The world-famous Galápagos Islands, which are part of Ecuador, are a collection of over 100 islands and islets. This archipelago sits about 600 miles (1,000 km) off the west coast of Ecuador. The Galápagos Islands are a UNESCO World Heritage site, dubbed a 'living museum and showcase of evolution', and they draw travelers keen to see firsthand the incredible number of species that inhabit the Islands. They are a key destination for wildlife enthusiasts as well as evolutionary and marine biologists (à la Charles Darwin).

Ecuador and its Galápagos Islands use the US dollar as their currency, and are typically in the same timezone as the US's Eastern Standard Time, though the country does not observe daylight saving.

Galápagos Islands: When to Visit

  • From January to May, the wet season has frequent yet short showers and higher humidity. It's still warm, though, with temperatures in the low 70s to mid-80s Fahrenheit, and the sun still shines brightly! This season is great for warmer ocean water and very active underwater life.
  • From June to December, the dry season offers cooler, drier weather with less rain and more sunshine. The sea is calmer, making navigation between the islands easier and providing pleasant conditions for snorkeling and diving. Our whale shark citizen science scuba dive trips only occur between July and September each year.

Our Eco-Friendly Galápagos Packages

Our Galápagos Islands travel packages offer a variety of sustainable experiences designed to immerse travelers in the country’s extraordinary wildlife on land and underwater. We work with a locally-owned and woman-owned Ecuadorian company that offers a responsible, land-based trip to the Galápagos, perfect if you love beaches and short boat rides, but don't necessarily need to snorkel or scuba dive. For travelers looking to be in the water, we offer sustainable scuba diving experiences through two partners. One is a citizen science organization dedicated to whale shark research and conservation, offering ethical liveaboard dive trips. The other specializes in casual dive-and-stay packages that blend incredible underwater experiences with the nature and culture of the Galápagos on land.

How to Reach the Galápagos Islands

Reaching the Galápagos Islands is easy, with daily flights from Quito or Guayaquil to Baltra or San Cristóbal. For any of our Galápagos packages, you'll be met at the airport and taken to your boat, 5-star scuba dive resort, or boutique accommodations.

Customize your Trip

Our partners are happy to help customize the Galápagos land-based trip or the dive-and-stay packages. Contact us to design your ideal, immersive, and eco-friendly adventure to the Galápagos Islands!

Reviews

For the Dive & Stay scuba certification package, an underwater shot at the Galapagos Islands is shown with a rocky ocean bottom and a large school of small fish, with blue water above.

Carli F.

Sep 15, 2025

Ease your conscience about traveling

What a wonderful idea and company! The mission of Yugen really helps ease my conscience about traveling whilst also keeping sustainability in focus. We had a wonderful time on our 9-day Galapagos dive and stay trip. I'm genuinely surprised by how little coordination was required of us, we just showed up at the given places and given times, and there was 0 confusion or extra communication needed on our end. Thanks to Hilary and her team, I'm hoping more people will be inspired to travel more sustainably.

An indigienous Ecuadorian woman stands tall, in black shoes, a black skirt with colorful embroidery along the bottom, a long sleeve white shirt and a bright red shawl embroidered along the bottom, matching the skirt. Her dark hair is braided and she is walking and smiling.

Dale A.

Sep 4, 2025

Exceptional experience in ecotourism!

Exceptional experience in ecotourism! You know your money is going to support the local economy. The local partner in Ecuador was fantastic - couldn't have been better!

For the Dive & Stay scuba certification package, an underwater shot at the Galapagos Islands is shown with a rocky ocean bottom and a large school of small fish, with blue water above.

Evan A.

Sep 3, 2025

Wouldn't have changed a thing!

It was the perfect mix of scheduled time and free time. We felt all the planning from the transport, to the accommodations, to the activities went as smooth as it could have. I don't think we would have changed a thing! We are very grateful for all the help!

For the Dive & Stay scuba certification package, an underwater shot at the Galapagos Islands is shown with a rocky ocean bottom and a large school of small fish, with blue water above.

Caity Z.

Sep 9, 2024

Amazing experience...and sustainable!

We had an amazing experience working with Yugen Earthside! From start to finish, we were supported in organizing our trip and answering any and all questions that came our way. We had an incredible experience in the Galapagos and fell in love with the local staff and the unique landscape! Very happy to know that such an amazing trip was also a sustainable choice!

A scuba diver in the Galapagos Islands on a citizen science sustainable scuba dive trip swims close to a whale shark; little fishes are around and in front of them. Water is light blue at the top and darker blue by the bottom of the frame, with medium visibility.

Jeremy R.

Oct 14, 2022

Citizen Science Scuba Dive in the Galapagos Islands

Such a fantastic trip! I got to see a 35 ft whale shark, schools of 100s of hammerheads, sea lions, etc. It was outstanding!

Hilary was such a help finding an amazing travel experience. She helped me find an amazing scuba trip to the Galapagos and explained some of the impacts as well as ways to be a thoughtful steward. I will definitely work with her again. I recommend Yugen Earthside with all my heart!