The Galapagos islands are a popular location on many people’s bucket lists.

What’s the draw? It’s the animals.  These animals have no natural predators so they are friendly. You can get close to sea lions and giant seat turtles.

Where is it? This grouping of 19 islands and many smaller islets is 620 miles off Ecuador’s coast in the Pacific Ocean. Each island boasts its own unique landscape, ranging from barren black, volcanic rocks to swaths of white sand beaches with blue waters.


When is a good time to go?  The hot, rainy season is December – May.  Temperatures average in the 80s. The ocean is the calm, but you can expect rain daily.  The cooler, dryer season is June through November. The Humboldt Current which brings chilly water and cooler temperatures (in the 70s).  This is said to be a better time for diving because the cold attracts more marine life – like hammerhead sharks. (I’ll be viewing those from very…very…very… far away.) The seas will be rougher.  You’ll also have a better chance of spotting  whale sharks at Wolf and Darwin islands.

To get between the islands, you’ll need access to a boat. You can chose a tour where you sleep on an island in the Galapagos and then take day trips. Or you can cruise through the Galapagos. Boat sizes range from the 100 person Celebrity Xpedition to boats with only a few cabins like the Celebrity Xploration. The benefit of a larger cruise ship is a larger cabin and more amenities on board. Because 100 people would overwhelm some of the islands, guests take turns touring. The benefit of the smaller yacht is more access.

Popular add-ons to a visit to the Galapagos are tours of the Ecuadorian Amazon or Macchu Picchu in Peru.  

What do you think? Is this location going on your bucket list? Email me for mini e-brochure of different itineraries to start dreaming!  When you are ready to start planning, let's chat.