What to know to visit the Galápagos Islands
Tarin LoCascio, of Manhasset, snorkels in the clear seas of fthe Galápagos Islands. Credit: Tarin LoCascio
It’s one of the most remote places on Earth, host to unique and abundant wildlife and perhaps offers the best big-game fishing in the world. The incredible volcanic archipelago known as the Galápagos Islands inspired Charles Darwin as he developed his theory of evolution by natural selection — and is sure to move you as well.
The islands are a province of Ecuador in the eastern Pacific Ocean approximately 700 miles west of the city of Guayaquil. Decades ago, this mysterious region was difficult and expensive to reach. But an influx of tourist dollars in recent years has lowered those hurdles somewhat and upgraded this amazing wonderland to realistic bucket-list status, according to Galápagos enthusiasts.
Andy LoCascio, 64, of Manhasset, first visited here 25 years ago and has returned every year since. “I’ve traveled to some amazing destinations but haven’t seen any that can match this place,” said LoCascio, an AI entrepreneur and owner of Long Island Fishing Charters in Port Washington. “The wildlife is wonderfully unique, the fishing for marlin and tuna is incredible, the food is fantastic and the people are welcoming.”
LoCascio’s wife, Tarin, has accompanied him on eight trips to this magical land. “Aside from great fishing and snorkeling in crystal-clear water, the wildlife here is so abundant and accessible that you’ve got to experience it for yourself,” she said. “Step off the plane and you see blue-footed boobies and Darwin’s finches. There are giant, 100-year-old tortoises, sea turtles and volcano hikes. You can also swim with huge sea lions — thousands line the beaches.”
Tarin LoCascio suggested taking several land and snorkeling tours to different islands while visiting. She and her husband favor eco-friendly tour companies that directly support the local economy, hire local guides and offer a variety of standard and custom tours.
Steve Palmo, 53, of East Norwich, also visits the Galápagos Islands yearly. Like the LoCascios, he can’t get enough.
Wildlife in the Islands is “oversized and super abundant,” said Steve Palmo, of East Norwich, who visits yearly. Credit: Galakiwi
From sea lions to 4-foot-long marine iguanas to giant tortoises to huge fish, everything in this place is “oversized and super abundant,” he said. “This truly is Jurassic Park.”
GREAT TOURS
Calm seas and great weather make January through April prime for Galápagos visits, but land touring and fishing are available year-round. Look for guides and tour groups endorsed by Ecuador’s Ministry of Tourism.
Galakiwi (galakiwi.com) offers various all-inclusive land packages. For anglers, Sportfishing Galapagos (sportfishgalapagos.com/travel) is recommended by Palmo and the LoCascios.
COST
Expect to pay $250 to $1,200 per day. A DIY tour where you hire your own tour guide will be at the lower end, an all-inclusive tour at the higher end.
Round-trip airfare from Kennedy Airport to Guayaquil on Avianca Airlines starts at $600. For standard tours, companies like Sportfish Galapagos and Galakiwi cover flights from Guayaquil to San Cristobal Airport (SCY), or to Baltra Airport (on Santa Cruz Island,) which otherwise runs about $270.
All-inclusive tours typically cost range between $6,000- $10,000 per person based on duration and package selections. Some tour operators require travel insurance.
CARRY ONS
Bring sunscreen, a big hat, bathing suit, camera, flip-flops, a pair of closed-toe shoes for hiking and touring plus “reef safe” sunscreen if you plan to snorkel or dive.
DINE AND STAY
Sample the Brujo de Galápagos, a delicious native member of the scorpionfish family and a deep-fried local delicacy. Order it at Hotel Miconia (hotelmiconia.com/es), where the LoCascios like to stay.
Darwin’s Secret serves a fusion of global and local cuisine. Lantana offers a heightened culinary experience in a playfully elegant atmosphere. Both are at Hotel Indigo (bit.ly/3TyXstY) on San Cristobal Island, recommended by the tour company Sportfishing Galápagos.
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