I recently got back from Galapagos (my third time) and wish someone had told me this stuff upfront before my very first trip. No fluff, just the essentials:
**The Money Talk (Don’t Skip This)**
You’ll pay fees at the airport – **bring cash USD**, seriously:
* $20 for the tourist card (they give you this on the flight from mainland Ecuador)
* $20 Transit Control Card. Now **must be purchased online** via the official digital platform but sometime it’s down so you can purchase your TCT at the airport counter. Costs $20 USD/person. Ideally, pay with credit/debit card before your flight from mainland Ecuador. Print/save digital copy; show at check-in and on-island. (This started May 29, 2025— they state no more airport counter but I’ve seen people buy it because they had no idea about this requirement.)
* $100–$200 National Park fee when you land in Galápagos (depends on your nationality, if you are foreigner most likely $200)
ATMs in Galápagos don’t properly work sometimes. Bring way more cash than you think you need just in case. The currency used on the islands is USD.
**Biosecurity is No Joke**
They will inspect your luggage. No fresh food, seeds, plants, or anything with soil. Fines hit $1,100 if you mess this up (or most likely it will be kist confiscated). Just declare everything and you’ll be fine.
Only LATAM and Avianca fly there, btw.
**How Long Should You Go?**
Minimum 5 days if land-based, 7–10 days ideal. For cruises, 5-day trips hit the highlights, but 8-10 days gets you to the really remote islands (totally worth it if you can swing it).
* Book tours 3-6 months ahead (last-minute deals exist but risky for specific dates).
**Cruise vs. Land-Based – Two way to explore the islands**
**Cruise** = you’ll see way more wildlife and hit 10+ islands. Small boats (12–20 people), 4–8 days. Yeah it’s pricey ($3K budget, $6K+ luxury), BUT you can snag last-minute deals in Puerto Ayora if you’re flexible. This is the move if wildlife is your thing.
**Land-based** = way cheaper and more flexible. Base yourself in Santa Cruz (Puerto Ayora) or San Cristóbal. Do day tours to other islands ($100–$150). Island-hop via speedboat ($30–$50, takes 2.5 hours). Fair warning: those boat rides are ROUGH. Pack seasickness meds or you’ll regret it.
You can also stay on Isabela (and I highly recommend to stay longer) but there is no airport so you’ll need a speed boat back to Santa Cruz (no direct boat to San Cristobal from Isabela) so plan accordingly.
Alternatively, you could you inter-island flights, either ESAV or Emetebe (about $170 and takes 30 mins). Book in advance.
**What to Pack (Learn from My Mistakes)**
* **Your own snorkel gear** \- this will be the underwater trip of your life, so invest in good gear for comfort. Saves money on rentals too. Tip from u/Altruistic_Hat_796: « the full face mask snorkels do NOT work well when the water temperature is cold (which is most of the time there!). They fog up and ruin visibility. »
* **Underwater camera/GoPro** \- you WILL regret not having one. Swimming with sea turtles, sharks, and penguins? You want to capture this
* **Reef-safe sunscreen** \- it’s the law, regular sunscreen is banned
* Quick-dry everything, good hat, water shoes (lava rocks will shred your feet)
* Motion sickness meds (trust me)
* Reusable water bottle
* More cash USD (yes, again)
**When to Go**
* June–November = cooler, rougher seas, but penguin and whale season
* December–May = warmer water, calmer, better for snorkeling
Overall, Galapagos are awesome all over the year!
**Important Rules (They’re Strict About This)**
* Stay 2 meters (6 feet) away from all wildlife – no exceptions
* Stay on marked trails only
* No touching animals (even if a sea lion approaches you)
* No flash photography
* No drones without special permits
* Take all trash with you
* Respect the islands – this place is irreplaceable
Guides will enforce these rules. Don’t be that tourist who gets fined or ruins it for everyone.
**Phone/Internet Situation**
WiFi exists in towns (Puerto Ayora, San Cristóbal) but it’s slow. Most hotels have it. On cruises, expect little to no signal – honestly, embrace the disconnect.
Cell service: Claro and Movistar work in populated areas. If you need data, grab a local SIM in mainland Ecuador before flying out. But real talk? You won’t miss your phone when you’re snorkeling with hammerheads.
**Need Help Planning?**
Feel free to [request a free quote here](https://mytrip2ecuador.com/get-free-quote/) \- our subreddit works with a legit 5-star local Ecuadorian agency. Support the locals, not some foreign tour operator.
Any questions? Drop them below.