Travel Advice: Galapagos Islands

Mobile phones don’t work on the islands and there are no chemists, so you will need to bring your prescription medication and any over-the-counter medications you might need with you. For more pre-departure tips, your Travel Butler can help.

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British citizens can enter Ecuador and the Galapagos without a visa, provided your stay is no longer than 90 days, you are visiting as a tourist and your passport is valid for at least six months from date of entry. Travellers with dual citizenship must register both passports on arrival. For more advice on visas, ask your Travel Butler.

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Make sure you are up to date with routine vaccinations before you travel. These vaccinations and medicines are recommended but not mandatory when travelling to Ecuador and the islands:

• Hepatitis A + B
• Typhoid
• Malaria
• Rabies
• Yellow Fever

For more details, please ask your doctor.

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As a once in a lifetime destination, there’s never a bad time to visit the Galapagos, but you may want to time your visit according to whether you prefer better weather or a greater abundance of wildlife and marine animals. If you’d prefer clear skies, the region’s warm season of December to May offers plenty of sun and an average temperature of around 25 degrees Celsius. While this season experiences regular rain, the seas are warmer for aquatic activities and usually calmer and clearer at this time. From June to November, heavy garua, (fog and mist) rolls in at higher elevations and the water is colder. This time though is fantastic for wildlife watching as many of the animals are in action such as penguins and seabirds which can be seen hunting for fish. 

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The official currency for Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands is the US dollar. It is recommended that you bring some cash with you rather than relying on using credit or debit cards.

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The Galapagos Islands run on 120 volts. Power sockets are A/B with 2 flat pins. The standard frequency is 60Hz. British travellers will need an adaptor that will convert UK voltage (230V). If your appliance has an input value of 100–240V it is safe to use.

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Travel insurance with medical cover is essential when travelling overseas, particularly to a remote region such as the Galapagos Islands. To ensure you have the right insurance cover, talk to one of our experts. 

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The Galapagos Islands are worlds away from the shops of Britain so make sure you pack wisely and don’t forget the essentials:

• Passport
• Power adaptor
• Hat, sunglasses and sun cream
• Insect repellent
• Swimsuit
• Long trousers for evening
• Dollar bills (for tips)
• Seasickness tablets
• Immodium
• Power adaptor
• Padi Dive certificate (if you have one)
• Wetsuit (if you have one)

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