Frequently Asked Questions – FAQ
Galapagos Travel Guide
Information On Each Important Galapagos Island
Here's the top islands and visitor spots that you don't want to miss when you visit the Galapagos Islands
6-Day Galapagos Cruises
Most experts believe that an 8-day cruise is the best balance of time on the islands for the money. While shorter cruises are extremely limited in what you get to see, many people feel that two-week cruises are expensive, long, and even exhausting.
How to Charter a Luxury Yacht in Galapagos
Are you planning a Galapagos trip with a big group? Whether it’s a family reunion, a business retreat or small group project, or a special occasion like an anniversary, chartering a cruise can be a great way to share these moments with family, friends, and colleagues.
How Much Does a Galapagos Cruise Cost?
There’s no such thing as a “bad” Galapagos cruise, but it’s also definitely true that the more you pay, the more amazing your experience will be, in terms of comfort, experience, food, guides, and trip length. All cruises are all-inclusive, meaning that your ticket price includes meals onboard, lodging, and any transportation specifically listed in the itinerary
Top Galapagos Resorts, Lodges & All-Inclusive Vacations
The Galapagos Islands are home to ecologically conscious lodges and resorts that combine natural adventures and relaxing beachside.
Information On Each Important Galapagos Island
Here's the top islands and visitor spots that you don't want to miss when you visit the Galapagos Islands
What Animals Are Most Commonly Seen in the Galapagos?
The Galapagos Islands are home to hundreds of wildlife species. Which ones are most commonly seen? Read on to find out!
Sea Kayaking in the Galapagos Islands
The Galapagos Islands has some of the most fascinating endemic and native marine life in the ocean, and sea kayaking in the Galapagos can be a great way to witness the pelagic life up close.
Photography Trips in the Galapagos Islands
Capturing your Galapagos experience in stunning pictures is a great way to remember your Galapagos journey and share it with friends and family back home. But if you’re a rookie photographer who’s never really had much experience, you’ll want to practice before you leave so that you’re ready when your Galapagos adventure begins!
Geology of the Islands of Fire: Galapagos
The Galapagos Islands were born of fire - the same fire that melts the earth’s crust and has created a unique natural environment that could not exist without it. While many people visit the Galapagos Islands each year for the stunning wildlife, others feel that the geology itself is the most fascinating characteristic in the Galapagos Islands.
Galapagos Transit Card and National Park Fees
When planning a trip to the Galapagos Islands, there are two important fees that you must be prepared for: the Galapagos National Park Entrance Fee ($100/ person) and the Transit Control Card ($20/ person). Both must be paid in cash, and without them, you will be denied entry into the Galapagos Islands.
Galapagos Marine Iguanas
Perhaps no better case can be made for adaptation than the marine iguana! Just about everything about this ancient lizard points to evolution at its finest.
Galapagos Giant Tortoises
The Galapagos Giant tortoise is perhaps the most iconic animal in Ecuador. In fact, they lend their name to the whole archipelago - when the Spanish explorers first came to the islands, they thought the shells of these giant tortoises resembled a Spanish-style saddle, or “galapago.”
Galapagos Boat FAQs
Ever since tourism in the Galapagos Islands exploded in the late 20th century, cruises have reigned as the number one way to explore the Galapagos Islands.
Galapagos Local Flights, Airports & Ground Transportation
Learn all about transportation on and between the Galapagos Islands
Endemic Species in the Galapagos Islands
The Galapagos Islands are considered by biologists one of the world’s most pristine “natural laboratories,” where some of the most fascinating life can be observed in its purest forms. It is here, in the varied and unique ecosystems of the Galapagos Islands, isolated in the Pacific Ocean by more than 600 miles from the mainland, that many endemic species thrive.
New Galapagos tortoise species on Santa Cruz Island
Researchers have confirmed the discovery of a new species of giant Galapagos tortoise. An isolated group of tortoises were previously thought to belong to other species on the same island.
Galapagos Penguins impacted by El Niño
With the 2015 El Niño in full force, the Galapagos Penguin fights to survive a major disruption in its food source. Natural selection rears its devistating impact on one of the Galapagos' most popular species.
Cotopaxi Volcano Heats Up
In 2015 a rewakening of the giant Cotopaxi volcano was seen. Learn everything that you need to know about planning your trip to nearby Quito and tips on how to get even closer while remaining safe.
Checklist and packing tips before traveling to Galapagos
Packing advice and tips before your trip to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands. Even though planning your vacation to Ecuador or the Galapagos Islands might seem like preparing for a trip to Paradise, there's still a lot to think about.
How the El Niño phenomenon affects the Galapagos Islands
On the fragile Galapagos ecosystems El Niño occurrence is devastating. For example, the most recent strong events of 1982-83 and 1997-98 were followed by decimation of 77% and 65% of the penguin population, respectively.
Top Snorkeling Spots in the Galapagos Islands
This list features the best spots to snorkel in the Galapagos Islands and what you can anticipate finding in each one. For those lucky enough to visit all corners of the Galapagos, you will see completely different marine ecosystems around each island.
Extend your Galapagos Cruise by Staying in Hotels or Taking Land-Based Tours
For many, a trip to the Galapagos comes only once in a lifetime, so make sure that you take advantage of your time here and consider extending your stay before or after your cruise.
Top dive spots in the Galapagos Islands and tips on how to visit them
If you are an experienced diver looking for a bold new adventure into some of the most vibrant marine utopias nature has to offer, then look no further than the Galapagos Islands. While snorkeling allows casual vacationers the opportunity to witness exciting and colorful scenes around popular coral reefs, SCUBA diving gives more seasoned divers a chance to get up close and personal with some of the true underwater wonders of the Galapagos’ 30+ dive sites.
Luxury Hotels in the Galapagos Islands
Those considering staying in the Galapagos either before or after their cruise will be rewarded with a splendid selection of world class ecologically-focused luxury hotels and resorts to choose from.
The Galapagos Marine Sanctuary
As of March 21, 2016, a new marine sanctuary has been established in the Galapagos Islands. In response to high levels of legal and illegal fishing operations and other resource exploitation, Ecuadorian president Rafael Correa signed an executive order to designate the area surrounding Wolf and Darwin Islands as a protected area.
Galapagos in January
In January, the warm season is now in its full splendor. Mornings tend to have sunny blue skies, and after the temperatures rise, it's common to have afternoon showers. The guarua fog that was prevelant the past several months is almost nowhere to be seen.
Galapagos in February
Any time is a great time to visit the Galapagos Islands but if you're looking for a break from the winter blues in the northern hemisphere, sunny Galapagos in February is hard to beat.
Galapagos in March
March is a great time to visit the Galapagos if you like sunny days and warmer waters. One of the most exciting events is the first group of Waved Albatrosses arriving to mate and nest on Española Island.
Galapagos in April
This month and May are typically regarded as the best months to visit the Galapagos. Volume of travelers to the Islands is relatively low, so this is good time to look for a last-minute deal.
Galapagos in May
Galapagos in May Travel to The Galapagos Islands [...]
Galapagos in June
Galapagos in June The Galapagos Islands in [...]
Galapagos in July
Galapagos in July Visiting the Galapagos In [...]
Galapagos in August
Galapagos in August Planning your Galapagos Vacation [...]
Galapagos in September
Galapagos in September Traveling to the Galapagos [...]
Galapagos in October
Galapagos in October Planning your Galapagos Adventure [...]
Galapagos in November
Galapagos in November Visiting the Galapagos in [...]
Galapagos in December
Galapagos in December Your December trip to [...]
Birds and Birding in the Galapagos Islands
Birds and Birding in the Galapagos Islands [...]
Where to See Galapagos Tortoises
Where to See Galapagos Tortoises gos Islands [...]
The Galapagos Affair
The Galapagos Affair Usually, day-to-day life on [...]
Charles Darwin’s Trip to the Galapagos
Long before the Galapagos Islands were considered a hot tourist destination, Charles Darwin paid them a visit in 1835. As part of a 5-year surveying mission that set sail in 1831 with Captain Robert Fitzroy aboard the HMS Beagle.
New Galapagos Tortoise Species Discovered
Researchers have confirmed a new species of giant Galapagos tortoise that was previously believed to be part of a second species on Santa Cruz island in the Galapagos.
Why Book With Columbus Travel?
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