Picture this: You’re standing on a blindingly white sand beach, with warm azure waves rolling up the sand and kissing your toes. Tropical birdsong fills the air, and majestic sea turtles wave to you with their leathery fins, bobbing lazily along the current.
Ready to find out how to visit the Galapagos Islands and enter ecological paradise?
It sounds like a dream, because the Galapagos Islands are out of this world. But don’t worry – they’re pretty easy to get in real life, and we’ll show you how to visit the Galapagos Islands. You’ll have the chance to experience abundant wildlife, dramatic scenery and a world truly unlike anything you’ve seen before.
Known as “a living museum and a showcase of evolution ,” the Galapagos Islands are the ideal destination for your next meaningful travel experience. Nineteen islands make up the famous chain of Ecuador’s coast, so there’s plenty to explore.
Land and sea are under the sacred protection of World Heritage classification, so you know it’s going to be good. Whatever experience you choose is sure to inspire you (like Darwin’s theory of evolution), so now all you have to do is figure out how to visit the Galapagos Islands.
These islands are literally begging to be explored. Filled with bizarre creatures and sublime landscapes, it’s the perfect place to hike across lunar-like lava landscapes, get scuba certified or just relax on the deck of a cruise ship . The Galapagos Islands are full of wonderful experiences just waiting to be discovered.
Why Visit the Galapagos Islands?
A lack of natural predators means wildlife such as sea turtles, blue-footed boobies, manta rays and even penguins live in luxury! Many of these creatures are found nowhere else on Earth, such as marine iguanas, giant tortoises and flightless cormorants.
Meeting Galapagos tortoises is an incredible experience!
The protected land and sea of the archipelago provide sanctuary for animals and humans. You’ll never tire of the wildlife, but even the land is stunning: the island’s geography ranges from eerie barren craters to dazzling white sand beaches and pristine teal water.
As a symbol of rich biodiversity, it is our duty to care for this otherworldly archipelago. Some plants and animals are only found here, so it becomes even more important to ensure their homes are protected.
“Okay”, you’re thinking, “I get it, this is the most amazing place on earth” – but now you need to know how to visit the Galapagos Islands. Don’t worry, we’re not just here to gush about the glorious Galapagos Islands. We’ve listed seven of the 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 line.
A Galapagos Islands cruise is the perfect way to see the islands in a sustainable, responsible manner. It’s perfect for those who want an itinerary full of planned activities and dedicated leisure time.
You’ll be able to sit back and relax while being taken to the best snorkeling spots, dramatic volcano hikes and wildlife viewing days. Get a sneak peek and see marine iguanas, penguins, and even sharks!
Connecting with a Galapagos Islands cruise such as Voyager Tours Cruises is the best way to reach remote islands and wildlife. Some islands you can’t even visit without a tour company, so a Galapagos boat tour is the best way to get an up-close look at the island’s most amazing sights.
Enjoy a luxury cruise that supports sustainable and responsible tourism. By allowing only a small number of tourists onto the island at a time, the Galapagos Islands are able to preserve natural beauty.
If you have something special about your travel itinerary, research the product to make sure you understand the activities and schedule. Some things are included in the cruise price, like room, meals, and even gear, but you may have to pay for things like national park passes.
2. Learn something
The Galapagos Islands are ideal for studying things like ecology, marine biology or conservation, as the place is full of biodiversity and rarity. Come on, giant marine iguana? Could it be cooler than the amazing dragon lizard?
It’s also the perfect immersion for any Spanish or tourism major. The people are hospitable and the industry is thriving. Many summer programs offer courses related to biology , zoology, and ecology , but there are courses for any major throughout the year.
From hiking to cliff diving, you can take your extracurricular activities to the next level in the Galapagos. Maybe you can fly to Ecuador to explore cloud forests and jungles on your break!
If you’re thinking of studying abroad in the Galapagos Islands, do your research before you go. Be aware of travel seasons; things can get expensive on a student budget, and in the summer months things get busier.
3. Contribute to the cause
There are dozens of causes where you can volunteer in the Galapagos Islands!
Volunteering in the Galapagos Islands is the perfect way to scratch the itch of meaningful travel. Engulfed by exotic flora and fauna, you’ll find it hard not to get involved in environmental causes. The most common types of volunteer work in the Galapagos Islands are environmental conservation and wildlife conservation .
Tragically, humans have begun encroaching on the natural habitat of this island sanctuary, threatening native species. That’s why now, more than ever, you should volunteer in the Galapagos Islands.
There are also ways to connect with local residents through education and community development programs. No matter which route you choose, programs often coordinate snorkeling, hiking or scuba diving opportunities for the chance to grab some well-deserved playtime after a long day of volunteering!
4. Gain work experience through internships
If you’re still in school, spend your summer in the Galapagos Islands by signing up for an internship. That way, you can enjoy undergraduate life while actually gaining some pre-job experience (or a wetsuit).
Internships in the Galapagos Islands tend to be more nuanced to biology. Certain internships in Ecuador allow you to work with farmers and educators on the island, studying conservation, botany or ecology, perfect for budding biologists there.
In terms of impact, the outcome of your internship in the Galapagos Islands will be very similar to that of volunteering, but with possibly increased responsibilities. Be sure to ask your provider about the key differences between internships and volunteering.
5. Shaping Minds aka Teaching
Teach by the week, explore by the weekend.
Why Visit the Galapagos Islands? Change a child’s life! Not dramatic, but teaching is one of the most rewarding careers .
Whether you choose to get a TEFL certificate and teach English, or you want to get involved in teaching a different educational capacity ( such as yoga or art ) in the Galapagos Islands, it’s a great opportunity to try something different in paradise.
It’s a way to give back to the community while building your resume and saving up for your next adventure!
6. Know Spanish and learn Spanish!
You wouldn’t know how to visit the Galapagos Islands if you couldn’t ask anyone in their native language!
Even though English is actually widely spoken, being able to navigate the Galapagos Islands in Spanish will open up a whole new world for you. Live with a local family, fully immerse yourself in the culture, and you’ll be Spanish in no time .
You’ll have the chance to order delicious food in Spanish, make friends in the Galapagos, and maybe even learn about some of the local secret beaches, hikes, and more.
7. Embark on an adventure
No matter what you choose to do in the Galapagos Islands, we’re sure it will be an adventure. However, if you want to explore the islands without constraints, consider signing up for a Galapagos Islands adventure travel program.
You can actually kayak across a glassy sea with sea turtles, snorkel with manta rays in crystal-clear water, or go deeper with scuba gear.
Whether you choose kayaking, hiking, bird watching , mountain climbing or nature tours , you’ll see species that live only in the protected archipelago, such as the Galapagos tortoise.
Your Galapagos adventure awaits!
Grab a friend and embark on a trip to the Galapagos Islands!
Why Visit the Galapagos Islands? Because it’s an adventure you’ll feel good about. Whatever you do, visiting the Galapagos Islands will give you the chance to experience a little magic.
Extreme biodiversity, beautiful landscapes and a welcoming culture – these islands offer something special that you won’t find anywhere else.
Whether you opt for a luxury Galapagos cruise or start a business with a career-changing internship, you’ll love your time in the Galapagos.
