Frequently asked questions

These answers cover some of the practical questions that arise when planning a land-based Galápagos journey. Your own itinerary may work differently depending on your dates, interests and the services involved.

Should I choose a cruise or a land-based Galápagos trip?

Both can provide an exceptional Galápagos experience, but they suit different travellers. A land-based journey allows more time within the inhabited islands and greater flexibility, while a cruise can reach remote places that are not available as ordinary day trips. Your available time, interests, budget and comfort with boat travel all matter.

Watch: Galápagos cruise versus land-based tours

When is the best time to visit the Galápagos?

Galápagos can be visited throughout the year. Water temperature, rainfall, sea conditions and wildlife activity change with the seasons, but there is no single best month for everyone. The right time depends on the experiences and conditions that matter most to you.

Watch: When is the best time to visit the Galápagos?

How far ahead should I book?

Earlier is generally better if your dates are fixed, you are travelling during a busy period, or particular day cruises are important to you. A last-minute trip can sometimes be arranged, but there will usually be fewer choices.

How long does it take to prepare a proposal?

It depends on the complexity of the journey and how quickly hotels, boats, guides and other providers respond. A simple arrangement may be relatively quick; a multi-island itinerary can take longer because its parts must work together.

Why do you need information about my interests and budget?

There is no single best Galápagos itinerary. Knowing your priorities helps us concentrate on the right islands, activities and level of accommodation rather than proposing services that do not suit you.

Is my proposal already a confirmed booking?

No, unless we specifically say that a service has been confirmed or is being held. An initial proposal normally remains subject to availability until the required payment has been received and the providers have confirmed the arrangements.

Can spaces be held without payment?

Usually not for long, and often not at all. Each provider has its own conditions. We will tell you if a temporary hold is possible and when payment is needed to secure it.

Why do day cruises fill so quickly?

Day cruises give land-based visitors access to authorised sites on uninhabited islands. Departures and passenger numbers are limited, so the most popular routes can sell out—especially when several boats are not operating the same itinerary on the same day.

Why must I pay a day-cruise deposit promptly?

Finding an available seat does not automatically remove it from sale. Until the provider receives the required payment, another traveller may book it. Prompt payment protects the space that has been found for you.

Can I wait and book a day cruise after I arrive?

You can try, and cancellations or unsold spaces sometimes appear—particularly in quieter periods. However, you accept the risk of having very limited choice or finding no suitable space. If an uninhabited-island visit is a priority, advance booking is safer.

Can every island be visited on a day cruise?

No. Day cruises operate only on authorised routes and schedules. Some remote parts of Galápagos, including much of western Isabela and Fernandina, are normally reached on longer cruises rather than as ordinary day trips from the inhabited islands.

What happens if my first choice is unavailable?

We will explain the closest suitable alternatives. This may mean changing the excursion, reversing the island order or adjusting a date while keeping the main purpose of the journey intact.

Can prices or availability change after my enquiry?

Yes. Providers may change prices, and other travellers can book available spaces while a proposal is being considered. We check again when you are ready to proceed and will explain any necessary change before taking payment.

What will my proposal include?

It will identify the services and experiences included in the proposed price, together with important exclusions or notes. The amount of detail depends on the stage of planning and the type of journey being arranged.

Can I arrange some activities myself?

Yes. Many land-based journeys combine organised services with time for independent activities. We can explain which places can be visited independently and where a guide, boat or advance reservation is required.

Why might you not name every supplier in an initial proposal?

At an early stage we may still be comparing suitable providers or waiting for confirmation. The proposal focuses first on the itinerary, standard and services being offered. Relevant confirmed details are provided as the booking progresses.

What should I tell you before planning begins?

Please mention any mobility limitations, strong concerns about seasickness, dietary requirements, medical considerations relevant to activities, and wildlife or experiences that are especially important to you. This helps us avoid unsuitable suggestions and plan more realistically.