How to Get Around the Galapagos Islands: Best Transportation for Travelers

Flights are an easy way to travel between the islands and reach the Galapagos archipelago from the mainland. Flying around the Galapagos allows you to travel much farther faster, so you can see more in less time, which is helpful if you have a limited number of days to travel. The islands, reef system, and clear waters make scenic flights alluring, and can even become part of a luxury Galapagos island tour.

The Galapagos archipelago is best with a private driver, as you visit the unique ecosystems of the unpopulated islands. A local driver can be a dedicated guide who ensures you stay on the official footpaths or within the prescribed boundaries of natural habitats, as well as providing helpful information on the landscape, marine life, and wildlife. A private driver can also escort you between the airport or ports and your accommodations for seamless transfers.

Taxis are one of the best ways to travel around the islands during your Galapagos trip. Most of the archipelago is uninhabited and many of the islands that do have communities are not very large. But the number of islands that have taxi services available gives you the freedom to travel to and from specific destinations at your pace. Destinations in towns are easy to reach, but the highlands take time and often have a set price. Water taxis also make it easy to visit remote coastal areas on individual islands by letting you circumnavigate the restrictive landscape.

Cruises are one of the best ways to experience the Galapagos archipelago as they travel at night to give you more access to distant islands. By reaching the more remote islands, you have a better chance of seeing the celebrated wildlife and visiting the more remote snorkeling or scuba-diving destinations.

Whether looking for a luxury Galapagos cruise or a Galapagos cruise for seniors, their popularity throughout the archipelago comes from their ability to give you more access, visibility, and adventure in less time.

Biking is a fun and different way to enjoy some of the islands that have established communities in the Galapagos, such as Santa Cruz, San Cristobal, or Isabela. It is easy to visit the downtown areas or cycle on the designated roads, but it is also essential to know that some areas on the islands require a naturalist guide to be with you, which can turn a casual bike ride into a private tour.

The Galapagos has a surprising variety of transportation options that can easily accentuate your travel style and help with the experiences you want to have. The best time to visit the Galapagos Islands can determine your logistics and our Galapagos Islands travel guide has much more information on ways to have your perfect trip.

You can also speak to a Galapagos travel expert to learn what interests and goals are the most important for you, resulting in the best possible experience after you find more inspiration with our Galapagos Islands tours and vacations.