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Introducing Galapagos Islands

Travel to the Galapagos Islands
Traveling to the Galapagos Islands is a life-changing experience, whether you visit the islands alone, with your partner, with family or friends. There are several travel options to discover the Galapagos. The best and most popular way is by cruising the islands on board yachts and ships. Another alternative is a hotel-based program from the three main ports in Galapagos.

What makes the Galapagos so unique
These remote and isolated islands are home to endemic and unique species. During the daily excursions, you'll have the opportunity to experience close encounters with amazing wildlife, fearless of human beings. Each island will bring something new to your experience. The Galapagos Islands were also recently declared a marine sanctuary!

Explore trips by duration: 5 days · 6 days · 7 days · 8 days · 9 days · 10 days · 11 days · 12 days · 13 days · 14 days

Galapagos Islands Tours & Itineraries

Get inspired by trips other travelers have loved
Isla Isabela, Galápagos
Map of Galápagos Islands Land-Based Adventure Tour: 10 Days
Galápagos Islands Land-Based Adventure Tour: 10 Days

This 10-day trip will take you to the best the Galápagos has to offer. Immerse yourself in the wildlife, culture, and unique ecosystem of the archipelago as you see the sights by bike, by foot, and in the water. This extraordinary tour includes snorkeling with sea lions, tropical fish, and beautiful manta rays. On land, there will be numerous chances to observe giant tortoises and other amazing creatures in this one-of-a-kind destination.

View of Puerto Ayora.
Map of Galapagos Islands Land-Based Adventure Tour: 6 Days
Galapagos Islands Land-Based Adventure Tour: 6 Days

Land-based tours are a more economical and comfortable alternative to cruising the Galapagos. This 6-day itinerary takes in the highlights of the three main inhabited islands — from watching giant tortoises to hiking around an active volcanic crater and snorkeling with penguins and sharks.

Sea Lions Playing Under the Waves
Map of Best of Ecuador: Quito & the Galapagos Islands - 7 Days
Best of Ecuador: Quito & the Galapagos Islands - 7 Days

This whirlwind trip takes you to many of Ecuador's top highlights in a single week. Stroll the colonial streets of Quito, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and stand on the equator at Mitad del Mundo. Then it's off to the Galapagos Islands for four days of hiking, snorkeling, kayaking, wildlife viewing, and relaxing on the beach. From snow-capped peaks to deep waters filled with sea turtles and penguins, this diverse itinerary has something for everyone.

Viewing giant tortoises in their native habitat is a highlight of the Galapagos.
Map of Galapagos Cruise: Wildlife Watching, Snorkeling & Hiking - 11 Days
Galapagos Cruise: Wildlife Watching, Snorkeling & Hiking - 11 Days

Cruising around the Galapagos Islands — viewing extraordinary wildlife and natural sights by day while motoring between islands at night — is one of the best ways to experience these magical islands. On this tour, you'll visit 11 islands in the famed archipelago, observing birdlife, sea lions, marine iguanas, sharks, giant tortoises and an array of other creatures.

Blue-footed boobies
Map of Galápagos Island Hopping: San Cristobal & Santa Cruz - 5 Days
Galápagos Island Hopping: San Cristobal & Santa Cruz - 5 Days

If you're short on time but don't want to cut back on experiences, this 5-day island hopping trip to the Galápagos is for you. Fly out of Quito, heading for San Cristobal—home of the famous sea lion colony and Kicker Rock. Then, take a speedboat to Santa Cruz, where you'll see giant tortoises and visit an uninhabited island. 

Spot flamingoes and other exotic wildlife in the Galápagos
Map of Best of Peru Tour & Galápagos Cruise - 12 Days
Best of Peru Tour & Galápagos Cruise - 12 Days

Discover ancient ruins, colonial architecture, fantastic food, and folk culture in Cusco, the Sacred Valley, and the iconic Machu Picchu. Then hop aboard the luxurious Galápagos Legend—the only cruise boat in the Galápagos with an on-deck swimming pool—for a multi-island expedition to observe the birds, iguanas, and sea creatures that make this place so special.

Make the Most of Your Time in Galapagos Islands

Have a fixed number of days? Maximize the things to see and do during your visit

Galapagos Islands Travel Advice

Read our detailed insights to make sure you have the best trip
Shark in the Galapagos
Ultimate Guide to Diving in the Galapagos

The Galapagos Islands are spectacular in so many ways, but even more so underwater. The seascapes of reefs, ledges, walls and extinct volcanic craters are teeming with wildlife...

Seals in the Galápagos Islands
Family Travel in the Galápagos Islands

The Galápagos Islands comprise one of the world's most extraordinary travel destinations, and the opportunity to observe the famous archipelago's native creatures is especially...

Our Latest Galapagos Islands Content

The perfect escape, stroll the famous white sands in the Galapagos archipelago
Map of Relaxed Family Trip to the Galapagos Islands: Santa Cruz, Isabela & San Cristóbal - 10 Days
Relaxed Family Trip to the Galapagos Islands: Santa Cruz, Isabela & San Cristóbal - 10 Days

Rally your mini explorers and head to the Galápagos for a leisurely-paced 10-day tour of three of the archipelago's best-loved islands. Start on Isla Santa Cruz, where the kids can get a primer on the archipelago at the Charles Darwin Research Center, come face-to-face with giant tortoises, and set sail to an uninhabited island. Hop over to Isla Isabela to snorkel with marine wildlife and while away your days at the beach, then head to Isla San Cristóbal for more aquatic fun with a family kayaking adventure.

Hop between two islands as you explore the nature and wildlife of the Galápagos
Map of Family Fun in Ecuador & the Galápagos - 14 Days
Family Fun in Ecuador & the Galápagos - 14 Days

Make a dent in your family bucket list with this two-week trip that combines fun and relaxation in Ecuador with plenty of wildlife excursions and beach time in the Galápagos. Your mini conservationists will adore their voyage of discovery through treetop canopies, flamingo-filled lagoons, and sea lion-packed islands. Along the way, you'll learn the art of Ecuadorian cuisine, snorkel the archipelago's best spots, and relax in picture-perfect thermal pools.

Bike, snorkel, kayak, and hike your way around the Galápagos
Map of Galápagos Multi-Island Family Adventure - 14 Days
Galápagos Multi-Island Family Adventure - 14 Days

Take your family on a comprehensive tour of the Galápagos with this two-week adventure that spans three islands. Arrive on the Ecuadorian mainland and kick off your trip with a kid-friendly cooking class and a visit to the equator—then it's off to the islands! Tour Isla San Cristóbal via standup paddleboard, kayak around volcanic islets and bike along quiet backroads on Isla Isabela, and snorkel with colorful marine life and see giant tortoises and blue-footed on Isla Santa Cruz.

Galapagos Islands Travel Maps

Get the lay of land, and understand distances between the places you want to visit
Galapagos Islands map: 7 Days in the Galapagos Islands - 4 Unique Itineraries
7 Days in the Galapagos Islands - 4 Unique Itineraries
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Galapagos Islands map: 5 Days in the Galápagos Islands - 4 Unique Itineraries
5 Days in the Galápagos Islands - 4 Unique Itineraries
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Galapagos Islands map: 10 Days in the Galapagos Islands - 4 Unique Itineraries
10 Days in the Galapagos Islands - 4 Unique Itineraries
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Meet our Local Travel Specialists

Experienced travel agents with a passion for Galapagos Islands
Travel specialist Mathias Onisseit
active 1 day ago

Mathias Onisseit

Originally from Germany, in 2010 I set out to explore South America and soon fell in love with the super-diverse country named Ecuador (and its neat little attachment Galapagos). What fascinates me...

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Travel specialist Alvaro Pereira
active 1 day ago

Alvaro Pereira

Born and raised in Ecuador, I am the ideal person to design a unique trip in my country; traveling and getting to know new and exciting places have always been my biggest passion. I believe that...

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Travel specialist Linda Schulz
active 1 day ago

Linda Schulz

Originally from Germany, I have traveled around the world and lived in Australia, Bangladesh, and finally Ecuador. Ecuador is such a diverse and beautiful country, so I soon fell deeply in love...

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Travel specialist Tamer Obeid
active 1 day ago

Tamer Obeid

A traveler myself since 1997, blessed to have had unforgettable experiences in different parts of this world that hasn’t ceased to amaze me! Originally from the middle east, I have lived in the...

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Trip Reviews for Galapagos Islands

The latest reviews by travelers who booked their trip on kimkim

Most Amazing Travel Consultant Ever
Galapagos Islands | May 4 - May 21, 2023

Patte
Patte B.
Lansdale, PA | Reviewed on May 24, 2023

Tamer is the most amazing travel consultant I have ever worked with for a trip - I've been to over 60 countries and I have to say, hands down, Tamer ensured ever aspect of the trip was covered. He asked questions before we had an opportunity to think about the topic. Thank you so much for making our retirement trip a dream come true! read more

Tamer is the most amazing travel consultant I have ever worked with for a trip - I've been to over 60 countries and I have to say, hands down, Tamer ensured ever aspect of the trip was covered. He asked questions before we had an opportunity to think about the topic. Thank you so much for making our retirement trip a dream come true!

Hotel Reviews
JW Marriott Hotel Quito
Quito

The staff at the JW made our experience even more memorable - thanks to Giss and everyone!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Kapari Natural Lodge & Spa
San Miguel de los Bancos

thank you to both Jose's and the staff for making our stay a memorable experience!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Wish there were larger beds, the double for a large man doesn't work especially when the reservation states Queen!
Wyndham Quito Airport
Quito

Great location, great food, great buffet and great spirits= thank you!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Tamer Obeid
Tamer
Tamer Obeid
Local specialist in Quito, Ecuador | Replied on May 24, 2023

My dear Patte :)
I can't be thankful enough! Your kind words and testimony mean the world to us here in Kimkim and to me personally. I can't wait to be part of your future trip. Having the honor of meeting you, John, and the group, in person was the highlight for me. So happy you enjoyed your special retirement trip :)
Yours,
Tamer

Tamer did an excellent job planning and arran...
Galapagos Islands | May 4 - May 21, 2023

Laura
Laura T.
Redmond, OR | Reviewed on May 22, 2023

Tamer did an excellent job planning and arranging our trip. Our guide, Pablo was knowledgeable and personable. The crew onboard our boat were hardworking and attentive. We enjoyed all of the activities provided and we were amazed at all the wildlife we got to see.
However. If you have a chance to read our comment card that we left on our boat, you will see that we were very dissatisfied and disappointed with our boat because of all the roaches and the sewer smell in our cabin. read more

Tamer did an excellent job planning and arranging our trip. Our guide, Pablo was knowledgeable and personable. The crew onboard our boat were hardworking and attentive. We enjoyed all of the activities provided and we were amazed at all the wildlife we got to see.
However. If you have a chance to read our comment card that we left on our boat, you will see that we were very dissatisfied and disappointed with our boat because of all the roaches and the sewer smell in our cabin.

Hotel Reviews
M/Y Monserrat
Quito

Roach infested and smells of sewage

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Roaches and sewer smell.
JW Marriott Hotel Quito
Quito
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Kapari Natural Lodge & Spa
San Miguel de los Bancos
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Wyndham Quito Airport
Quito
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Arrival to Baltra Airport - Transfer to Cruise Ship & Santa Cruz Highlands (M/Y Monserrat 15D)
Galapagos Islands
Dragon Hill (Santa Cruz Island) - Chinese Hat (M/Y Monserrat 15D)
Cruise Ship
El Barranco - Darwin Bay ( Genovesa Island) (M/Y Monserrat 15D)
Cruise Ship
Black Turtle Cove - Flamingos and Relax in Bachas Beach (M/Y Monserrat 15D)
Cruise Ship
Tagus Cove - Urbina Bay (Isabela Island) (M/Y Monserrat 15D)
Cruise Ship
Espinoza Point (Fernandina Island) - Vicente Roca Point (Isabela Island) (M/Y Monserrat 15D)
Galapagos Islands
Puerto Egas - Espumilla Beach - Buccaneer Cove (Santiago Island) (M/Y Monserrat 15D)
Cruise Ship
North Seymour Island - Highlands (M/Y Monserrat 15D)
Cruise Ship
Rabida Island - Bartolomé Island (M/Y Monserrat 15D)
Cruise Ship
South Plazas Island - Santa Fe Island (M/Y Monserrat 15D)
Cruise Ship
Punta Pitt - Cerro Brujo (San Cristobal Island) (M/Y Monserrat 15D)
Galapagos Islands
Lobos Island - Tijeretas Hill & Interpretation Center (San Cristobal Island) (M/Y Monserrat 15D)
Galapagos Islands
Gardner Bay - Suarez Point (Española Island) (M/Y Monserrat 15D )
Cruise Ship
Cormorant Point - Post Office Bay (Floreana Island) (M/Y Monserrat 15D)
Galapagos Islands
Charles Darwin Research Station (Santa Cruz) (M/Y Monserrat 15D) - Baltra Airport
Cruise Ship
Explore Mindo Cloud Forest at Kapari Natural Lodge & Spa
Ecuador
Kapari Natural Lodge & Spa Experience
Mindo
Another day at Kapari Lodge & Return to Quito
Mindo
Local specialist: Tamer Obeid
Tamer
Tamer Obeid
Local specialist in Quito, Ecuador | Replied on May 22, 2023

Laura & Rob,
Thank you so much for your valuable feedback! I am so glad to know you have enjoyed the magical nature of the Galapagos Islands and that you appreciate the guide and the staff onboard the yacht. I am also happy to know you enjoyed the Cloud Forest charm and Kapari Lodge :) On the other hand, and as I clarified during our last meeting in JW Marriott, we are working with this yacht operator on them taking all the corrective measures to prevent the mentioned unpleasant experiences... read more

Laura & Rob,
Thank you so much for your valuable feedback! I am so glad to know you have enjoyed the magical nature of the Galapagos Islands and that you appreciate the guide and the staff onboard the yacht. I am also happy to know you enjoyed the Cloud Forest charm and Kapari Lodge :) On the other hand, and as I clarified during our last meeting in JW Marriott, we are working with this yacht operator on them taking all the corrective measures to prevent the mentioned unpleasant experiences from occurring again; the humidity of the ocean and the tropical environment can be overcome when applying the right procedures and I promise you we will make sure that happens :)
Thank you again,
Tamer

We had an absolutely amazing time in Quito, M...
Galapagos Islands | Apr 12 - Apr 21, 2023

Will
Will P.
Hickory, NC | Reviewed on Apr 26, 2023

We had an absolutely amazing time in Quito, Mindo, and the Galapagos!

I was trying to create the best 30th birthday trip to my adventurous, nature-loving fiance and this trip truly delivered. I only wish we both had more time off from work to explore more of the Galapagos Islands. Our local specialist, Linda, was amazing to work with and very responsive to our questions. She even added the nice personal touch of meeting us in Quito. We got to meet so many interesting people on our trip as... read more

We had an absolutely amazing time in Quito, Mindo, and the Galapagos!

I was trying to create the best 30th birthday trip to my adventurous, nature-loving fiance and this trip truly delivered. I only wish we both had more time off from work to explore more of the Galapagos Islands. Our local specialist, Linda, was amazing to work with and very responsive to our questions. She even added the nice personal touch of meeting us in Quito. We got to meet so many interesting people on our trip as well, including backpackers/travelers and locals. Our state appointed tour guides in the Galapagos (including Astrid and Nathalie) were all very knowledgeable: you could literally ask them anything!

Highlights of our trip include:
1. Walking tour around Quito
2. The cloud forest in Mindo which included Zipling, hummingbird preserve (so, so many beautiful species), a chocolate making tour, and early morning bird watching (we got to see 4/5 types of toucans and feed hummingbirds from our hands!)
3. Standing along the ECUATOR!!!
4. Swimming/snorkeling with 20+ hammer head sharks and green sea turtles at kicker rock (near San Cristobal)
5. Exploring the giant tortoise reserve on Santa Cruz. (Did you know that because of the introduction of guava to the islands these gentle giants are developing diabetes? It seems these beautiful creatures have a real sweet tooth and that we sadly have caused!)
6. Spying on nesting Blue-Footed Boopies and frigate birds, looking for marine and land iguanas, and watching sea lions surf on north Seymore island.
7. Swimming with fur seals, sea lions, and other marine animals and fish off north Seymore island
8. Exploring a coffee and chocolate farm on Santa Cruz, as well as learning how they produce a local favor adult beverage.
9. Watching penguins swim and albatross sore, as well as learning about the volcanic creation of the islands at San Bartolome island.

As a former backpacker our accommodations were absolutely fantastic and luxurious. The food was also wonder and a key part of the experiences as well.

Verdict: We will definitely be using Kim Kim again and we will be back to the Galapagos!

Hotel Reviews
La Casona de La Ronda
Quito

Beautiful, centrally located hotel.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Terrabambú Lodge
Mindo

We absolutely loved this treehouse type of hotel with an amazing view. The only thing we had a problem with a large spider (it is the rainforest). The outdoor jacuzzi was a nice touch!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Galapagos Sunset
Puerto Baquerizo Moreno

We loved this centrally located, luxurious hotel where we could hear the sealions. Breakfast on the roof with an amazing view was delightful.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Ikala Galapagos Hotel
Puerto Ayora

We had a blast at this luxurious hotel, which had amazing breakfast and restaurant for dinner.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Excursion to an uninhabited island
Galapagos Islands

We loved seeing all the wildlife at North Seymor. So many amazing species to see. Our guide, Nathalie, was amazing.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Quito City Tour
Ecuador

Danny was an amazing tour guide who showed us so much of his city. We highly recommend him

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Highlands of Santa Cruz Island
Galapagos Islands

Astrid was an amazing tour guide! She was so knowledgeable. We really enjoyed the highlands, tortoise reserve, adn laval tunnels despite the extensive downpours

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Snorkel at Kicker Rock (Leon Dormido)
Galapagos Islands

This was an amazing experience to snorkel with hammerhead sharks and sea turtles. This is also a great place to scuba if you are certified.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Visit to another uninhabited island
Galapagos Islands

This was an amazing excursion where we learned a lot about the topography and origin of the islands. The sea-life was also amazing.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
The crew of the Nautilus were fantastic
Transport
Transfer to Mindo & Activities in the cloud forest
Ecuador

We enjoyed Zipling, birdwatching and feeding hummingbirds, and enjoying the chocolate making tour

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Mindo & Return to Quito
Ecuador

We really enjoyed the Equator excursion!

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Linda Schulz
Linda
Linda Schulz
Local specialist in Quito | Replied on Apr 27, 2023

Will, it was such a pleasure to help you plan this birthday trip for your fiance! I am very happy for you that you were able to see that much amazing wildlife, especially so many toucans and hammerhead sharks, and that you've enjoyed every single hotel throughout your trip.
Even if you didn't have more days off work this time, I really hope that you can return one day to explore other parts of Ecuador such as the rainforest or the Andes - I am sure that both of you would enjoy it!
I hope to see you again one day, and in the meantime: safe travels!
Linda