Do the Galapagos Islands have Internet?
Some of the most common questions we see on Galapagos forums are about staying connected while you travel.
Do Galapagos cruises have WiFi on board?
Will I have reliable internet access at my Galapagos hotel?
Should I buy a local SIM card for the Galapagos?
It makes sense. We all love to share our daily experiences and photos on social media these days. Keeping in touch with loved ones back home, or catching up on a few urgent work emails, might also rank high on your list of priorities while you travel.
The good news? We’ve prepared this short read with everything you need to know about staying connected to the Galapagos Islands.
So, you can enjoy your vacation safely with the knowledge that you can reach out to those back home should you wish.
But, before we get into the juicy details, don’t forget that your vacation is also an opportunity to disconnect from the world for a few days. Few destinations are more relaxing than the Galapagos Islands, where you’ll be surrounded by pristine nature, so we recommend taking time for yourself too.
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We all rely so much on WiFi (wireless internet connectivity) that it’s become hard to live without in our day-to-day lives.
Of course, this can present challenges when we travel to far-flung places.
The good news is that Galapagos now has much better internet connectivity than it did just a few years ago.
Is There Internet at the Galapagos Islands?
Yes, there is WiFi service in the Galapagos Islands.
In the main towns of Puerto Ayora, Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, and Puerto Villamil most Galapagos hotels and tourist businesses do offer guest WiFi service.
Also, Galapagos Islands airports are connected with free WiFi.
How Fast is Galapagos WIFI Service?
It really depends.
Higher-end hotels and restaurants likely have faster service than most.
In general, though, Galapagos internet connections can be inconsistent and slow, especially in more remote areas.
Do Galapagos Boats Have WIFI Service?
Yes, there is WiFi on many Galapagos ships, although not all. Again, the higher-end Galapagos yachts are more likely to offer a faster service.
Thanks to the Starlink satellite connection reaching Galapagos in 2024, WiFi aboard Galapagos Cruises has almost become the standard.
While many yachts include WiFi in their pricing, others may charge an additional fee for connectivity once onboard. So, be sure to check the inclusions & exclusions of yachts before booking.
Also, bear in mind that WiFi connection may or may not work in all yacht social areas and cabins, so some flexibility and patience are required.
Cellphone Coverage at the Galapagos Islands
Ecuador's mainland has good 5G cellphone connectivity.
While the Galapagos Islands has the same cellphone providers, the service here comes with some caveats.
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From a Galapagos destination expert todayIs There Cell Coverage in the Galapagos Islands?
Yes, there is cellphone coverage in the main inhabited towns of Galapagos.
But, in more remote areas, and on uninhabited islands, you’ll usually be out of range of any service. This includes most islands and visitor sites on cruise itineraries, so WiFi is the best way to go to stay connected.
Which SIM Card Should I Get for Galapagos?
Buying a local SIM card for mobile data connectivity is an option, but do bear in mind local cellphone coverage on Galapagos cruises is usually limited to time spent in port.
In Ecuador, the 2 main cellphone companies are Movistar and Claro. SIM cards can easily be purchased at their stores in Quito, Guayaquil, or other cities in mainland Ecuador. Claro tends to have slightly better coverage at the Galapagos.
There are also international companies, like Airalo, that offer handy e-SIM packages online before you travel. So, this could also be an option for your trip.
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In conclusion, thanks to Starlink, the Galapagos Islands now have much-improved internet connectivity.
Many cruise yachts, hotels, and tourist sites do offer guest WiFi service, helping you to stay connected while you travel.
Local SIM cards are another option for staying connected in the main Galapagos towns.
So, keeping up with your social media and email at Galapagos has never been easier. But, don’t forget to leave time to disconnect on your vacation too – you deserve it!
