Yes, there are boats that depart from mainland Ecuador to the Galapagos Islands, but when my wife and I first heard about this option, we knew it wouldn’t exactly be the most comfortable way to travel. These boats are cargo ships, not the luxury cruise ships or tourist yachts that offer a more relaxed experience. Plus, it takes about three days to get from the mainland to the Galapagos by boat, which sounded a bit too long for us, especially since we were so eager to start exploring the islands.
In the end, we decided that flying was the best way to go. The flight was quick and hassle-free, and we were able to maximize our time enjoying the Galapagos instead of being stuck on a boat for days. However, if you’re up for an adventurous journey and don’t mind roughing it a little, the boat option might be worth considering. Just be prepared for a long trip and basic accommodations, but with the thrill of crossing the Pacific to such a unique destination!
Three-Day Travel Time
A boat trip to the Galapagos Islands from Ecuador’s mainland means setting aside about three days for the journey. My wife and I actually considered this option for a brief moment, imagining the adventure of sailing the Pacific. But we quickly realized that, while it sounds romantic, it’s quite a time commitment compared to the quick flight.
Cargo boats, which make this long journey, usually charge around $150 for a one-way ticket. Surprisingly, this can be just as expensive, if not more, than the cost of flying. Plus, we realized that once you’re on board, you’ll need to budget extra for food and drinks over those three days—something we weren’t keen on dealing with after all the planning we’d done for our trip.
If you’re a traveler who loves slow journeys and you’re prepared to dedicate those three days to the adventure, then this might be a unique experience for you. But my wife and I decided that it wasn’t the best fit for our schedule, as we wanted to spend as much time exploring the islands as possible.
Adventure and Unique Experience
Although traveling by boat takes more time than flying, it offers an adventure that you just can’t get any other way. My wife and I love a good adventure, and for a moment, we imagined what it would be like to sail across the vast Pacific. If you’re an adventurous soul, the idea of this slow, awe-inspiring journey might call to you, promising a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
The thought of being surrounded by nothing but ocean, with its calm and serenity, felt soul-stirring to us. There’s something about being out there, away from the noise of daily life, that offers a chance to reconnect with nature’s raw beauty. I could easily see how the rhythm of the waves could help someone truly unwind. While we ultimately chose the faster route, we could still appreciate how this journey could give you space to pause and reflect in ways that flying simply can’t.
Flying to Galapagos Islands: Convenience and Efficiency
Flying offers the ultimate convenience and efficiency, especially if you’re eager to reach the Galapagos Islands and start your adventure right away. My wife and I opted for this faster route, and it turned out to be a great decision. Avianca and LATAM airlines both have regular flights from Quito and Guayaquil, so we could easily find a departure time that fit perfectly with our travel plans.
Unlike the three-day boat journey, the flight only takes a few hours, which gave us more time to explore the islands once we arrived. Our flight from Quito to Guayaquil was a quick 30 to 40 minutes, and then from Guayaquil to the Galapagos, it was about 2.5 hours. We found the whole experience smooth and relaxing, allowing us to rest up and get excited for what was waiting for us in the Galapagos. It felt like the perfect start to our journey!
Conclusion
While boats offer a more adventurous and immersive experience, my wife and I found that flying to the Galapagos Islands was the preferred and most practical option for us, and probably for most travelers. The undeniable benefits of flying—its convenience and efficiency—really stood out to us. By choosing air travel, we were able to optimize our time on the islands and dive straight into exploring all the beauty the Galapagos has to offer.
Of course, cargo boats are an exciting option for those with a taste for adventure and plenty of time on their hands. But for budget-conscious travelers, the three-day sea journey, along with the extra expenses for food and drinks, might make it a less appealing choice.
In the end, whether you choose the thrill of a boat journey or the speed and comfort of a flight, the Galapagos Islands will capture your heart. The islands’ pristine beauty and extraordinary wildlife left us in awe, and we know it will do the same for you, no matter how you get there!
Planning trip to Ecuador?
My wife and I rented a car for 15 days and traveled from the northern part of Ecuador to the south, visiting amazing cities like Quito, Otavalo, Baños, Cuenca, and Guayaquil. Along the way, we explored iconic places such as Cotopaxi National Park, Quilotoa Lake, and many more breathtaking destinations.
Not many blogs cover traveling in Ecuador in detail, so I spent nearly three weeks creating this comprehensive Ecuador travel guide based on our trip. It’s packed with everything you need to know, and honestly, I consider it the best free travel guide about Ecuador out there.
Planning trip to Galapagos Islands?
My wife and I spent two weeks on these magnificent islands, visited nearly every possible tour, and explored as much as we could. I shared all the important details in my comprehensive Galapagos Islands Travel Guide, where I cover everything you need to know about planning a trip to the Galapagos.
Galapagos Islands travel might surprise you with extra fees to enter the islands, the complicated logistics between islands, booking tours, and knowing which spots are free to explore and which ones are not. I’ve covered it all in this Galapagos Travel Guide.
Also, if you’re planning a trip to the Galapagos, make sure to use my link for discounted hotel prices via Booking.com. It really helps support my blog!
If you’re planning a trip to Ecuador, don’t forget to use my link for discounted hotel prices through Booking.com. It’s a great way to support my blog while saving money on your accommodations!
Hi Oleg,
I saw on your blog that you mentioned you found out that you could get to the Galapagos from mainland Ecuador by carge boat (but you decided against it). We (my partner and I) are very keen to do this (in early 2025), so we wondered if you had any information that might help us?
Thanking you in anticipation,
Nigel
Hi Nigel, I saw many stands during our visit to Ciudad Mitad del Mundo and they were selling such boat packages, but that’s all i got regarding this topic.