Where are the Galapagos Islands?

The Galapagos Islands are a volcanic archipelago in the Pacific Ocean, about 600 miles (1,000 km) west of mainland Ecuador. They sit on the equator, so the archipelago extends into both the northern and southern hemispheres. The islands belong to Ecuador.

Ready to visit? Explore the islands on a Galapagos cruise or stay on land with our hotel-based Galapagos tour packages, from 4 to 8 days.

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Exactly where are the Galapagos Islands?

• Country: Ecuador.
• Distance: about 600 miles (1,000 km) west of mainland Ecuador.
• Position: straddling the equator, in both hemispheres.
• Size: 127 islands, islets and rocks, of which 19 are large (13 major islands and 6 smaller ones). Total land area is about 3,093 square miles (8,010 km²).
• Protection: 97% of the land was declared the Galapagos National Park in 1959. The surrounding Galapagos Marine Reserve was created in 1986 and extended in 1998 to about 133,000 km². The islands are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Where three ocean currents meet

The islands sit where three currents converge: the North and South Equatorial Currents and the Equatorial Counter Current. This mix of cold and warm water creates a marine ecosystem that is unusual for the equator, and it explains why the archipelago has so many species found nowhere else.

The main islands you will hear about

1. Isabela: the largest island. It has flamingo lagoons, sea lions and Galapagos penguins.
2. Santa Cruz: home to Puerto Ayora, the largest town, the Charles Darwin Research Station and the giant tortoise reserves.
3. San Cristobal: home to Puerto Baquerizo Moreno and the airport, plus strong snorkeling and diving.
4. Española: the southernmost island, known for waved albatrosses and marine iguanas.
5. Floreana: the island with the most colorful human history. Whalers set up a barrel “post office” here in 1793, and Ecuador’s first settlement in the islands began here in 1832. Devil’s Crown, an eroded volcanic crater, is one of its best-known snorkel and dive sites.

How to get to the Galapagos Islands

Galapagos is reached by a domestic flight from mainland Ecuador. Flights leave from Quito or Guayaquil and land at one of two island airports: Baltra (next to Santa Cruz) or San Cristobal. Your Nature Galapagos advisor will confirm the best connection for your dates and itinerary. For more details, read our guide on how to get to the Galapagos Islands.

Before your flight, at the Quito or Guayaquil airport you will:

1. Buy the Transit Control Card (TCT), which costs $20, at the Galapagos Government Council counter before airline check-in. Keep it until you leave the islands.
2. Have your luggage inspected by the Galapagos biosecurity agency (ABG). Organic products that could introduce invasive species are not allowed.

When you land, you pay the protected areas entry fee (see below). There are three main ways to visit:

Option 1: Land-based tours

You stay on Santa Cruz or San Cristobal and take day trips by boat to nearby islands. It works well for families, first-time visitors and travelers who want flexibility.

• Magic of Isabela: up to 3 islands. View the 5-day tour
• Oceano Programs: up to 4 islands. View tour
• Adventure Tours: up to 3 islands, with hiking and active days. View tour
• Navigable Tours: up to 4 islands. View tour
• Day trips: from Santa Cruz or San Cristobal for a shorter visit. View day trips

All our land tours run on our own operation.

Option 2: Galapagos cruises

You sleep on the boat and visit different islands each day. Our cruise categories:

• Tourist class cruises: for travelers who want the islands at a lower price.
• Mid-range cruises: from $1,813 per person, 4 days.
• First class cruises: from $1,959 per person, 4 days.
• Luxury cruises: from $2,605 per person, 4 days.

Reference rates per person in a double cabin, subject to availability and season. The $200 National Park fee and flights are not included.

Option 3: Diving

Galapagos offers diving at many sites, with sea lions and other marine life. You need a diving certification to dive. Choose between:

• Diving day tours from Santa Cruz or San Cristobal, to sites such as Gordon Rocks, Cousins Rocks and Bartolome.
• Multi-day diving packages, 5, 6 or 8 days.
• Diving liveaboard cruise: sleep on the boat and dive from it. From $4,790 per person, 8 days.

New to diving? Start with the PADI Open Water course.

Best time to visit the Galapagos Islands

Galapagos has two seasons, according to the Charles Darwin Foundation:

• January to May (hot season): the southeast winds weaken. Sea and air temperatures rise and rain showers are more common.
• June to December (cool season): the winds strengthen and cooler temperatures dominate.

The length of each season varies from year to year. There is no bad time to go: the best season depends on what you want to see and do. Tell us your dates and interests and we will recommend the right option.

Galapagos entry fees

On arrival at Baltra or San Cristobal, visitors pay the protected areas entry fee set by the Galapagos Government Council:

Add the $20 Transit Control Card bought on the mainland.

Before you go

Check the entry requirements before you book. We keep them up to date in our guide to the requirements to enter the Galapagos Islands. Also read how to choose a tour to Galapagos to compare options, or see our Galapagos packing list.

Plan your Galapagos trip with Nature Galapagos

We are in Quito and Galapagos, and we have been a local operator since 2005. Tell us your budget, dates and interests, and we will recommend the right land tour, cruise or diving option.

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Most popular Galapagos tours

Traveling to Galapagos soon? Here are some of our most popular tours by land and by cruise.