Galápagos Travel Guide

Planning Your Voyage

A Galápagos sea turtle swims above a coral reef with a school of fish in the distance.

Ranked: The Best Time to Visit the Galápagos: A Month by Month Guide

The best time to visit the Galápagos is really anytime! Learn about Galápagos weather, wildlife, and water temperature by month to select your preferred time of year.

A photographer takes a photo at sunset on the rocky shores of Santiago Island, Galápagos, with the ship National Geographic Endeavour II in the background.

Best Galápagos Islands to Visit for Wildlife, Adventure and More

From Isabela Island and San Cristobal Island to Santa Cruz, these are some of the best islands to visit in Galápagos while on your Galápagos cruise.

The ship National Geographic Islander II anchored at sunset with five Zodiacs parked in front.

How Much Does it Actually Cost to Travel to Galápagos Islands?

The cost of a trip to the Galápagos has several factors to keep in mind when planning your Galápagos cruise.

Mother and child watch sea lions on shores of Gardner Bay, Española Island, Galápagos.

How Many Days in the Galápagos Islands and Itinerary Ideas

How many days in the Galápagos Islands are needed for the vacation of a lifetime? Here is how to decide on how many days and build the perfect itinerary.

A Galápagos penguin stands on rocks with the ship National Geographic Endeavour II in the distance.

How to Get to the Galápagos Islands: What You Need to Know

Our guide on getting to the Galápagos, including how to travel to and around the islands, costs, flight info, essential tips, and the benefits of expedition cruises.

Staff from the ship National Geographic Islander II help a guest disembark a Zodiac boat at the ship's stern.

Galápagos Cruise or Land Tour: How to Decide Which Is Right for You

There are different pros and cons of a Galápagos cruise vs. a land-based tour. Here's what you need to consider for your trip to the Galápagos Islands.

Wildlife

A Galápagos penguin swims towards the camera

Wild Personalities: Galápagos Penguin

Get to know the world's most northerly penguin.

Swimming With Marine Iguanas

Fernandina and Isabela Island are two of the best places in Galápagos to see an abundance of marine iguanas, the world’s only sea-going lizards.

An Early Morning Orca Encounter

On a recent Galápagos voyage, guests came face-to-face with a curious pod of orcas—including a spectacular breach by one large male.

Activities

7 Inspiring Activities for Young Explorers in Galápagos

Through our exclusive National Geographic Global Explorers program, kids and teens have their own unique learning opportunities in the magical archipelago of the Galápagos Islands.

The Top 10 Things to Do in Galápagos​​

The magical Galápagos islands brings travelers from around the globe. With so much to do, prepare to be enthralled from sunup to sundown.

A photographer takes a photo at sunset on the rocky shores of Santiago Island, Galápagos, with the ship National Geographic Endeavour II in the background.

Capturing Galápagos: 7 Expert Photography Tips to Try

Find out how to get your best shot in the Galápagos with these expert tips from one of our certified photo instructors.

5 Must-Have Experiences in Galápagos

Among the many memorable moments of an adventure in this stunning, remote archipelago are these iconic experiences you simply can't miss when you visit Galápagos.

What to Expect

5 Things You Didn't Know About the Galápagos Islands

From pirate hideaways to a lesser-known detail about Darwin, these facts about the legendary islands just might surprise you.

Planning a Family Trip to the Galápagos Islands With Your Kids

Traveling to the Galápagos Islands with your kids is an adventure you'll all remember forever. Here's how to plan the perfect Galápagos family trip!