Experiencing the Galapagos on a budget is still thought
of as an impossible task by some people but the reality is that it’s possible to
have a brilliant time in the archipelago without blowing your hard-earned
travel money.
There is some debate on message boards over whether a
cheaper, land based trip is worthwhile as it limits the amount of creatures you
can see, but this really isn’t the case if you combine land stays with the
right day trips. It’s very much possible to see all sorts of wonderful
Galapagos animals without the yacht tours away from the luxury cruises and
live-aboard yachts, and there are plenty of ways of experiencing the Galapagos
Islands on the cheap, and still have an unforgettable time.
Transport Between the Galapagos Islands
As with anywhere else in the world, how you get around is
largely dependent on your budget. It may be less comfortable than flying but
the cheapest option is by speedboat. From the harbour in Puerto Ayora you can
take daily £21/$30 boat trips to Isabela (two hours), San Cristobal (three
hours) and Floreana (three hours).
Conditions are simple and often quite cramped, with around
30 people squashed onto benches in the interior of the boat. Wherever you sit,
be sure to take seasickness tablets. Undoubtedly the best seats on the boat are
the three or four seats at the top of the boat with the driver, which is also
the case on the cheaper boat trips.
If you’re feeling opportunistic, head up the ladder and see
if you’re allowed to sit up top. You might not be the most popular people with
the rest of the boat, but that’s a small price to pay for uninterrupted views
of the ocean, and a clear view of the horizon which helps to lessen any
seasickness. If you’re stuck sitting downstairs, aim to sit somewhere in the
middle. Passengers at the back get soaked, whilst those at the other end get very
little air.
 |
| The best seats are up top |
For those with slightly larger budgets, Emetebe charter
small flights between Baltra, San Cristobal and Isabela; SA Aero have started
offering inter-island flights with slightly larger planes, but less frequently.
Eating/Shopping
Staying in self-catering hostel accommodation is a good way
to save money, but with distinctly tourist-conscious restaurant prices, those
savings can soon disappear without doing some ‘home’ cooking. Supermarket prices
are higher than on the mainland due to the import costs but it’s still possible
to cook for far cheaper than in many of the seafront restaurants.
In more developed Puerto Ayora there are several
supermarkets to choose from. The medium-sized supermarket at the western end of
Avenida Charles Darwin offers a decent selection of snacks and basic food for
meals. On Isabela, there is a similar supermarket just off the main square.
Virtually all day trips will provide food so taking lunch on
these trips isn’t necessary unless you’re a fussy eater. To read about some of the other options for eating on Santa
Cruz, read this guide to Puerto Ayora.
Best Galapagos on a Budget Day Trips
 |
| Kicker Rock - just off the coast of San Cristobal |
A day trip around San Cristobal will often include a visit to the spectacular Kicker Rock – an unmistakeable towering rock split in two, offering some of the best snorkelling and diving in the Galapagos.
Seymour is a largely barren island home to an incredible array of avian life, like Frigate Birds and Blue Footed Boobies, which is also accessible on a day trip from Santa Cruz.
 |
| Frigate Brids on Seymour |
Las
Tintoreras are just a ten minute boat ride from Puerto Villamil on Isabela.
This cluster of islets is home to Hammerhead Sharks and Galapagos Penguins.
Free Activities
There are plenty of fantastic places to visit that don’t require a paid tour if you're doing Galapagos on a budget. Around Puerto Ayora you can visit the idyllic beach of Tortuga Bay, learn about tortoise conservation at the Charles Darwin Research Station, go swimming in the volcanic fissures of Las Grietas and lots more.
There are plenty of fantastic places to visit that don’t require a paid tour if you're doing Galapagos on a budget. Around Puerto Ayora you can visit the idyllic beach of Tortuga Bay, learn about tortoise conservation at the Charles Darwin Research Station, go swimming in the volcanic fissures of Las Grietas and lots more.
On Isabela, pay a visit to Concha de Perla for an up close and personal swim with the sealions and brightly coloured fish. On San Cristobal, La Lobería is free to access without a guide and is home to colonies of sea lions.
Bike hire is possible on all main three islands and is a great way to explore more of them free of charge.
Accommodation
Whilst it’s true that the majority of the accommodation in the islands is aimed at older, wealthier visitors, there are some cheaper hostel options for backpackers experiencing Galapagos on a budget. Don’t expect prices to be as easy on the wallet as in mainland Ecuador but there are still some affordable options.
For our second stay on Santa Cruz we cut costs and stayed at the Galapagos Best Home Stay on the northern outskirts of town; a real home from home and the total antithesis of the disappointing budget stay. Rooms come with a spotlessly clean kitchenette and the unlimited free drinking water is a fantastic addition.
See more posts on the Galapagos Islands. If you have any tips for doing Galapagos on a budget, share them below..
