Picture this: You’re standing on a blindingly-white beach, and warm cerulean waves roll up the sand and kiss your toes. Tropical bird songs fill the air, and majestic sea turtles wave at you with their leathery fins as they lazily bob down the ocean current.
Ready to find out how to visit the Galapagos Islands and enter ecological paradise?
This sounds like a dream, because the Galapagos Islands are out of this world. But don’t worry—they’re very much accessible in real life, and we’ll tell you exactly how to visit the Galapagos Islands. You’ll get the chance to experience a wealth of wildlife, dramatic landscapes, and a world truly unlike anything you’ve seen before.
Known as a “living museum and showcase of evolution”, the Galapagos Islands are the perfect destination for your next meaningful travel experience. Nineteen islands make up the famous chain off the coast of Ecuador, so there is plenty to be explored.
The land and sea are protected under the sanctity of World Heritage classification, so you know it’s gonna be good. Any experience you choose is sure to inspire you (as they did Darwin’s Theory of Evolution), so now all you have left to do is figure out how to visit the Galapagos Islands.
The islands are practically begging to be explored. Filled to the brim with bizarre creatures and sublime landscapes, it’s the perfect place to hike across moon-like lavascapes, get your scuba certification, or relax on the deck of a cruise ship. The Galapagos Islands are full of wonderful experiences just waiting to be discovered by you.
Why visit the Galapagos Islands?
The lack of natural predators means wildlife like sea tortoises, blue-footed boobies, manta rays, and even penguins are able to live a life of luxury! Many of these creatures are found nowhere else on Earth, like marine iguanas, giant tortoises, and flightless cormorants.
Encountering Galapagos tortoises is an incredible experience!
The archipelago’s protected land and sea offers a sanctuary for animals and people alike. You’ll never tire of the wildlife, but even the land is stunning: the island’s geography ranges from eerily, barren volcanic craters to blinding white beaches and pristine cyan water.
An emblem of vast biodiversity, we owe it to the planet to take care of this otherworldly archipelago. There are plants and animals that are only found here, making it even more important to ensure their home stays protected.
“Okay”, you’re thinking, “I get it, this is the most amazing place on Planet Earth”—but now you need to know HOW to visit the Galapagos Islands. Don’t worry, we’re not just here to gush over the glorious Galapagos. We put together a list of the seven best ways to visit the Galapagos Islands.
7 ways to visit the Galapagos Islands
1. Take a cruise
Go on a structured tour of the Galapagos Islands with a cruise agency.
Galapagos Islands cruises are the perfect way to witness the islands in a sustainable, responsible way. It’s perfect for people who want an itinerary full of planned activities and dedicated chill time.
You’ll have the luxury of sitting back and relaxing while being whisked to the best snorkeling spots, dramatic volcanic hikes, and wildlife viewing for DAYS. Sneak a peek of marine iguanas, penguins, and even sharks!
Hooking up with Galapagos Islands cruises, like Voyagers Travel Cruise Agency, is the best way to reach remote islands and wildlife. There are some islands you can’t even visit without a tour company, so taking a cruise in the Galapagos is the best way to get an intimate look at the island’s most magical spots.
Treat yourself to a luxury cruise that supports sustainable and responsible tourism. By only allowing small numbers of travelers onto the islands at a time, the Galapagos are able to protect the natural beauty.
If you are particular about your travel itineraries, research offerings to make sure you’re on board with the activities and timeline. Some things are included in cruise prices, like rooms, meals, and even gear, but you may need to pay for things like National Park passes.
2. Study something
The Galapagos Islands are perfect for studying things like Ecology, Marine Biology, or Conservation, because the place is teeming with biological diversity and rarities. C’mon, giant marine iguanas? Can it get cooler than a magical dragon lizard?
It’s also the perfect immersion for any Spanish or Tourism majors. The people are welcoming and the industry is booming. Many summer programs offer courses related to biology, zoology, and ecology, but there are programs throughout the year for any major.
From hiking to cliff diving, you can take your extracurriculars to the next level in the Galapagos. And maybe you can fly over to Ecuador on your break to explore the cloud forests and jungles!
If you want to study abroad in the Galapagos Islands, just do your research before you go. Be aware of tourist season; things might be pricey on a student budget, and things will be busier in the summer months.
3. Contribute to a cause
There are dozens of causes to volunteer for in the Galapagos Islands!
Volunteering in the Galapagos is the perfect way to scratch that meaningful travel itch. Engulfed in exotic flora and fauna, you’ll find it hard NOT to get involved in an environmental cause. The most common type of volunteer work in the Galapagos Islands is environmental preservation and wildlife conservation.
Human populations have sadly started to encroach on the natural habitat of this island sanctuary, threatening native species. That’s why now, more than ever, you should volunteer in the Galapagos.
There are also ways to connect with native populations through education and community development programs. Whatever route you choose, programs often coordinate snorkeling, hiking, or scuba diving opportunities for a chance to tack on some well-deserved playtime after volunteering all day!
4. Get work experience with an internship
If you’re still in school, take a summer break in the Galapagos by signing up for an internship. That way, you can enjoy your undergrad while actually getting some pre-work experience under your belt (or your wetsuit).
Internships in the Galapagos tend to be a little more nuanced towards biology. Certain internships in Ecuador allows you to work alongside farmers and educators on the islands to study conservation, botany, or ecology, making it perfect for budding biologists out there.
In terms of impact, the outcome of your internship in the Galapagos will be quite similar to that of volunteering, with perhaps the benefit of added responsibilities. Be sure to ask your provider about the key differences between interning and volunteering.
5. Mold minds aka TEACH
Teach by week, explore by weekend.
Why visit the Galapagos Islands? To make a difference in a child’s life! Not to be dramatic, but teaching is one of the most rewarding careers out there.
Whether you choose to get your TEFL certificate and teach English, or want to get involved in a different educational capacity (like yoga or art) teaching in the Galapagos Islands is a great opportunity to try something a little different in paradise.
It’s a way to give back to the community while building your resume and saving for your next adventure!
6. Comprende español and learn Spanish!
You won’t know how to visit the Galapagos Islands if you can’t ask anyone in their native tongue!
Even though English is actually pretty widely spoken, being able to navigate the Galapagos in Spanish will open a whole new world for you. Live with a local family for total cultural immersion, and you’ll be hablando español in no time.
You’ll have a chance to order delectable food in Spanish, make friends in the Galapagos, and perhaps even learn about some secret local beaches, treks, and more.
7. Embark on an ADVENTURE
No matter what you choose to do in the Galapagos, we’re sure it’ll be an adventure. But if you want to explore the islands untethered, consider signing up for an adventure travel program in the Galapagos.
You could actually kayak across glassy oceans with the sea turtles, snorkel through crystal water with manta rays, or go deeper with scuba gear.
Whether you choose kayaking, hiking, birdwatching, climbing, or nature tours, you’ll see species that live solely in the protected archipelago, like the Galapagos tortoise.
Your Galapagos adventure is waiting!
Grab a friend and make the journey to the Galapagos Islands!
Why visit the Galapagos Islands? Because it’s an adventure you’ll feel good about. No matter what you do, a visit to the Galapagos will give you a chance to experience a little bit of magic.
Extreme biodiversity, beautiful landscapes, and a welcoming culture—the islands offer something special you truly can’t find anywhere else.
Whether you choose luxurious Galapagos Islands cruises, or get down to business with a career-shifting internship, you are going to love your time in the Galapagos.
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This article was written with help from Voyagers Travel Cruise Agency. Voyagers specializes in meaningful, interactive cruises around South America.
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