Galapagos Islands

The Galápagos Islands (official name: Archipiélago de Colón; are an archipelago of volcanic islands distributed around the equator in the Pacific Ocean, 972 km west of continental Ecuador. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site: wildlife is its most notable feature.

The Galápagos islands and its surrounding waters are part of a province, a   national park, and a biological marine reserve. The principal language on the islands is Spanish. The islands have a population of around 40,000, which is a 40-fold expansion in 50 years.

Imagine a place where Galapagos Island   animals are not afraid of people.... a place where birds like Galapagos Finches don't  fly away when you approach them, where giant Galapagos tortoises bob heads to strangers. Where sea lions bark greetings to visitors on the beach rather than scramble away to the surf.  These are just some of the surprises awaiting visitors into the Galapagos          Islands; “The Enchanted Islands”. This is one expedition that you will want to take.

HOW DO I GET TO GALAPAGOS ?

From South America  all flights to the  Galapagos leave from mainland Ecuador. Departing  from the  capital Quito or from Guayaquil. There are at least 3 flights to the  Galapagos Islands everyday.  Flights from Ecuador arrive at one of the two Galapagos airports on the islands of  Baltra and San Cristobal. Only one checked suitcase (20kg) and one carry-on  are allowed per person.

GENERAL INFORMATION:

CLIMATE: 

The climate of the Galapagos is always conducive to boat tours, but there are slight climatic variations throughout the year.  From June to December the southern tradewinds bring the colder Humbolt current north to the Galapagos. This means that the water is cooler, and a layer of high atmosphere mist pervades the island skies. In effect, the highlands of the larger islands are kept green and lush, while the sea level islands and shorelines have little precipitation.  June to December is generally called the "dry season", known for its blue skies and mid-day showers. During this season, sea mammals and land birds are most active.  

This is the perfect time for observing the sea birds' courtship displays.  The warmer waters of the southern flowing Panama current head strongly towards the Galapagos again around December when the southern tradewinds blow more softly. Then the cooling factor of the Humbolt current recedes and the waters are warmed.

The time period between December and May are considered the "warm season". During this warmer season, the Galapagos' climate is more tropical with daily rain and cloudier skies. The island birds are especially active during this  season. Also, the ocean temperature is warmer for swimming and snorkelling. On the Galapagos Islands, you'll always find the wildlife activity to be absolutely amazing and unique, regardless of  when you visit.

CURRENCY: US Dollars is the local currency. The Dollar is the unit of currency. One Australian Dollar is equivalent to approximately .90 US Dollars.

DRESS: Comfortable casual and light clothes are reccommended.

- Cotton long sleeved shirts

- T-shirts

- Lightweight pair of slacks

- Shorts

- Good walking shoes with socks

- Thongs or Tevas

- Hat with straps

- Bathing suit

- Sunglasses (preferably with straps)

- Windbreaker

- Wetsuit (for snorkels  is just needed June to November when the temperature of the water drops a little)

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: US passengers travelling to Australia will require a passport which must be valid for six months beyond your intended stay and also a tourist visa to be obtained prior to travel.

HEALTH REQUIREMENTS: Vaccination certificates only required if coming from infected zones.

LANGUAGE: Spanish and Quishua. English is widely spoken.

ELECTRICITY: Electricity is 110 volts.

DEPARTURE TAX: Airport Departure Tax, US$25 dollars is charged for international flights departing from Ecuador but there is no departure tax for flights within the country.