entrance fee are subject to change, in case of any increase, you will be notified. Book with Nomadic!