Booking Your Galápagos Tour: Everything You Need to Know

Your guide to planning a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, smoothly, confidently, and with zero surprises.

So, you’re dreaming of the Galápagos. Maybe it’s swimming with sea lions, walking beside ancient tortoises, or watching blue-footed boobies dance through their quirky courtship ritual. But before you pack your bags, there’s one big step that shapes your entire adventure: Booking your Galápagos tour.

This decision isn’t just about where you go, it’s about how you experience one of the most unique ecosystems on the planet. Here’s everything you should know before you book, so you can make the most of every moment in this once-in-a-lifetime destination.

Book Well in Advance

The Galápagos is a bucket-list destination, and spaces, especially on guided tours, fill up months ahead.

Prime travel months:

• June–August
  
• December–January

Last-minute spots do exist, but they’re rare and limited, so early planning always gives you more freedom to choose the itinerary, pacing, and guide that match your travel style.

Why booking early matters:

• More itinerary options
• More availability for preferred dates
• Better international flight prices
• Time to arrange permits, gear, and logistics comfortably

Scheduled Tour or Custom Tour?

Consider your logistics, interests, and group needs. When you’re in the booking process, it’s essential to communicate your priorities, wildlife, photography, hiking intensity, family-friendly pacing, mobility needs, or special moments you want to include.

This helps your Adventure Specialist match you with the right itinerary or even design a fully tailor-made custom tour.

A great starting point is browsing existing itineraries to understand what a Galápagos tour looks like and what kind of experiences resonate with you.

If you’re curious about custom tours, we have a full guide here.

Know the Seasons Before You Book

The Galápagos has two main seasons, each offering different wildlife behavior, weather conditions, and ocean dynamics.

Warm Season (Dec–May)

• Lush green landscapes
• Warm, calm waters
• Excellent snorkeling visibility
• Breeding season for many species
• Ideal for travelers who love sunshine

Garúa Season (Jun–Nov)

• Cooler weather
• Misty highlands (the “garúa”)
• Nutrient-rich waters = incredible marine activity
• Fewer crowds
• Great for divers and active travelers
  

There’s no “best” season in the Galápagos, just different versions of amazing. Wildlife thrives year-round, and special encounters happen in every month. What matters most is choosing the conditions in which you feel most comfortable. If you’d like a deeper seasonal breakdown, this guide can help:  Galapagos weather guide

Understand the Activities and Visitor Sites

Each island in the Galápagos offers something unique, and the activities on each itinerary vary. Some are ideal for snorkel lovers, others for avid hikers, and some strike a balance for those who want a mix of both. Understanding what’s included in your tour is key to setting expectations and deciding if you want to add any extra activities.

This is especially important when traveling with kids or family members who have different energy levels. Knowing the terrain, water conditions, and the overall pace of the trip can help ensure that everyone has an enjoyable experience. Here’s how you can plan effectively:

• Ensure the pace matches your needs
  
• Add special activities where possible
  
• Plan for families with kids or different energy levels
  
• Balance time spent in the water versus on land
  
• Understand the level of adventure each day offers
  

If you’re ever unsure about an activity, whether it’s the difficulty of a hike or the challenge of a snorkeling site, don’t hesitate to ask your Adventure Specialist. Galakiwi itineraries are active and immersive, so you’ll never be bored, but you can always ask your Adventure Specialist if you’re curious about a specific activity.

(And yes, Karen is always ready to assist!)

Check Conservation & Park Regulations

The Galápagos is one of the world’s most protected ecosystems, and visiting comes with important regulations. Your operator must be certified, responsible, and aligned with the National Park rules. This protects both you and the fragile ecosystem you’re visiting.

Before you travel, you’ll want to understand the basic requirements: the Transit Control Card (TCT), the National Park entrance fee, the bag inspection process at the airport, and the conservation rules you’ll be asked to follow during your trip.

Important to know before booking:

• Galápagos Transit Control Card (TCT)
• National Park entrance fee
• Bag inspections & biosecurity rules
• Group size limits at visitor sites (specially if you plan to travel with a large group)
• Sustainable travel requirements
• Passport validity

Following park rules also helps you know what to pack, what to expect, and how to prepare.

Choose a Tour That Matches Your Physical Comfort

The Galápagos is an active destination. Even on relaxed itineraries, you can expect uneven volcanic terrain, wet landings directly onto beaches, and regular opportunities to snorkel. Some travelers love early mornings, long walks, and being in the ocean every day; others prefer a gentler pace. There’s no wrong way to explore the Galápagos, there’s only the way that feels right for you.

Most tours involve:

• Uneven volcanic terrain
• Wet landings on beaches
• Snorkeling or swimming
• Mid-level hikes
• Long but rewarding days outdoors

Choose a tour that matches your comfort level, or ask about adjustments that can be made.
If you or your companions have mobility, health, or accessibility needs, your operator should guide you toward the right activities and pace, or even way to do specific activities.

Review Travel Logistics & Entry Requirements

Flights to the Galápagos, baggage limits, travel insurance, and required documentation can vary depending on your route and travel plan. Carefully reviewing your itinerary in advance helps you understand the daily schedule, including how many nights you’ll spend on each island and what to expect on transfer days. This ensures a smoother, stress-free arrival and helps you avoid any surprises along the way.

When travelers return home, they rarely talk about just the landscapes or the wildlife. They talk about what the islands made them feel. The Galápagos has a way of reshaping your connection to nature, slowing you down, and filling you with the kind of wonder you don’t often experience in daily life.

At Galakiwi, our goal is to help you explore the islands in a way that is authentic, immersive, responsible, and unforgettable. Whether you’re joining one of our classic island-hopping tours or creating your own custom adventure, we’re here to support you at every step, before, during, and long after you’ve returned home.

Your Galápagos adventure starts the moment you begin planning.
Let’s make it extraordinary.

Explore our tours or reach out to our team, we’re here to help you find (or create) the journey that feels just right for you.