What No One Tells You About Planning a Galapagos Trip
Avoid the common traps and plan smarter from day one
The Galapagos is one of the most unforgettable places on Earth — but it’s also one of the easiest to get wrong if you don’t know what you’re doing.
From hidden fees and itinerary restrictions to sea conditions and permit rules, here’s what no one tells you about planning a Galapagos trip — until it’s too late.
🧭 1. You Can’t Just Show Up and Explore
Over 97% of the Galapagos is protected national parkland. That means:
You can’t just wander freely around most islands
You must be accompanied by a licensed naturalist guide at all regulated sites
Visiting certain islands requires permits and pre-arranged tours
This isn’t like hopping around the Caribbean. The Galapagos has rules — for good reason.
⏱️ 2. The First and Last Days Are Mostly Travel
Flights from the mainland (Quito or Guayaquil) land late morning or midday. Then there's:
Transit control cards
Luggage inspections
A bus → ferry → taxi transfer (if landing in Baltra)
And on your return day, you need to be at the airport hours in advance. That means a 7-day trip is really more like 5 full days of adventure.
🐢 3. Every Island Is Different — And You Can’t Visit Them All
Don’t try to “see everything.” You'll end up rushed, seasick, or wasting time backtracking.
Each island offers specific highlights:
Bartolomé = penguins + lava landscapes
Española = waved albatross + marine iguanas
Isabela = turtles, sharks, volcanoes
Genovesa = birds, birds, and more birds
Build your itinerary around your priorities.
💵 4. Prices Can Be Misleading
That “$899 Galapagos tour” you saw on Google?
It probably doesn’t include:
Domestic flights to/from the islands (~$500 roundtrip)
National park fee ($100)
Transit card ($20)
Wetsuit or snorkel rentals
Inter-island ferries
Quality accommodations
Always ask what’s included — and what’s not.
🌊 5. Seasickness Is Real (Even for Non-Cruisers)
If you're taking a multi-day cruise, expect movement — especially June–November.
But even land-based travelers taking day tours or ferries between islands can feel it.
Pack:
Motion sickness tablets
Sea bands
Ginger chews or Dramamine
Travel light — rolling suitcases don’t roll well on lava or sand
📆 6. Planning Last-Minute Can Backfire
Unlike other destinations, the Galapagos is logistically complex:
Cruises fill months in advance
Inter-island flights are limited
Many sites require advance permits
Peak wildlife moments (like penguin season or albatross courtship) are seasonal
Wait too long and you’ll get stuck with what’s left — not what’s best.
🤿 7. Snorkeling Isn’t Optional — It’s Core to the Experience
Even if you’re not a “water person,” the Galapagos is about marine life as much as land animals. Don’t skip the snorkeling.
You’ll likely see:
Sea lions
Sea turtles
Reef sharks
Penguins
Eagle rays
Massive schools of tropical fish
🌟 What You Should Do Instead
Focus on 3–4 key islands that match your interests
Lock in flights, permits, and guides well in advance
Budget for the real cost, not the teaser price
Work with someone who actually knows the islands
🧭 Let Us Simplify the Whole Process
At Blue Galapagos, we help you skip the headaches and build a trip around your wildlife goals, comfort level, and travel style. Whether it’s your honeymoon, your family’s first big adventure, or a solo bucket-list trip, we’ve got you covered — responsibly and personally.