15 Things You Should Know Before You Go to the Galapagos Islands

Learn our top tips for one of our favorite travel destinations, the Galapagos Islands! You can also check out our other Galapagos Islands guides here!
OUR TOP GALAPAGOS RECOMMENDATIONS
📷 Capture all your underwater memories with this action camera! amzn.to/3XMg2z6
🤿 Also, try bringing your own snorkel! amzn.to/3wDqI7u
🏊🏼‍♂️ And long swimwear! amzn.to/3kPyPLw
💳 Shop our complete travel store here: www.amazon.com/shop/lucasworl...
OTHER GALAPAGOS TRAVEL GUIDES:
SAN CRISTOBAL ISLAND Guide: • THE GALAPAGOS ISLANDS ...
SANTA CRUZ ISLAND Guide: • The Galapagos Islands ...
ISABELLA ISLAND Guide: • Isabela Island Tips - ...
OUR STORY
We are David & Kendra Lucas, an American couple who sold everything to travel the world. Our goal is to visit 100 countries and permanently relocate to our favorite country. Subscribe to find out where we end up and to get our tips for long-term travel and living abroad.
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[@LucasWorldTravel]

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[@FunandBudget]

The sea lion in the bar is hilarious - just another day in the Galapagos...LoL

[@LucasWorldTravel]

I know! That sea lion had a lot of audacity! We loved every minute of it though!

[@ukegirl13]

Thank you for the “getting a round trip ferry ticket” to Isabella and back. I’m going with my daughter in a few days and didn’t know that!! 😮😊

[@LucasWorldTravel]

Great! Glad it was helpful! Enjoy Isabela!

[@marybethsmidwestadventures]

This video is a MUST WATCH for anyone planning a trip to the Galapagos!! So many great tips! 👍

[@LucasWorldTravel]

Great to hear! Glad it was helpful!

[@xxxnasodinationxxx4400]

Great video and thanks for uploading

[@yelenakocheleva382]

Great video. A lot of information to know. Thanks for sharing your experience. God bless everyone on this channel.🇺🇸👍🏽😇

[@LucasWorldTravel]

Many thanks for the well wishes! Hope you enjoy the Galapagos as much as we did!

[@chococak9046]

VERY USEFUL!!! The most useful Galapagos travel video I've ever seen!!! Thanks for a great video!!!

[@LucasWorldTravel]

Wow! That's great to hear! Thanks so much for the kind comment. Hope you enjoy the Galapagos!

[@Explorcation]

This is a great resource for anyone planning a trip to the Galapagos! Sounds like being prepared with cash is very important, those fees sure do add up . I never would have thought about bringing a wetsuit, but sounds like a great tip for anyone who wants to spend a lot of time in the water 🐧

[@LucasWorldTravel]

Well, I would go so far as bring a bulky wetsuit. Those are hard to back, but long wear for sure. Or maybe we are just wimps in cold water 🤷🏽‍♀️

[@Explorcation]

@@LucasWorldTravel after living in FL for almost 10 yrs, we would definitely appreciate a bulky wetsuit 😆

[@rexregis8887]

Great Video!! Very informative...and to the point with lots of happiness!!😊

[@LucasWorldTravel]

Aww, thanks! Enjoy the Galapagos!

[@hanapetr9894]

Thank you!! Can't wait to visit the Galapagos soon! Thank you guys, you are so sweet.

[@LucasWorldTravel]

Nice! Enjoy the Galapagos!

[@mercedeslong4178]

Great video !!!! Thank you so much for this

[@LucasWorldTravel]

Glad it was helpful! Enjoy the Galapagos!

[@AngelicxHellraiser]

Thank you. Your energy is amazing and your information is so vital. You deserve more love! Thank you so much for sharing your experiences!

[@LucasWorldTravel]

Wow, thanks so much! Glad it was helpful!

[@HaswellTravelled]

Hello Kendra & David! Great tips to visit the Galapagos. Our visit was on a cruise tour, but then our time was limited and we didn't see as much as you guys did. BTW, congrats on the growth of you channel - if I haven't said that before. Well done, my friends. Big like and full play 👍. Thanks for sharing and take care 😀.

[@LucasWorldTravel]

Many thanks Jim! We still struggle to get views on our new videos, but randomly our older videos take off giving us encouragement to continue on. Thanks as always for stopping by!

[@denver1370]

very helpful information

[@happymom8447]

Loved your video! Going to Ecuador and a Galapagos cruise, this June!

[@LucasWorldTravel]

Nice! Enjoy your trip!

[@joaneklein4280]

Great, love your lowkey style!

[@johannesk1855]

Thanks for a very informative video!

[@LucasWorldTravel]

Thanks! Glad it was helpful!

[@clarissamenna412]

Thank you so much for all these tips! 💛

[@LucasWorldTravel]

Glad they were helpful! Enjoy the Galapagos!

[@Mermaid515]

Excellent video! Thank you for sharing your experiences!

[@LucasWorldTravel]

Happy to share! Thanks for your kind comment!

[@BeingBedingfield]

Love this recap of your time in the Galapagos, you’ve shared some awesome tips! Seeing wildlife everywhere must be so amazing 🤗 Lol, I never travel without earplugs 😅🙉 I would never have thought to bring long swimwear, but as you say, there are penguins, so completely makes sense now. Actually quite nice that there isn’t good wifi in a place like this, so you can really connect with nature

[@LucasWorldTravel]

Yes, you never know when ear plugs will come in handy and we surprised how well we could get around without WiFi. I guess the internet is not essential after all. Sure doesn’t feel that way sometimes though!

[@merkabbalah]

This is super helpful information. Thank you both so so much.

[@LucasWorldTravel]

Glad it was helpful! Enjoy the Galapagos!

[@Monkeybutt_ADV]

Thanks for the informative vids. We're going in a few weeks!

[@LucasWorldTravel]

Awesome! Glad the videos were helpful! Hope you guys love the Galapagos as much as we did!

[@user-wo7xi4lr4h]

Thanks for all the information. I'm going in a week & getting so curious & excited because of all the input you are offering.

[@LucasWorldTravel]

Great to hear! You’re going to love the Galapagos! Enjoy!

[@user-wo7xi4lr4h]

Do you recommend flying out from Quito or Guayaquil to the Galapagos Islands?

[@LucasWorldTravel]

@@user-wo7xi4lr4h It doens't matter. Whichever is the cheapest. We flew from Quito, but the plane stopped in Guayaquil anyway so it really doesn't matter.

[@finnvoyager]

Really interesting vlog 😊

[@henryloo2448]

I absolutely love your video ! I will be going there during my December break and your information will help so much to navigate to Galapagos Island.

[@LucasWorldTravel]

Nice! Glad it was helpful! Enjoy the Galapagos!

[@gregoryrussell5810]

Great job on sharing information.

[@LucasWorldTravel]

Glad it was helpful! Enjoy the Galapagos!

[@tashaclites1362]

My husband and I are leaving on Saturday for a Galapagos cruise. Thank you for sharing these fabulous tips! You guys are so cute.

[@LucasWorldTravel]

Many thanks! Enjoy your trip!

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Good info, thank you!

[@LucasWorldTravel]

Glad it was helpful! Enjoy the Galapagos!

[@aholuthedistinguishedgentl929]

Just awesome☺

[@innovationball6863]

Cool stuff 😎

[@patriciamushacke1128]

Thank you!

[@rachelefelix9665]

I am going in early June - I hope weather is good and the water is clear!

[@LucasWorldTravel]

Nice! Enjoy the Galapagos!

[@RJ-fh1xy]

Hi, thanks for your tips. Especially to buy a return ticket to Santa Cruz in time ;-). I will start in July in San Cristobal, then to Isabela and finally Santa Cruz. From Baltra I will then go on a liveaboard (Diving Cruise) to the north for a week. As a passionate scuba diver, this is of course my highlight and main reason to come. It is Whaleshark Season. While that is perfectly organised, I plan the island hopping beforehand on my own. So thank you again for the "Must Sees". Greetings from Germany, Rita

[@LucasWorldTravel]

Sounds like a lot of fun! Enjoy your trip Rita!

[@OriginaLDizuaL]

Such a helpful playlist, so glad you guys covered the Galapagos!

[@LucasWorldTravel]

Glad it was helpful! The Galapagos was one of our favorite destinations. Are you planning a trip there?

[@OriginaLDizuaL]

@@LucasWorldTravel Hoping to visit it, planning a trip from central to south America so making my way through your Belize videos now and anything else you guys covered, so much information and so easy to watch!

[@LucasWorldTravel]

@@OriginaLDizuaL Nice! We traveled through Central and South America as well. You're going to love it! We still have so much footage from our trip but have not had time to edit it yet. Good luck with your planning!

[@LucasWorldTravel]

Hey world travelers! If you have any additional Galapagos questions, let us know in the comments below!

[@Polmeetsworld]

Hi I have another question, Did you had to show a document at the airport called "Salvoconducto" together with your passport to be allowed boarding the plane to the Galapagos ?

[@Frank-zw6sq]

How much did you pay for the 360 tour in santo cristobal?

[@sunsetsue6309]

What is the temperature of the water?? I’m going in July . Thx

[@LucasWorldTravel]

@@Frank-zw6sq We paid $160 USD.

[@LucasWorldTravel]

@@sunsetsue6309 We don't know the temperature of the water in July. It was pretty cold in December though.

[@marinamartinez6886]

Thanks for the great tips. I'll be going next March so hopefully the water is warm. 👍👍👍

[@LucasWorldTravel]

Nice! Enjoy!

[@TheAverageTourist]

These are great tips and things to know before booking a trip there. I always try to see reviews for where I'm looking to stay because I like a nice peaceful area - not a fan of noise. Good to know about the water and temperatures - those turtles look so majestic. My husband wouldn't survive without good wifi! Guess I can't bring him if I go ;)

[@LucasWorldTravel]

Solo trip! Love it ha!

[@cynthiaowens9107]

Very helpful; planning a trip in less than a month!

[@LucasWorldTravel]

Glad it was helpful! Enjoy the Galapagos!

[@rogerli9475]

Thank you

[@kytaristka]

Great!

[@KiwikimNZ]

Great tips thank you so much. A destination I’d live to go to, but a long way from New Zealand :)

[@LucasWorldTravel]

Nice! Glad the video was helpful! Hope you make it to the Galapagos sooner rather than later.

[@KiwikimNZ]

@@LucasWorldTravel thanks, yes great tips, it’s the little things like you speak of that can really make or break a holiday! I’ve travelled extensively and it’s always great to have those little tips up your sleeve ! My husband is a water baby and has dreamed of going too, but it is very expensive from here about 3,500 for tickets alone, for one person. After taking my hubby and three kids to Egypt, Greece, Italy and Dubai recently I don’t think we will be going anywhere soon, especially when they put all their drinks on our bar tab lol! But one day. Enjoy your travels :) come to 🇳🇿 New Zealand one day it’s certainly a great experience! (South Island is the best;)

[@CallunaTrip]

nice video - cheers

[@LucasWorldTravel]

Thanks for stopping by!

[@aguirguis8173]

Love it, went to Quito in 2000 but could not visit the Galapagos unfortunately

[@LucasWorldTravel]

Well the Galapagos are still awaiting you then. Hope you get there soon!

[@981boxster2]

Some gold nuggets here. Thanks!

[@LucasWorldTravel]

Great to hear! Enjoy the Galapagos!

[@cookingmom6456]

Guys, thank you for the video about Galapagos. I'm from 🇪🇨. Milly 🇺🇸

[@LucasWorldTravel]

Happy to share! We really enjoyed Ecuador!

[@mijuajua4820]

Awesome video! Thank you 😊 My friend & I just booked the trip for the GI for the middle of September. Question: 1. Do you think I should buy a separate camera? I have a new iPhone & I am really not impressed with the pictures it takes. Thanks again! Such helpful info🙌🏻

[@LucasWorldTravel]

If you plan on snorkeling, a GoPro is helpful for the underwater shots. If you plan on bird watching, a camera with decent zooming capabilities is best. Enjoy GI!

[@djhemry]

What a nice couple you are! So pleasant and realistic!

[@LucasWorldTravel]

Thanks so much! 😊 We really appreciate the kind comment!

[@MrTrda]

This dudes relationship with the camera is next level

[@WalnutStone]

Going for an organised tour at the start of December hoping for clear waters🙏🏽

[@LucasWorldTravel]

Sounds great! I think you'll be fine. That's when we were there too!

[@BeHereTravel]

That seal wants to order a Jack & Carp at the bar😂

[@LucasWorldTravel]

Indeed! The bartender wouldn’t take his order though! 😅

[@mariaceballos324]

Thanks for your valuable tips! Where do you recommend to take the plane from Quito or Guayaquil? For visitors from Colombia, Venezuela, Bolivia and Peru, they do not have to pay the $100.

[@LucasWorldTravel]

It really doesn’t matter which airport you fly from. Which ever flight is the cheapest is the best. I didn’t know anyone was excluded from paying the $100 so if that’s true, it’s such a benefit.

[@benjilightstone5872]

You're advice is amazing! I'm planning a trip right now and can already tell I'm going to save so much money from watching your video! I had a feeling booking tours online in advance would cost a lot more. Any idea if the local tour operators will let you book a tour in advance over the phone?

[@LucasWorldTravel]

Yes, you can do that. We found that most tour companies didn't have very good Google maps listings so it was hard to really shop around online and find out all the tour company options. Just remember it's always going to be cheaper to pay cash in person. Paying by card over the phone costs 10% more.

[@larndel6220]

❤

[@aliberni]

Wow thank you for this! I'm going to Galapagos next week and there are some really great tips here. I'll be bringing my own snorkel gear. Never would have expected the water is so cold that I need to bring a wetsuit too though. ❤

[@LucasWorldTravel]

I would actually rent the wet suit as it’s so bulky. A long sleeved swim shirt is useful though and much easier to pack.

[@aliberni]

@@LucasWorldTravel Thank you!

[@xdanelx2030]

hiii ty !! i have a question: if i come to the Galapagos on September do you think the water isn't clear ?

[@LucasWorldTravel]

We have no personal experience in September so we really can't advise. We suggest using Google to more information or contacting one of the local travel agencies to find out more about the water clarity in September.

[@Bubbalubagus]

Do you still think its worth visiting in October? I will be in Peru around that time and wanted to make the stop.

[@LucasWorldTravel]

We really don't know as we haven't been in October. The biggest issue is water clarity for viewing the wildlife. You make want to google and call around to see if the water is clear enough in October to see sharks and turtles.

[@KitaBooBear]

Milky Way to Eyes

[@KitaBooBear]

No cards save islands

[@Iam-me]

Tyfi

[@zachkempel5903]

Maybe you could help answer this question. I'd certainly appreciate it if you could try. How do I make sure I will be able to enter the Galapagos without exceeding the tourist limitations? I keep reading that there are limits to the number of tourists in the Galapagos, but I see no place to find out whether I am going to exceed that limit. For example, how do I know that, once I get off the plane at Baltra or San Cristobal, I will not be told that I have to turn around because I am exceeding the number of tourists? I am traveling on my own, no guide.

[@LucasWorldTravel]

I never heard this before, so I have no idea.

[@zachkempel5903]

Thanks for answering! You helped move me a bit closer to "stop worrying about it."

[@user-wx6gx9iu3h]

30-04-2024s

[@Bubbalubagus]

Is the cash they accept USD or some other form of cash?

[@LucasWorldTravel]

Yes, Ecuador accepts USD so you don't have to convert anything.

[@Bubbalubagus]

@@LucasWorldTravel Thank you for your super fast responses! I'm reading about extra higher-class ticket prices for non-ecuadorian citizens, did you guys encounter these difficulties? What I'm anticipating; $150 bump in ticket price due to me being from North America, and $120ish for entry to the islands. Does that sound right? Also, is it ok if you don't speak much spanish to visit Galapagos?

[@LucasWorldTravel]

@@Bubbalubagus I'm not sure about plane tickets. We didn't have to pay any extra for those. But $120 for fees is correct. You pay $20 tourist fee at the airport. Then $100 cash for the Galapagos entry fee when you arrive on the island. And yes you'll be fine not speaking Spanish.

[@b42baritone]

I've seen a lot of video on the Galapagos. I would like to go, But, I wont. To many tourist.

[@LucasWorldTravel]

You should never let tourists stop you from doing what you want to do. If you want to go to the Galapagos. Go.

[@Learninggrowing219]

Is it safe for female solo travelers

[@LucasWorldTravel]

I’d say so. We felt very safe there!

[@FunandBudget]

Normally I am able to call my bank and they will increase my daily cash withdraw limit

[@LucasWorldTravel]

Good idea! I didn’t think of that, but also I just didn’t have the patience to use the ATM multiple times. But that’s just me. 🙃

[@mynewyork165]

If you put your toilet paper in the can & you do #2, it will stink to high heaven. Gross!

[@LucasWorldTravel]

That's what you would think, but somehow it's fine. You would surprised by the quantity of countries that throw away toilet paper and don't flush it. It's many!

[@patrickfries9767]

So, let me get this right. You two are world travelers and make a living as travel experts and you didn't know about the cash is king issue BEFORE you went?? That's a total rookie move and the one thing you should tell people is that most vendors around the world not only want cash, they want cash that is newly printed. Don't bring your 20's and 50's either. Bring brand new, 100's and go to the local bank with your passport and get it converted to local cash. Sure, you can always get a taxi with a U.S. $20, but they prefer local money.

[@1asset]

US dollars there. rookie move, lol