Galapagos Islands travel tips

David Orrock, from our supplier Pura Aventura, shares his top Galápagos travel tips:
“Many people feel they should go on larger boats because they’re better for seasickness, but I just think you lose a kind of intimacy with the experience. In a small boat with 16 people you get to know all your fellow passengers. You certainly spend less time getting on and standing around waiting to disembark, which is an issue on bigger ships. But there's also a romance with a smaller ship, you feel like the first pioneers that went to Galápagos. It's such a special place and it's all about getting up so much closer to nature than you normally would – if you're in a massive group you lose that to an extent. Of course, they're good ships - you have more facilities, more space... but having done it both ways, I'd always go with the smaller boat.”

Morag Prosser, from our supplier ROW Adventures, shares a Galápagos travel tip for culture fans: “One thing which goes unnoticed is the human population. They've been there for many, many years, and what the park is doing to conserve nature has a big impact on their ability to earn a living and continue living on the islands they were born on. They've had to stop fishing, they've limited the farming that people can do to sustain their families – and these people are now almost wholly dependent on tourism. The land-based tours give a good understanding of that. You can go to the Wall of Tears and learn about how it was a penal colony. Political and war prisoners were held there for many, many years under terrible circumstances - and it's interesting that no-one talks about that part of the Galápagos. There's the history of Floreana - people arriving there, the murders, people disappearing - and the fact that no-one's ever been able to get to the bottom of that mystery is as fascinating, I think, as the reintroduction of native species of tortoise to each island. So I think that being able to balance that human history with the incredible wildlife is a real plus.”

There is no malaria or other nasty diseases on the islands, and they are well set up for tourism, meaning the food is of high quality and illness is unlikely. The Galápagos sits bang on the equator – and with water all round, the risk of sunburn is high, even on cooler or overcast days. Stock up on the sun block, and make sure youngsters are adequately covered with hats and long sleeves. Don’t forget to cover up while snorkelling – backs, necks and bottoms are particularly susceptible as you lose track of time under the water. Seasickness can be a real problem on cruises, especially if you travel during the windier months. Larger boats and catamarans tend to be more stable, but consider visiting your doctor first for medication. Ginger is also highly recommended for nausea. There are hospitals in Puerto Ayora and Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, but serious illness or injury will require a return to the mainland, so be sure your medical insurance covers this, as well as any activities you are planning to enjoy – including snorkelling, diving, mountain biking or kayaking.

The Galápagos is extremely safe – though do keep an eye on young children around the water.