Galapagos Liveaboard Travel Guide 2025: How to Get There & Plan Your Trip

Last updated: March 2025

Are you ready to finalize your flights after booking your dive liveaboard adventure? Dive into our blog post for key insights on crafting your travel itinerary. We've included the most common questions we receive regarding booking travel but if we do not answer your question in this post, or you need further clarification, please do not hesitate to reach out. We recommend reading the entire article, especially noting the special considerations for traveling to the Galapagos, such as the two entry fees. Equip yourself with this knowledge to make planning your trip smooth and hassle-free! We’ve refreshed this guide for 2025 with the latest info!

How do I reach the Galapagos Islands?

To reach the Galapagos Islands, you must first fly to mainland Ecuador (either Quito or Guayaquil) and then take a domestic flight to one of the Galapagos airports, located on Baltra or San Cristobal Island; there are no direct international flights to the Galapagos, so you will always need a layover in Ecuador. 

Which International Airports are located in mainland Ecuador?

• Quito airport – Mariscal Sucre (UIO)
• Guayaquil – José Joaquin de Olmedo Airport (GYE)

Which Airports are located in the Galapagos Islands?

• Seymour Galapagos Ecological Airport on Baltra Island (GPS)*

*GPS is the airport where the dive guides will pick you up at 11:00 am on your liveaboard departure date

• San Cristóbal Airport in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno on San Cristóbal Island (SCY)**

**Would only recommend flying into this airport if the flight options are significantly cheaper, since it requires a two-hour ferry ride from Puerto Ayora in Santa Cruz to Baltra Port (where the liveaboard departs). Additionally, the ferry only operates twice a day, which may require careful scheduling.

***⛴️ Important Note: Seasickness is very common on these ferries due to rough waters, so if you’re prone to motion sickness, be sure to bring medication or take precautions to ensure a more comfortable ride.

Which Airlines Fly from mainland Ecuador to the Galapagos Islands?

• Avianca
• LATAM

*Be sure to check your airline’s baggage restrictions and fees before your trip, as they are strictly enforced.

How long of a stopover do I need in the Quito or Guayaquil Airport before flying to the Galapagos?

You should schedule your flights to include a minimum of a 3 hour layover in Quito or Guayaquil. If possible, it is best to have a 4 hours or more to ensure that you are not stressed and have plenty of time to get your luggage, purchase your transit control card, re-check in for your Galapagos flight, use the rest room, and get some food. 

At what time should I plan to arrive in the Galapagos if my flight is landing on the same day that my liveaboard departs?

Passengers scheduled to arrive at Baltra airport (GPS) on the same day as their sailing adventure must ensure that their flight lands no later than 10:30 am (local time).

What is the earliest flight time I can book if I intend to depart on the same day my liveaboard experience concludes?

If you intend to depart on the same day your liveaboard experience concludes, please schedule a flight leaving no earlier than 12:00 noon (local time) from Baltra airport (GPS).

I have an overnight layover in Quito or Guayaquil. Which hotels should I stay in? 

We recommend a hotel that is close by the airport to avoid any traffic issues the morning leaving for Galapagos. In Quito the Wyndham Quito airport and in Guayaquil the Wyndham Gardens are both located only 5 minutes away from the airport. We can assist you in your hotel booking.

I will be arriving in the Galapagos Islands before my liveaboard sets sail, or extending my stay afterwards. Which hotels should I stay in? 

If you arrive earlier to the islands you will need a hotel in Puerto Ayora. We recommend the Galapagos Suites. The hotel is a family run and offers a high quality standard. It is located in a quiet area of town and still in the middle of the town centre. It is a 5-minute walk from the waterfront as well as a 3-minute walk from the Main Street where you can find many restaurant, tourist informations and other shops. We can assist you with the booking and might be able to arrange a transfer to share with other divers on your liveabord.

The Galapagos Islands are one of the most unique and ecologically sensitive destinations in the world. As a protected national park and home to many endangered species, the Ecuadorian government has implemented strict entry requirements to preserve its delicate ecosystem and promote responsible tourism.

Before you embark on your Galapagos liveaboard adventure, it’s important to familiarize yourself with these mandatory travel requirements, which include:
✔️ Two required entry fees – the Transit Control Card and the National Park Entrance Fee
✔️ Biosecurity screenings to prevent the introduction of non-native species
✔️ A biosecurity declaration form that must be completed before your flight

These measures may seem extensive compared to other travel destinations, but they are crucial in protecting the Galapagos and ensuring future generations can experience its incredible biodiversity. We fully support these regulations as part of responsible eco-tourism.

Make sure to review these requirements carefully before your trip so you’re fully prepared for a smooth arrival in the Galapagos.

To help protect the fragile ecosystem of the Galapagos Islands, all visitors must now complete the Biosecurity Declaration Form online before their trip.

✅ Submit your Biosecurity Declaration Form online up to 48 hours before your flight.
✅ Receive a confirmation code via email, which you’ll need to present upon arrival at Baltra or San Cristóbal Airport.

🌐 Online: Visit declaracion.abgalapagos.gob.ec up to 48 hours before your flight.
📍 At the Airport: Scan the QR code available in Quito or Guayaquil on your flight day.

This paperless system is a major step in preserving Galapagos’ unique biodiversity while making your travel process smoother! 

💵 Important: Be sure to have $20 USD in cash ready before your trip, as card payments are not accepted.

The Transit Control Card (TCT) must be obtained before checking in for your flight to the Galapagos. It is required at customs and before boarding, meaning you must get it at the airport in Quito or Guayaquil before your connecting flight.

You can purchase the TCT at designated kiosks located on the second floor of the domestic flights terminal in both Quito and Guayaquil Airports.

How to Get Your TCT:

✅ Arrive at the airport at least two hours before departure to allow time for processing, as lines can be long.
✅ Provide your passport, flight details, nationality, date of birth, and $20 USD cash at the counter.
✅ The agent will issue your TCT card, which consists of two parts:

• The top half is collected upon arrival in the Galapagos.
• The bottom half is required when you leave—so keep it safe during your stay!

Save Time: Pre-Register Online

You can preregister your details online in advance to speed up the process at the airport. Simply select Pingüino Explorer as your vessel when prompted.

🌐 Register here: Galapagos Transit Control Card Registration

How to Get Your TCT:

✅ Arrive at the airport at least two hours before departure to allow time for processing, as lines can be long.
✅ Provide your passport, flight details, nationality, date of birth, and $20 USD cash at the counter.
✅ The agent will issue your TCT card, which consists of two parts:

• The top half is collected upon arrival in the Galapagos.
• The bottom half is required when you leave—so keep it safe during your stay!

Save Time: Pre-Register Online

You can preregister your details online in advance to speed up the process at the airport. Simply select Pingüino Explorer as your vessel when prompted.

🌐 Register here: Galapagos Transit Control Card Registration

After obtaining your transit control card, proceed to the biosecurity checkpoint. Given that travelers can unintentionally carry seeds or insects, Ecuador has implemented strict biosecurity measures for all air arrivals. At both the Quito and Guayaquil airports, every item of luggage, both checked and hand-carry, will be passed through a biosecurity x-ray screening.  Authorities inspect for live animals, plants, and seeds to prevent the introduction of non-native species to the islands. Next you may proceed to the airline check-in counter to check in for your flight.

💵 Important: Be sure to have $200 USD in cash ready before your arrival, as card payments are not accepted.

Upon arriving in the Galapagos Islands, all tourists are required to pay a Galapagos National Park entrance fee. The standard rate for foreign visitors aged 12 and older is $200 USD.

How to Pay Your Entrance Fee:

✅ After landing, proceed to the designated payment counter at the airport.
✅ Present your passport and Transit Control Card (TCT) to the official.
✅ Pay the $200 USD cash fee.

Related Topics that you might be interested in:

• General tips about the Dive Liveabord
• Tips regarding the water temperature of the Galápagos Islands
• When is the best time to dive in the Galapgaos Islands?
• Tips about right dive equipment