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The Ultimate Galápagos Ferry Travel Guide (2026)

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Guide Contents

Galápagos Inter-Island Transport: General Information

Transportation between the primary inhabited islands — Santa Cruz, San Cristóbal, Isabela, and Floreana — is conducted exclusively via maritime Galápagos ferry services (speedboats).

For exploration of uninhabited islands, travelers must secure a specialized daily tour. Note: There are no direct ferry routes between Isabela and San Cristóbal; passengers must transit through the Santa Cruz hub to complete this journey.

ATMs and Cash Requirements on Isabela

While Isabela Island features an ATM (Banco del Pacífico), credit or debit card acceptance is limited and often carries high transaction fees (10% to 25%). We highly recommend bringing sufficient cash from mainland Ecuador.

Galápagos National Park Entry Fees and Taxes

Upon arrival, all visitors must pay the mandatory entry fee in cash before luggage collection:

  • International visitors: $200 per person.
  • MERCOSUR citizens: $100 per person.
  • Ecuadorian residents: $12 per person.

Additional Mandatory Local Costs

  • Water Taxi: $1 per person (each way) for pier-to-ferry transfers.
  • Santa Cruz Pier Tax: $1.
  • Isabela Island Entry Fee: $10 (International) / $5 (National).

Biosecurity Inspection (ABG) & Transit Control

All passengers must pass the Biosecurity Inspection (ABG) at the pier before boarding.

  • Luggage Sealing: Bags are scanned for organic species and sealed with a security tag.
  • Transit Control Card (TCT): Keep your QR code or physical TCT ready for verification.

Ferry Schedules, Durations, and Vessel Specs

Standard departures occur twice daily. Vessels are equipped with individual assigned seating, Starlink Wi-Fi, and ventilated cabins for passenger comfort.

Galápagos Ferry Route Estimated Travel Time
Santa Cruz ↔ Isabela 2 – 2.5 hours
Santa Cruz ↔ San Cristóbal 2 – 2.5 hours
Santa Cruz ↔ Floreana 1.5 – 2 hours

Luggage Policy and Restrictions

  • Standard Allowance: Up to 2 bags (max 23 kg total).
  • Excess Weight: Flat fee of $10 for exceeding the 23 kg limit.
  • Special Equipment: Surfboards and bicycles incur a $10 additional fee.

💡 View the updated Galápagos Ferry Prices 2026-2027.

Boarding and Check-in Travel Tips

  • Arrival Time: Be at the pier at least 1 hour prior to departure.
  • Seasickness: Medication is highly recommended 30–60 minutes before boarding. Read our expert tips here.

Climate and Seasonal Packing

Warm Season (January to May): Temperatures over 30°C. March is the peak month.

Cool Season (June to December): Cooler waters; wetsuits are recommended for snorkeling.

Hotel Booking and Ferry Reservations

To guarantee availability, tickets should be booked at least 5 days in advance. Learn how to safely book a ferry online.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

For information on refunds or logistics, visit our Help Center.

Most modern ferries are enclosed for safety and to protect passengers from the spray. Some vessels may have a small outdoor area, but seating is usually assigned inside the cabin.

While rare, the Port Authority may close the port for safety. In this case, tickets are usually rescheduled for the next available departure once the port reopens.

There is no age limit, but children must be accompanied by an adult. Some operators offer discounted rates for children under a certain age.

Yes, light snacks and bottled water are allowed. However, alcoholic beverages and hot meals are generally prohibited to maintain cleanliness and safety.

It is common to see flying fish, blue-footed boobies, and sometimes dolphins or whales (especially between July and October). Keep your camera ready!

Cancellation policies vary, but generally, a full refund is only available if canceled 48–72 hours in advance. “No-shows” are typically charged 100%.

Tipping is not mandatory but greatly appreciated for the crew’s help with luggage and safety. A typical tip is $2–$5 per group if the service was exceptional.

While Starlink provides high-speed internet, connectivity can fluctuate slightly depending on the vessel’s position and cloud cover in the open ocean.

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