What To Know Before You Book

The Galapagos Islands face specific logistical and environmental challenges due to their isolation, strict conservation laws, and equatorial climate. What’s possible in other national parks and wildlife destinations may not be appropriate or even permitted in the Galapagos.

Learn more: A Guide To The Galapagos Islands

The Galapagos Islands have two main seasons: Warm & Wet (approx Jan-Jul) and Cool & Dry (approx Jul–Dec). While both seasons are excellent times to visit, each may include a short period of more extreme conditions, typically lasting around two weeks.

What to expect during these brief seasonal peaks

For around two weeks during the Warm & Wet season—typically in March or April—temperatures, humidity and rainfall can peak. That said, rainfall usually comes in short bursts, and is often interspersed with clear skies and sunshine. After a heavy downfall, however, you may notice a slight increase in insect activity at Camp, most commonly harmless moths in the evenings, especially around lights in the main lodge. Mosquitoes are seldom an issue, and exposure to other insects is very limited (there are no dangerous bugs in the Galapagos). While the vast majority of our guests are either unbothered or don’t notice them, we mention it here to avoid surprises for those who are more sensitive. With the right expectations, however, this period can be extremely rewarding: the landscape is at its lushest, and sea temperatures are at their warmest, making conditions ideal for snorkelling and diving.

For around two weeks during the Cool & Dry season–typically in September or October–it can feel quite cold in the evenings or when out at sea (a warm fleece is recommended) and a heavy mist (la garua) often settles in the late afternoon, lifting again in the morning. With the right expectations, however, these cooler weeks can also be rewarding with fewer tourists, and more comfortable conditions for hiking and biking. The cooler seas are also rich in marine life—perfect for wildlife-focused snorkelling and diving.

Note: these two-week windows vary year to year and cannot be predicted with certainty. They may fall at the beginning, middle or end of the indicated months, and may be shorter or longer than two weeks, or may not occur at all in a given year.

Learn more: When to Visit the Galapagos Islands

The experience we offer is not a scaled-back version of luxury—it’s a deliberate reimagining of it. When Galapagos Safari Camp was founded, it would have been possible to pursue a more opulent, imported style of “urban luxury”. But we chose something different. Something more thoughtful. Something more appropriate. And we hope you will too.

Appropriate Luxury is shaped by place—not by global trends. It reflects a belief that true comfort doesn’t have to come at the expense of integrity, sustainability, or the character of the destination itself.

At Galapagos Safari Camp, luxury is rooted in a deep sense of place, warm hospitality, personalised service, and a high level of comfort—delivered with intelligence and care. It’s not about excess, but about creating meaningful experiences that honour and respect where you are.

While we always strive to balance comfort, sustainability, and depth of experience, we prioritise integrity above all—in how we operate, how we host, and how we engage with these extraordinary islands. To sleep and dine in comfort among its creatures is a rare privilege—arguably, the greatest luxury of all.

Learn more: Appropriate Luxury

Mobility

The tents are linked to the main lodge by a gently sloping path with multiple steps, requiring a reasonable level of mobility. Our Family Suite is located adjacent to the main lodge and does not require using these steps.

Air Conditioning

Our three-bedroom Family Suite is the only accommodation with the option of air conditioning, though most families find they don’t need it.

Our tents do not have air conditioning. As Galapagos Safari Camp is located in the highlands of Santa Cruz, the climate is generally very comfortable, making air conditioning unnecessary for the vast majority of the year. Each tent is carefully positioned to benefit from natural cross-ventilation and is equipped with a ceiling fan.

There is a short weather window (see Weather: Highs & Lows) when nighttime temperatures can feel a bit warm for some guests. That said, other guests find the conditions perfectly comfortable during this time. Comfort is personal, and we encourage our guests to consider their own preferences when deciding when to visit.

For context, during the cooler months we often light a fire in the main lodge and provide hot water bottles in the beds. Air conditioning is truly unnecessary for 50 out of 52 weeks of the year—and, we hope you agree, not appropriate, given the environmental cost of unnecessary energy use.

Learn more: Accommodation

Our pool is deliberately small as freshwater is an extremely limited resource in the Galapagos and a larger pool would not be appropriate in such an environment.

Similarly, the pool is not heated, as doing so would require significant (fossil-fuel generated) energy, which doesn’t align with our philosophy of Appropriate Luxury, especially for a pool sat under an equatorial sun.

For the same reasons, we don’t think Jacuzzis or hot tubs are appropriate in the Galapagos either.

Learn more: Sustainable Hospitality

Our Kids Club runs during school holidays and only in the late afternoons, once families return from their excursions. It’s designed to give parents a little time to relax before dinner, and not as childcare while adults are out on Safari.

There’s no set programme. Instead, we tailor each session to suit your child’s interests, age, and energy levels. If your child has a particular passion, let us know in advance, and we’ll do our best to weave it into their experience.

Learn more: Kids Club

Due to the remote and protected nature of the Galapagos, culinary options are more limited than in mainstream tourist destinations.

Breakfasts and dinners are typically served at Camp, while lunch is arranged externally, depending on your itinerary.

Lunch: On sea excursions, a simple hot lunch is served onboard (see below: The Safari Experience>Sea Excursions). On Santa Cruz Island, lunch may be enjoyed at a local restaurant or as a packed meal, depending on the day’s plan.

Dinner at Camp is a fixed four-course tasting menu, designed to minimise waste and make the most of what is responsibly available.

While we do not offer à la carte dining, there are always alternative options for the two main courses. Each afternoon, your host will review the evening menu with you when you return from your excursions. You’re welcome to accept it as is or request the alternative option.

Dietary preferences: We are happy to accommodate dietary requirements with advance notice. After booking, you’ll receive a form to let us know your needs.

All inclusive: Our rates include all meals specified on your itinerary, excluding soft drinks and alcohol (Note: For Festive Safaris, please refer to the specific inclusions outlined in your itinerary).

Bar: Our main bar is located in the main lodge and is open daily during service hours. A smaller selection of drinks is also available at the Viewpoint. If there’s something specific you’d like that isn’t listed on the Viewpoint menu, simply let our barman know in advance—we’ll do our best to have it brought over for you.

Learn more: Dining

We always strive to match each guest with the guide best suited to their interests and needs. We also aim to provide continuity by assigning the same guide throughout your stay. If you have a particular guide profile in mind, we encourage you to let us know at the time of booking. Guide assignments are subject to availability and cannot always be guaranteed, particularly for last-minute bookings.

In the Galapagos, the number of vehicles is strictly limited by local authorities to reduce traffic and protect the islands’ fragile ecosystems. Most hotels and tour operators are allowed only one private vehicle under a restricted permit system.

To accommodate all our guests comfortably and efficiently, we supplement our own vehicle by working with a small network of licensed drivers, whose cars and services we book in advance for your Safari excursions. These drivers have worked with us for many years and are well-acquainted with our routes, timings, and standards.

On planned land excursions, you’ll have a private car and driver at your disposal, allowing for flexibility, for example, deciding to spend more time at the beach or returning to Camp earlier. However, if these excursions haven’t been arranged in advance, it may be more challenging for our team to coordinate last-minute outings, due to the limited availability of licensed transport on the islands. We’ll always do our best to assist, but advance planning is strongly recommended.

We offer different levels of privacy for your Safari experience. Please ensure you understand what’s included in your chosen option.

Land Excursions on Santa Cruz and Isabela Islands

All are private, with a private vehicle, driver, and naturalist guide. These days are flexible and run at your pace.

Note: Most visiting sites in the National Park close at 5pm.

Sea Excursions to uninhabited islands

1. Shared boat, shared guide (default): Up to 16 guests from different hotels. The group dynamic may vary depending on age, language, or mobility. Guide-to-guest ratio can be up to 1:16. We cannot control who else is on board.
2. Shared boat, private guide: Your tour of the island is private, but you must board, disembark, and follow the same schedule as the rest of the group.
3. Private boat, private guide: Offers greater exclusivity, though other groups may still be on the island at the same time. Island time and schedule remain fixed by National Park regulations.

Note: For sea excursions from Isabela Island, only options b & c are available.

Learn more: Levels of Privacy

The Boats We Use

In the Galapagos, options for day-trip boats are limited due to strict environmental regulations and permit restrictions. We work with vessels that have proven to be the most reliable and professionally operated over time. While they may not offer the glamour of superyachts, they are—based on over two decades of experience—far less prone to engine failure, which can lead to last-minute cancellations or unexpected schedule changes.

Learn more: The Boats We Use

Lunch on the Boat

As no food is allowed on the islands a simple lunch is served onboard–typically rice, fish, and vegetables—either buffet-style or at the table, depending on the vessel. Please note that catering is managed by the boat operators, not Galapagos Safari Camp, so the food may not match the standard of cuisine offered at Camp. That said, it is freshly prepared, with hearty portions, and suitable for a day of adventure.

Dietary needs? Let us know in advance and we can arrange a packed lunch.

Points to Consider

• All sea excursions (whether shared or private) follow strict departure times and itineraries set by the National Park, including the duration of the guided island visit. Late arrivals cannot be accommodated.
• Boat navigations to uninhabited islands range from 0h45m to 2h15m each way, depending on the island visited. These quiet intervals between the guided tours are not interruptions to your Safari but part of it. They allow space to observe, reflect, and simply be in the Galapagos, rather than race through it.
• The guided tour of the island takes approximately 1 hour
• The guided snorkel is approximately 30-45 minutes
• Only private boats can return early if needed (e.g. for sea sickness), but all passengers must disembark—boats cannot make multiple trips.
• Sea excursions typically begin early, with departures from Camp between 7:00 and 8:00am. Your host will confirm the exact timing the day before.
• Last-minute changes to sea excursions are discouraged due to limited availability and the high fees incurred

Learn more: Islands to Visit

Service: Accommodation and service on Isabela are more basic and informal than at Galapagos Safari Camp. The island’s charm lies in its simplicity, beauty and wildlife. It is best suited to travellers focused on exploration, not luxury.

Guides: To ensure consistency and avoid disappointment, we fly one of our trusted naturalist guides to accompany you on Isabela.

Isabela First: We recommend visiting Isabela before Santa Cruz, for a smoother transition and to end your journey on a high note of comfort and refinement.

Learn more: Isabela Island Safari Extension

We believe that transparency is an essential part of authentic hospitality. If you’re considering a stay with us, we encourage you to hear directly from others who’ve experienced Galapagos Safari Camp firsthand.

Our Guest Feedback page shares honest reflections from guests who’ve stayed with us over the years—what they loved, what stood out, and what mattered most to them. You can also read reviews on Tripadvisor and Google, where you’ll find a wide range of voices and experiences.

We hope this helps you get a fuller picture of what to expect, and whether our approach to travel, luxury and sustainable hospitality feels like the right match for you.