Practical Information for Visitors to the Galapagos Islands
The Galapagos Islands are on Central Standard Time, and there are neither vaccines
nor visa requirements, but U.S. citizens visiting the Galapagos must present
a valid passport for entry. You must also present a park admission fee in cash, at which last time we checked was $100.
Spanish is the islands' official language, although
English is spoken by most guides and other travel staff, which make the island
the ideal destination for international travelers. Most accommodations,
including resorts, hotels, haciendas and lodges available on the mainland offer guided tours which take you to the islands. See our Galapagos Cruises page for more information.
When to Go
The Galapagos Islands are located right at the Equator, but the Island climate isn't as warm and steamy as you might find on other equatorial places. Temperatures range between 70 and 80 degress Farenheit, nice and comfortable. Divers and snorkelers should know that waters of the Galapagos are slightly chilly, sometimes at 68 degrees Farenheit. The rainy season is from January to April, but this isn't necessarily a reason not to visit the Islands during this time. There is lots of rain, but winds are calmer and sea water is warmer. The dry season, from June to November has of course less rain but there are more cloudy days and there is a mist over the islands frequently. Choose your season. Either one has its ups and its downs, but we think all in all any time is a great time in the Galapagos!
Money
Tipping is expected for crew on tour boats, and for guides as well. You tip cruise crew by the week, and shorter cruises by the day, anywhere from $25 to $50 a week or $5 to $10 a day, depending on service. There might be an anonymous tipping box on the boat, or if you don't see one, get together with the other passengers and pool your tips and have someone give the pile to the captain. Some boats will give you tipping envelopes, too.
Bargaining is normal here, at local places especially, where they will try and overcharge at first. You have to ask the price of something and then bargain. Locals will be especially eager to make a buck on unwitting tourists during the slow season, so practice your haggling skills. Credit cards aren't accepted in many places, but you can expect to be able to use them at restaurants, souvenir shops and tour agencies. The best card to take is a Mastercard, since it is most widely accepted.
There is a bank with several branches on the Galapagos Islands, and it's called Banco del Pacifico. Branches are found on Isla Santa Cruz and on Isla San Cristobal. Get your cash when you see the bank, since you'll need it most places. Theft isn't as much as worry on the Galapagos Islands as it is on the mainland, so just take usual precautions when carrying cash, don't be careless of course but don't worry too much, either.
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