Logistics · Destination Guide
Pelagics, endemics, and protected waters in a living laboratory
Updated Oct 30, 2025 • 10 sources
Use this travel brief to set arrival flow, local transit, and gear movement before you lock your itinerary.
Fly via Quito or Guayaquil to Baltra Airport on Baltra Island or San Cristobal Airport on San Cristobal. From Baltra, buses connect to the Itabaca Channel ferry for Santa Cruz. From San Cristobal, town is a short taxi ride. Inter-island ferries and small planes link major towns.
Seymour Galapagos Ecological Airport
GPS • SEGS
40 km • 90 km drive-equivalent including ferry
Primary gateway on Baltra serving Santa Cruz via the Itabaca Channel ferry. Recognized for sustainable design and operations.
Transport: Airport bus to Itabaca Channel, Public bus to Puerto Ayora, Private taxi transfers
San Cristobal Airport
SCY • SEST
2 km • 10 km drive
Short taxi ride from Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, serving flights to mainland Ecuador.
Transport: Taxi, Hotel pickup
On-island travel is by taxi trucks, buses, and guided tour boats. There is no rideshare. Roads are short but speeds are low due to wildlife.
Before mainland check-in, register for the Transit Control Card and pay the fee. On arrival in Galapagos, pay the National Park entrance fee as applicable. Passport should have 6 months validity, and immigration limits stays to the park rules and your entry stamp.
Most day boats offer 12 L aluminum tanks with DIN and yoke valves. Bring a 5 mm to 7 mm suit with hood and sturdy booties. Confirm baggage allowances with your airline. Rinse facilities are common at dive docks and shops.
United States Dollar (USD)
USD is legal tender across Ecuador. Cards work at many hotels and tour desks; bring cash for taxis, ferries, and small island fees.
ATMs are available in Puerto Ayora and Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. Options on Isabela are limited and can run out of cash.
120V • 60Hz • A, B
Most travel chargers are dual voltage. Carry a spare USB brick; power can be intermittent on boats.
Communications
Local carriers include Claro and Movistar. eSIMs for Ecuador work on the main islands, but offshore coverage is limited and absent on many day trips and liveaboards. Hotel Wi-Fi can be slow.
Language
Spanish is official. English is widely used in tourism. Learn simple Spanish greetings and courtesy phrases.
Insurance
Strongly recommended to carry dive accident insurance with hyperbaric coverage and evacuation. Medical care is basic on islands compared to the mainland.
Packing list
Bring a hooded wetsuit appropriate to season, booties, SMB, sun hat, polarized sunglasses, reef-safe sunscreen, dry bags, and seasickness meds. A windproof layer helps after dives.
