The absence of natural predators and the amiable fauna, which includes playful sea lions and enormous sea turtles that let visitors get up close, are two reasons why the Galapagos Islands are the most popular travel destination. Located in the Pacific Ocean 620 miles off the coast of Ecuador, this archipelago of around 19 large and numerous small islands is recognised as a dual World Heritage Site (protected on land and at sea), and it served as the model for Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution. Every island has a different terrain, varying from long miles of white sand beaches that melt into brilliant blue waters to areas of desolate black volcanic rocks.
What Time Is Best To Travel To Galapagos Island?
Depending on what you’d like to try. Travel is most popular in June, July, and August as well as from mid-December to mid-January, when prices are often at their highest. The water is at its calmest from December to May, during the hot rainy season, when daily rainfall gives way to generally sunny days and temperatures above 80 degrees.
Because of the cool water and low temperatures brought about by the Humboldt Current (during the 1970s), the driest and coldest season lasts from June to November. Even though the water is rougher, seasoned divers believe that now is the greatest time to go since the cooler water will draw more amazing marine species, such schools of hammerhead sharks. At this time of year, visitors are also more likely to see the fabled whale sharks of the wolves and Darwin Islands.
Exciting Travel
In the Galapagos National Park, it is forbidden to explore the majority of the islands without a certified guide. A small yacht voyage is the greatest way to view the isolated islands and animals of the Galapagos Islands, while you may arrange a day trip to certain islands from Puerto Ayora, the main tourist hub of Santa Cruz. Although the national park restricts the size of the boat to 100 passengers, up to 100 people can overcrowd the coast at once upon disembarking.
The perfect cruise ship can only accommodate 16–32 people in small groups. Sustainable travel agency Adventure Life may provide extra services like land excursions, multi-sport tours, small cruises, eco-hotels, and snorkelling excursions. The boat is frequently filled during the busiest times of year, so it’s recommended to make reservations at least a few months in advance.
In the Mariscal region of Quito or Puerto Ayora, travel agencies along Charles Darwin Avenue may provide last-minute offers at extremely cheap discounts; nevertheless, even if you have the chance, you are serious about taking the risk, or you might have to wait at the same time. or give up to go on a subpar cruise.
How can I get there?
You must first take a plane to the Ecuadorian mainland and land in Quito, or Guayaquil, the country’s capital. It is closer to Guayaquil to these islands. Most planes from Quito stop here en route to the Galapagos, so if you have the option, come here to save time. Ecuador is served by American Airlines, Continental Airlines/Cubana Airlines, and Delta Air Lines. The majority of Galapagos cruise ships depart early in the morning or late at night, so you might have to spend the night on land.
Travelling to Baltra and then taking a bus and ferry to Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island—the busiest tourist destination—is the ideal way to visit the Galapagos Islands. Flying to Puerto Baquerizo Moreno on the main island of San Cristobal is an additional option, however most cruises depart from Santa Cruz. You can make reservations with regional carriers like Aerogal, LAN, or TAME.
Although flights are not usually included in trip packages, you can request to book a cruise through the cruise line you are thinking about. In order to secure the greatest deal and guarantee that everyone arrives on the same aircraft, some organisations charge a fee for booking these domestic tickets independently.
Where should one reside?
If you are visiting Quito, stay at the 14-room boutique hotel Mansion Del Angel, which is only a 10-minute walk from the major tourist centre and features a lovely breakfast buffet, a tranquil garden, and serene accommodations. If you fly late and depart early for the Galapagos Islands, please consider sleeping closer to the airport because it is a long drive from Quito itself.
Because they offer good service and a free shuttle to the hotel, which is only a 10-minute drive away, Oro Verde Guayaquil is a convenient option for travelling to Guayaquil.
Santa Cruz is where most Galapagos Island tours start and finish. Take advantage of your stay at the Finch Bay Eco Hotel by booking an additional night. From Puerto Ayora Pier, which boasts a private beach with swimming, snorkelling, and kayaking opportunities, you can quickly catch a ferry.
How should things be handled?
See animals in the wild. Oh my goodness, penguins, albatrosses, and blue-footed boobies! The seclusion and remoteness of the Galapagos Islands has resulted in the uniqueness of many species. Please request that your cruise operator land by 5:50 a.m. in order to get beyond the heat and the throng.
- Jumping. You can view hammerhead sharks, whale sharks, eagle rays, schools of catfish, and more at the top diving locations in Wolfe and Darwin, where the liveaboard will take you.
- Swimming with snorkels. You might swim with Pacific turtles and sea lions on any island you visit. Great spots to visit in San Cristobal are Kicker Rock and Isla Lobos.
- Go. Explore the dry lava pools bordering the archipelago’s hills or the edge of an active volcano while taking in the variety of flora. On Isabela, the largest island with six volcanoes, taking a stroll around Sierra Negra, the second-largest crater in the world, is a good alternative.
- canoeing. In Santa Cruz’s Tortuga Bay, self-service kayak rentals are available.
- Skim. In port towns like Santa Cruz and San Cristobal, charter boats are available.
- People who volunteer.
Animals and Places
Huge breeding facility for tortoises. The majority of tour groups will make stops on the islands of Santa Cruz and San Cristobal. The Charles Darwin Research Centre in Santa Cruz and the Galapagos Interpretation Centre in San Cristobal biology are the places where you may visit these ancient ones. On the other hand, Port Vilamoura in Isabella is home to the most intriguing and least congested breeding centre. You may learn about the various turtle species associated with the island’s several volcanic regions and handle tiny turtle eggs here. The shells of different species of turtles varies in shape.
- Penguin. About 35% of the island’s giant tortoises and the greatest penguin population in the Galapagos can be found in Tagus Cove in Isabella. If you want to see some amazing wildlife, attempt to include this western island in your schedule even though most cruises focus on the southern and central islands. This is also where you will find the Wall of Tears. This stone wall is what’s left of a previous prison community, constructed by inmates for the sole intent of punishment.
- iguana marine. In addition to having the biggest colony of marine iguanas in the archipelago, Fernandina is home to numerous sea lions and flightless cormorants at Punta Suarez, a popular tourist destination. In addition, it is the smallest island among those with the most active volcanoes.
- Albatross. The largest seabird, with a 2.5-meter wingspan, may be seen in Punta Espinosa, Spain. Nearly all of the albatross nests on this island occur between April and November.
