last edited Dec 11, 2019
Getting Around the Galapagos
Location Map of Galapagos
Galapagos
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About Getting Around
Across the archipelago, it’s important to know that only five islands are inhabited and many others or sites are regulated or off-limits without supervision. The populated islands are Baltra (uninhabited but home to Seymour Airport), Floreana (100 residents), Isabela (2,200 residents), San Cristobal (5,600 residents), and Santa Cruz (15,000 residents). In short, since people can’t travel outside these, the options for getting around on your own in the Galapagos remain quite limited.
On the (Inhabited) Islands
You can choose between the bus (Santa Cruz, Isabela, San Cristobal), taxi (Santa Cruz, San Cristobal), or walking. Note that you can also rent bikes (or even a horse) on Santa Cruz for around $10 a day.
Between the Islands
Inhabited Islands
There are sea and air links between the islands;
By air: Small airlines Emetebe and Saero operate flights with planes seating fewer than 10 passengers. They connect Baltra to Isabela or San Cristobal, plus San Cristobal to Isabela—three routes they run daily. Fares are steep, starting at $130 per flight (foreign rate) with a 9 kg baggage allowance.
By boat: Small regular boats also serve San Cristobal, Santa Cruz, Isla Isabela, and occasionally Floreana. Prices are high here too, with even the shortest trips costing at least $30. Note that you can also charter a boat for these same routes at negotiable rates.
Other Islands
Visits are regulated and require organized boat tours. So, the question of transport doesn’t arise for these.