About Galapagos Islands
Planning a Trip to Galapagos Islands
The best time to visit the Galapagos depends on what you're interested in doing. Generally the months of December to May are slightly warmer and the seas are calmer, whereas in the June to November season will be cooler with more rainfall. Landbirds will start nesting in January after the first rain, and marine iguanas will be brightly coloured. January is the best time for snorkelling.
In February, you will be able to see penguins around Barotlome island, and flamingos, Bahama pintails and Galapagos doves are in nesting. Green sea turtles will begin to arrive.
March is typically the height of the rainy season. The waved albatross will begin to arrive to the island of Española. Giant tortoises will be hatching during this period.
April is when the Waved Albatross begin their courtship and green sea turtles and land iguanas hatch.
May is when most marine iguanas will hatch on Santa Cruz, and when the Blue-Footed Boobies on North Seymour will begin courting. Sea turtles can still be found hatching on Gardner Bay, Puerto Egas and Punta Cormorant. The albatross will start laying eggs.
June is when the cooler and drier period starts, and tortoises will begin to migrate down to the lowland in search of nesting places.
July will mark the start of Oystercatchers nesting, as well as the flightless cormorants. Whales will start to be sighted, and lava lizards will also begin to nest.
August is when the Galapagos hawks will start courting, and when Mask boobies and swallow-tailed gullls will nest.
September is when penguins and sea lions and marine birds become active and tortoises are laying their eggs.
October is when the Galapagos fur seals begin mating and lava herons start to nest.
November is when sea lion pups start to be born, and breeding season for Storm Petrels begin to nest again.
December visitors will see giant tortoises hatch and green turtles start to mate. Albatrosses begin to fledge.
In February, you will be able to see penguins around Barotlome island, and flamingos, Bahama pintails and Galapagos doves are in nesting. Green sea turtles will begin to arrive.
March is typically the height of the rainy season. The waved albatross will begin to arrive to the island of Española. Giant tortoises will be hatching during this period.
April is when the Waved Albatross begin their courtship and green sea turtles and land iguanas hatch.
May is when most marine iguanas will hatch on Santa Cruz, and when the Blue-Footed Boobies on North Seymour will begin courting. Sea turtles can still be found hatching on Gardner Bay, Puerto Egas and Punta Cormorant. The albatross will start laying eggs.
June is when the cooler and drier period starts, and tortoises will begin to migrate down to the lowland in search of nesting places.
July will mark the start of Oystercatchers nesting, as well as the flightless cormorants. Whales will start to be sighted, and lava lizards will also begin to nest.
August is when the Galapagos hawks will start courting, and when Mask boobies and swallow-tailed gullls will nest.
September is when penguins and sea lions and marine birds become active and tortoises are laying their eggs.
October is when the Galapagos fur seals begin mating and lava herons start to nest.
November is when sea lion pups start to be born, and breeding season for Storm Petrels begin to nest again.
December visitors will see giant tortoises hatch and green turtles start to mate. Albatrosses begin to fledge.
Last edited Mar 4, 10 11:44 PM. Contributors:
Internet access can be found readily in Puerto Ayora, both at cybercafes as well as in various hotels and restaurants.
The three most popular locations are:
Banda Ancha (located on Avenida Charles Darwin)
Choza.net (on Baltra street)
Cyber Cafe Galapagos (on Charles Darwin Street)
Pelk@n Net (on Charles Darwin Street)
Expect the cafes to cost several times the mainland prices.
Phone cards can be readily purchased off the main street. The country code of Ecuador is 592 and the area code is 05.
Last edited Mar 5, 10 12:14 AM. Contributors:
Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
If you can choice between boat and hotel for your accommodation go for the boat!!!Bring or buy the most highest grad of sun (UV)protection sun protection and avoid to spend time between 11.00-14.00 outside under direct sunshine.
If you need T-Shirts etc for souvenirs visit the supermarket at the main square close to the post office, or if you are going to Quito on your way back home better wait until you see the Indian-Market in Quito ;)
If you need T-Shirts etc for souvenirs visit the supermarket at the main square close to the post office, or if you are going to Quito on your way back home better wait until you see the Indian-Market in Quito ;)
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Many cruise ships are equipped with both 220 and 110 volt outlets. Generally expect 110 volt standard North American style outlets.
Last edited Mar 4, 10 11:52 PM. Contributors:
- Lots of sun protection (minimum SPF 30)
- Sunglasses and wide brimmed hat
- Swimsuit
- Bug repellent
- Good pair of walking shoes, sandals
- Quick drying shorts
- Quick drying or synthetic shirts
- Layers (sweatshirt, fleece or pullover)
- Waterproof shell
- Camera! (consider buying an underwater casing or a disposable underwater camera)
- Motion sickness pills such as Gravol, Dramamine or Meclizine Hydrachorlide
- Something for an upset stomach (Pepto Bisomol, Tums, Immodium)
- Basic toiletries
- Waterproof bag
- Extra batteries, film, etc
- Binoculars
Last edited Mar 5, 10 12:12 AM. Contributors:
Be prepared for items on the Galapagos to cost several times what they do on mainland Ecuador!
Tipping for guided tours are expected, and should be factored in the cost of the trip (to be paid at the end). The average tip amount ranges from 5-10% of the cost of the trip.
Tipping for guided tours are expected, and should be factored in the cost of the trip (to be paid at the end). The average tip amount ranges from 5-10% of the cost of the trip.
U.S. dollars are accepted on most islands, and Mastercard and Visa are the most commonly accepted credit cards.
The main bank on the islands is the El Banco del Pacifico.
Last edited Mar 4, 10 11:54 PM. Contributors:
Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
After landing in Baltra (Airport) you can take the free shuttle to the canal - takes about 5 min.
Cross the canal by ferry (50 cents) and take there a bus to Puerto Ayora - about 45-60 min. (1.80 USD)
Cross the canal by ferry (50 cents) and take there a bus to Puerto Ayora - about 45-60 min. (1.80 USD)
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Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
The Angelique is highly recommended for 4 or 8 day cruises. Lovely refurbished wooden sailing boat with great food and comfy ensuite cabins.
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Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
We had a wonderful 8-day trip around the islands.
But at the end we were told by our guide how much we should tip the crew (and it was a lot!!!) They put for each of us envelopes with our names on our beds.
That was too much, so we decided to tip all in only one envelop without names. That way everybody could tip anonymusly.
But at the end we were told by our guide how much we should tip the crew (and it was a lot!!!) They put for each of us envelopes with our names on our beds.
That was too much, so we decided to tip all in only one envelop without names. That way everybody could tip anonymusly.
Good tip?
(0)
Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
Another day trip could be a walk to the Tortuga Bay.
A one hour walk (5km) west from Puerto Ayora on a marked and cobbled path trough a forest of the Prickly Pear Cactus. Start at the west end of Charles Binford; further on there is a gate where you must register, open 06.00-18.30 daily. Take drinking water and something to eat and do not go alone though there are many joggers. Also take care of the very strong undertow at the main beach. There is also a small sheltered bay without any major waves to the west hidden behind Red Mangroves, this is the swimming area and a nice spot for relaxing.
A one hour walk (5km) west from Puerto Ayora on a marked and cobbled path trough a forest of the Prickly Pear Cactus. Start at the west end of Charles Binford; further on there is a gate where you must register, open 06.00-18.30 daily. Take drinking water and something to eat and do not go alone though there are many joggers. Also take care of the very strong undertow at the main beach. There is also a small sheltered bay without any major waves to the west hidden behind Red Mangroves, this is the swimming area and a nice spot for relaxing.
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Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
In Puerto Ayora I can suggest a trip to "Las Grietas". A hidden place to swim.
After a short ride with the water taxi to Playa Estrella you pass the Finch Bay Hotel in the front on the beach and walk then around 3 km over igneous rocks.
Las Grietas is a appr. 50 meters long and 20 meters deep hole with very clear water and fantastic color. It is fed with both salt and fresh water.
After a short ride with the water taxi to Playa Estrella you pass the Finch Bay Hotel in the front on the beach and walk then around 3 km over igneous rocks.
Las Grietas is a appr. 50 meters long and 20 meters deep hole with very clear water and fantastic color. It is fed with both salt and fresh water.
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