After soaking up sun and surf in Montañita, I hopped a bus to Guayaquil to catch a flight to the Galápagos. You can fly from either Quito (UIO) or Guayaquil (GYE), with flights landing at:
Seymour Airport (GPS) – On Baltra Island; connects to Santa Cruz via water taxi.
San Cristóbal Airport (SCY) – Lands you directly on San Cristóbal.

Expect to pay around $300 USD for a return flight (more than other domestic routes but fairly consistent). Book last-minute if you're brave. Before take-off, you'll also need to:
Pay a $20 Transit Control Card (TCC) fee (cash/card).
Be ready to show proof of health insurance and return ticket.
Only pack permitted items – official rules here.
📌 Note: You’re allowed to stay 60 days on the islands out of your 90-day Ecuador tourist visa.

💸 Entry Fees Breakdown
Transit Control Card (TCC): $20 USD (pre-flight, cash or card)
National Park Fee: $200 USD for adults / $100 USD for kids under 12 (cash only, at arrival)
Isla Isabela Dock Fee: $10 USD (cash only)
💡 Tip: No ATMs at the airport, and island ATMs can run dry. Bring plenty of cash.

🚐 Seymour Airport to Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz
Landing at Seymour Airport? Here’s your 3-step transfer to Puerto Ayora:
Shuttle Bus to Port – $5 USD
Water Taxi to Santa Cruz – $1 USD
Bus or Taxi to Puerto Ayora – $5 USD (bus) or $25 USD (taxi)
🚌 The bus drops you off right in town—easy and cheap.

🏝️ Budget-Friendly Island Hopping
Skip the expensive liveaboards and island hop via ferry! I flew in, ferried around, and stayed in a mix of hostels and Airbnbs.
Solo? Hostels are your wallet’s best friend.
Duo or group? Split a private Airbnb or hostel room.
Top Pick: Morning Glory Hostel in Puerto Ayora – clean, close to everything, and near the fisherman’s market.

🍽️ Eating & Living on a Budget
Food here is surprisingly better than mainland Ecuador. Try the local seafood or cook your own meals with supplies from supermarkets. Eating out daily adds up, but cooking occasionally keeps your budget in check.

🌊 Getting Between Islands
Inter-island travel is straightforward but always loops through Santa Cruz:
Ferries: $30 USD one-way
Schedules: 7AM & 3PM daily (except Floreana, which is less frequent)
Ferry Tips:
Bring seasickness tablets.
Sit at the back (less rocky).
Bring a raincoat—you will get splashed.
Water taxis to board: $1 USD (carry coins).

🐢 Highlights by Island
🏝️ Isla Santa Cruz
1. Tortuga Bay – Free entry
Playa Brava: beautiful but no swimming
Playa Mansa: perfect for swimming/kayaking
Kayak rental: $20 USD
Tip: Walk (45 min) or take a water taxi.
2. El Chato Tortoise Reserve – $10 USD
Roaming giants in the wild. Guided tour included.
3. Lava Tunnels – $3.50 USD
Combine with El Chato. Bring a torch!
4. Charles Darwin Research Centre – Donation-based
Learn about conservation and evolution history.
5. Las Grietas – $10 USD + $5 snorkel rental
Stunning swimming crevice. Water taxi to Playa de Los Alemanes first.

🌋 Isla Isabela
1. Sierra Negra Volcano & Volcán Chico – $30–50 USD
Huge caldera + lava flows. Guided tours only.
2. Los Tuneles – $130–160 USD
Top snorkel spot. Sharks, rays, seahorses & turtles!
3. Camino de Tortugas Gigantes – Free walk or $10 bike rental
Cycle past lagoons and wild tortoises.
4. Flamingo Lagoons – Free
Spot the flamboyant locals.
5. Playa Isabela – Free
Penguins, pelicans, sea lions — casual.

🦈 Isla San Cristóbal
1. Kicker Rock – $130–160 USD
Unmissable dive/snorkel spot. Hammerhead sharks galore.
2. La Loberia – Free
Sea lions and pups! Snorkel gear for rent.
3. Cerro Tijeretas Trail – Free
Views, snorkelling, Frigatebirds, sea lions & Darwin statue.

4. Playa Mann & Playa Baquerizo – Free
Relaxation + wildlife without the crowds.

🐦 Isla Floreana
1. Punta Cormorant – Free
Flamingos, boobies, rays & snorkelling.
2. Post Office Bay – Free
Leave a letter, pick one up, become part of history.
3. Devil’s Crown – Free
Famous snorkel site. Expect marine life overload.

🤿 Best Scuba Diving of My Life
Galápagos diving is unreal—20+ hammerheads, massive rays, and fish clouds that block out the sun.
Top dive shops to check out:
Wreck Bay Diving Center
Shark Bay Diving Center
Blue Evolution

🧳 Final Tip:
Bring cash.
Book popular tours (like Kicker Rock and Los Tuneles) 2–3 days ahead.
Stay at least 7 days if you want to see three major islands properly.
Budget options do exist—it’s not just for luxury cruisers!
Respect wildlife. They were here first (and they're probably judging you).

Verdict: The Galápagos are everything they’re hyped up to be. Wild, wonderful, and weird in the best way.
Want the full wildlife-meets-volcanic-adventure experience without blowing your budget? Galápagos is your dream trip — just bring sunscreen, patience, and a strong stomach.