There are two main airports in the Galápagos: one on Baltra Island (just to the north of Santa Cruz) and the other on San Cristóbal Island. The airport you will fly to will be determined by the itinerary of the cruise or your choice of hotel. Flights from Quito usually touchdown in Guayaquil and take approximately 3½ hours in total. On arrival you will be met by representatives from your chosen boat or hotel to start your adventure.

The Galápagos Islands are considered a year round destination. Amazing wildlife interactions are possible every month as most species are non-migratory. In general, the climate can be divided into two seasons. The warmer but wetter season from January to June and the cooler and drier season from July to December. Sea conditions can be choppy in August and September when trade winds bring cooler temperatures, however wildlife is often more active and it's pupping season for sea lions.

Exploring by boat is the most popular option for a Galápagos holiday. Boats range from small catamarans to larger expedition vessels and even tall sailing ships. See below for some of the details of how ship types may vary.

Expedition Ships

Offering a more in depth experience and specifically built to smoothly navigate the waters surrounding the mesmerising Galápagos Islands, expedition ships offer attentive staff and a fantastic range of accommodation to suit your requirements. With a maximum capacity of 100 guests, each ship provides a wealth of facilities and inclusions as well as incredible shore excursions led by expert guides and certified naturalists.

Ultra Small Ships

Enjoy an intimate and personalised experience as you cruise through the remarkable surrounds of the Galápagos Islands aboard a lovely small ship, catamaran or yacht with a maximum capacity of 16 guests. Generally, these itineraries are able to venture into lesser-visited corners of this archipelago, offering a range of excursions including kayaking and island hikes. Throughout, an expert naturalist guide is on board to share their in depth knowledge of the region.

Each cruise follows a carefully planned itinerary, designed to maximise time in each landing site around the islands. Your choice of daily activities will depend on the route of your cruise itinerary and your chosen ship. Itineraries generally range from 3-7 nights in length and each will visit a number of stunning locations around the archipelago. It is often possible to combine two or more itineraries on the same ship for a more comprehensive trip of up to 14 nights.

Take a look at our short guide to What to Expect on a Galápagos Cruise for more information on how each day unfolds.

Every excursion is led by an expert naturalist with a maximum of 16 people per group, regardless of the size of vessel. At each site you will either reach the island with a ‘dry landing’ (stepping from the dinghy directly onto land) or a ‘wet landing’ (stepping from the dinghy into shallow water and wading ashore). Snorkelling offers the opportunity to view the world below the water but for those who prefer not to snorkel, many of the larger ships offer glass bottom boat rides.

Whilst a cruise is the most popular way of experiencing the Galápagos, for those who wish to stay on dry land, hotels on the islands offer a fantastic alternative. These properties provide a great base to explore the surrounding area as well as the chance to simply relax by the pool and enjoy pampering spa treatments. We offer packages that include activities close to where you are staying plus day trips to other islands, whilst returning each evening to the comfort of your room.