Updated September 2026 by our local guides in Quito.

The Summit Trail and Pinnacle Rock View

The summit trail on Bartolomé is a wooden boardwalk of roughly 372 steps that climbs about 600 m to the island’s highest point, 114 m above the sea. At the top, the classic view over Pinnacle Rock and Sullivan Bay is one of the most recognizable images of the Galápagos Islands.

The boardwalk winds through a lunar landscape of volcanic cones, spatter and ash, with almost no vegetation. The Galápagos National Park built the stairs to stop visitors eroding the loose volcanic slopes, so staying on them is mandatory.

Most people reach the top in 20–40 minutes with photo stops. The steps are steep in places but there are rest platforms, and our guides stop to explain the geology along the way. There is no shade, so the morning climb is far more comfortable than midday.

Pinnacle Rock itself is a volcanic plug of thin basalt layers, eroded into the pointed tower you see in every postcard. It also starred in the 2003 film Master and Commander, which is why it looks familiar.

How does a Bartolomé Island day tour from Santa Cruz work?

A Bartolomé day tour starts with a hotel pickup in Puerto Ayora, a drive across Santa Cruz to the Itabaca Channel, and a boat ride of about 2 hours each way. Bartolomé cannot be visited on your own; every visit is with a licensed naturalist guide on an authorized boat.

Exact timings depend on the boat, sea conditions and the park’s visitor schedule, which assigns each boat a time slot at the site. Some operators land at Sullivan Bay on Santiago instead of adding a second snorkel.

Snorkeling Near Pinnacle Rock

Snorkeling near Pinnacle Rock is the best chance on any day tour from Santa Cruz to swim with Galápagos penguins. The waters around the rock are also home to white-tip reef sharks, sea turtles, rays, sea lions and colorful reef fish.

Visibility is usually good but currents can pick up off the point, so stay with your guide and wear a life vest or float if you are not a confident swimmer. The sandy beach next to Pinnacle Rock is an easier entry for beginners.

Snorkel gear comes with most tours. Wetsuits are often extra; on our Bartolomé tour the wetsuit is not included, and rentals in Puerto Ayora cost around $10 per day. From June to November we recommend one.

Wildlife You Might See

The wildlife highlight on Bartolomé is the Galápagos penguin, the only penguin that lives on the equator, which keeps a small breeding colony in a cave behind Pinnacle Rock. Sightings are common but never guaranteed.

Beyond penguins, keep an eye out for sea lions, marine iguanas, Sally Lightfoot crabs, blue-footed boobies and frigatebirds. Green sea turtles nest on the northern beach, and on the boat ride you may spot dolphins or, in the cool season, whales.

The volcanic terrain also supports pioneer plant species adapted to the harsh, dry environment, such as lava cactus and the gray Tiquilia shrubs that grow in the ash.

Sullivan Bay

Sullivan Bay, the channel between Bartolomé and Santiago, is covered by a huge black pahoehoe lava flow, usually dated to the late 1890s. From the summit you see it spreading across Santiago’s coast; some tours also walk on it, where the ropey lava patterns and tiny pioneer plants are easy to see up close.

Best Time to Visit

Bartolomé can be visited year-round, and the calmest seas and warmest, clearest water usually come in the warm season from December to May. Older versions of this guide said the garúa season brings calmer seas; that is the reverse of what our guides see.

From June to November the Humboldt Current cools the water and the southeast trade winds make the boat ride rougher. The upside is more marine life, as the cooler, nutrient-rich water feeds fish, penguins and sea lions.

For a month-by-month breakdown, read our best time to visit the Galápagos guide.

What to Bring

For a Bartolomé day tour, bring sturdy shoes for the boardwalk climb, sun protection and anything you need for a full day on a boat.

• Sturdy sandals or trainers for the dry landing and 372 steps
• Reef-safe sunscreen, a hat with a strap and sunglasses
• Swimsuit, quick-dry towel (our tour provides towels) and a change of clothes
• Snorkel gear if you prefer your own fit (gear is provided), and a wetsuit from June to November
• Seasickness tablets, a refillable water bottle and a light windbreaker
• A camera, ideally waterproof or with a dry bag

Our full Ecuador packing list covers the rest of your Galápagos bag, including what you cannot fly in.

What are the rules for visiting Bartolomé Island?

Bartolomé is a Galápagos National Park visitor site, so you must go with a licensed naturalist guide, stay on the marked trail and keep your distance from wildlife.

• Stay on the boardwalk and marked paths at all times.
• Keep at least 2 m from animals, never touch or feed them, and do not use flash.
• No food, smoking or drones on the island, and take everything you bring back to the boat.
• Do not touch or stand on coral or rocks when snorkeling, and do not chase penguins or turtles in the water.

Before you get to Santa Cruz you need to pay the entry costs. As of 2026 the Galápagos National Park charges USD 200 for foreign visitors over 12 (USD 100 for under 12s, USD 100 for adults from CAN and Mercosur countries), paid in cash on arrival at Baltra or San Cristóbal. The USD 20 transit control card is bought at the Quito or Guayaquil airport before check-in.

Since January 2026 the biosecurity sworn declaration is digital only: register on the ABG (Galápagos Biosecurity Agency) SIABG system, ideally 72 hours before you fly, and show the QR code at inspection.

How much does a Bartolomé Island tour cost in 2026?

A Bartolomé day tour from Santa Cruz costs from USD 310 per person with us in 2026, and prices across Puerto Ayora range from roughly $250 to $500 depending on the boat. It is one of the most expensive Galápagos day trips because of the long crossing and limited park permits.

If Bartolomé is out of budget, North Seymour is a shorter, cheaper day trip with blue-footed boobies and frigatebirds. See our island hopping vs cruise guide to decide how to structure the whole trip.

Visit it on our Bartolomé Island day tour, or see all our Galápagos day tours, including North Seymour.

Related guides

• Things to do in the Galápagos Islands
• Best time to visit the Galápagos in 2026
• Island hopping vs cruise-based tours
• How much a trip to Ecuador costs in 2026
• Ecuador travel facts 2026

Plan it with us

Want help fitting Bartolomé into a Galápagos trip? Visit our office at Pedro Fermín Cevallos N6-78 y Olmedo in Quito, message us on WhatsApp at +593 97 953 3832, or email info@communitytravel.ec. We will check availability and current prices for your dates.

Frequently asked questions

Het bericht Bartolome Island: Hiking Pinnacle Rock and Snorkeling with Penguins verscheen eerst op Community Adventures Ecuador.

Updated September 2026 by the Community Adventures team in Quito.

We send travelers to the islands every week of the year, mostly on budget island hopping trips based in Santa Cruz, Isabela and San Cristóbal. We hear what every month actually feels like on the boat and in the water. This guide gives you the two seasons, a month-by-month table, the best month for each animal you want to see, and our honest advice on when island hopping is easier (and cheaper).

What are the two seasons in the Galápagos?

The Galápagos sit on the equator, so there is no winter or summer in the usual sense. Instead, ocean currents control the weather, and they split the year into two seasons with short transition periods in between (roughly May and December).

Warm and wet season (December to May)

From around December, the cold currents weaken and warmer water flows in from the north. The air gets hot and humid, the sun is strong, and short tropical downpours arrive, usually in the afternoon. Most days are still sunny. March is typically the hottest and rainiest month. The dry lowlands turn green, and the sea is at its calmest and clearest.

• Air temperature: about 22–31°C (72–88°F)
• Water temperature: about 24–26°C (75–79°F)
• Sea: generally calm, good visibility, easy wet landings and speedboat crossings

Cool and dry “garúa” season (June to November)

From around June, southeast trade winds strengthen and the cold, nutrient-rich Humboldt Current takes over. A low gray mist called garúa hangs over the islands, bringing drizzle to the highlands while the coast stays dry. The sea gets choppier, especially July to September. That cold water is full of food, which is why marine life is at its busiest.

• Air temperature: about 19–26°C (66–79°F)
• Water temperature: about 19–23°C (66–73°F), and colder in the west around Isabela and Fernandina
• Sea: choppier, stronger currents, more swell on open crossings

Galápagos weather and wildlife: month-by-month table

Averages below are for the coastal towns (Puerto Ayora, Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, Puerto Villamil) and vary a bit from year to year, especially in El Niño or La Niña years. Crowd and price notes reflect what we see as a local agency as of 2026.

Temperature ranges compiled from long-term averages published by Galápagos operators and the Galápagos Conservation Trust.

What is the Galápagos like each month?

December and January

The warm season kicks in, the islands start to turn green and the sea is calm. Early December is one of the quietest, best-value times of the year. From about December 20 to the first days of January, prices and demand jump for Christmas and New Year, and hotels on Santa Cruz fill up. Mid-January onward is excellent for snorkeling with green sea turtles, which come ashore to nest.

February and March

The warmest water of the year and the calmest sea. This is the easiest time for beginners and families to snorkel, and speedboat crossings between islands are at their smoothest. Waved albatrosses begin to return to Española in late March.

April and May

If we had to pick one window, it would be here. The rain eases, the water is still warm and clear, the islands are green, and wildlife is busy: albatross courtship on Española, turtle and land iguana hatchlings, and blue-footed boobies starting their dance on North Seymour. May is a transition month with fewer visitors, so it is often a very good deal.

June and July

The garúa season arrives. Days are cooler and great for hiking the Sierra Negra volcano on Isabela or the Santa Cruz highlands, where giant tortoises start moving down toward the lowlands to nest. The sea gets livelier, whales and dolphins show up more often, and seabird colonies are loud and busy. July is peak season for North American and European families, so book flights and hotels well ahead.

August and September

The coolest, roughest months, but also the richest underwater. Sea lion pups appear on the beaches, and Galápagos penguins are at their most active around Bartolomé and Isabela. September is usually the cheapest month of the year and the quietest.

October and November

The sea begins to settle and visibility improves, while the water is still cool enough to keep the marine life active. Curious sea lion pups swim right up to snorkelers. November, apart from US Thanksgiving week, is a quiet, underrated month with a nice mix of both seasons.

What is the best month to visit the Galápagos for each activity?

Most animals are present all year; what changes is their breeding stage. Here is the short list we give our own travelers.

A note on Darwin and Wolf

Whale sharks and the famous hammerhead schools of Darwin and Wolf are one of the world’s great dives, and they peak in the cool season. But these islands are far to the north, have no visitor sites on land and are reached only on liveaboard dive cruises of about a week, usually for divers with advanced certification and plenty of logged dives. You cannot reach them on an island hopping trip or from a town dive shop. On a budget, day dives at Kicker Rock or Gordon Rocks are the realistic alternative.

A note on the albatross and Española

The waved albatross nests almost entirely on Española, mainly at Punta Suárez, according to the Galápagos Conservancy. The birds arrive around late March to April and leave by December, so a January to March trip will miss them completely. Española is reached by cruise or on a long day trip from San Cristóbal. If albatrosses are a must for you, tell us early so we can build San Cristóbal into your route.

Read our full guide to hiking Pinnacle Rock and snorkeling with penguins on Bartolomé for what the day actually looks like.

When is the best time for budget island hopping?

Island hopping means sleeping in hotels in the towns and moving between islands on public speedboats, which is how most budget travelers see the Galápagos. If you are still deciding between that and a boat, our comparison of island hopping vs cruise-based tours lays out the trade-offs. Season matters more for island hoppers than for cruise passengers, for two reasons.

Sea crossings are rougher from June to November

The speedboats between Santa Cruz and Isabela or San Cristóbal take about two hours on open water. From December to May the ride is usually fine. From June to November, and especially July to September, the swell can make it a hard, bumpy ride, and some people get seasick. If you are prone to it, take motion sickness tablets before you board, sit at the back of the boat, and avoid a big breakfast.

Prices follow the holidays, not the weather

Flights and hotels are most expensive over Christmas and New Year, Easter week (Semana Santa), Carnival, and the July to August summer holidays. The cheapest windows are usually May, September to November and the first half of December. Keep in mind that the fixed costs do not change with the season: the Galápagos National Park entry fee is $200 for foreign adults (since August 2024, see the official park fee page) and the transit control card is $20, whatever month you come.

Does the weather change by island?

Yes, a little. The western islands, Isabela and Fernandina, sit in the path of the cold Cromwell Current, so their water is cooler all year. That is why penguins and flightless cormorants live there, and why a wetsuit is useful on Isabela even in the warm season. The eastern islands, like San Cristóbal and Española, tend to be slightly warmer and drier.

Altitude also matters. On Santa Cruz, San Cristóbal and Isabela, the highlands are greener, wetter and cooler than the coast. In the garúa season you can leave a dry, sunny Puerto Ayora and find mist and drizzle among the tortoises 20 minutes up the road. The small, low, flat islands such as North Seymour, Plazas and Bartolomé stay dry for most of the year. For ideas on what to do on each island, see our list of things to do in the Galápagos Islands.

What should you pack for each season?

The basics are the same year-round: reef-safe sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, polarized sunglasses, a refillable bottle, sandals for wet landings, sturdy shoes for lava trails and a small dry bag. Then adjust by season:

• December to May: light, quick-dry clothes, a rain jacket or poncho for short showers, extra sunscreen, and insect repellent for the highlands.
• June to November: a fleece or light jacket for evenings, boat rides and the misty highlands, a windbreaker, and seasickness tablets. Plan on a wetsuit for snorkeling (rentable on the islands).

If you are combining the islands with the Andes or the Amazon, our complete Ecuador packing list covers every region in one bag.

Honestly, the best time to visit the Galápagos is when you can go. The wildlife is there every month and it is not shy.

Plan it with us

We are a Quito-based team of Ecuadorian guides, and we plan Galápagos island hopping trips year-round with realistic advice on seasons, crossings and costs. Tell us your dates and what you most want to see, and we will suggest the right islands and tours. Message us on WhatsApp at +593 97 953 3832, email info@communitytravel.ec, or visit our office at Pedro Fermín Cevallos N6-78 y Olmedo in Quito’s Old Town.

Frequently asked questions

Quick reference: Ecuador travel facts and figures 2026 · Ecuador travel glossary · About Community Adventures Ecuador

Het bericht Best Time to Visit the Galápagos Islands (2026): Month-by-Month Guide verscheen eerst op Community Adventures Ecuador.

Updated September 2026 by our local guides in Quito: we refreshed the cost ranges, added the 2024 park fee increase, and summarized the differences in one table.

Planning a trip to the Galapagos Islands can be daunting and full of questions — one of the main ones being, should I island-hop, or cruise? We put together a handy guide to help you answer this question so you can move onto getting excited about your upcoming adventure!

There are two sides to every story, and there are two ways of exploring the Galapagos Islands: by island-hopping and by cruise. Travelers are commonly paralyzed by these options, and rightly so — if you’ve never been to the Galapagos, how are you supposed to know how you should experience them? Let’s be clear about what the difference is between these two in the first place. Island-hopping (also referred to as land-based) means you’ll be staying at hotels on the main islands, and doing day trips (‘hopping’) from there. A cruise involves you travelling on a boat during the duration of your trip, and the boat being your base for all activities (lodging, meals, excursions, etc.).

While we hope this guide is thorough, any well-planned trip involves your own research and having a clear idea of the kind of Galapagos experience you’re after. So, our biggest recommendation as you decide is to do your homework on the islands and the wildlife, and map out what your priorities are — this will be the main driver behind the type of tour you choose. It all comes down to a matter of preference, so knowing what you want is key. Finally, keep in mind that careful planning is especially important during Galapagos high seasons, which are: 1) the last two weeks of April, 2) July to mid-September, and 3) the last two weeks of December.  For cruises, the months of May and November are also considered high season, since many boats are on deck receiving maintenance.

Below, we break down the main differences between each type of tour: cost, accomodation, flexibility, range of visit (including wildlife sightings), activities, duration of trip, and overall comfort. To make the differences even more clear, we go into further detail (including pros and cons) in the last part of this guide. We hope this is as handy for you as it has been for all our travelers!

The main differences:

Cost: The cheaper option is definitely island-hopping. The all-inclusive nature of cruises makes their rates higher and less flexible. That said, the variety of cruises do suit different budgets, but even your cheapest option will be comparable or more expensive than an island-hopping itinerary. Island-hopping allows you to be more flexible with your budget, as you can choose which excursions and activities to engage in, and where to stay for any given day. For reference, a 5-day cruise can go anywhere from $ 2,000 – $ 4,000, while a 5-day island-hopping tour ranges from $ 900 – $ 2,500.

Accommodation: The biggest difference here is that for cruises, your lodging (including meals!) will be on the boat, whereas for island-hopping you will stay at a hotel on one of the main islands. Lodging options on the islands range from hostels to high-end hotels, so again, island-hopping has more flexibility built into it. Cruises usually include the following accommodation categories: Luxury, First Class, Tourist Superior, and Tourist (and the main difference between these is of course, space and comfort). If you’re particular about space, be sure to inquire about specifics for your boat.

Flexibility: Simply put, cruises lack flexibility and independence, whereas island-hopping is fully dependent on them. When you book a cruise, you book a package deal — your schedule, excursions, and activities are pre-determined for you (and if you want to take the hassle out of planning, this can be a good thing!). With a cruise, the only thing you’ll get to decide is its duration. With island-hopping, you get to choose where to stay, what to do, when to do it, and at what pace (although it may take more planning on your end!)

Range of visit (islands and wildlife): The Galapagos archipelago consists of 13 major islands, 5 medium-sized islands, and 215 islets. That’s a lot of ground to cover! And you’ll get to see a lot more of it (including wildlife) by cruise. Cruises do most of their travel by night, so you’ll get to reach more remote areas that otherwise cannot be reached by day tour. Additionally, some places are strictly accessible to cruise boats. Island-hopping means you’ll remain mainly on the three main islands (Santa Cruz, San Cristobal, and Isabela), and your visits to other islands are limited to those that can be reached during the day.

Activities: Island-hopping offers a wider range of activities than cruises, and these activities tend to be more active and adventurous. Island-hopping gives you an opportunity to do a little bit of both, and to choose how adventurous you want the activity to be. The activities that are more available to island-hoppers are: hiking, cycling, surfing, kayaking, scuba diving, and snorkeling. Cruise-based excursions tend to be wildlife-focused, and you have more limited time for activities on land (such as hiking). They don’t include as wide a range because of scheduling limitations, but also because activities have to accommodate all passengers (and not everyone has the same comfort level or physical ability to participate).

Trip duration: Typically, cruises are 4,5,6,8, or 15 days long (there are very few in between). For reference, a semi-loop of the archipelago is 8 days, and a full loop is 15 days (but these terms can mean different things for each travel company, so be sure to ask about that). Island-hopping allows you to be more flexible in choosing the duration, although most agencies have set itineraries that you can request to customize if you so wish. Another thing to consider is that cruises do maximize your range of visit on a shorter time frame — that is, you’ll get to see significantly more on a 4-day cruise than on a 4-day island-hopping tour.

Want to island hop on a budget? See our 5-day Galapagos island hopping tour and our other Galapagos packages.

Should you choose island hopping or a cruise in 2026?

Choose island hopping if your budget is under about $2,500 per person, you get seasick easily at night, you want free time on beaches and in town, or you plan to dive or surf. You will see sea lions, turtles, penguins, marine iguanas, giant tortoises and blue-footed boobies without a cruise.

Choose a cruise if you have more budget than time and want remote sites like Genovesa or Fernandina. Book 8 days if you can, since the price per day is usually lower than on short cruises, and check whether your cabin is on a catamaran if you worry about motion.

Either way, fly into Baltra or San Cristóbal from Quito or Guayaquil (round trips usually $350–600), buy the $20 transit card at the airport and carry cash for the park fee. Our Galápagos on a budget guide has a full cost breakdown.

Related guides

• Galápagos on a budget: real 2026 costs
• Best time to visit the Galápagos Islands: 2026 season-by-season guide
• Things to do in the Galápagos Islands
• Galápagos Islands: what they are and how to visit
• How much does a trip to Ecuador cost in 2026?

Plan it with us

Our office is at Pedro Fermín Cevallos N6-78 y Olmedo in Quito, next to Community Hostel, and our local team plans Galápagos trips every week. Message us on WhatsApp at +593 97 953 3832 or write to info@communitytravel.ec with your dates, and we will send current prices for flights, hotels and tours.

Frequently asked questions

Het bericht Galápagos Island Hopping vs Cruise Tours: 2026 Comparison verscheen eerst op Community Adventures Ecuador.

Updated September 2026 by our local guides in Quito: we added a table of activities with 2026 costs and best months, fixed rules that have changed (Las Grietas now needs a guide), and replaced old tour names with the trips we run today.

Planning a vacation can be an overwhelming task. When traveling to a bustling tourist location, there is never a shortage of different activities to take part in, restaurants to eat at, or sights to see. After you have completed the first task of choosing where you are going, filling up your itinerary is the natural next step. Should you happen to choose the Galápagos Islands as your destination, you can count on any number of fun, one of a kind adventures available to you and your family.

The Galápagos Islands are an archipelago of volcanic islands nestled in the Western Hemisphere in the middle of the Pacific Ocean with their closest neighbor being Ecuador. Famed naturalist Charles Darwin mused over and studied the islands incessantly because of their enormous number of unique endemic species. In fact, Darwin’s findings while on the islands heavily contributed to his groundbreaking theories on evolution thanks to the discovery of natural selection.

Galápagos Islands are Breathtakingly Beautiful

One of the biggest draws of the Galápagos Islands is that they are a stunningly beautiful natural location. Man has only inhabited the islands for a short 150 years, which has gone a long way in preserving the environmental majesty of the location. The islands boast the generally expected treasures, such as soft sandy beaches, lush green highlands, clear blue seas, and magnificent underwater communities and seascapes; but they have so much more to offer than that.

Because of the diverse geology of the islands, of which there are 61 in total, the landscapes are different in every direction that you look. You can hike from the ocean shores, to a lush, thriving forest area, then straight on up to the volcanic mountains while traveling. Because much of the land mass is covered in volcanoes, the physical geographic layout of the islands shifts constantly. While that does not bode well for the map makers, it makes the Galápagos Islands a fascinating location to visit.

The Galápagos Wildlife Should Not be Missed

As previously mentioned, Charles Darwin himself was completely enamored with the Galápagos Islands thanks to the robust wildlife that inhabited them. We have these species to thank for our current day understanding of evolution and natural selection. And while most may assume that the wildlife that lives on the Galápagos Islands is large and diverse, they would be wrong. In fact, compared to other locations in the Amazon basin, their mere 25 (or less) species of reptile is laughable as far as the Amazon is concerned, with their more than 300 reptiles.

The impressive thing about the Galápagos wildlife is that it has somehow figured out a way to endure on the isolated, harsh landscape. These animals have evolved so that they are now born with the required equipment to not only survive, but thrive, on the otherwise uninhabitable land.  Because of these nontraditional living conditions, natural selection is rife on the islands. Any new species that spawns or travels there must be ready to really want it. If they do not evolve, well, let us just say it was nice knowing them. Conversely, thanks to these remote and uninviting conditions, the Galápagos Island are one of the most pristine locations on Earth, thanks to the lack of invasive species being introduced to the ecosystems. Silver linings are everywhere.

The Galápagos Islands have no wildlife quite so prevalent as their birds, for no other reason than it was easier for birds to get there than any other species other than fish. With over 181 species of both land and sea birds, with smaller birds like finches particularly thriving, there is no shortage of bird watching opportunities available. Some other species found on the islands include Galápagos Hawks, short-eared owls, mockingbirds, and Galápagos Doves; as well as such sea birds like flamingos, frigate birds, the waved albatross, and the red-footed, Nazca, and blue-footed boobies.

There are also several fishes, marine animals, and mammals that call Galápagos home, such as sea turtles, sea lions, sharks, rays, parrot fish, sergeant-major, king angelfish, dolphins, whales, rice rats, bats, and many others.

Guided Galápagos Excursions are a Must Do

The Galápagos Islands do not mess around when it comes to their guided tours. In fact, since 1975, every visitor that steps foot on to the islands must be accompanied by their own personal certified naturalist guide. These guides must take and pass an officially mandated course, and help by not only guiding tourists, but by being the eyes and ears of the natural park service, reporting introduced species, enforcing rules, informing staff about trails that need grooming and maintenance, etc.

There are four different types of naturalist guides:

• Class one: Guides that have graduated high school and taken and passed the course.
• Class two: Guides that have spent at least four years as a class one guide and that pass an additional test.
• Class three: Guides that have a degree in tourism, biology, or another relevant field and speak at least two languages in addition to Spanish. They also must meet all class two criteria.
• Marine Reserves: Class one, two, or three guides that also are certified to guide scuba trips in the Galápagos Marine Reserve.

Your guide accompanies you on every land outing and is an expert on the local flora and fauna and wildlife. Many tourist testimonials praise their guide as one of the best parts of their trip, thanks to their endless knowledge and cheerful dispositions.

The Scuba Diving is Something You Can Never Forget

The Galápagos Islands have some of the most breathtaking underwater seascapes in the world. In the year 2000, it was named the world’s top dive site by Rodale’s Scuba Diving and has been chosen as the top spot for “Best Value,” “Best Big Animal Dive,” “Best Fish Life,” “Best Advanced Diving,” and “Healthiest Marine Environment.” If scuba diving is on your bucket list of things to do, Galápagos is the place to do it.

Experts have happily shared some tips when it comes to diving in and around the Galápagos Islands, and novice and expert divers alike would be wise to heed their advice.

• The costs of Live Aboards is the same all year long, but from April to May and September to October, airfare to and from Ecuador typically slightly decreases.
• Wolf and Darwin Islands are a must see because of the habitual sightings of enormous schools of hammerhead sharks, as well as whale sharks.
• While there is good diving to be had all year long, the best times tend to be between June and December, thanks to the presence of whales, hammerheads, rays, and other large marine animals.
• You are going to want to procure a dive package if you choose the live aboard options, because they take care of every single element of the adventure from start to finish.
  If you inquire at your hotel about combining land and diving tours, you may find more availability and accommodations.
• Dive trips and packages that are offered daily to and from Santa Cruz and San Cristobal allow divers to experience all of the diverse underwater seascapes that the Galápagos Islands have to offer.
• Gordon Rocks is an out of this world dive site as it allows the diver the opportunity to get up close and personal with Galápagos sharks, hammerheads, and rays.

Every single underwater adventure is curated and executed by your own island guide, so it is sure to be a memorable experience, one that you are not likely to soon forget or regret.

Snorkeling is Also Available for the Slightly Less Adventurous

Thanks to the healthy reef and marine life in the Galápagos Islands, one does not have to pass a test to experience the wonder of the sea. Snorkeling offers visitors a magnificent opportunity to see the unspeakable beauty of the underwater communities surrounding the islands. With only a mask and a snorkel, you have the opportunity of coming face to face with a penguin, a sea turtle, and an octopus all within the same day.

Every boat tour in the Galápagos Islands offers snorkeling opportunities, and after quickly suiting up and a quick dip in the ocean, you too can create these memories that last a lifetime. Just do not forget to bring your underwater camera!

There Are Options for Adventure Travelers

If you are one of those travelers that fancies themselves adrenaline junkies, Galápagos may just be the place for you. The islands now offer special adventure travel packages that go far beyond the typical tourist activities previously discussed above. The Galápagos active travel adventure allows visitors to horseback ride, kayak, mountain bike, or snorkel up close and personal with fearless marine life. These packages are typically a combination of land and sea adventures and offers visitors the opportunity to travel between islands via speedboat or private plane, while also partaking in their favorite adventure sports.

Some tour highlights of  Community Adventures:

Floreana Tour: Hike to the Asilo de la Paz visitors site. Snorkeling with endemic animal of the island.

Santa Fe Tour: Visit the Santa Fe cliffs. Snorkeling (Hidden Beach).

North Seymour Tour: Hike through lava pillows. Snorkeling with endemic animal of the island.

Isabela Tour: Sierra Negra Volcano Trekking.

Pinzon Tour: Snorkeling with endemic animals.

Bartolome Tour: Hiking and Snorkeling.

Galapagos Island Hopping Tours: Visit Loberia Beach on San Cristobal Island where you can go snorkeling. Visit PEace Asylum on Floreana Island and see the Giant Tortoises. Make a volcano hike mon Isabela Island and visit the Cabo Rosa Tunnels. Get to know  visit the Tintoreras Islet and visit Tortuga Bay on Santa Cruz.

More information about our Galapagos land based tours.

Island Hopping Gives You a Chance to See it All

These specialized tours give travelers the opportunity to visit and stay on up to three different islands within the area. Each tour offers different sights, experiences, adventures, and accommodations, so it is important to know what you want to see before you lock yourself into anything.

Some of the tours offered include the Galápagos full pack, the Darwin Footsteps tour, the Sea Lion expedition, the Flight of the Albatross tour, The Penguin Pursuit, the Forgotten Path and Beyond, the Cabinet of Evolution, and the Golden Finch trail. Each of these tours and expeditions includes visiting different islands, which also includes seeing different wildlife, plant life, and topography. While none of the tours are disappointing, they do not all offer the same things, so research is key.

Hotel Based Tours Help Take the Anxiety out of Planning

For those travelers who prefer a more land locked approach to their adventures, hotel-based tours are a great option. These tours keep you on solid ground while still offering day trips to different islands so that your travel experience is a rich and diverse one. These tours also offer more freedom as to what islands you see and when you see them.

Travel services in the Galápagos islands have partnered with local communities to ensure that each tourist is receiving the best possible travel experience, while still ensuring that the splendor of the natural and fragile environment is protected. Not only do these services handle every aspect of your daily itinerary from the moment you arrive to the moment you leave, they provide you your naturalist guide so that you have the full Galápagos experience.

Some of the tours offered through the hotel programs are Treasure Quest, Galápagos Dream, Express Program, and Island Secrets. Any one of these tours would provide an exceptional tourist experience for every traveler.

The Galápagos Climate Allows for Year-Round Travel

The Galápagos Islands do not tend to reach higher than 77 degrees Fahrenheit. That is the average temperature during their warm months, which runs from December to May. Their cooler season, which runs from June to November, tends to hang right around the 72-degree mark, making it a nearly perfect vacation spot. During the warm season, the wind is still, the rain is sporadic, and there are clear, blue skies almost every single day. Whereas in the cooler months, steady, chilly winds blow in from the south and southeast, dense fog covers the islands, and there are frequent cold drizzles that typically last the better part of the day. These conditions obviously shift depending on the terrain, altitude, and general island location, as conditions are wont to do. The higher up the mountain you go, the colder it gets, it stays more humid in the forested areas, and the breeze is always stronger on the ocean.

Anyone that choose Galápagos for their vacation destination has a trip of wonder in store for them. There is so much to do and see on the islands that you better be ready to go, go, go all day, every day.

How do you plan things to do in the Galápagos in 2026?

Budget the fixed costs first. Since August 1, 2024, foreign adults pay a $200 Galápagos National Park fee, plus the $20 transit control card bought at the Quito or Guayaquil airport and $10 at the Puerto Villamil pier if you visit Isabela. Flights from mainland Ecuador usually run $350–600 round trip.

Then decide how you move. Speedboats between Santa Cruz and Isabela or San Cristóbal take 2–2.5 hours. Day tours to Bartolomé, North Seymour and the other uninhabited islands leave early from Santa Cruz and sell out in July, August and December, so book those ahead even if you keep the rest flexible.

Related guides

• Best time to visit the Galápagos Islands: 2026 season-by-season guide
• Galápagos on a budget: real 2026 costs
• Bartolomé Island: hiking Pinnacle Rock and snorkeling with penguins
• Galápagos Islands: what they are and how to visit
• The complete Ecuador packing list

Plan it with us

Our office is at Pedro Fermín Cevallos N6-78 y Olmedo in Quito, next to Community Hostel, and our local team plans Galápagos trips every week. Message us on WhatsApp at +593 97 953 3832 or write to info@communitytravel.ec with your dates, and we will send current prices for flights, hotels and tours.

Frequently asked questions

Het bericht Things to Do in the Galápagos Islands (2026 Guide) verscheen eerst op Community Adventures Ecuador.