Galapagos Islands Vacations & Tours

Straddling the equator, the Galapagos Islands have a tropical climate with two distinct seasons, dry and rainy. The best time to visit the Galapagos is during the dry season from June to December.

The cool and dry conditions from June to December are excellent for sightseeing, Galapagos cruises, watersports, and outdoor activities. During these months, you can enjoy exceptional marine life viewing thanks to the strong seasonal currents that bring giant tortoises, humpback whales, sea lions and more to the coasts.

Despite the dry season being the best time to visit the Galapagos Islands, trips are possible during the rainy season. The rainy months offer unique experiences, particularly the birth of sea turtles and sea lions.

Home to 13 major islands and an array of smaller islands and islets with rocks and reefs, there is so much to explore in and around the Galapagos Islands.

From Santa Cruz to Santiago, here are some of the best places to visit on cruises or tours of the Galapagos Islands:

• Santa Cruz Island
• San Cristobal Island
• Floreana Island
• Isabela Island
• Santiago Island

The islands’ wildlife, landscapes, and crystal-clear waters invite you to sightsee, hike, kayak, snorkel, and so much more.

Here, we share some of the top things to do in the Galapagos Islands to inspire your custom trip:

• Cruise between the islands in style on a luxury private charter or small ship
• See the wildlife and admire the natural beauty on wildlife viewing tours
• Plunge into the crystal clear waters to see the marine life when snorkeling or scuba diving
• Kayak around smaller islands to appreciate the views and see the wildlife up close
• Scan the forests for unique and colorful birdlife

From blue-footed boobies, a fascinating marine bird with striking baby-blue feet, to volcanic coastlines and remote beaches where only a few travelers have been, discover what makes the archipelago a famous place to visit from Ecuador in our guide on what the Galapagos is famous for.

The best way to travel around and experience the Galapagos Islands is on a luxury cruise. Luxury Galapagos cruises take you to the heart of the archipelago to see the wildlife, admire the scenery, and spend time on remote islands.

Luxury cruises are led by experienced captains and guides with deep destination knowledge, and you can enjoy top-notch service from your crew as you sit back, relax, and savor a memorable voyage around the islands.

The Galapagos Islands and their reefs, volcanic landscapes, and forests protect thousands of marine and wildlife species.

Some popular and some you may have never heard of, here are the animals that you can search for on tours or cruises to the Galapagos Islands:

• Blue-footed boobies
• Marine iguanas
• Galapagos sea lions
• Galapagos penguins
• Giant tortoises
• Galapagos green turtles
• Darwin’s finches
• Magnificent frigatebirds

The Galapagos Islands may not be the first places that come to mind when you consider a beach vacation, but the archipelago has several stunning shores you can only access on a cruise to the most remote islands and islets.

Here are some of our favorite beaches in the Galapagos Islands that you might visit on a luxury cruise:

• Playa Brava, Santa Cruz Island
• Playa Mansa, Santa Cruz Island
• El Garrapatero, Santa Cruz Island
• Puerto Chino Beach, San Cristobal Island
• Playa el Manglecito, San Cristobal Island
• Red Sand Beach, Rabida Island
• Gardner Bay, Espanola Island

Explore the Galapagos Islands, whether on a luxury cruise or from mainland Ecuador, with our best Galapagos itineraries. Here are three of our most popular trips, which you can personalize with our travel specialists to create your own tours to the Galapagos Islands:

• Our 14-Day Adventure in the Ecuador Amazon Rainforest & Across the Galapagos Islands combines the best of Ecuador, the Amazon rainforest, and the Galapagos Islands, revealing the culture, wildlife, and coastlines.
• Families can find plenty to cherish on our Perfect Family Vacation to Galapagos Islands, a trip that takes you to Quito in Ecuador and includes an exciting Galapagos cruise with adventurous activities for 10 days.

Combining a Galapagos escape with Quito, the Amazon, Cusco, and more, our 14-Day Galapagos Adventure lets you experience the highlights and explore off the beaten path.

Explore more information in our frequently asked questions about planning a trip to the Galapagos Islands and inspiration in our Galapagos Islands travel guide.