No traveler’s bucket list could ever be complete without a trip to the famed Galápagos Islands. The Galápagos Islands are known as one of the most magical (not to mention biodiverse!) places in the entire world, and wowed Charles Darwin 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. There are incredible species of plants and animals found on these islands that you won’t encounter anywhere else in the world; their 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. Those looking to see and do the greatest numbers of things should strongly consider a cruise over island hopping.

Cruises travel overnight from island to island, meaning that you don’t lose precious time in transit. Go to bed and wake up right where you need to be to start your next adventure! As an added bonus, cruises like those offered by Yacht Angelito Galápagos are inclusive, meaning your food is already covered in your booking price.

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 enough.

3. There are 21 islands in Galapagos! The scenery and wildlife can be different from island to island, so if you’re looking for something specific, make sure you choose an itinerary that matches your travel goals. In order to protect the wildlife, there are some restrictions on the islands. Snorkeling and hiking are some of the most treasured activities in Galápagos, but these activities are not allowed in all areas. Make sure you select an itinerary that matches your wildlife and activities expectations, and 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. If you’d like 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!