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GALAPAGOS ISLANDS
In 1959, with the intention to preserve the original ecology and to control the introduction of new and potentially harmful species, 90% of the land surface and all of the ocean out to the national limits was designated a national park, known as the Galapagos National Park.
To minimize your impact on the fragile ecosystem of the Galapagos, park authorities have come up with rules which visitors must follow. These are always clearly explained upon entering the park. On land, trails have been established and visitors are expected to not wander from these trails. Please respect all of the rules that you will be told about when you arrive.

Climate
The weather in the Galapagos Islands is largely determined by the ocean currents. Normally from June to December, there is a cold current rising from the south, which creates a cool misty fog called a garúa, making the climate rather cool and dry. In December, the wind has less force; the ocean is calm and the currents change, surrounding the islands in the warm Panama current from the north. These currents create a definable weather pattern of hot sunny mornings followed by clouds and occasional showers in the afternoons. Needless to say, this is usually the favorite time to visit. Based on all of this information, it would be safe to say: from June to December it's cool, cloudy and dry. From December to June it's warm, sunny and rainy.

When to Go
Although directly on the equator and with tropical weather year round, there are still better times than others to visit the Galapagos Islands. The months of June, July and August (and into September) tend to be characterized by cool garúa (mist) and temperatures averaging 24ºC (72ºF). This time of the year the sea is at its roughest (but still relatively tame), the highlands tend to be dry, and the palo santo trees leafless.
If possible, it is better to visit the islands between January and May, when the climate is classically tropical: hot air temperatures, wide stretches of blue sky and occasional - but brief - downpours. The rain brings wet richness to the highlands, making them velvety green and flowery.
Tourist traffic is at its peaks during summer and holiday months. These months can get so crowded that even finding a berth on a boat may prove difficult. Prices are also higher and flights need to be booked in advance. March, April and May, with few tourists and great weather are the ideal months to visit the islands.

Average Temperature in Galapagos Islands (Fahrenheit)

What to Expect on a Cruise
On most cruises you sleep on board, traveling between the islands at night and visiting the islands during the day.
Boats are organized into three classes - Economic, Tourist and Luxury. The reality however is that a good economic boat will be better than a poorly run but more expensive luxury boat, so these distinctions can mean very little. It is really important to get accurate information about the choices available.
Tours vary in length from eight days, seven nights to as short as four days, three nights. Because two of these days are spent getting to and from the islands an eight day trip will give you six full days in the islands whereas a four day trip will give you only two.
Usually not included in the tours are the park entrance fee of $100, the air ticket to the islands (roundtrip 378 USD*), life and accident insurance, gratuities to the crew ($15-$30) per cabin, any alcoholic beverages or soft drinks.
*Air fares and taxes are subject to change without notice.

Getting There & Away (Air)
TAME operates morning flights daily from Quito via Guayaquil to the Baltra Island airport, less than 2 hours away from Puerto Ayora. It also has a daily flight from Quito via Guayaquil to San Cristobal.
Flights are slightly discounted in the low season, and students with ID can get a discount of 15% with TAME.