A visit to the Galapagos Islands is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. They are a unique destination for a close encounter with some of the world's most extraordinary wildlife. You can either cruise around the archipelago (usually seven nights) or stay at one of the hotels on Santa Cruz Island and take day trips from there.

Choosing your Boat
Boats are divided into 2 categories:
Cruise Ships (for up to 100 passengers) and Smaller Boats (subdivided into 4 categories according to the level of comfort and facilities). For further details see the Galapagos Islands pages.

ATOL Protection
The flights and air holidays in these pages are ATOL protected by the Civil Aviation Authority under our licence. South American Experience is ATOL6094.

Documentation
At the time of writing no visa is required for British Nationals entering as Ecuador as tourists. You should have a full, valid passport with at least six months to run. Other passports holders should contact the Embassy.

Best Time of Year
The best time to visit the Galapagos Islands is December to March. This is when it is warmest and when the sea is calmest. This is also the best time for diving and snorkelling. It is a very busy season so book early. The wet season is from June to September and there is an accompanying sea fog (called garua) from about the end of August to early October. Wildlife is present throughout the year and there is no specific breeding season so unless you have something particular you want to see (the waved albatross is absent from Jan. to Mar. for instance) plan your visit whenever you wish to.

Travel Advice: Know before you go:
South American Experience is a partner in the UK Government’s Know Before You Go campaign and we are working with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office to do all that we can to help British Travellers stay safe overseas. For the latest information regarding the political situation, volcanic activity and personal safety, please check the Foreign and Commonwealth Office website:
www.fco.gov.uk/knowbeforeyougo

Inoculations
Typhoid, Tetanus, Hepatitis, Malaria, Yellow fever and Polio are all strongly recommended for Ecuador but are not compulsory unless you are planning to travel on to Brazil. The following website has some useful information:
www.fitfortravel.scot.nhs.uk