If your goal is a complete experience that ticks all the boxes, and to see as much of the Galapagos Islands as possible, then a Galapagos cruise may be the best choice.

If you prefer a general overview of the Galapagos islands, together with more freedom and flexibility to create your own adventures and do your own thing, then a land tour is worthy of consideration.

Still not sure if a Galapagos Tour on land is for you? Check out our Galapagos cruise vs Land Tour blog for more detailed advice & tips to help you decide.

Getting to the Galapagos Islands is easy once you know how.

Click on the above link for all the basics you need to know: How to fly to Galapagos, and from where? How to get around the islands? How much luggage can you take to Galapagos? How to get back home again? What processes and controls are there to get to Galapagos?

Tours depart from and return to either Santa Cruz island (Baltra or Puerto Ayora) or from San Cristobal (Puerto Baquerizo Moreno). Both destinations are served by daily flights from mainland Ecuador.

One of the most frequently asked questions when planning a Galapagos vacation is: WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT GALAPAGOS?

While Galapagos weather does vary each month, there is no “best” or “worst” time for Galapagos travel. In fact, the Galapagos Islands are a fabulous year-round destination, with a pleasant climate throughout the year.

Even better, there are no Galapagos weather extremes to deal with. No snow or frost, no hurricanes, no extreme hot or cold temperatures.

That said, there are subtle differences in Galapagos weather each month. Trip planners will want to consider the Dry season vs. the wet season. There are also peak vs off-season tourist months to plan around. The famous Galapagos Islands wildlife follow climate seasons for nesting, mating, hatching & parenting - so, there's different action to see each month. Galapagos water temperature also varies through the year, with implications for snorkeling with/without a wetsuit. Each of these Galapagos climate factors can make a difference to your enjoyment of the archipelago.

For more detailed analysis about the subtleties of each month in the Galapagos Islands, check out our When is the best time to visit Galapagos? Blog post.

The Galapagos archipelago boasts 13 major islands, over 40 smaller islands, and many more rocky outcrops.

The overall size of the Galapagos Marine Reserve is huge, covering a protected area of 198,000 square kilometers (76,448 square miles). In fact, it’s the 2nd largest marine reserve on the planet, after Australia’s Great Barrier Reef.

Check out our interactive Galapagos Map for an overview of the islands.

In my opinion, the cruise itinerary is the single most important factor in your Galapagos trip planning. Not all routes are created equally, and certain islands are blessed with more diversity of wildlife than others.

For Galapagos cruises, common routes are: western islands, northern islands, south-east islands. All have their own highlights and are enjoyable in their own right, but my personal favorite will always be the western islands for the sheer diversity of wildlife present there.

A Galapagos land tour can stay overnight on any of the following 3 places:

1. Puerto Ayora (Santa Cruz) is the best island for navigable day tours to places like: North Seymour, Bartolome, South Plaza, and Santa Fe.

2. Puerto Baquerizo Moreno (San Cristobal) wins for excellent visitor sites that you can explore by yourselves without a tour guide.

3. Puerto Villamil (Isabela) is renowned for its long stretch of golden sand, volcano trekking, and affordable ½ day tours.

Our land tours typically aim to stay 2 or 3 days on each of these main islands, enough time to enjoy the best of what each one has to offer.

Depending on how much vacation time you have, it’s possible to combine 2 or 3 of these islands as a base, or to enjoy a quick holiday to just one of them.

Expert advice is a big plus before you book your trip. Ask our team of Galapagos experts to help you compare different cruise and land tour itinerary options for your dates of travel, and you’ll be sure to make the best choice.

For more information on itinerary planning, check out How to decide which Galapagos Islands to visit?

Galapagos tours (cruise and land) operate for anything from 4 up to 15 days, although the sweat-spot for most visitors is 6-8 days.

Don’t forget, the first and last days at the islands are cut short by the flight schedules, so a 4-day trip ends up as just 2 full days in the middle to enjoy, with short activities on days 1 and 4.

For a more detailed answer, check How many days for Galapagos?

Most days on a Galapagos tour provides opportunity for wildlife watching, short hikes along designated trails, snorkeling, swimming, and beach time.

You’ll typically start the day early with breakfast included. Eat well to prepare for an active day ahead.

Guided activities may last all day, or just ½ day. It will often be a mix of wildlife watching on land (walking trails, beach time) and in the ocean (swim, snorkeling). All activities are accompanied by an English-speaking naturalist guide.

You could also have free time incorporated into the day, giving freedom to explore by yourselves.

On land tours, every evening you’ll be free to enjoy a sunset cocktail, explore dining choices in town, and relax.

On a cruise, you can enjoy a buffer dinner with other guests, cocktails from the bar, and use of yacht social areas to relax.

Yes, all tourist activity, from cruises to hotel accommodation, navigable day tours, ferries, and naturalist tour guides are regulated by the Galapagos National Park Directorate.

This ensure that all Galapagos yachts and services meet the required safety standards and have the correct permits in order.

Inclusions vary between different cruises and land tours at the Galapagos, so it’s important to check the specific details of each trip before you book.

In general terms, accommodation, some meals, itinerary visits & activities, and an accompanying English-speaking naturalist guide are usually included.

Typical Galapagos tour exclusions are:

• Galapagos National Park Fee $200pp.
• Transit control card $20pp.
• Flights from mainland Ecuador to/from Galapagos.
• Airport transfers in Quito or Guayaquil.
• Meals / activities not listed under inclusions.
• Single room/cabin supplement.
• Tips for guides and crew.
• Travel insurance.
• Any other personal expenses.

With hundreds of Galapagos travel companies out there, how to sort the wheat from the chaff for your Galapagos Islands vacation?

Research is the key for narrowing your options down and making the right choice.

Important things to look for in the best Galapagos Tour companies:

1. How many years has the company been in business? Look for a company with experience and reputation.

2. What do their clients think of them? Check out reviews on 3rd party sites like Trip Advisor, Trust Pilot, and Google Reviews. What is their average review score? How many reviews in total have they received?

3. How good is their online customer service? Are they responsive and helpful from first contact? If not, this can be a red flag.

4. What range of tours & services do they offer? Are their offerings aligned with your vacation needs?

5. Do they support responsible travel & conservation at the islands? Most Galapagos travel agents make ecological promises, but do they really deliver?

For heaps more useful info, please also check out our Galapagos FAQ page.