11 Mar Know These 5 Things BEFORE Booking a Galápagos Vacation

No traveler’s bucket list could ever be complete without visiting the famed Galápagos Islands. The Galápagos Islands are one of the most magical (and biodiverse!) places in the entire world. Galápagos vacations today let travelers be wowed by the islands, just like Charles Darwin was during his 1835 survey. His time here would help shape his theory of evolution, and secured Galápagos’ place in the hearts of travelers world-wide. 

But even though Darwin catalogued the islands nearly two hundred years ago, tourism in Galápagos only began in earnest around 30-40 years ago. Today, a staggering 220,000 tourists visit the islands annually. If you’re planning to get in on the fun and travel to the Galápagos Islands, there are a few things you need to know first.

Here’s the 5 things you need to know BEFORE you book your Galápagos vacation:

1. The Galapagos Islands are highly protected.

The incredible species of plants and animals found on these islands aren’t found anywhere else in the world, which means these habitats are delicately balanced and especially sensitive to changes. To maintain the ecosystem’s balance, don’t bring fresh fruits with seeds or other natural materials that could introduce fungus or other microorganisms.

2. You have two options for your Galápagos experience.

You can stay on land, known as a land-based tour or “island hopping,” or you can discover the protected areas by boat on a Galápagos cruise. If you want to see and do as much as possible, you should strongly consider a cruise over island hopping.

Cruises travel overnight from island to island so you don’t lose precious time in transit. Go to bed and wake up at your next adventure! As an added bonus, cruises like those offered by Yacht Angelito Galápagos are inclusive. This means your food is already covered in your booking price. Nice!

Whatever you decide to do, don’t forget: don’t book your own flight from Quito or Guayaquil (or anywhere else) to the islands. Let the tour company book it for you to ensure that your tickets align with your itinerary! We can’t stress this one enough.

3. There are 21 islands in Galapagos!

In Galápagos, the scenery and wildlife is different from island to island. If you’re looking for something specific, make sure you choose an itinerary that matches your travel goals. And don’t forget – there are regulations in place to protect the wildlife on the islands. Snorkeling and hiking are regulated on the islands. This ensures that travelers for generations to come will be able to enjoy the same experiences available today. Make sure you select an itinerary that matches your wildlife and activities expectations. Don’t assume all islands will be the same!

4. Not all companies adhere to the same levels of conservationism and protection; therefore, make sure you choose a responsible cruise operator.

To learn more about sustainability and conservation, check out our instagram account for our weekly #sustainablesaturday posts! 

5. This will be the experience of a lifetime, so don’t forget your camera and your sense of adventure!

And sunscreen…lots and lots of sunscreen! 

Ready to book your Galápagos vacation?

Check out Yacht Angelito Galápagos’ itineraries and connect with us on Facebook to start mapping out your dream adventure!