At the end of 2025, our travel specialist Beate visited the Galápagos Islands — a tour she’ll never forget.
There are tours that leave an impression — and then there are those that truly change you. The Galápagos Islands belong without doubt to the latter category. In November 2025, I had the privilege of visiting this extraordinary archipelago in the Pacific Ocean.
The tour begins in Quito, Ecuador’s capital, where excitement fills the air. After just a two-hour flight, you land in a completely different world — on Baltra in the Galápagos Islands. The welcome could not be more authentic: as soon as you step off the plane and make your way towards the arrivals hall, you’re greeted by your first iguana, basking lazily in the sun, entirely unfazed by the bustle of travellers around it. Another sight you quickly get used to is the endemic marine iguana, the only iguana in the world that forages in the sea. After completing the necessary arrival formalities — including yet another luggage inspection and the 200 USD entrance fee to the National Park — the journey continues by bus and a small open ferry to Santa Cruz.
When you arrive, you’ll immediately feel the vibrant energy of Puerto Ayora, the ‘capital’ of the island. Among cosy little shops, a local supermarket, and characterful bars, island life truly comes alive. The surroundings are simply spectacular: stop off at Hacienda Primicias for lunch in the company of giant tortoises, then explore the mysterious lava tunnels before visiting the Charles Darwin Research Centre. Here, you’ll gain a deeper insight into the island’s extraordinary natural wonders – and don’t forget to have your passport stamped while you’re here!
The sea was, of course, calling, and a boat trip to North Seymour was truly unforgettable. Snorkelling in the crystal-clear, warm Pacific Ocean gave me my very first close encounter with a sea turtle – a genuine goosebump moment! Back on land, an incredible guide shared fascinating insights into the habits of the seabirds, land iguanas, and, of course, the famous blue-footed boobies that nest here without fear.
The adventure continued the next day with a two-hour crossing to the largest island, Isabela. Remember to take a seasickness tablet about 30 minutes before departure and find a seat at the back of the speedboat – the ride is quick but can be rather bumpy. The reward? Puerto Villamil greets you with a genuine beach vibe. The streets are covered with sand, and the pace is calm and laid-back compared to Santa Cruz. A hike to the historic “Muro de las Lágrimas” and a final snorkel at Las Tintoreras – among blue starfish, sharks, giant tortoises, and graceful rays – provided the perfect finale to the tour.
My conclusion:
The Galápagos Islands truly are an experience of a lifetime. It’s a profoundly moving tour that awakens a deep respect for nature and its unique character. Anyone fortunate enough to visit this magical place should seize the opportunity – your heart will undoubtedly return home transformed.
/Beate
TourCompass – From tourist to traveller
Would you like to experience the unique landscapes and extraordinary wildlife on a tour to the Galápagos Islands?
Take a fantastic trip to Ecuador with a visit to the active Cotopaxi volcano and the mysterious Quilotoa crater lake. The adventure ends with island hopping in the magical Galapagos Islands.
Discover Quito, the capital of Ecuador, and go island hopping to the famous Galapagos Islands, where stunning scenery and unique wildlife await you.
Unforgettable nature experiences await in Ecuador with the majestic Andes Mountains, the world’s largest rainforest, the Amazon, as well as a 6-day island-hopping adventure on the enchanting Galapagos Islands.
Wonderful experiences await in Peru & Ecuador, with visits to the old Inca capital Cusco, the Inca ruins Machu Picchu, Ecuador’s capital Quito and the fairytale Galapagos Islands with their indescribable wildlife.
Look forward to experiencing Ecuador’s colonial capital, the majestic Andes Mountains and their volcanoes and crater lakes, and finish your tour in Galapagos with an enchanting 5-day cruise.
Join a tour with a focus on the ultimate nature experiences in the Andes Mountains, the Amazon Rainforest, and the Galapagos Islands on a magical 5-day cruise.
Take a fantastic trip to Ecuador with a visit to the active Cotopaxi volcano and the mysterious Quilotoa crater lake. The adventure ends with island hopping in the magical Galapagos Islands.
Discover Quito, the capital of Ecuador, and go island hopping to the famous Galapagos Islands, where stunning scenery and unique wildlife await you.
Unforgettable nature experiences await in Ecuador with the majestic Andes Mountains, the world’s largest rainforest, the Amazon, as well as a 6-day island-hopping adventure on the enchanting Galapagos Islands.
Wonderful experiences await in Peru & Ecuador, with visits to the old Inca capital Cusco, the Inca ruins Machu Picchu, Ecuador’s capital Quito and the fairytale Galapagos Islands with their indescribable wildlife.
Look forward to experiencing Ecuador’s colonial capital, the majestic Andes Mountains and their volcanoes and crater lakes, and finish your tour in Galapagos with an enchanting 5-day cruise.
Join a tour with a focus on the ultimate nature experiences in the Andes Mountains, the Amazon Rainforest, and the Galapagos Islands on a magical 5-day cruise.
