Indirect flights are available from UK airports. Flying time is upwards of 20 hours.
Destination Highlights
British passport holders do not need a visa to visit the Galapagos Islands.
Spanish is the official language of Ecuador. However, English is widely spoken across tourist centres and on cruise ships.
The official currency of Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands is the US Dollar.
Great sample itineraries
Whether you’re looking for a Galápagos cruise or land adventures paired with a boutique hotel, we’ll have something that’s perfect for you. Get in touch today to discover more.
Luxury Cruise Galapagos Islands
In the Pacific Ocean lies the awe-inspiring 19 islands that make up the Galapagos Islands. Aboard the luxurious Isabella II…
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Honeymoons
Galapagos Islands
Galapagos Islands
Galapagos Islands
Image c/o Shutterstock
Galapagos Islands
Galapagos Islands
Image c/o Shutterstock
Image c/o Shutterstock
Galapagos Islands
Galapagos Islands
Galapagos Islands
Galapagos Islands
Galapagos Islands
Expert Tips
“Take a boat ride – with the option of a luxury yacht – to the South Plaza Island. Here, you’ll wander amongst the terrain of prickly pear cactus trees and be able to spot an abundance of land iguanas, nesting red-billed tropicbirds, swallow-tailed gulls, and fascinating island fauna.”
“While the Galápagos does have its sandy beaches, make sure you bring suitable shoes – hiking the volcanic rocks and sometimes steep terrain in flip flops can be uncomfortable and dangerous. And don’t forget to bring an underwater camera to capture some incredible pictures!”
“Snorkelling in the Galapagos is some of the best in the world – where else can you come face to face with sea lions, penguins, and marine iguanas all in one day?”
Galapagos Islands Multi-centre
For an ideal multi centre holiday in the Galapagos Islands, combine your trip with Ecuador.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How many islands make up the Galapagos?
The Galapagos Islands are composed of 18 main islands (of at least 1 square kilometre in size), as well as a number of smaller minor islands; each surounded by numerous rocks and islets and hosting its own distinct ecosystem, and unique flora and fauna.
2. How do I get to the Galapagos Islands?
There are no direct flights to the Galapagos Islands from the UK – and your preceding journey is dependent on your specific itinerary – but the likelihood is that you’ll travel to mainland Ecuador, flying into either the capital city of Quito or Guayaquil.From Quito or Guayaquil you’ll then take an onward flight to Isla San Cristobal or Isla Baltra.
3. What is the time difference between the UK and the Galapagos Islands?
The Galapagos Islands are six hours behind the UK.
4. What is the best mode of transportation in the Galapagos Islands?
Flight is the best way to get to the Galapagos Islands from Ecuador.
The best way to travel between the Galapagos Islands is by cruise ship or island-hopping boat services. Our Galapagos Islands holiday packages from the UK are tailor-made for your family and can be customised based on your requirements and preferences.
On the main islands, such as Santa Cruz, you can get around by walking, taxi or bicycle.
5. What is the food like in the Galapagos Islands?
Ecuadorian cuisine and seafood specialities are found easily on the islands. With travellers from all over the world visiting the Galapagos, many restaurants and cruise liners offer a mix of international cuisines and local favourites.
6. Which Galapagos islands are best for families?
The bigger islands, such as Santa Cruz, Isabela and San Cristobal Islands, have a range of accommodation options, plenty of land and water-based activities, and opportunities for day trips to keep children of all ages excited and engaged.
7. What kind of animals will I get to see in the Galapagos?
The Galapagos Islands are teeming with wildlife and are known for their incredible diversity of flora and fauna.
Here are some of the animals and birds you might encounter on your Galapagos Islands holidays
- Land-based animals – Galapagos tortoises, Galápagos land iguanas, Lava lizard
- Water-based animals – Marine iguanas, Sally Lightfoot crabs, Galapagos sea lions, Galapagos penguins, Green sea turtles
- Birds – Darwin’s finches, Blue-footed boobies, Frigatebirds, Flightless cormorants, Waved albatross
8. What are the top five activities to do in the Galapagos?
Holidays to the Galapagos Islands are filled with outdoor and nature-based activities. Here are our top picks –
- Meet and greet the giant tortoises of Santa Cruz Island
- Swim and laze with sea lions at La Loberia on San Cristobal Island
- Snorkel, dive and discover the island’s spectacular underwater life
- Spot wildlife as you go island hopping
- Visit the quaint town of Puerto Villamil on Isabela island, and see the Sierra Negra volcano
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