Galapagos Travel Guide

There is no bad time to go. December to May is warm, calm and clear, and close to ideal for snorkeling. June to November is cooler, with more marine life, including hammerhead schools and a chance of whale sharks. I have been in April and January and had warm weather both times.

Plan for at least 5 days, and 7 days is a nice length for most travelers. With 8 to 10 days you can add more islands, diving or a volcano trek. On my first trip I used 10 days because I was making content. I think 7 is enough for most people, and I would add a rest day.

Visitors from abroad pay the national park fee (US$200 per adult, in cash on arrival) and the US$20 transit card, plus a round-trip domestic flight of roughly US$350 to US$550. A budget 7-day trip comes to about US$1,190 to US$1,250 per person, excluding the international flight. Cruises and mid-range trips cost much more.

Only within the four populated towns and a small number of designated sites. Anywhere inside the protected areas, which is most of the archipelago, needs a naturalist guide certified by the national park, and you can only travel with authorized tour operators and boats. I found you cannot do much on your own, not even hikes, except at a few places.

Santa Cruz is the most central and best-connected island and the usual base for first-time visitors. San Cristobal suits travelers who want a slower pace without giving up amenities. Isabela is less developed, quieter and more remote, and suits a nature-focused stay.

Yes. I booked the tours I wanted and was put on the boat with other people who had booked the same one, and walking around town in the evening felt very safe.

I have not traveled there with children, so this is what I saw: families did well watching the animals from a distance and bringing their own wetsuits and snorkel gear. I think the hardest part is probably seasickness on boats.

Ferries are the most common way to travel between Santa Cruz, San Cristobal and Isabela. They are affordable but can be bumpy in rough seas, the crossing usually takes about two to three hours, and a ride costs about US$35, plus a small water taxi fee to reach the ferry. Small planes between some of the main islands are faster and more comfortable, and they cost more.