13 Things To Know Before You Book a Galapagos Islands Holiday

Sometimes I think I’ve seen it all when it comes to travel…and then I go to a destination that blows my mind and makes me realize that I have a lot yet to see! My Galapagos Islands holiday was full of learning opportunities, but most of all it was full of awe and joy. How could it not be – the Islands and wildlife are stunning. It’s like being inside an episode of Planet Earth.

I can’t believe I waited so long to visit the Galapagos Islands! After years of people telling me I should go there, I finally pulled the trigger on the Galapagos in November of 2021 – a time when the world was slowly starting to move around again. It was a perfect time for me to visit these special islands for the first time.

During my 5 days there, I learned so much. My arrogant long-time-traveler side thought I knew what to expect…after all…I had seen it all before. But every day I learned something new that surprised and delighted me.

Galapagos Islands Cruises and Resorts

There are many, many Galapagos cruises (and even resorts!) to choose from. In addition to the type of tour, length of the tour, and type of boat – you’ll also have to choose which islands and wildlife you want to see. And finally, you’ll need to decide what time of year you want to come as it is a year-round destination!

For reference, I went with Metropolitan Touring on their Eastern Islands Cruise, an Ecuadorian-owned company that has been critical to Galapagos tourism and conservation for decades.

Metropolitan Touring even has a resort, Finch Bay Galapagos, on Santa Cruz Island. This is great for people who might not want to spend a week on a ship but still want to explore the islands or maybe just stick to land-based experiences around Santa Cruz Island.

Metropolitan Touring was exactly what I was looking for – the fit was perfect for me. However – you should make your choice based on your travel style and budget. And here are a few things I learned that will help you with that choice.

13 Things You Should Know Before You Go to the Galapagos

I often found myself thinking – ‘I wish I had known this before I got here’.

That’s why I decided to put together this list of things about the Galapagos that I sort of wish I knew beforehand. Some of these things are quirky, some are essential to know, and some will help you decide what type of tour you will want to book for a Galapagos Islands holiday.

1. It’s in Ecuador – the…