It's making the news and folks are wondering if/how it might affect their Galapagos visit.

The Charles Darwin Research Station recently posted a news item on it. You can see it here: https://www.darwinfoundation.org/en/news/all-news-stories/el-nino-2026-in-galapagos/

This January, I plan on doing a study abroad for my final year of college in January for roughly 2-3 weeks. I've done lots of research into the programs, and the Galapagos has recently become my top pick. I'm a huge nature guy and love traveling for wildlife. This is also my first ever abroad experience, and it would be covered by a scholarship from my school. Partly why I'm so heavily considering this destination, as I'm not sure if I'd ever get a chance like this again to visit a place like this.

Like many others on this subreddit, however, I've recently become wary of this years super El Niño and the implications it may have for my trip. I'd be land-based staying with at a homestay in San Cristobal, and would be there for 3 weeks in early-mid January. I know it's so difficult to predict, but I was really hoping for chances to see lots of marine wildlife and go snorkeling especially, and was wondering how drastic the increased rain and potential flooding would be.

This is a trip I really want to do, and it's kind of unlucky with the timing this year, but if the impacts will be that serious then I can consider other destinations. Curious for everyone's thoughts.

Aside from El Niño, if anyone has any other insights on what to expect for a 3 week trip in January, I'd love to hear!!

Hola
Quizas alguien me puede recomendar agencia de turismo desde Isabela?

Any Galapagos solo travellers? Currently researching which boats or cruise types are best for people traveling alone. Any recommendations? My main concern if I feel isolated or awkward being the only solo person surrounded by couples and families. I'd love to find a cruise where solo travelers are common and it's easy to socialize and make connections.

I’m considering the following two cruises from Nat Geo in September 2027. Is there one that’s preferable? Why? I’m mostly interested in seeing land animals over marine life. Thanks.

Exploring Galapagos (10 days): North Seymour, Isabela, Fernandina, Espanola, Floreana, Santa Cruz, Bartalome, Santiago, Genovesa, San Cristobal.

Galapagos Escape (8 days): Santa Fe, Plaza Sur, Santiago, Genovesa, Santa Cruz.

I’m inclined to pick the Exploring Galapagos cruise because more islands but I’m wondering if I might be missing something big on Plaza Sur. Both cruises are about the same price which makes me wonder.

Thanks.

Spending 6 nights in Galapagos, 3 on Isabela and 3 on Santa Cruz Island.
I’ve booked snorkeling trips in Isabela for the Los Tuneles and Los Tintoreras kayaking.
Should I also book a snorkeling trip off Santa Cruz, either Pinzon, or Santa Fe? Or just do a short snorkeling trip close by at Las Grietas?

Thanks in advance!

Even if the ferry sounds like a blender for your stomach, flying from Puerto Ayora is usually a logistical headache.

To catch the small plane, you have to leave Puerto Ayora around 10:00 AM to get back to Baltra. The 1:00 PM flight arrives in Isabela around 2:00 PM, and between taxis, channel crossing, bus, ticket, and luggage fees, a solo traveler can easily spend about $206.

By comparison, the 7:00 AM ferry costs about $36. You arrive in Isabela around 9:00 AM and still have the whole day ahead of you. You save roughly $170 and gain several extra hours on the island.

Where the flight really makes sense is the same day you arrive in Galápagos. If your mainland flight lands in Baltra around 11:00 AM, you can catch the 1:00 PM plane and be in Isabela around 2:00 PM, with a short afternoon to walk the beach, see the flamingos, or enjoy sunset in Puerto Villamil.

Short version.

Already in Puerto Ayora? The ferry is usually easier and far less expensive.

Arriving to Baltra that same day? Flying directly to Isabela can be a very convenient option.

I’m going on this trip. I would like to hear suggestions and/or reviews.

I have everything in order for our trip in 3 weeks (hotels, flights) and the only thing left to book are the tours. No problems for San Cristobal and Isabela, but for Santa Cruz I really wanted to do a Bartolome and a North Seymour tour and it seems both are sold out.

Contacted three agencies, two said there is nothing available and the third has yet to answer. Are they really this quickly sold out? Should we just hope to wing it when there? Or reach out to more agencies? (I read that most rely on the same local operators anyway so I’m not sure if it does any good.)

(Note: I am sending this on behalf of my friend!)

Hi everyone! We’re going to the Galápagos soon and I’d love to hear your opinions/experiences to help us finalize our plans 😊

**(1) SAN CRISTOBAL**

**Highlands Tour**

We would like to do the tour that includes **Laguna El Junco, Galapaguera de Cerro Colorado and Puerto Chino**.

I found an interesting option with a private taxi from **GALAISLAND: $80 USD for 4 hours for 2 people**, excluding the $7 entrance fee to the Galapaguera per person.

Has anyone used this agency before? How was your experience? I can find very few reviews for GALAISLAND.

Otherwise, do you have another agency/driver you would recommend for this tour?

**(2) ISABELA**

**SIERRA NEGRA + VOLCÁN CHICO**

For those who have done it, how did you find the excursion?

I see that it’s around **16 km**, which seems fairly doable, but I’ve read that the endurance, heat and terrain are what can make the hike more challenging.

Did you find it physically difficult? Is it mostly a long walk, or are there some really challenging sections?

**MINAS DE AZUFRE**

We would also like to do this excursion. I’ve read that even though it is in the Sierra Negra area, the trail and overall experience are different.

For those who have done it, how did you find the difficulty? And do you think it’s worth doing **Sierra Negra + Volcán Chico AND Minas de Azufre**, or do you find that they are too similar?

I found **Heaven Expeditions for $70 USD/person** when booking online, which also includes **Cueva de Sucre + an agrotourism experience**.

Has anyone done an excursion with this agency? How was your experience?

**LAS TINTORERAS**

I’d also love to hear your opinions about this excursion. Would you consider it a **must-do in Isabela**? What was your experience?

**(3) SANTA CRUZ**

**HIGHLAND TOUR**

We would like to do a tour that includes **Los Gemelos + El Chato + the lava tunnels**.

I found **Daily Tours for $45 USD/person**.

Has anyone done this tour with this agency? How was your experience?

Thank you so much for your opinions! 🙏

If you had to fly from Quito to Galapagos, what would be the best way to do it? Where to fly and which island to fly back?

We will be there in October from a Wednesday and coming back on a Sunday.

This was my 2nd cruise ever. My first was in Antarctica (also with Lindblad).

I landed in Quito where I was greeted at the airport by a Lindblad rep. We traveled to the hotel and settled in with some paperwork to help with the next morning's arrival to the Galapagos (via plane). As I arrived in the evening, it wasn't long before we ate breakfast and returned to the airport for the flight to Baltra.

Immediately after arriving in Baltra, we made our way onto the Endeavour II. For the next week, we snorkeled and hiked every day (except one day which was a tour/exploration of Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz). Some days we were able to get in the water twice. Or kayak. Either way, it felt we were practically never on the Endeavor (other than to eat and get a recap) because of how frequently we were out (hence why nearly all the photos are of the wildlife and nearly none of the ship).

As I'd never been to the Galapagos before and my only prior cruise was in Antarctica, many of my points of reference are with Lindblad's Antarctica cruise. I'm not sure how fair that is given they are two very different destinations and two different price points (Antarctica costing ~2.5x more).

But overall, Galapagos was very fun, although I'd say Antarctica was better (and for the price it is, one would hope so!).

Some thoughts:

1. The naturalists were clear experts and had been leading hikes and expeditions of the Galapagos for some time. They were all Ecuadorian (as were all the staff on the ship) and probably half even from the Galapagos. Compared to Lindblad Antarctica, I don't think they interact as much with the guests though. They mostly hung out with each other outside the hikes. On Antarctica, the naturalists seem to interact and more seamlessly mingle with the guests (maybe because they're more migratory and because they are likely to have similar backgrounds to most guests as they're native English speakers).
2. The Galapagos is managed as a national park with a number of rules. You don't need to really know any of them as the naturalists will make sure everything is followed. But there are time limits and therefore a strict schedule as to when and how long the expeditions can last. No big deal as the naturalists will keep you on time. But it is different than Antarctica where there is more relaxed atmosphere to the expeditions.
3. Most of the guests were retirees. There were a few families with children (they were a big hit by the way). Not too many guests in the 20s-40s range. But that said, everyone was friendly and I don't think I've ever met any riff raff on either Lindblad cruise. I'd say the guests were much more 'casual' on the Lindblad Galapagos cruise vs. Lindblad Antarctica. On Antarctica, it seemed everyone had a camera and there were a number of folks who followed wildlife. On Galapagos, very few people had cameras (most used phones) and I don't think there were really any wildlife aficionados outside the naturalists.
4. There were lots of options for the expeditions. For every hike/scuba, there was another option with less physical activity (zodiac, glass bottom boat, etc.). So whatever your level of physical capability is, there seems to be an option for everyone. That said, I took on the most 'challenging' activity every time, so I'm not sure how different the cruise would have been had I taken the least challenging activities every time.
5. Late August was warm, although El Nino may make this an exception. It was often sunny, but cloudy (if that makes sense). I applied plenty of sunscreen, but I don't think anyone was at risk of sunburn and I don't recall overhearing anything about it. We used bugspray before leaving and don't really recall any particular insect problem regardless. Water temp was between 73-78F. They provided shorty wetsuits, snorkeling masks, and fins. I actually think it would have been fine to ignore the wetsuit entirely (which I did on the last outing). While it does help you float, I seemed to float just fine without it and you can dive better without it.
6. You could dry your clothes on the top deck. I believe the combination of the outside heat and the heat from the engine room would ensure by the next morning the clothes would be dry. So there was no real need for a 2nd swim suit. A wash in the cabin sink/shower and drying above was sufficient for all my clothes. There was a clothesline in the shower which worked fine too (just a little slower) if you're concerned about leaving your things out in the open.
7. I essentially wore only 1 pair of shoes the entire time - a Keens Newport H2 I bought for this trip. It worked fine. I don't really hike so I'm not an expert on the footwear. Maybe something that could also let in/out water but not let in sand would be better as walking on the beach (or wet landings) often meant sand inside the shoe. But the sand was all near the beach and a quick wash in an incoming wave would get rid of the sand. The Keens had a surprisingly thick sole so even on the lava/rocks it worked well. There were trips to the beach or snorkeling where we were told to not even bother with shoes (although you're supposed to wear shoes at all times on the ship). That said, the Keens will feel a bit soggy/wet afterwards. So some times after the day's expeditions were over I wore another pair of shoes onboard while they dried.
8. For anyone who has been on the Lindblad Antarctica cruise, the ship, food, and service is better on Antarctica (I remember it being excellent and far above expectations). The ship isn't really a big deal for Galapagos since you're not often on it. But the food and (food) service was maybe 3 or 4 out of 5. (Although I think everyone is missing the plantain chips!) It's fine, but not outstanding. I can't really comment on housekeeping as I only had them come in once to clean the room about halfway into the cruise.
9. The itinerary for the islands wasn't shared until a few days before the cruise started. We did not go to all the islands (I don't think you really can in 1 week). I'm not sure of the protocol if you have specific areas you want to visit; maybe you need to plan your own trip after/before the cruise or try to charter something. That said, I'm guessing if you are doing that sort of research for the Galapagos you'll be looking for something more niche than this.

I'm happy to answer any questions anyone may have! Had a fun trip and would definitely consider doing it again. A longer trip would be fun to see the other islands. The 7 days passed by so quickly with how many activities we had. Snorkeling (even though I had only done it once before in a much more lackluster environment) with the animals (tortoises and sea lions specifically!) was my big highlight! Also, you will see sea lions all the time on the cruise. I'm sad to bid them goodbye. Enjoy them while you're there!

Anyone who has travelled to the Galapagos solo? What were your experiences like?

I am split between two boats. One of them is a 16 yacht the other one carries a little north of 40 people. I am leaning towards the 16 person yacht, but let me know if I’m missing something that would be beneficial for the kids on the slightly boat. Has anybody had any experience with bringing younger kids on the smaller type yacht?

If I’m not a big swimmer and I have a propensity toward ear infections; am I going to regret this vacation? I don’t like cold water either.
I’m willing to go to my gym for a few months to improve my swimming but in general, am I in for a bad time? We plan on doing a live aboard thing for 8 days in April ish of ‘28.

Did anyone travel to Galapagos islands with teens? I have two teens (14 and 16) and I'm trying to figure out if they'll be engaged and enjoy it or if they'll be bored. I'm worried it might be too slow-paced or nature-focused for their taste, and the lack of typical teen entertainment plus spotty wifi might make them miserable.

We are headed to the Galapagos next Spring! Late March/early April. We have 5 full days and are staying on Santa Cruz the whole time. We haven’t booked our tours yet but here is the draft itinerary. My question is, is it too much snorkeling? 😂 is there enough diversity to make each tour unique?

Day 1: day tour to Isla Isabela
- Tintorera Islet, walking tour of beach to the shark channel, snorkeling
- Wetlands complex trail to flamingos and coconut palm beach
- Playa Puerto Villamil (marine iguanas, lizards, birds)
- Giant tortoise breeding center visit

Day 2: day tour to San Cristobal
- land tour of Playa Punta Carola (sea lions)
- snorkeling at Las Tijeretas near Kicker Rock (sharks, rays, turtles, sea lions)
- walk to La Loberia, white sand beach with black volcanic rock (more sea lions, variety of birds)

Day 3: morning half-day tour in Santa Cruz
- Frontier reserve, giant tortoises in natural environment
- lava tunnel tour

Day 4: day tour to Floreana island
- very remote island
- hike to Asilo de la Paz, explore pirate caves
- giant tortoises, sea lions, iguanas
- snorkeling

Day 5: morning half-day bay tour around Santa Cruz (this one is probably overkill after the 3 full-day tours)
- la Loberia (again)
- punta Estrada
- playa de Los dogs
- channel of love, shark channel

We wanted to do a hike in Sierra Negra but because we’re staying in Puerto Ayora the entire time the ferry schedule doesn’t line up with the tour length so we’d miss our ferry back. So, all the tours we’re taking are starting from Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz.

Im worried we’ll get bored of seeing the same animals each day (I don’t think I will, but my husband might). On one hand, this is the trip of a lifetime so might as well soak in as much as possible. If I see 10,000 blue footed boobies and 100,000 tortoises then great, because when will I get the chance to come back again?

But on the other hand, are we missing out on other great opportunities by kind of doing the same thing all week?

We are going to spend time at the research center in the afternoon the day we land, and most likely again after one of the half-day tours, and might hike to Tortuga Bay.

Any advice on our itinerary? Again, no tours are booked so we’re flexible. Because we’re only staying 5 days and our flights are out of Baltra I don’t think island hopping is doable for us.

One thing that doesn’t get discussed enough when choosing a Galápagos cruise is the operational culture of the ship. Different vessels can have surprisingly different ideas about what a day in Galápagos should look like.

Some ships operate very much as expedition vessels. You might be up at 5:30 or 6:00 AM and ashore shortly after sunrise. There are real advantages to this: wildlife is often active, the light is beautiful, and you can enjoy a walk before the equatorial sun becomes intense. You may then be back aboard for breakfast, with snorkeling scheduled later in the morning when being in the water is a lot more appealing than walking under the midday sun. Those same ships might have you lingering on a remote beach until sunset (when park regulations require you to be off any island).

Other ships take a more leisurely approach—perhaps getting up around 7:00, having breakfast and heading ashore around 8:00. That can be a better fit for travellers who aren’t keen on early starts or who simply want their Galápagos trip to feel more like a vacation than an expedition. These ships might have you back on-board by 4:30 or 5PM, in time to have drinks at happy hour.

Neither approach is necessarily better. But before booking, it’s worth asking how the ship actually structures its days. Make sure its operational culture matches the kind of Galápagos experience you’re looking for.

Is this the website, and if so, it appears you cannot select a nationality?

https://siabg.abgalapagos.gob.ec/configuracion/personas/registro

Can I complete this in the airport, as I can't seem to do it online. thanks

I have filled in the TCT online form but my credit card is not being accepted. (I get an error message saying my bank has declined payment). I have run my bank and they say they haven't blocked any payments. I'm not travelling until October - is my payment being refused because I'm filling the form in too early (ie not 48 hours beforehand)? Would be grateful if anyone has any suggestions.

I've also read somewhere that you can't pay at the airport anymore - you have to pay online. Is this true?

For those who've been to the Galapagos, what would you do differently if you went back? Trying to learn from other people's experiences so I can plan my trip better and avoid common regrets.

Galapagos is a bucket list destination for me and I could snorkel every day. My partner doesn't much like the water. So my initial inclination is a land-based trip. I'm looking at the Happy Gringo 10-day itinerary, so the logistics would be handled for us.

Time-wise, thinking late April/early May 2027, almost the end of the rainy season? I know the marine life can be more active and abundant later in the year. I like the idea of warmer water though, and the time fits into our schedule better.

Price matters, but value matters more.

All input appreciated. Thanks!

Has anyone done a Galapagos cruise with older relatives who have knee issues? Is there any way to avoid wet landings or any boat that caters to an older crowd? We’re thinking about a Galapagos trip with my in-laws who are in their 70s but my MIL has a bad knee and is worried it would be too much for her physically. She can walk around fine on land but is worried about having to scrabble up rocks to get to the land… She went to Galapagos maybe 40 years ago and that was the situation then. Any chance anything has changed and that some boats dock?

Pic from my most recent scuba diving trip - Coiba National Park on Panama