Discovery Galápagos Travel Agency

Travel tips

Everything you need to know to experience Galapagos like a local expert: the weather each month, which animals you will see and the advice only people who live on the islands can give you.

🛂 How to enter Galapagos

Before your flight from Quito or Guayaquil, complete these 3 mandatory steps so you arrive on the islands without any problems.

1

Transit Control Card (TCT)

USD 20 per person

Get it online up to 72 hours before your flight and pay by debit or credit card. Without the TCT you cannot board the plane to Galapagos.

Children under 2 are exempt.
Scan with your phone
Get my TCT →
2

ABG Sworn Declaration

Free

Declare what you carry in your luggage. You will receive a QR code by email that you must show when you arrive in Galapagos.

Mandatory for travelers over 18.
Scan with your phone
Fill in my declaration →
3

National Park entrance fee

Paid on arrival · cash only

At Baltra or San Cristobal airport:

Foreigners over 12USD 200
Foreigners under 12USD 100
Andean Community and Mercosur (12+)USD 100
Andean Community and Mercosur under 12USD 50
Ecuadorians and residents (12+)USD 30
Ecuadorians and residents under 12USD 15
Ecuadorians over 65 and people with disabilitiesUSD 15
Babies under 2Free
Official rates, subject to change by the authorities.
💵 Important: the Park fee is paid IN CASH ONLY. Bring bills in good condition.

Keep these documents handy

  • Valid passport or ID card
  • Your TCT (printed or on your phone)
  • The QR code of your ABG declaration
  • Round-trip plane ticket
  • Hotel, tour or cruise booking
  • Cash for the entrance fee
See the complete guide with all fees →

When to travel to Galapagos?

Galapagos can be enjoyed all year round. There are two seasons and each one has its own charm.

☀️

Warm season

December to May
  • Sunny days and short afternoon showers
  • Calm sea and warmer water
  • Ideal for snorkeling and the beach
  • Nesting season and baby turtles
🌊

Cool season

June to November
  • Cloudy skies and drizzle (garua) in the highlands
  • Rougher sea and colder water
  • More marine life: the sea is full of food!
  • Whales, active penguins and sea lion pups

Weather and animals month by month

Tap a month to see the temperature, sea conditions and which animals you can see.

Air temperature (max.)Water temperature

Approximate average temperatures in °C. They may vary by island and year.

📋 See the full table of Galapagos weather and wildlife by month
MonthSeasonAir max. / min.WaterAnimals to see
JanuaryWarm29° / 21°23°Sea turtles come ashore to lay their eggs; Marine iguanas turn red and green for courtship; The first giant tortoises hatch
FebruaryWarm30° / 23°24°Flamingos nest on Floreana; Marine iguanas nest on Santa Cruz; Galapagos doves in full nesting season
MarchWarm31° / 25°24°Marine iguanas nest on Fernandina and North Seymour; Albatrosses arrive on Espanola Island (end of month); Active penguins on Isabela
AprilWarm30° / 22°24°Sea turtle hatchlings are born; Land iguana eggs hatch on Isabela; Frigatebirds inflate their red pouch for courtship
MayWarm28° / 22°23°Albatrosses lay their eggs on Espanola; Blue-footed boobies dance their courtship on North Seymour; Marine iguana hatchlings are born on Santa Cruz
JuneCool26° / 20°23°Giant tortoises move down to the lowlands to nest; Short-eared owls courting on Genovesa; Migratory birds pass through the islands
JulyCool24° / 19°22°Whales and dolphins west of Isabela; Blue-footed booby chicks; Whale shark season in the north
AugustCool23° / 18°19°Sea lion pups are born on the beaches; Humpback whales pass by; Galapagos hawks courting
SeptemberCool24° / 17°20°Very active penguins at Bartolome; Male sea lions defend their territory; Humpback whales can still be seen
OctoberCool25° / 18°21°Fur seal mating season; Lava herons build their nests; Giant tortoises keep laying eggs
NovemberCool26° / 19°22°Playful sea lion pups: the best month to swim with them!; Sea turtles mating; Brown noddies breed
DecemberWarm27° / 20°23°The first giant tortoises hatch; Albatross chicks learn to fly; Sea turtles mating

Which animal do you want to see?

Choose your favorite animal and we will tell you in which months and where to see it.

Before you travel

Hover over or tap each card to reveal the tip.

🪪Entry requirementsTap to see
Get the TCT (USD 20) and fill in the ABG declaration up to 72 hours before your flight. See the complete guide →
💵Bring cashTap to see
The National Park fee is paid in cash only on arrival, and there are few ATMs on the islands. Bring small bills in good condition.
🧴SunscreenTap to see
The sun on the equator is very strong even when it is cloudy. Use biodegradable sunscreen, a cap and sunglasses.
🦭Respect the wildlifeTap to see
Keep 2 meters away, do not touch or feed the animals and do not use flash. They are not afraid of you, and it should stay that way!
🚤Inter-island ferryTap to see
The crossing takes 2 hours. If you get seasick, take a pill before boarding, sit at the back and look at the horizon. See schedules →
🤿WetsuitTap to see
From June to November the water is colder. A wetsuit lets you enjoy snorkeling for longer. Rent one here →
🚯Zero plasticTap to see
Single-use plastics are restricted in Galapagos. Bring your reusable bottle and a cloth bag.
📅Book in advanceTap to see
July, August, December and January are busier. Book your tours and cruises in advance to secure your spot.

Want to plan your ideal trip?

Tell us your dates and which animals you want to see. A local expert will plan the perfect itinerary for you.

See day tours

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