If you’re planning a trip to the Galapagos Islands, one of the key things to figure out is how to travel between the islands. With no bridges or highways, your options come down to inter-island ferries or short local flights. In this guide, we’ll compare both options to help you choose the best one for your itinerary, comfort, and time.
Inter-Island Ferries in the Galápagos
Ferries are speedboats that operate scheduled trips between the main inhabited islands: Santa Cruz (Puerto Ayora), San Cristóbal (Puerto Baquerizo Moreno), and Isabela (Puerto Villamil).
Popular Routes:
- Santa Cruz ↔ San Cristóbal
- Santa Cruz ↔ Isabela
- Occasional service: Isabela ↔ San Cristóbal (often via Santa Cruz)
Duration:
~2 to 2.5 hours per route
Price:
Around $30-$35 one-way
Pros:
- Budget-friendly
- Depart twice daily (morning and afternoon)
- Tickets can be purchased locally or online
Cons:
- Rough seas - many passengers get seasick
- Long travel time
- Uncomfortable: limited seating, no bathrooms
- Delays due to weather or mechanical issues
Inter-Island Flights in the Galápagos with ESAV Airlines
Small aircraft connect the main Galápagos airports:
- Baltra (GPS) - near Santa Cruz
- San Cristóbal (SCY)
- Isabela (IBB)
Flights are operated by regional carrier ESAV Airlines, a Galápagos-based airline offering fast and reliable connections between the islands.
Duration:
~35 minutes per route
Price:
From $140 to $180 one-way, depending on the route and season
Pros:
- Fast & comfortable
- Avoid rough seas
- Spectacular aerial views
- Great for tight schedules or families
- Trusted local operator ESAV Airlines offers modern aircraft, daily departures, online booking, and check-in, with the option to change flights at a small fee.
Cons:
- Higher cost
- Limited daily departures
- Baggage weight restrictions: up to 15 kg per person is included for free. Additional kilograms and surfboards can be purchased separately.
✈️ vs 🚤: At-a-Glance Comparison
Feature | Ferry | Flight with ESAV Airlines |
Duration | 2-2.5 hours | 35 minutes |
Cost | $30-$35 | $140-$180 |
Comfort | Low (bumpy, seasick risk) | High (smooth, quick) |
Reliability | Weather-dependent | Weather-dependent, but quicker recovery |
Luggage | More flexible | Strict weight limits |
Availability | Multiple daily departures | Limited schedules |
Best For | Budget travelers | Those with limited time, families, or motion sickness |
Which Should You Choose?
Choose the ferry if…
- You’re on a tight budget
- You have a flexible schedule
- You’re OK with rough seas
Choose a flight with ESAV Airlines if…
- You value comfort and time
- You’re traveling with small kids or elderly
- You’re prone to seasickness
- You’re connecting to or from a mainland flight
Tip: Many travelers use a mix of both - flying one way with ESAV Airlines and returning by ferry to balance cost and convenience.
Bonus Tips
- Book ESAV Airlines flights early - seats are limited and routes fill quickly.
- Take seasickness pills before ferry rides.
- Ferries require passport info and port taxes at boarding.
Final Thoughts
Whether by sea or air, getting around the Galápagos is part of the adventure. Flights with ESAV Airlines offer speed and comfort, while ferries offer affordability and flexibility. Choose what works best for your itinerary - or try both for the full experience.
Ready to explore the Galápagos by air?
Book your inter-island flight with ESAV Airlines today and make the most of your time in paradise.