The Galapagos Islands (or Archipelago de Colon) is a Province of Ecuador located 500 miles (800 kilometers) west of the Ecuadorian coast. They lie directly on the equator The Galapagos Islands are made up of 13 main islands and numerous smaller ones, all the result of volcanic activity. It was the Galapagos Islands that Charles Darwin visited as a naturalist on HMS Beagle in 1835, and started to form his theory on evolution. His book "On the Origin of Species by Natural Selection" brought the world’s attention to the Galapagos Islands, and since then they have been a focus for the interest of scientists and wildlife enthusiasts alike.

The Galapagos Islands are all very different and they each have specific landing sites and visitor sites. The nature trails are carefully marked out to avoid disrupting the wildlife.

Exact Galapagos Islands holidays and itineraries depend on the yacht you choose for your cruise, but as well as the land trails, you will also have an opportunity to go swimming and snorkelling, perhaps even being joined by sea lions. Diving is available on some yachts. Much of the longer distances are covered at night, ensuring that your time visiting the Galapagos Islands is put to the best use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the climate like?

A: As the islands lie directly on the Equator, you can expect it to be warm for most of the year. The hottest season is generally from January to April with average temperatures ranging from a low of 70 to a high of 84 F (22 - 31 C). It is during this period that you may expect afternoon thundershowers. During a severe El Nino, you can expect rain or thundershowers at any time. From April to December is considered the "cool" (and dry) season with average temperatures ranging from a low of 68 to a high of 82 F (19 – 27 C). During this time of year you may encounter "garua" (misty rain) early in the morning and in the highlands of Santa Cruz and San Cristobal.

Q. Best times to go

A: The Galapagos Islands are a year-round destination. Daytime temperatures vary from about 20°C to 28°C. December to May are the warmest months. April and May are generally the clearest months. July and August can be windy (but this is still peak season). From July to November you may experience occasional ‘garua’ or mists and the water is atypically cool for the tropics. Underwater visibility is best around January to March.

Q: Will we have to exchange any money before we travel to Ecuador or once in the country?

A: Not if you have US dollars. Ecuador has adopted the US dollar as its official currency.LanguageSpanish is the official language in the Galapagos Islands. VisasNot required for British travellers. Other nationalities should obtain advice from their embassy.HealthThere are no compulsory vaccinations.Getting thereFlights to the Galapagos Islands leave from Quito and touch down in Guayaquil en route, taking about 3 hours from Quito or 2 hours from Guayaquil. The flights land either at Baltra or San Cristobal.

What to Bring to Galapagos Luggage

Domestic airline regulations permit 20 kilos (44 pounds) per suitcase, maximum two per person.
Additional luggage may be stored at your hotel. These restrictions do not include small carry-on, flight bags or camera cases.
During any of your tours, EcuadorToursOnLine can safely guard your excess luggage until you return, upon which one of our guides will either bring your bags to the airport Clothing
* Two pairs of sneakers.
* Shorts.
* Long and short-sleeve lightweight shirts.
* Bathing suit.
* A wide-brimmed hat.
* Long pants.
* A windbreaker or light jacket for evenings.
* Be sure to bring sunscreen, sunglasses and lots of film.
* Electric shavers and hair dryers can be accommodated.
* Footgear.
* Most walking ashore is over rocky lava terrain. Therefore tennis shoes, sneakers or walking shoes with rubber soles should likely be worn.
* Camera
* Camera gear with extra film and batteries.
* High speed films or fine-grain. High resolution and relatively slow color transparency (this last one to be used with electronic flash).

Giant Tortoise

The giant tortoise is probably the best known of all Galapagos animals and even gave the archipelago its name; 'Galapago' means tortoise in Spanish and may derive from the word for saddle, referring to the distinctive saddle-like shell of some of the tortoises. Galapagos giant tortoises can weigh up to 250 kg and live for more than 100 years. They are thought to belong to just one species, Geochelone elephantopus, with 14 different races or sub-species, three of which are believed to be extinct.Lonesome George is the last known individual of the Pinta Island Tortoise, subspecies Geochelone nigra abingdoni, one of 13 tortoises of  Galapagos tortoise native to the Galapagos Islands. And when he dies the Pinta tortoises will be extinct.

Galapagos Funa

The plant life of Galapagos is just as extraordinary as its wildlife, although it has received less attention and publicity. There are many threats facing the vegetation, however, and world attention is currently focussed on raising funds for botany campaigns to safeguard endangered species and control the many invasive plants introduced to the islands by humans.