Galápagos Islands Raises Tourist Entrance Fees
The Galápagos Islands have raised entrance fees for tourists this season, starting in August. Amy Sward shares how much prices will rise, and how much you'll need to plan for budgeting purposes.
Last updated: April 4, 2024
3 min read
It’ll soon cost more to visit the Galápagos Islands, as the National Park is set to double the price of admission in mid-2024. This will be the first price increase since 1998.
Travel to the protected islands is becoming more popular. According to the Galapagos Conservation trust, about 270,000 people visit the islands each year; a number that’s steadily increasing. The increase in visitors is exacerbating the ecosystem, especially waste management and conservation efforts.
New Fees
The Ecuadorian Ministry of Tourism has been considering raising the fees for years. A a recent memo from The UNESCO World Heritage Committee urged Ecuador to develop a plan to handle the increased tourism including raising fees and limiting daily flights to the islands. The fees are scheduled to double starting in August 2024.
The Ministry of Tourism says the extra money will fund better infrastructure, community programs, education, and increased conservation efforts. “The Galápagos Islands are not only a national treasure, but a global one,” Niels Olsen from Ecuador’s Ministry of Tourism told the Galapagos Conservation Organization. “It is our collective responsibility to protect and preserve this unparalleled ecosystem for future generations.”
Starting August 1, 2024, these are the new fees:
- $200 for international visitors
- $100 for visitors from Bolivia, Colombia, Peru, Argentina, BRazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay.
- $30 for visitors from Ecuador
- $100 for children 12 years old and younger
- Free – children two and under
“The adjustment in the entry fee, the first in 26 years, is a necessary measure to ensure that tourism in the Galapagos remains sustainable and mutually beneficial to both the environment and our local communities,” explains Olsen.
These entry fees must be paid in cash upon arriving on the islands in order to be granted access to the Galapagos National Park.
About The Galápagos Islands
Peak Season
June to December
Website
People
Nature Enthusiasts, Wildlife Lovers, Ecotourism Enthusiasts, Marine Life Explorers
Often referred to as a “living museum,” the Galápagos Islands are a 127-island archipelago that lies more than 600 Miles west of Ecuador in the Pacific Ocean. Of the 127 islands, only 19 are inhabited with some 30,000 people living there year round.
Volcanos started creating the Galápagos Islands about five millions years ago. Today, the islands sit on top of volcanos and are home to more than 9,000 species, including the Galapagos Giant Tortoise. The islands were named to the World Heritage Site in 1978.
Traveling to the islands is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It allows visitors to see wild animals up close and learn about their delicate ecosystem and unique vegetation. In addition to the giant tortoise, upon touring the islands, visitors may also see the blue-footed booby, land iguana, sea lions, lava lizards, and finch. Most of the islands are protected land. Tourists are allowed access to more than 60 sites with a certified guide.
Touring the Galápagos Islands
The easiest way to get to the Galápagos Islands is to fly from mainland Ecuador into one of the two main airports, one on Baltra and the other on San Cristobal. Tickets typically range from $380 to $500 for a round trip ticket. A third airport on Isabel only takes inter-island traffic.
Before leaving mainland Ecuador, visitors’ bags will be inspected to make sure there’s nothing in them that can cause damage to the Galápagos Islands ecosystem or any of the animals. One of the main threats to the Galápagos Islands is non-native species invading the area. Non-native species can harm local wildlife and vegetation. Upon landing at the airport on one of the islands visitors will need to pay the Galapagos National Park entrance fee in cash. This payment will be collected before being allowed out of the airport.
Once on the island, visitors can choose to stay on land or experience the islands via cruise. The cruises range from four days and three nights, to 12 days and 11 nights on boats that hold from 12 to 110 people. There are four different cruises visitors can take: economy, tourist, first class, and luxury. Cruising the Galápagos Islands is an excellent way to see more of the UNESCO World Heritage site as the boats travel from island to island at night. This leaves the day to explore new habitats.
Visitors not wishing to cruise can do a land-only tour and stay at one of the larger islands. Then, you can take day trips to the lesser inhabited islands. This option is less expensive but can also limit how much of the islands visitors can see. Activities are limited to nearby towns that provide lodging.
To explore the ocean life, visitors are allowed to scuba dive, but only a few tour companies are allowed to lead dive trips. So, it’s best to double check before booking a tour if visitors wish to dive. Diving around the islands gives guests access to a variety of marine life including sharks, fur seals, marine iguanas, and mantas, among others.
Peak Travel Season
Travel to the Galápagos Islands is permitted year round, but there are some more desirable times to visit. The warm season lasts from December to May, with March being the hottest month. While these months see warm weather, up to 86 degrees Fahrenheit, they can also see heavy rains. The seas are often calmer during this period.
June to November is cooler with an average low temperature of 66 degrees and can often be overcast with slight drizzle. This timeframe is also mating season for a number of the species, but is prime diving weather as the sharks come closer to shore to feed. The seas can be a bit rougher during this timeframe.
