The Galapagos Islands are an archipelago formed of 13 main islands and 6 smaller ones. They sit on the Equator 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador where several primary currents meet including Humboldt, Cromwell, Panama and Equatorial. This nature lover’s paradise was once a vital stop for explorers, whalers, commercial trade and pirates. Today it is a province and a national park that belongs to the country of Ecuador.
Almost 30,000 people make Galapagos their year round home and 250,000 plus tourist visit every year. The most populated islands are Santa Cruz, San Cristobal and Isabela. These islands are host to some of the world’s best fishing, endemic animals, volcanic activity, whale and marine sanctuary, and Charles Darwin’s basis for his theory about evolution.
Getting There
There are several daily flights from the United States (mainly Fort Lauderdale and Miami) to Guayaquil and Quito the port and capital cities of Ecuador. Flights are just around 4 hours from the USA. From Quito or Guayaquil you are 2 two hours or less by plane to the Galapagos. If you are coming from Europe there are daily flights to Ecuador for Madrid, Spain.
What To Fish For
If you like to fish for almost anything that swims the Pacific Ocean then the Galapagos are the type of place you can do it all. Endless volcanic and bottom structure makes this a jigging and deep dropping paradise for grouper, jacks, reef fish, swordfish and much more. If top water plugging is your type of action then there is probably no better place on earth where the numbers of tuna concentrating make for some of the best tuna fishing anywhere.
Perhaps you prefer wahoo? Good days of trolling for wahoo can be double digits with days of 10, 30 and 50 plus wahoo caught are not uncommon. How about multiple shots at striped marlin daily on fly, lures or pitch baits? Galapagos can produce days of 5, 10, 20, 50, 70 and 100 plus raises of striped marlin.
Maybe you prefer the biggest of game on tackle like blue or black marlin? While not as numerous as other gamefish; Galapagos does produce on average every year a fair number of blue and black marlin that average 400 to 800 pounds.
Want bigger? How about grander marlin or those that can surpass the magical 1000 pound mark? Isabela Island is the Galapagos largest island and has been producing marlin caught by locals from 600 to 1400 pounds weighed on the scales. Galapagos is a not kill marlin fishery by anglers but you can still target huge marlin with special packages to fish Isabela Island.
Maybe You Want Adventure?
Even if fishing is or isn’t your thing the Galapagos offers activities for everyone. Snorkeling with the marine life such as sea lions, penguins, sharks, dolphins, rays and more is possible. Kayaking, hiking, exploring, island hopping and just plain relaxing on the beach is readily available on each island.
Ecuagringo will customize and itinerary for as many days and as many people in your group as you wish. Our staff will suggest based on your interests tours, activities and special occasions such as honeymoons, weddings, company events and more.
Safety Concerns
The country of Ecuador is fast becoming a top destination in South America for expats and foreigners moving in to retire. The friendly and tropical weather plus the currency being USD makes it very attractive.
On mainland Ecuador common sense precaution must always be exercised in the cities. However, in the Galapagos Islands the crime rate is the lowest in all of Ecuador. There is a good police and military presence on each island and tourist can walk the streets of each island without worries.
