How to travel to Galapagos Islands
As we embarked on our Galápagos journey, we began from mainland Ecuador (and so does everyone). We chose to fligh over Guayaquil, which is one of the two option (aside of Quito).
Our flight from Guayaquil to Baltra took around 2 hours. LATAM was our chosen airline for this leg of the trip, one of the several airlines offering daily flights from the mainland to Baltra (GPS), the island hub near Santa Cruz.
Travel in from Guayaquil Airport
Contrary to some online blogs, the process to enter the Galápagos isn't as complex as it seems. Here's a straightforward breakdown of what you need to do:
- Allocate about 2 hours before your flight to accommodate additional security steps. Look for the designated area in the Departures hall dedicated to Galápagos travelers (there are clear signs).
- You are suppose to register before - but it didn't work for us. So we found, if you haven't registered online, don't worry – we had success doing it on the spot with the officers.
- At the registration office they will check whether you have a return flight - so be sure to have that booked
- After registering your Luggage is checked for restricted items
- The office hours are from 6:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. They open 6.30 to the second. But rest assured all flights are aware of this procedure, and they won't depart without passengers who need to complete these steps. (Ours left at 8.25 AM and it was plenty of team to check-in our luggage with the airline after registering.)
- After luggage check, you obtain the Transit Card for $20, payable by card or cash (keep in mind, entrance to the Galápagos National Park must be paid in cash).
- Then proceed with check-in, bag drop, and airport security.
Arrival in Galápagos and Island Transport
Upon arrival in the Galápagos, first you will be rechecked not to bring anything in that is forbidden. After you will be asked to pay the $100 National Park fee, contributing to the preservation of the islands' natural treasures.
Next, secure a $5 shuttle ticket to travel between Baltra Airport and the Itabaca Canal.
At the Itabaca Canal, board a boat with luggage for a quick ride to Santa Cruz. The fare for the boat ride is $1, payable onboard in cash.
Upon arrival on Santa Cruz, retrieve your belongings and choose between a $5 per person bus or a $20 total taxi to reach Puerto Ayora.
Diving at Galapagos
- While the norm for divers is to avoid touching anything underwater, the unique conditions at Gordon Rocks (and Mosquera) necessitate a different approach. When strong currents pull you, it's crucial to hold onto rocks not to get lost. We highly recommend bringing gloves (another behavior you should never do elsewhere as a diver) or requesting them from the diving agency. During our attempt to grip the rocks, both of us ended up with cuts on our hands.
- For a smoother diving experience, consider booking well in advance to secure a spot with the best diving agencies. Our personal experience highlighted the importance of this step. Unfortunately, our chosen agency proved subpar. The instructors didn't give due importance to the pre-dive briefing, notably neglecting the crucial adaptation of diving behaviors from other sites to this one. Many agencies treat diving in the Galapagos as routine, and this nonchalant attitude might lead to insufficient instructions.
- In contrast to reef diving, Galapagos diving emphasizes encounters with larger marine life, such as rays and sharks. Many instructors are trained to maximize the viewing of these majestic creatures, which often results in spending significant portions of the dive navigating through open water without sightings. Our prior priority was a consistently enjoyable dive rather than fleeting moments of excitement. This aspect led to a somewhat suboptimal diving experience.
Our Four Dives were:
North Seymour
- Dive Type: Drift
- Difficulty: Easy
- Dive Duration: 70 minutes
- Depth Range: 20 meters
- Visibility: 10 meters
- Temperature: Around 24 ºC
Mosquera
- Dive Type: Drift and Wall
- Difficulty: Easy
- Dive Duration: 65 minutes
- Depth Range: 25 meters
- Visibility: 12 meters
- Temperature: Around 24 ºC
Gordon Rocks (2 Dives)
- Dive Type: Drift
- Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
- Dive Duration: 55 minutes
- Depth Range: 30 meters max
- Visibility: 15 meters
- Temperature: Around 24 ºC
Preplanning your trip
Our typical travel approach involves a certain level of spontaneity, and it often works well for us. However, Galapagos presents a different scenario altogether. Our usual method of traveling, while freeing, sometimes means not all options are readily available. In fact, the most remarkable opportunities might not present themselves immediately. This had two notable repercussions during our Galapagos adventure: we encountered a somewhat underwhelming diving experience and were unable to visit Bartolomé Island, an island renowned for its beauty and fame among day tours.
Nonetheless, our time on the islands was still incredibly enjoyable. It's worth noting, however, that for a smoother experience, a bit of preparation is advised. Here's what we recommend:
- Two Months in Advance: Secure your two most desired day tours. This ensures you get the chance to partake in the activities that truly pique your interest and add to your Galapagos experience.
- Three Months in Advance: If diving is on your agenda, make sure to book your diving adventures in advance. This ensures you have the opportunity to explore the underwater wonders of Galapagos without any hiccups.
With these key elements secured ahead of time, you'll have the flexibility to be as spontaneous as you like with the rest of your plans. In a destination as remarkable as the Galapagos, a bit of foresight goes a long way in ensuring you make the most of your time there.
Don't get us wrong - even with not planning anything at all we still had an amazing time. So you can go planless as we did, as long as you understand that you might have to adapt your schedules.
Land Travel versus Cruise
Embarking on a land-based adventure, we could embrace around 80% of the cruise experience while keeping our expenses at a third of the cost.
The decisions we made during our journey are ones we stand by without any regrets.
However, an encounter during our diving escapade led us to a fresh perspective. We crossed paths with a couple who had just concluded a lavish 10-day cruise. Engaging in conversation with them unveiled an intriguing insight: if the budget allows, setting sail on a cruise might be the way to go. The cruise experience offers an unparalleled density of curated activities and the opportunity to explore more remote destinations. This is a significant advantage that shouldn't be overlooked.
Moreover, navigating the Galapagos Islands is an experience unlike any other. While we're accustomed to a certain level of autonomy in our travels, Galapagos demands a different approach. Here, guides are a necessity, and booking one for every attraction is par for the course. This contrasts with the freedom of land travel, where daily explorations can be tailored to your preferences. Keep in mind that the liberty of improvising your itinerary on Galapagos is notably diminished compared to other destinations.
To sum it up succinctly: while embarking on a land-based adventure is indeed rewarding – as we've highlighted in this blog – we believe there's value in considering a niche, boutique cruise for a few days. This can be seamlessly paired with additional time spent on Isla Isabela, offering you a comprehensive and diverse Galapagos experience that strikes a harmonious balance between exploration and relaxation.