How Much Does It Cost to Visit the Galápagos Islands?

Why We Nearly Skipped the Galápagos

We almost were not going to go to the Galápagos during the mini-retirement. Why? Because The Frugal Doctor thought that the cost was going to take about a quarter to a fifth of the mini-retirement budget. The Handsome Surfer was keen to visit the Galápagos Islands, as there would be some great surf there. In the end, The Frugal Doctor had to embrace an abundance mindset and take on the die with zero mantra. Let’s build those memory dividends and visit the famous islands.

San Cristóbal and Isabela Islands

With limited time and a love for nature over crowds, we chose San Cristóbal and Isabela as the islands to visit, each offering its own rhythm, charm, and wildlife encounters. We opted to make San Cristóbal (Puerto Baquerizo Moreno) our home base. We had booked our Airbnb six months in advance for 16 days; that is, we were stalking their calendar to book as soon as their calendar opened.

We knew we would want to visit Isabela Island (Puerto Villamil), but figured we would decide on when once we arrived. We both did not think we needed to go to Santa Cruz (Puerto Ayora), as that seemed to be busier. On San Cristóbal, the focus would be diving and surfing. On Isabela, we would do some water-based and land tours.

Flights and Transport Logistics

Our flights inbound and outbound of the Galápagos were both from San Cristóbal. We opted to fly to Isabela Island, as that would be the best use of our time. If we had decided to get the “ferry”, we would have to go to Santa Cruz, possibly stay a night, then from there go to Isabela, as there is no direct ferry from San Cristóbal to Isabela. If seas are rough, the journey would be more than nauseating.

Frugal Strategy

Because we were paying for accommodation in San Cristóbal whilst we were on Isabela, we chose basic accommodation (double bed and private bathroom) in a hostel. Both of the accommodations we booked had access to a kitchen. On San Cristóbal, we were happy to find the local markets (Mercado Municipal San Cristóbal), which meant we could choose whatever seafood, fruit, and vegetables we wanted. We only ate or drank out four times whilst on San Cristóbal. On Isabela, because of the limited selection of groceries and the hostel not having basic pantry staples, we ate out lunch and dinners for the five days we were there.

Cost Breakdown (for Two People in USD)

So how much did we spend? The figures are in USD. The costs are for two people:

Flights, Park Fees, and Accommodation

• Flight Santiago SCL – San Cristóbal SCY (layover in Guayaquil GYE): $1,048 (surfboard baggage included)
• Departure flight SCY – GYE – LIM – SCL – CAL: $1,028 (we flew to Calama, Chile so we could make our way to Argentina)
• Flight upgrade to Premium Economy SCL – GYE – SCY: $100 (last-minute bid through LATAM app)
• Galápagos National Park entry: $400, Airport Tourist card: $40, Isabela airport tax: $20, luggage trolley GYE: $3
• Accommodation San Cristóbal: $600 (16 nights), Isabela: $138 (5 nights)
• Laundry costs: $21 (San Cristóbal $1 per kg, Isabela $1 per pound)
• Return Flight San Cristóbal to Isabela: $604
• Taxis to and from airport San Cristóbal and Isabela: $16
• So the total for the above for two people is $4,018

Food Costs

Food-wise, we spent a total of $582 for the 16 days. This includes any food costs in transit to the Galápagos. The markets were a lifesaver. Also, in Isabela, there were restaurants at the market that had a menu of the day; these would generally be $6-10 per person, depending on what’s on offer.

Diving and Surfing Costs

Now that we are in the Galápagos, what are we going to do? ¿Qué vamos a hacer? How much is the cost? ¿Cuánto cuesta?

• PADI Advanced Open Water certification: $2,466 (seven dives including the famous León Dormido Kicker Rock X2 and a night dive; we booked this with Galápagos Blue Evolution)
• Dive computer rental and GoPro for one day: $133 (The Frugal Doctor carried their Shearwater Peregrine all the way, so no need to hire one)
• Tip for the dives: $105
• Total dive costs: $2,704

The Handsome Surfer had brought two surfboards, so there was no need to hire any boards. Getting out to the reef for a surf meant taking a water taxi. We tried to negotiate a lower taxi ride to no avail, as our Airbnb hosts said $20 a return trip was too much. So, the total for the water taxi was $120. Extra surf wax was $10, so total surf costs were $130.

For most of the time, The Handsome Surfer had the left-hand reef break to himself (not quite alone, as there were some sea lions in the line-up). He was in surfing bliss. The Frugal Doctor was more than happy to chill in a hammock or log some runs here and there.

Land and Water Tours

In San Cristóbal, we did not pay for any other tours. We visited the San Cristóbal Interpretation Centre and hiked to Tijeretas Hill and Punta Carola Beach; this was free. A naturalist guide was not needed for this.

On Isabela, our tours included Los Túneles, Tintoreras, Sierra Negra Volcano hike, and Tortoise sanctuary. We also bought two hats as souvenirs. Total for the Isabela tours, including tips, was $625. We booked all our Isabela tours with Galápagos Bike & Surf; their prices were very competitive, and communication was excellent.

Total Spend vs Budget

So, all in, for everything that we did in the Galápagos, the total was US$8,059 for the 16 days in August 2025 (AUD$12,246). We had anticipated that we would need at least USD$10,000, so we were glad we came in under budget. We got to dive, surf, hike, snorkel, and see the most amazing wildlife. The Galápagos is a magical place.

We did not splurge on sailing the islands and diving from a liveaboard. Who knows? Once we are F.I.R.E.’d (Financial Independence Retire Early) and the markets are rallying, we will do this.

So if you are thinking of visiting the Galápagos, do it. You won’t regret it. Take a look at some of the amazing wildlife you get to see.