Are Tourists Able To Visit The Galapagos Islands?

The Galapagos Islands, located in Ecuador, are open to tourists and have a reopened National Park. However, the entry fee for tourists has been doubling from $100 to $200 starting August 2024. This change is due to the islands’ isolation, limited tourist numbers, and multiple screenings to ensure passenger health and preservation.

The Galapagos Islands are now open to live-aboard experiences lasting from 4 days/3 nights to 12 days/11 nights. Boats range from 12–110 passengers and are divided into four categories: economy, tourist, first class, and luxury. International visitors traveling to the islands must provide a negative RT-PCR Test taken within 72 hours.

The Galapagos Act, in force since 2016, stipulates that only visitors with fixed travel itineraries are permitted entry to the islands. Ferries, hotels, restaurants, flights, cruises, and day yachts are operating normally in the Galapagos. The islands are back and better than ever, with tourism returning after a brief pause.

A visa is not necessary to access the Galapagos Islands, unless you are from a small list of countries that require an Ecuadorian visa. The National Park was officially reopened on 1 July 2020, and flights from Quito and Guayaquil to the islands are now available.

In summary, the Galapagos Islands are now open to tourists and have experienced a significant increase in entry fees. However, there are still restrictions and restrictions in place to ensure the safety and well-being of passengers.

Is it safe to go to the Galapagos Islands in 2024?

The Galapagos archipelago is a popular and enchanting destination, located on the equator, 600 miles off the South American coast. To reach the islands, one must first fly to Ecuador, which has no direct flights from any other country. Regularly scheduled commercial jets depart from Quito, Ecuador’s capital, in the Andes, or Guayaquil, its largest city along the coast. Newly added flights from Manta are also available. International flights from Ecuador often pass through Quito or Guayaquil.

There are no cruises or commercial marine vessels that can take travelers from the South American continent to the Galapagos, and all cruises aboard vessels permitted to operate in the archipelago begin and end in the Galapagos. For more information on how to get to the Galapagos Islands, please refer to the detailed article.

Is it safe to travel to the Galapagos Islands in 2024?

Traveling to the Galapagos in 2024 is considered safe due to the smaller population and isolation of the islands, which have not experienced any upheaval in Ecuador. For those planning a trip to the Galapagos Islands, consider our Multi-day Experiences. Mainland Ecuador, a large country with a low rate of gang violence, is a mix of safe and less safe for tourists. The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office provides a map indicating areas considered mostly safe to travel and areas where essential travel is discouraged.

Are the Galapagos Islands expensive?

The cost of a trip to the Galapagos Islands ranges from $2, 500 to $5, 000 per person, including flights, park fees, accommodations, and activities. Flight costs average $500-$550, while park fees are set to increase to $200. Accommodations range from budget-friendly to mid-range and luxury, with daily tour expenses ranging from $220 for land to $150-250 for sea activities. Balancing trip costs with savings strategies like booking in advance, traveling off-peak, selecting day tours, and using shared taxis or bundled tour packages can make the experience more affordable.

The islands’ unique biodiversity and natural beauty come with challenges in logistics and conservation policies. To plan a successful Galapagos trip, consider major costs like flights, park entry fees, accommodations, dining, guided tours, and snorkeling.

Is it ethical to visit the Galapagos?

The Galapagos Islands are facing a vicious cycle of environmental damage, with 2, 000 endemic species that cannot be found anywhere else. To protect these species, the islands earn money through tourists, but this further damages the ecosystem. The situation has worsened with 260 industrial fishing vessels, mainly from China, camped just beyond Ecuador’s legal waters, targeting sensitive areas and threatening marine diversity. Although this is technically in international waters, it limits Ecuador and the international community’s response.

The Galapagos Conservation Trust and Frente Insular are fighting plastic pollution and industrial fishing on the islands, while the Charles Darwin Research Station actively breeds and protects the Galapagos Tortoise. Out of the 200 million dollars the islands earn each year, 86 million is used for invasive species removal. Despite efforts to conserve the environment and species, no easy solution is forthcoming.

Is it safe to go to Ecuador right now?

Electricity shortages and planned outages are causing widespread violence in Ecuador. In response, the country declared a state of “internal armed conflict” in January 2024, allowing increased military and police presence. In May, a state of emergency was declared in several provinces, allowing military and police to seize assets, conduct inspections, and enter private properties without permission. Curfews have been imposed in some districts, and the situation may change at short notice. It is advised to exercise caution and check for updates from Ecuadorian authorities.

What is not allowed in the Galapagos?

Visitors to protected areas within Galápagos National Park must be accompanied by a naturalist guide authorized by the GNPD, travel only with tour operators and boats authorized to work in these areas, maintain a distance of at least six feet from wildlife, never feed wildlife, and only allow flash photography for commercial purposes. Camping is only allowed in authorized areas, and it is the visitor’s responsibility not to introduce food, animals, or plants into the Archipelago.

Cooperation with environmental inspection and quarantine officials is essential during the visit. Products or souvenirs made from banned substances, such as black coral, shells, lava rock, animal parts, or native wood or vegetation, must be reported. “Leave-no-trace” principles are practiced to maintain the environment’s beauty. Trash is collected and disposed of in populated areas or on tour boats, and smoking and campfires are strictly prohibited. Fishing is only allowed on authorized recreational tour boats, and motorized aquatic sports, mini-subs, and aerial tourism activities are not allowed in the Galápagos National Park or Marine Reserve.

Are tourists allowed on the Galapagos Islands?

The Galápagos National Park Directorate (GNPD) protects 95% of the land area, allowing tourists to explore specific sites only with Park-certified naturalist guides. The islands are governed by a Special Law that supports conservation and preservation of their unique environment. The Galápagos Governing Council manages the Archipelago, ensuring a balance between populated and protected areas. Most visitors travel to Galápagos by air from mainland Ecuador, departing daily from Guayaquil or Quito.

Three companies offer flights: LAN-Ecuador and Avianca. Round-trip tickets typically cost between $380 and $500. There are two main airports in Galápagos: one on Baltra Island and the other on San Cristóbal. Before checking in, passengers must have their bags inspected by the Galápagos Biosecurity Agency quarantine staff and obtain a $20 tourist transit card. Upon arrival, visitors must pay an entrance fee to the Galápagos National Park. Returning to the US or other international destinations requires an overnight stay in either Quito or Guayaquil.

Which Galapagos Islands are closed?

The Galápagos National Park Directorate has closed certain sites, including Punta Pitt and Isla Lobos, Genovesa Island, and Española Island, to the public since mid-September 2023 due to the detection of the avian flu in sea bird colonies. The park has established a monitoring plan in 30 strategic sites with abundant sea bird populations and a security protocol to reduce the risk of spread. This change has affected the itineraries of yachts Fragata Yacht and Golondrina Yacht, which will now offer guests the opportunity to visit Punta Pitt and Isla Lobos through the Itinerary C.

Can you travel to the Galapagos Islands now?

The Galapagos Islands and Ecuador are accessible to tourists, with a variety of transportation options, including flights, cruises, and tours, available to facilitate travel to these destinations. Ecuador has implemented a policy of welcoming citizens of the United States, Canada, Europe, and the majority of other countries, while simultaneously lifting the previously-mandated vaccination and testing requirements.

It is possible for tourists to plan their travel to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands, to identify a suitable Galapagos cruise, and to gain insight into the latest attractions for Galapagos 2024 and 2025 cruises. A comprehensive index of terrestrial and maritime itineraries is accessible for review.

Why not to go to Ecuador?

Ecuador is currently experiencing a state of internal armed conflict, with increased security forces attempting to contain gang violence across the country, particularly in Guayaquil and Quito. This has led to increased police and military presence, particularly near prisons. The country’s entry and exit requirements have been updated, and information on Indigenous justice has been added. Due to high levels of crime, Ecuador is urging people to exercise a high degree of caution and exercise a high degree of caution in their surroundings.

When not to go to Galapagos Islands?

The worst time to visit the Galapagos Islands is during the transitional months of March and April, which are the end of the warm, rainy season and experience the most dramatic weather. Although the warm, rainy season is popular, it is advisable to avoid the tail end months of March and April, as they are the hottest and wettest months on the islands. These months are not ideal for outdoor activities due to humidity and increased rainfall.

April is considered the best month to see waved Albatross birds on Isla Española. However, the summer months can be busy, filling up tours, hotels, and attractions, making it the worst time for a quiet, relaxing vacation away from tourists.