Luxury Cruise Galapagos Islands
Frequently Asked Questions
Do the Galapagos Islands have an airport?
There are no direct flights to the Galapagos Islands. Regardless of your location, all visitors will fly to either Quito or Guayaquil before taking a short two hour flight to Isla San Cristobal or Isla Baltra. This will be dependent on your itinerary.
What’s the official currency of the Galapagos Islands?
To the surprise of many, the official currency of both Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands is the US dollar. We highly recommend predominantly relying on cash throughout your visit; in addition to avoiding international withdrawal fees, it’s worth remembering cruises around the islands will stop off at remote wildlife hotspots with no access to cash machines.
Change, or lack thereof, is a common problem here, and locals will appreciate you paying in smaller denominations such as the $1 or $5 note. $20 notes are less common here, and are sometimes refused by local businesses; tourist businesses and cruise ships are more likely to accept $20 bills.
What language is spoken in the Galapagos Islands?
Spanish is the primary language spoken in both the Galapagos Islands and Ecuador, though English is also widely spoken in hotels, restaurants and bars. We recommend bringing a Spanish phrasebook for your convenience.
The Galapagos Islands cater for the adventurers, nature lovers, photographers and wildlife enthusiasts among us. Renowned for immense biodiversity, imposing volcanic landscapes and clear indigo waters teeming with exotic marine life, the islands call out to those seeking an island paradise with a difference.
Why you’ll love the Galapagos Islands…
• Snorkelling in search of surgeonfish, the elusive Moorish idol, and even sharks
• Traversing the extraordinary moon-like volcanic landscapes of the Fernandina lava fields
• Marvelling at the strange courtship rituals of the blue-footed booby
• Admiring the charming Galapagos penguins
• Taking a zodiac ride through the mangroves
• Visiting Post Office Bay and leaving handwritten, unstamped mail for the next visitor to deliver
• Strolling along the obsidian sands of Black Beach
• Exploring land once claimed by pirates at Buccaneer Cove, Santiago Island
• Discovering exotic and rare flora, such as the manzanilla ‘poison apple’ tree
• Spotting the many different species of giant Galapagos tortoises on Isabela Island
Did you know?
• The Galapagos Islands were home to the world’s last surviving Pinta Island tortoise – Lonesome George – the world’s rarest creature in the years before his passing.
• Post Office Bay dates back to the 19th century, where whalers would leave their handwritten letters in a wooden barrel for passing ships to collect and deliver on their travels. The tradition is maintained to this day – if travellers see a letter addressed to their home town or nearby, they can take it and deliver it for the writer.
• The Galapagos Islands are one of the few places on Earth to maintain a consistent 12 hours daylight throughout the year.
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