The 6 BEST Galapagos Travel Agencies
The Galapagos Islands remain one of Earth's most extraordinary travel destinations. A tropical archipelago where fearless, endemic creatures roam pristine beaches and stunning volcanic landscapes. It truly is unlike anywhere else on the planet.
But with strict visitor regulations, limited access, and the need for expert guidance to truly appreciate this UNESCO World Heritage site, choosing the right Galapagos travel company can make or break your once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
In this comprehensive guide, we've researched and evaluated the top Galapagos travel agencies to help you find the perfect match for your travel style, budget, and conservation values.
We'll explore what sets the best operators apart, from their commitment to sustainable tourism and local community support to company reputation and passenger feedback reviews. By the end, you'll have everything you need to choose a Galapagos tour company that will deliver not just a vacation, but a transformative encounter with one of the world's most precious ecosystems.
The Top 6 Best Galapagos Travel Companies:
The 6 BEST Galapagos Travel Companies
Let’s dive straight into our list, in no particular order.
1. Happy Gringo Travel
Happy Gringo have been a well-established and respected name in Galapagos Islands Travel over the past 20 years.
They are an Anglo-Dutch-owned travel company run by passionate travelers for like-minded clients. They pride themselves on a personalized approach to service, with a team of local travel experts who know the Galapagos Islands like the back of their hands.
What Galapagos tour services do they offer?
Cruises, Land Tours, Customized Tours.
Why are they one of the best Galapagos travel companies?
With 20+ years of experience, Happy Gringo are one of the most well-known names in Galapagos and Ecuador travel.
They boast thousands of positive client reviews on both TrustPilot and TripAdvisor.
Their responsible travel promise supports local conservation and community projects, and all trips are 100% carbon neutral.
2. G Adventures
Canadian-based G Adventures offers group trips around the globe, including cruises aboard their very own Galapagos Islands yachts.
Their typical trip groups are for 10-12 young, fun-loving travelers. Solo travelers are welcome, promising travel safety and the chance to make new friends.
What Galapagos tour services do they offer?
Cruises, Land Tours.
Why are they one of the best Galapagos travel companies?
After 30+ years of operations, G Adventures is a worldwide recognized travel brand.
Their Galapagos cruises are perfectly suited to fun-loving backpackers and young travelers.
Their “G for Good” campaign stands for all of the social, environmental, and ethical good they create as a business, which helps to fuel Community Tourism.
3. NatGeo Expeditions
NatGeo is a name that surely needs no introduction. Leaders in the field of nature documentaries, they also operate their own Galapagos cruise ships – the NatGeo Endeavour II and NatGeo Islander.
Although not the cheapest Galapagos trips out there, there’s no doubt that NatGeo delivers quality experiences aboard their 96-passenger ship.
What Galapagos tour services do they offer?
Cruises.
Why are they one of the best Galapagos travel companies?
NatGeo’s reputation as a global name in nature and tourism speaks for itself.
They offer unique specialization in wildlife tours across the planet with knowledgeable naturalist guides.
4. Sharksky
Based on San Cristobal Island, Sharksky has been operating Galapagos trips for 15+ years now.
This is the go-to Galapagos travel agency for day tours and activities on and around San Cristobal, as well as intra-island ferry and plane tickets. They also offer last-minute cruise deals for walk-ins.
What Galapagos tour services do they offer?
Cruises, Day Tours, and Other Local Services.
Why are they one of the best Galapagos travel companies?
Their base on San Cristobal island is perfect for arranging day tours on the fly.
They offer a full range of local travel services for San Cristobal Island.
Sharksky regularly receives positive feedback from clients on TripAdvisor.
5. Scuba Iguana
Scuba Iguana is the premier PADI Dive Center in the Galapagos and an undisputed diving leader.
For daily dive tour departures or longer scuba packages, look no further than this Santa Cruz – Puerto Ayora-based agency.
What Galapagos tour services do they offer?
Scuba Dive Tours & Services.
Why are they one of the best Galapagos travel companies?
High quality service and reputation that’s supported by positive Trip Advisor reviews.
Their preventative planning and emergency procedures are second to none, promising safe scuba trips together with high quality dive gear.
6. Discovery Galapagos
Discovery Galapagos are a full range local agency at Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz. Their location in the central hub town of Galapagos makes them a helpful resource for booking last minute tours or renting bikes/wetsuits/snorkel gear.
Discovery Galapagos can also help with travel advice for those already on the islands.
What Galapagos tour services do they offer?
Cruises, Day Tours, Other local services, Gear rental.
Why are they one of the best Galapagos travel companies?
They are a reliable and well-known travel company on central Santa Cruz island.
The go-to agency for gear rentals, so you can head out exploring the islands by yourself.
Discovery Galapagos has a good profile of positive reviews from clients on TripAdvisor.
Galapagos Travel Agencies FAQ
How to find a reliable Galapagos Travel Agency?
With hundreds of Galapagos travel companies out there, how do you sort the wheat from the chaff for your Galapagos Islands vacation?
Research is the key to narrowing down your options and making the right choice.
Important things to look for in a quality Galapagos Travel Agency:
- How many years has the company been in business? Look for a company with experience and a reputation.
- What do their clients think of them? Check out reviews on 3rd party sites like TripAdvisor, TrustPilot, and Google Reviews. What is their average review score? How many reviews in total have they received?
- How good is their online customer service? Are they responsive and helpful from first contact? If not, this can be a red flag.
- What range of tours & services do they offer? Are their offerings aligned with your vacation needs?
- Do they support responsible travel & conservation at the islands? Most Galapagos travel agents make ecological promises, but do they really deliver?
In conclusion, the Galapagos Islands are a bucket-list travel destination to be visited once in a lifetime, so it’s important to do it the right way!
There are hundreds of Galapagos Travel Agencies out there, so do your research carefully. We’ve listed some of the important factors to consider, including company reputation and 3rd party client reviews.
As a starting point, you really can’t go wrong with any of the 6 BEST Galapagos tour companies listed above.
We hope you’ve found this blog helpful. Good luck in planning a magical trip!
