The Galapagos Islands offer you fantastic travel memories.
With beautiful scenery, different islands to visit and fascinating wildlife, there are few other destinations like the Galapagos Islands. And with most of the land mammals, reptiles and birds only found here on the Galapagos, it’s a must visit destination for nature lovers.
Home to beautiful beaches, warm temperature and crystal clear waters, the region offers something for everyone.
And the islands offer one of the most unique travel experiences available.
The best way to make the most of the region is to enjoy an all inclusive Galapagos Islands vacation to include accommodation, tours, meals and transfers.
We will mention these packages below.
You can choose to base yourself in a hotel with guided tours and island hopping or enjoy a Galapagos cruise.
And our recommendations for cruises are the more stable, high-performance luxury catamarans, which we will mention below.
You can reach the Galapagos Islands from Quito, Ecuador’s capital city. From here, you will arrive on one of the two airports serving the islands. These are located on Baltra Island and San Cristobal Island.
Many visitors to Ecuador want to also experience the Amazon Rainforest. This section of Amazonia has one of the highest levels of wildlife in all the rainforest. And to combine the Galapagos with the Amazon Rainforest, you can enjoy the Darwin & Orellana Discovery Tour.
This is a land-based Galapagos itinerary with an island-hopping day trip.
As the package combines the Amazon and Galapagos, it creates a more seamless experience including your flights from Quito. And you will visit Isabela Island, Santa Cruz and enjoy a day trip aboard the Finch Bay exclusive yacht to explore another nearby island.
You will then venture to the Amazon and the Sacha Lodge. This offers you a comfortable rainforest experience scouting for colorful birds, beautiful plants and several different monkeys.
Note that this includes accommodation, transfers, meals and guided tours as in the itinerary. However, it is half-board at Finch Bay Hotel (breakfast and lunch), so you can make the most of the excellent nearby restaurants. And then includes breakfast at Quito Airport hotel before your tour of the Amazon.
Over 11 days, the experience combines:
- 3-nights at Scalesia Lodge – Isabela Island
- 3-nights at Finch Bay Hotel – Santa Cruz Island
- 1-night at Quito Airport Hotel – Quito
- 3-nights at Sacha Lodge – Ecuador’s Amazon Rainforest
Send your request to the Sacha Lodge who operate the tour, and who own the Scalesia Lodge on the Galapagos, using the tour bubble below.
The Darwin & Orellana Discovery Tour
Ecuador's Amazon & Galapagos IslandsEnjoy a seamless journey to combine two of Ecuador’s most iconic and wildlife-rich regions. And over 11 days, you will
If you would like to include the Andes for a 13-day tour, there is also the Ecuador Diverse Tour. This adds 2-nights at their beautiful Hacienda Piman, a colonial mansion in Ecuador’s mountains.
The Ecuador Diverse Tour
Ecuador's Amazon, Andes & Galapagos IslandsOn the Ecuador Diverse Tour, explore all three of Ecuador’s most remarkable regions. Over 13 fantastic days, you will enjoy
Guide to the main Galapagos Islands
The three largest islands of the Galapagos are Santa Cruz, Isabela and San Cristobal. For information on all 19 islands, you can see our complete travel guide to the Galapagos Islands.
San Cristóbal
Like many islands in the Galapagos archipelago, San Cristóbal Island is home to some incredible animals and plants. Enjoy spotting the sea lions, giant tortoises and fascinating land formations.
Explore the highlands and coastal regions to enjoy different habitats and visit the beautiful Laguna El Junco, which is one of the favorite natural attractions of the island.
Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz is another main island in the archipelago. Visitors who arrive to the Galapagos at Baltra Island airport will first cross over to Santa Cruz. This is where many visitors will join their Galapagos Islands cruises.
Santa Cruz offers some of the best hotels, restaurants, cafes and souvenir shops on the Galapagos. However, there are also fantastic natural attractions as well.
Santa Cruz is where you find the Charles Darwin Research center where you can learn a little about the islands and have an introduction to the history, geography and nature of the region.
Enjoy walking trails in the highlands to see wild giant tortoises, visit beautiful lagoons, see the famous lava formations and visit the wharf and fish market to spot some regular island visitors enjoying the daily catch.
Isabela
The largest island in the Galapagos archipelago, Isabela is home to many examples of iconic animals. Enjoy spotting the marine iguanas, giant tortoises, cormorants, sea lions and penguins.
The island has a fantastic geography, as it was created by five volcanoes joining together. The volcanoes are still active and eruptions have been recorded every decade or so. As Isabela is a relatively new island compared to the others, the plants look a little different with thick lowland vegetation. There are also beautiful beaches to enjoy.
For information on the other Galapagos Islands, you can have a look at our complete guide for the Galapagos Islands.
The Elite and Endemic Luxury Cruises
The Elite and Endemic Cruises offers two of the newest and most luxurious cruises for the Galapagos Islands.
Both of these vessels surpass the majority of Galapagos cruises in terms of stability and comfort. To complement your experience of these remarkable islands, you will return to the high-class comfort of the vessel. Relax in your expansive suite or the well appointed social areas where you can talk about your Galapagos experiences.
Your cabin features a private balcony with stunning views, air-conditioning, your choice of king-size or twin beds and a spacious bathroom.
The cruises offer:
- Outdoor Balcony & Spacious Exterior Areas
- Top Naturalist Guides and Crew
- Kayaks and Snorkeling Gear
- Al Fresco Dining and BBQ Areas
- Open Sky Lounge & Outdoor Whirlpool
- Sun Terrace and Observation Platform
- Cruise Service Officer (Hotel Manager)
- Spacious, Modern and Elegant Cabins and Social Areas
- Long and Short Itineraries Available
You will enjoy captivating Galapagos excursions with your expert guide, unlocking a realm of fascinating natural discovery. Walk in the footsteps of Darwin and Galapagos explorers to find incredible wildlife.
Find the legendary giant tortoises, graceful frigate birds, lively sea lions, and see the iconic marine iguanas that epitomize the Galapagos.
Check availability for your travel dates by sending the Endemic or Elite a request using the buttons below.
The Endemic Galapagos Cruise is a luxurious modern catamaran designed to offer you a fantastic experience of the Galapagos Islands. The Elite Cruise invites you on an extraordinary exploration of the Galapagos Islands. With modern luxury, the Elite had its 
The Endemic Galapagos Cruise
Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
The Elite Galapagos Cruise
Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
When to Visit the Galapagos Islands
The Galapagos Islands are a fantastic places to visit at all times of year. Because of the tropical climate, there is a pleasant temperature no matter the month. However, there are some differences and times when it’s easier to see certain animals.
Let’s have a look at some of the differences for when to visit.
Most people visit the Galapagos Islands with images of fantastic wildlife in their minds. Most of the animals don’t migrate and remain on the islands at all times of year. However, there are a few marine animals and birds that do migrate, so if you have some specific animals to see in mind it’s best to make sure you’re visiting when they’re around the islands.
The following times are the best months to see popular migrating marine mammals:
- Manta Ray Season: December – May
- Whale Shark Season: June – November
- Hammerheads: December – May
As for the climate, the daily temperature of the Galapagos Islands is about 84°F (30°C) with a nightly temperature of 69°F (20°C).
There are two main seasons, which are produced from the changing ocean currents. The Humboldt Current is when the islands are cooler with less rain, which is between June – November. Warmer weather and more rainfall is then brought by the El Niño Current from December to June, which has a temperature between 80ºF (27ºC) and 90ºF (32ºC)
When to visit the Galapagos Islands • in/°F | mm/°C
Recommended Galapagos cruises & hotels offering package tours
Here are some ideas to help plan your Galapagos Islands vacation:
The Scalesia Lodge
Nestled in the highlands of Isabela, enjoy different activities to explore the largest island in the Galapagos archipelago. Depending on their daily schedule, enjoy túneles snorkel tours, bikes tours, volcano trekking, cave visits and a trip to the Tortoise Breeding Station.
The Finch Bay Hotel
The Finch Bay Hotel offers a premium experience on Santa Cruz. Positioned near the area’s only public beach, enjoy Fisherman’s Wharf to enjoy local culture, the nearby Charles Darwin Research station and their exclusive yacht trips to surrounding islands. Note that that Finch Bay offers different packages with some half-board so you can make the most at the nearby restaurants.
The Iguana Crossing Hotel
Positioned on the beach of Isabela Island, the Iguana Crossing Hotel provides comfortable accommodation and beautiful Galapagos views. Choose from the 3-day, 4-day or 5-day Galapagos package tours, which include the island’s nearby attractions. Explore the nearby islets of Las Tintoreras to see different animals, including the iconic marine iguanas, sea lions, marine turtles, manta rays and Galapagos penguins.
The Petrel & Ocean Spray Luxury Galapagos Cruises
The Petrel and Ocean Spray offer an unforgettable journey of the Galapagos Islands.
These luxury catamarans were designed to offer you comfort and performance when hopping between islands. And with expert naturalist guides, you will enjoy fantastic wildlife watching of the famous Galapagos animals.
The cruise itineraries were meticulously crafted to prioritize your enjoyment so you make the most of the Galapagos. Explore the islands on expert-guided tours to encounter the famous and iconic wildlife that inhabits these enchanted lands. Explore the welcoming azure waters with exciting snorkeling and kayaking excursions to enjoy vibrant reefs and serene bays.
Both of the Ocean Spray and Petrel provide expansive and lavish accommodations, complemented by a sun-soaked sundeck and a relaxing Jacuzzi. You will also enjoy Ecuadorian and international cuisine in the elegantly designed dining room or alfresco dining area.
And depending on your time available, you can choose from 3, 4, 5 and 7-night cruises.
Uncover the wonders of San Cristobal Island, the mesmerizing Leon Dormido, and enchanting beaches teeming with playful sea lions. Delve into the thriving marine life of Santa Cruz and be captivated by the iconic Pinnacle Rock. Traverse the captivating Genovesa, be intrigued by its pirate tales, and encounter astounding wildlife amidst its famous black-sand beaches.
Embrace the magnificence of Darwin Bay, North Seymour Island, the lush highlands of Santa Cruz, and the serene Mosquera Island. And throughout your adventures, you will find giant tortoises, blue-footed boobies, marine iguanas and the other animals that call these islands home.
Unleash your wanderlust and embark on a voyage that combines opulence and adventure to create some incredible Galapagos memories.
Check availability for your travel dates by sending the cruises a request using the tour bubbles below.
The luxurious Petrel Galapagos Cruise offers you an extraordinary journey of the Galapagos Islands. Over 3, 4, 5 or 7-night Aboard the Ocean Spray Cruise, you will embark on a memorable journey through the mesmerizing Galapagos Islands. The 16-passenger luxury 
The Petrel Luxury Cruise
Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
The Ocean Spray Cruise
Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
The Galaxy Yacht Cruise
The Galaxy Yacht Cruise provides a first-class island hopping experience of the Galapagos.
There are nine cabins aboard the Galaxy Yacht with four on the upper deck, three on the main deck and two on the lower deck. When back aboard the vessel from your excursions, you can also relax in the lounge, bar, sundeck and the dining room.
Enjoy varied and delicious meals in the dining room, which include dishes from the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador’s mainland and some international favorites.
You will then enjoy guided tours of the islands and different activities. Head out with highly trained guides to enjoy iconic wildlife on walking trails, kayaking tours, and snorkeling experiences.
The Eco Galaxy Cruise
The Eco Galaxy Cruise offers a comfortable first-class vessel to explore the Galapagos Islands.
Aboard the Eco Galaxy, you can find a total of eight cabins. Four of these are on the upper deck and four are on the main deck. Your cabin offer a comfortable twin or double bed, private bathroom, hot water, air conditioning and both telephone and internet services.
The vessel also offers different social areas to relax when not out on excursions. The sundeck is a great place to enjoy fantastic views or the night sky. You can relax in the lounge area with a cocktail or book and enjoy delicious meals in the dining room.
The Eco Galaxy Cruise itineraries include some fantastic activities, such as guided wildlife watching to find famous Galapagos flora and fauna, kayaking trips, snorkeling and photography. Your guide will teach you a little about the history of the Galapagos when out exploring.
Inclusive Galapagos Islands Vacations – Summary
Here is our selection for an inclusive Galapagos Islands vacation, including other Ecuador destinations. In addition to the Galapagos, these includes a visit to the Amazon on the Darwin & Orellana Discovery tour.
And you can combine all three of Ecuador’s top destinations for the Galapagos, Andes and Amazon Rainforest on the Ecuador Diverse Tour.
We also mention the fantastic luxury catamarans of the Elite, Endemic, Petrel and Ocean Spray catamarans if you would prefer a very comfortable and in-depth cruise of the Galapagos Islands.
The Endemic Galapagos Cruise
Galapagos Islands, EcuadorThe Endemic Galapagos Cruise is a luxurious modern catamaran designed to offer you a fantastic experience of the Galapagos Islands.
The Elite Galapagos Cruise
Galapagos Islands, EcuadorThe Elite Cruise invites you on an extraordinary exploration of the Galapagos Islands. With modern luxury, the Elite had its
The Darwin & Orellana Discovery Tour
Ecuador's Amazon & Galapagos IslandsEnjoy a seamless journey to combine two of Ecuador’s most iconic and wildlife-rich regions. And over 11 days, you will
The Ecuador Diverse Tour
Ecuador's Amazon, Andes & Galapagos IslandsOn the Ecuador Diverse Tour, explore all three of Ecuador’s most remarkable regions. Over 13 fantastic days, you will enjoy
The Petrel Luxury Cruise
Galapagos Islands, EcuadorThe luxurious Petrel Galapagos Cruise offers you an extraordinary journey of the Galapagos Islands. Over 3, 4, 5 or 7-night
The Ocean Spray Cruise
Galapagos Islands, EcuadorAboard the Ocean Spray Cruise, you will embark on a memorable journey through the mesmerizing Galapagos Islands. The 16-passenger luxury
