Galápagos Travel Guide (2023 Prices)
The Galápagos Islands are one of the most unique destinations in the world — but they also come with extra logistics and mandatory fees you’ll want to understand before you go. Below is a breakdown of what we paid and what you can expect (all prices from 2023).
Entry Fees
Transit Control Card – $20 (Cash Only)
Before flying to the islands, you must purchase a Transit Control Card at the airport in Quito, Guayaquil, or Manta.
You’ll need to present your plane ticket at the airport booth. Payment is cash only.
Galápagos National Park Entry Fee – $200 (Cash Only)
This fee is paid upon arrival in the Galápagos. Simply follow the line of arriving tourists inside the terminal. Payment is also cash only.
Inter-Island Entry Fee – $10
Each time you enter a new island, you’ll pay an additional $10 fee.
Transportation
Airport to Santa Cruz Island
When flying into Santa Cruz (Baltra Airport):
- Airport bus to marina: $5
- Short ferry across channel: $1
- From the ferry dock:
- Taxi directly to hotel: $40
- Public bus to town: $5
(Note: The airport is not located on the main island, which is why this extra transport is required.)
Inter-Island Ferry
- Ferry between islands: $35 per ride
Water Taxi to Speedboats – $1.50 (Cash)
This fee refers to the small water taxi that takes you from the main dock to the speedboat ferry. You’ll use this both when departing and arriving.
Important:
To travel between San Cristóbal and Isabela, you must route through Santa Cruz. This means purchasing two ferry tickets.
Cash & ATMs
There are ATMs located directly in front of the main pier areas if you run out of cash.
That said, we strongly recommend bringing enough cash from mainland Ecuador to avoid withdrawal fees and potential ATM limits.
Important reminder: Ecuador uses the U.S. Dollar (USD) as its official currency.
Diving
Diving prices ranged between $180–$220 per dive day.
We brought our own equipment, so we can’t confirm rental fees. If you need to rent gear, expect additional costs.
The Galápagos is world-class diving — but it’s not budget diving. Plan accordingly.
Lodging
We paid between $30–$40 per night for private rooms with air conditioning.
There are cheaper options available, but we found this price range to be a solid balance between comfort and value.
Food
We mixed it up between local spots and occasional splurges.
- Tourist-area restaurants: We stayed under $25 per person
- Local residential restaurants: Around $12 per person for a full meal
If you’re willing to walk a few blocks away from the waterfront and main tourist streets, you can eat very well for much less.
Final Thoughts
The Galápagos isn’t a “cheap” destination, but it is manageable if you understand the fees ahead of time and plan your island transfers strategically.
Bring cash. Know your ferry routes. Budget realistically for diving. And if you’re making the trip all the way to the Galápagos — don’t skip getting underwater.
Prefer a visual walkthrough? Watch the full video here.