Boat access to Galapagos Islands?
It's meant to be possible to get to the Galapagos Islands by plane and by boat.
If I return to Ecuador next year, which ports have tours / boats going out to the islands? And would you need to book in advance, or is it likely to be able to pick something up last minute in the port itself? I could afford to hang around a few days if necessary - won't have a tight time schedule.
Best Answer
Yes it can be done but you need to get away from the major ports. The key is the correct city and it is none of the ones mentioned. Head to Bahia de Caraquez in Manabi province. The many fancy yachts you see by the bridge are the round the world yacht types. Their bar is Puerto Amistad. Go their and ask around and drink with them. Many of the yachts you see have just passed through the Panama Canal and are in Bahia resting up and taking on provisions. Next stop is the Galapagos for many.
This is the bridge and the yachts, the bar is to the left of the bridge on this side.
You'll never get on a commercial boat from Guauaquil, Manta, or Esmeraldas but the yachts I have seen take people free of charge for work, company, a few dollars etc.
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Can you get to Galapagos Islands by boat?
The only way for travelers to get to the Galapagos Islands is by air. Travelers must fly from mainland Ecuador to the Galapagos Island. It is not possible to cruise from mainland on a tourist-class ship, and there is no road or ferry service.Do you need permission to go to the Galapagos Islands?
No visas are required for U.S., Canadian, and most European citizens unless you plan to stay more than ninety days. Check with local immigration offices or the Ecuadorian consulate prior to sailing to determine if a visa is necessary.How long is the boat ride to the Galapagos Islands from Ecuador?
By sea it takes 3 days to reach the Galapagos Islands from Ecuador. Boats depart from Guayaquil to the Galapagos. Most often these are cargo ships with basic accommodations not matching the luxury cruises in the archipelago.How do you get between islands in the Galapagos?
The best way to get to those islands is via a cruise or by reaching San Cristobal or Isabela first and then hiring a boat at the docks from Puerto Baquerizo Moreno or Puerto Villamil to Puerto Velasco in Floreana. There is a boat service at the Capitan\xeda del Puerto that travels between different islands.Sailing to the Galapagos Islands on Your Own Boat – What You Need to Know Ep.35
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Answer 2
There is no chance to hitch hike a boat to the galapagos islands. We tried it several days to get into the harbour of Guayaquil, but they didn't let us in. You need special permissions (like a register for working on a boat). They got even more strict talking about the galapagos islands.
The only way seems to be by airplane.
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