Do you need a guide to visit Galapagos visitor sites?

Yes, for most of the park. Visits to Galapagos protected areas must be led by a naturalist guide accredited and authorized by the Galapagos National Park Directorate, except at sites the park has designated as not requiring one, mostly beaches and trails near the inhabited towns on Santa Cruz, San Cristóbal and Isabela.

On a cruise or charter, the guide travels with you and leads every landing and snorkel. On a land-based trip, you can walk the town-adjacent free sites on your own, but day trips to uninhabited islands always include a guide.

Guides are licensed by the park, and their languages and specialties vary, so ask ahead if you need a guide fluent in a specific language or strong in birding or photography.

New in 2026: under park Resolution MAE-PNG/DIR-2026‑0044-RM, the giant tortoise breeding centers on Santa Cruz, Isabela and San Cristóbal, Las Grietas, Volcán Chico and the Sulfur Mines (Minas de Azufre) need an advance reservation made by a Galapagos-registered tour agency, and your guide must show it before entry. As local experts with more than 40 trips to the islands, we coordinate these bookings for you with registered local agencies and your guide, timed to your itinerary. Read what the 2026 park rules change.