How to camp in the Galapagos Islands!!
Last updated on June 14th, 2026 at 12:58 pm
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Want to camp in the Galapagos Islands?
You can!
Camping in the Galapagos is very limited – but it is also possible! Its also tough to do true wild camping, but incredibly rewarding having amazing locations and wildlife to yourself at the end of the day. And if being immersed in nature, out of the townships sounds great, but you don’t want the hard work of wild camping, its ok – there is glamping available too!
It may take a bit of organization, but to have some of your time on the islands camping will give you some wonderful opportunities to be in some really special places without anyone but the wildlife around you. This post will tell you where you can camp, how you can camp and give you tips and answer your questions about camping in the Galapagos. Enjoy!
Ways you can camp in the Galapagos
Okay – let’s go camping!! These are your options :
- There are a few places in the National Parks you can camp – without facilities
- Go on a kayak and camping tour – more expensive but a great experience
- Stay at a glamping type facility – not quite camping camping, but in case you like fancy camping!
- You used to be able to ask private landowners and some hostels if you could camp on their land, but this has become less and less likely due to restrictions to preserve the environment. You can try asking though!
1. National Park designated sites to camp in the Galapagos
There are a few designated camping places in the National Park area which makes up 97% of the islands. You cannot camp in the National Park anywhere but at these designated sites. You must obtain a permit to camp at these sites. Scroll below for how to get the permit.
Note that there are generally no facilities at these sites, so this is camping proper! The designated National Park sites are:
a. Puerto Chino beach on San Cristobal
This is by far the easiest camp site to access on the island. It is a stunning beach with plenty of birds, sea lions, iguanas, turtles and reef sharks to keep you company overnight. This gets my 5* rating for location!
b. Manglecito Beach on San Cristobal
A gorgeous campsite at one of my favorite beaches I went to in the Galapagos. Unfortunately you can only get there by kayak or boat. Usually this is a stop on the way to or from the Kicker Rock day excursion. You could hire a boat / water taxi to take you there but the best option, if you are going to Kicker Rock, would be to find a company doing the day trip that would drop you there and pick you up a day or two later. Hiring a kayak is an option too of course.
Manta rays jumping in the waves, sea lions that are so inquisitive, iguanas, turtles, fish, pelicans, sharks – you get the lot here. I really loved this spot and to camp here overnight would be nothing less than magical.
c. Puerto Grande on San Cristobal
I have only been past this site. Its a lovely sandy beach with plenty of interesting lava rock formations in the water at either end of the beaches. The views to Kicker Rock are fantastic. Again to get here you need to kayak or boat. It is a lunch-stop on the 360 tour, and you can try the same tactic for a drop off, or ask the companies going to Kicker Rock as well.
d. El Garrapatero on Santa Cruz
This is another awesome beach with a ton of wild life to keep you occupied. Behind the beach is a small lagoon with pink flamingoes – that’s enough to keep me happy alone! But there are plenty of other birds, including Darwin’s famous finches, and pelicans. Of course there are plenty of sea lions and iguanas too.
El Garrapatero is not close to town but is easy to access with a taxi or you could bike or even take your time and walk. Its your only National Park option on Santa Cruz.
e. Playa Roja / Bachas Chicas on Santa Cruz
This beach (Red Beach) is known for its red volcanic sand, pink flamingos, blue footed boobies and other bird life, and a great place for snorkeling. To get there you need to take a boat (operated tour or speedboat) from Baltra – near the ferry to the airport. Arrange this from Puerto Ayora – you couls also take a water taxi from there but it is a long rough journey!
Note: Do Not Disturb the Wildlife – the Bachas Chicas area is a major nesting sanctuary for Pacific green sea turtles, and flamingos frequently feed in the saline lagoon hidden directly behind the red sand beach. Pitch your tent only in the designated park-cleared camping zone and avoid walking over the sand dunes where turtle nests are buried!
f. Volcano Chico (Sector El Cura) on Isabela
This is an amazing option. You can camp on the volcano! What a great way to see the volcano at your leisure and to have an wonderful night under the stars!
This site is easy to access with a taxi. However, the National Park website says you should get access through an authorized local operator!
g. Sulphur Mines on Isabela
Another fantastic option on the side of the volcano. You could do a night at each of the volcano sites and really get to feel what its like up there. Again, this is easy to access with a taxi. However, again, the National Park website says you should get access through an authorized local operator!
Which of these sites are the easiest to get to and go camping?
The easiest sites to go camping in are Playa Puerto Chino on Isabela and El Garrapatero on Santa Cruz. You can either get a taxi direct to them, or even walk. All the other camping spots require an authorised operator to get you to them.
The Sulphur Mines and Volcano Chico are also not so difficult. It is literally a taxi ride, but the National Park website says you should be taken with an authorised operator. At the time I was there, a taxi was fine, but check this when you are on Isabela.
How to get a permit to camp in the Galapagos National Park camping sites
To camp in the National Park sites, you must apply for an Autorización de Campamento from the Galapagos National Park.
To get this permit you have to complete and submit an application form and letter. This must be done at least two days before you want to camp, but no more than fifteen days before.
Once received your application is processed. The National Parks check availability and if there are any potential issues such as expected bad weather that might impact your camping.
If accepted you will have to pay the $10 per person fee. Then you have to provide a copy of your ID or passport to get the authorization.
Apply for the camping permit on the National Park website.
For more information about the camping permit contact: kcastro@galapagos.gob.ec
Important to note!
There are some strict rules around what food you can take camping, noise, and other things like a ban on smoking or campfires. These regulations are also found in the Notes on the camping permit page.
You can only camp for a maximum of two nights at each site. There is a maximum of 16 people at each site except Puerto Grande which has a maximum of 10. If you are in a group there is a maximum group number of eight people.
2. Kayak and camping tours
Another option if you have the budget and you don’t mind being on a tour is to go on a kayak and camping tour. You do get to go to some really good places and get to camp away from the madding crowds. Sea Kayak Adventures and Row Adventures aka Galapagos Unbound offer kayaking tours and include some key inland highlights as well so you don’t miss out on that. I haven’t done these tours but if you read my posts on the Galapagos you will see they pick up some of the best spots on the trip.
3. Glamping – fancy camping in the Galapagos
A few places offer glamping in the islands – notably on Santa Cruz. While not exactly full on camping, it does take you away from the towns into a more serene and natural environment!
3a. Glamping on Santa Cruz Island
Galapagos Safari Camp is very popular and you are guaranteed to have tortoises roaming around the glamping area as well as mocking birds, finches, owls and more. The food, the views, the pool and the staff all get rave reviews!
Another popular glamping spot on Santa Cruz is the Galapagos Magic Camp which has tents and tree houses. It also has really great reviews of the tents, tortoises, views, staff, and yoga space. So if glamping is your thing these are great options to consider.
And on Santa Cruz you can also book this easy to go on Giant Tortoises & Lava Tunnels Experience with Dome Stay. This is a dome / camping set up, but a good easy option with plenty of wildlife around you!
Finally there is Highland View Galapagos. This is a much more camping than glamping experience so may be just right for you if you want something lower key. They also have a big swing, walking trails, lava tunnel, petting zoo and sugar cane press etc. You can contact them about their camping here.
3b. Glamping on Isabela Island
Isabela Island has one great glamping place – Scalesia Lodge. It is completely away from the beach on the lush, misty slopes of the highlands, surrounded by a 16-hectare (40-acre) native cloud forest.
Camping tips for the Galapagos Islands!
- There is not a lot of camping gear on the islands so bring what you will need. If you camp at beach sites like Puerto Chino or Playa Roja, the sand is incredibly fine and deep so standard tent stakes will just pull right out. If you camp up at Volcán Chico, the ground is solid, unyielding volcanic lava rock where driving a stake is physically impossible. So bring a free-standing tent that holds its own structure, and use heavy smooth lavarocks or bags filled with sand as guy-line anchors instead.
- If you want a taxi / water taxi back to town after camping, arrange this before you leave as you are not likely to have phone coverage.
- Most campsite have no facilities – this includes bins for your rubbish/garbage. Bring a bag to carry out your rubbish/garbage. It is required that you bring all your trash, including food scraps, out by law. Bring a ziplock bag for used toilet paper.
- Assume there will be no phone coverage, toilets etc as well. Download anything you need on your phone for offline use. Bring something to dig a hole for bathroom needs!
- Bring All Your Own Fresh Water – pack significantly more water than you think you need for drinking, cooking, and rinsing. Take a minimum of 4 to 5 liters of fresh water per person, per day for drinking and cooking alone.
- Campfires, bonfires, and smoking are strictly illegal inside the National Park boundaries. A single stray ember could devastate endemic flora and nesting bird populations. You can only use a small gas backpacking stove (or pack food that doesn’t need cooking).
- The horseflies in the highlands and the biting midges on the beaches can be relentless at dusk so make sure you have a lightweight, long-sleeved sun shirt and pants are- they are generally more effective than chemical sprays. If you are bringing sunblock or repellent – use reef-safe, biodegradable sunscreen and natural, DEET-free insect repellent.
- Don’t try and camp without the correct permissions. The National Park camping sites have been set up to be far away from important native vegetation and species breeding/mating/feeding areas on the islands. People camping illegally can be liable for prosecution and even removal from the islands.
Frequently asked questions about camping in the Galapagos
Q: Do I need to declare my camping gear when arriving in the Galapagos?
A: Yes, absolutely. Under the biosecurity regulations, you are legally required to declare all camping equipment (including tents, sleeping bags, hammocks, and hiking boots) on your digital Declaración Juramentada de Mercancías (Sworn Goods Declaration) before you fly out of Quito or Guayaquil.
When you land in the islands, biosecurity officers (ABG) will inspect your gear. Everything must be meticulously clean—if there is any dried mainland mud, grass seeds, or organic soil stuck to your tent stakes or boot treads, your gear will be confiscated or pulled aside for chemical disinfection to prevent the introduction of invasive species.
Q: Can I cook food or build campfires at the National Park campsites?
A: Open fires, bonfires, and smoking are strictly illegal anywhere inside the Galapagos National Park boundaries because of the fire risk to native wildlife and flora. You cannot gather wood or brush.
If you want hot meals, you must take a small, self-contained gas backpacking stove. (Otherwise, plan to eat cold meals). Although you should always check current park notices, as stoves can sometimes be restricted during extreme drought seasons.
Q3: How do I get a National Park camping permit, and how much does it cost?
A: You must apply for a permit (Autorización de Campamento) – see How to get a permit to camp in the Galapagos National Park camping sites above for details.
Q: Can I rent camping gear on the islands, or do I need to bring my own?
A: It is highly recommended that you bring your own lightweight, free-standing tent and sleeping pad etc – unless you are glamping. Because mass camping is not a thing on the islands, there are no large REI-style outdoor rental shops in the towns.
A few small dive shops or local adventure agencies in Puerto Ayora (Santa Cruz) or Puerto Baquerizo Moreno (San Cristóbal) occasionally rent basic tents or snorkeling gear, but availability is completely unpredictable. If you choose to rent locally, expect older gear and ensure you inspect the zippers and mesh netting for holes before leaving town!
Q: How do I handle trash disposal and bathroom facilities while camping in the National Park?
A: You must embrace a strict Leave No Trace philosophy. The official beach campsites (like Playa Roja or Puerto Chino) are completely raw wilderness areas; there are zero bathrooms, running water taps, or trash cans.
You must pack out every single piece of waste you produce, including food scraps, apple cores, and plastic wrappers, and carry it back to town with you.
For bathroom business, you have to bury human waste in a “cathole” dug 6 to 8 inches deep, at least 200 feet away from any shorelines, trails, or wildlife nesting sites, and pack out your used toilet paper in a sealed ziplock bag.
Other accommodation on the islands – for between camping
Book a hotel there with booking.com or a hostel with Hostelworld. The following options are all very highly rated.
Puerto Ayora and Santa Cruz Island
High End – Hotel Angermeyer Waterfront Inn or Hotel Villa Escalesia Galapagos
Mid Range – Plaza Luna Suites or Galapagos Chalet, or out of town near the tortoises, the Enchanted Galapagos Lodge
Good Value – Lonesome George Ecolodge, or Coral Apartments, or Maytenus Galapagos
Budget / hostel – Galapagos Dreams or Hostal Vista al Mar
Puerto Villamil and Isabela Island
High End – Cormorant Beach House or Mi Playa Galapagos Beachfront Apartments
Mid Range – The Isabela Beach House or Flip Flop House
Great Value – Galápagos Isabela Hotel Loja (4 beds) or Hotel StarFish, or Casa Almendro
Budget / hostel – Hostal Galapagos by Bar de Beto, or OASIS JENY Apartament
Puerto Baquerizo Moreno and San Cristobal Island
High End – Golden Bay Galapagos or this villa – Bahía Gardner Apartment
Mid Range – Hotel Casa Blanca or Suites en el paraíso San Cristóbal Galápagos
Good Value – Hostal Gosen or Hostal Pimampiro (for small families or couples / friends), or Hostal La Posada De Jose Carlos
Budget / hostel – Casa Alexita or Casa Puka
Plan your trip checklist
These are the booking platforms I personally use for all my travels. If you book through these affiliate links, it helps support this site and keeps me producing free travel guides – at absolutely no extra cost to you. Thanks so much for the support! Cheers!
All in one – if you want to book flights and accommodation as a package, use expedia
Flights – use skyscanner or booking.com to find and book your flight – I often find the same flight for a lot cheaper than booking direct with the airline!
Insurance – Use EKTA or SafetyWing. Safety wing is particularly good if you are from the USA. As I am not, TBH I usually use EKTA – they accept any nationality, any age and its ok if you are already traveling – which is perfect for me!
Accommodation – use booking.com or for a hostel – Hostelworld – I use both.
Internet – buy a yesim eSim or Airalo before you go. I use both depending on where I am going.
Buses, trains, ferries – 12Go is always my first option for buses, ferries and trains
Car rental – DiscoverCars are my ‘go-to’ car rental site
Hiking – I use AllTrails for online and offline hiking trails – it means you know exactly where you are on the trail and makes getting lost a lot harder!!
Tours and Activities – book with Viator, GetYourGuide, or Eatwith. These are my top picks in the Galapagos:
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