Trip to the Galapagos Islands – What it costs and what makes them so special
May 2026
The Galápagos Islands consist of 13 larger islands: Isabela – Santa Cruz – Fernandina – Santiago – San Cristóbal – Floreana – Marchena – Española – Pinta – Santa Fe – Baltra – Pinzón – Genovesa.
In addition, there are over 100 rocks and small islands.
Only 4 islands The following islands are permanently inhabited: Santa Cruz, Isabela, and San Cristobal – these are the islands where most visitors traditionally stay overnight. The fourth island, Floreana, as well as the remaining islands, are usually visited as part of cruises or guided day trips.
Unique features of the Galapagos Islands
Approximately 97% of the land area The Galápagos Islands are under strict nature protection as the Galápagos National Park. Therefore, large parts of the archipelago remain uninhabited and largely untouched.
What makes the Galapagos Islands so special?
What makes this place special for us is the encounter with the diverse wildlife. Whether it's the sea lions lying next to you on the beach, the blue-footed boobies calmly posing for selfies, the giant sea turtles that almost swim around you, or the iguanas lying everywhere so you have to watch your step. There's a relaxed coexistence of wild animals and humans here that we've never experienced anywhere else.
If you're looking to encounter free-roaming animals, this is the place for you…
Our trip highlights
Which excursions did we enjoy the most:
Los Tuneles on Isabela – the bizarre lava landscape, the blue-footed boobies and snorkeling with giant sea turtles that almost swam around you.
Kicker Rock near San Cristobal – breathtaking underwater world and swimming with sea lions – even though we didn't see any hammerhead sharks.
What would we do differently next time?
We spent nine days in the Galapagos – that was rather short; eleven or twelve days would have been more relaxing. The distances between the islands are quite large. The excursion boats and ferries are speedboats with hundreds, sometimes over 1000 horsepower. Even so, a crossing takes at least two hours, and the boats slam into the water. Even if you don't get seasick, such a trip is tiring (and that's the assessment of experienced bluewater sailors). A day's rest can do you good.
There are flights between the islands, and you could also book an open-jaw flight back, thereby minimizing boat trips between the islands. It's worth checking this out for reasons of time saving and convenience.
Galapagos costs – as an individual trip, cheaper than you think…
The Galapagos Islands can only be reached by air from Ecuador, either from the capital, Quito, or from the coastal city of Guayaquil. We chose Quito because it offered a more interesting sightseeing program for us, and we also took the opportunity to explore mainland Ecuador. Domestic flights within the country are quite affordable.
Hotel costs are also inexpensive – there are no exclusive resorts and only a few star-rated hotels. The simple hotels and hostels offer clean, spacious rooms with air conditioning and private bathrooms, often for under €50 per night.
Tasty meals are offered locally – in the less prominent locations – for under $10 USD, including a drink. However, in the fancier tourist restaurants right on the beach, you can expect to pay between $20 and $25 USD.
Sightseeing is only possible via tours, which can be booked through the numerous local agencies. We paid between $10 USD (bus tour) and $160 USD (360-degree tour around San Cristobal including Kicker Rock) per person. For what was offered in small groups of up to 12 people, including a guide, meals, and snorkeling equipment, we found these prices more than reasonable. A ferry ride between the islands costs a flat rate of $30 USD each way (always via Santa Cruz) plus a $1 USD transfer fee.
You can also book a 4-5 day cruise between the islands – but that gets really expensive. We were offered a 4-day tour as a last-minute special price for $1500, but that only includes accommodation and meals. Entrance fees and tours are extra.
To travel to the Galapagos Islands, you need a travel permit for 30 USD (payable at departure airport) and must pay a national park fee of 200 USD per person in cash upon arrival.
