One of the first questions when planning a trip to the Galápagos isn’t what to see… but how to move between the islands.
Unlike other destinations, there are no large tourist ferries or free transportation schedules. Everything works with limited departures, fixed capacity and specific logistics.
If you plan transportation incorrectly, you can lose tours, hotel reservations and even entire travel days.
Here’s how transportation really works between San Cristóbal, Santa Cruz and Isabela, the best option depending on your time… and the most common mistakes travelers make.
The three inhabited islands are connected by speedboats called ferries.
They operate every day in two schedules: morning and afternoon.
San Cristóbal → Santa Cruz
07:00 – 09:00
15:00 – 17:00
Santa Cruz → San Cristóbal
07:00 – 09:00
15:00 – 17:00
Santa Cruz → Isabela
07:00 – 09:00
15:00 – 17:00
Isabela → Santa Cruz
06:00 – 08:00
15:00 – 17:00
💡 Important:
There is no direct route between San Cristóbal and Isabela.
You must always transfer in Santa Cruz.
This means traveling between those two islands can take almost a full day:
San Cristóbal → Santa Cruz → Isabela
Departure: 07:00
Final arrival: ~17:00
In practice, you lose an entire day just moving between islands.
Although navigation time is about 2 hours, you must consider additional operational time:
Early check-in (06:00) or (14:00)
Water taxi boarding
Disembarkation
Luggage inspection
Pier transfers
Each trip actually takes 3 real hours.
The Galápagos sea can also be rough.
Many travelers experience seasickness even those who normally never do.
Take motion sickness medication 1.5 hour before
Avoid heavy breakfast
Sit in the covered back seats
Avoid the front
Look at the horizon
Protect belongings from water
Arriving early helps: first passengers choose better seats.
The ticket costs about $30 per route, but there are mandatory extra fees:
| Concept | Cost |
|---|---|
| Water taxi boarding | $1 each side |
| Santa Cruz pier fee | $1 |
| Isabela pier fee (national) | $5 |
| Isabela pier fee (foreigners) | $10 |
| San Cristóbal | Free |
Always carry small cash 💰
Galápagos departures are limited.
Seats sell out quickly, especially in high season.
If you don’t find availability:
You lose booked tours
You lose hotel nights
You must rearrange your itinerary
That’s why ferries should be reserved before arrival.
Many travelers don’t know small planes operate between islands — but they’re often the smartest way to travel.
Example:
San Cristóbal → Isabela
Departure: 08:00
Arrival: 08:40
You gain almost an entire extra day of activities.
The flight itself is also a scenic experience: volcanoes, beaches and ocean from above.
Approximate price:
$130 – $160 per person
More expensive than ferry, but far more efficient.
There are two airlines for inter-island flights:
EMETEBE and ESAV.
Ideal for trips of 4–6 days.
Many travelers only discover this after arrival:
San Cristóbal
Airport is inside town
→ 5 minutes to hotel
Santa Cruz (Baltra Airport)
Located outside the island
→ 1.5 to 2 hours to Puerto Ayora
(bus + channel crossing + bus + taxi)
Starting in San Cristóbal is usually much easier.
Official taxi cooperatives:
Lobería Cooperative
05-252-0900
Galapaguera Cooperative
05-252-0243
Average fare: $2
No central taxi dispatch.
You take taxis directly on the street.
Urban fare: $2 – $3
Limited taxis.
Most tours include hotel pickup.
Depends on your travel style:
Budget travel with time
→ Ferries
Short or efficient trip
→ Combine ferries + flights
Comfortable relaxed trip
→ Flights between islands
Moving around the Galápagos isn’t difficult… but it is strategic.
Poor transportation planning is the main reason travelers lose time in the destination.
The secret isn’t only deciding what to visit but connecting the islands without turning the trip into travel days.
Because in the Galápagos, every hour matters.
12%
Your discount code:
GALAPAGOS2026
Promotion valid from September to November 2026.
