Flooding in the Galápagos Is It Safe to Travel and Take Tours

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Flooding in the Galápagos: Is It Safe to Travel and Take Tours? Latest Update for Visitors

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Recent heavy rainfall and flooding across the Galápagos Islands have raised concerns among travelers planning to visit this destination in November, December, and the coming months. Images shared through news outlets and social media have shown flooded streets, damaged homes, and areas affected by heavy rainfall.

However, it is important to understand that the flooding has not brought tourism activities across the entire archipelago to a standstill. The Galápagos Islands continue to welcome visitors, and tour operators are maintaining their activities, with some specific adjustments to visitor sites where access restrictions are in place.

At ChokoTrip, we want to share the latest information so you can make an informed decision and travel with peace of mind.

  

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What Happened with the Flooding in the Galápagos Islands?


In late October and during the first few days of November 2026, heavy rainfall caused several natural ravines and waterways to overflow, mainly on Santa Cruz Island. Some of the affected areas included Puerto Ayora, Bellavista, La Cascada, La Unión, and nearby neighborhoods.

The situation has affected local families, homes, and infrastructure. For this reason, local authorities and emergency response teams continue working to restore the affected areas.

It is important to remember that these impacts do not affect all of the Galápagos Islands. The archipelago consists of several islands and visitor sites, many of which continue operating as usual.
 
 
 

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Are Galápagos Tours Operating as Usual?


Yes! Tourism activities continue throughout the Galápagos Islands.

Boat tours, day trips, and excursions organized by local tour operators are continuing to operate, subject to safety conditions and any instructions issued by the authorities.

Vessels operating excursions to destinations such as Bartolomé Island, North Seymour, Española Island, Santa Fe, and other destinations continue operating, subject to availability and the conditions of each itinerary.

Activities such as scuba diving, snorkeling, and inter-island excursions are also continuing, provided sea conditions and the relevant authorizations allow them to take place.

Some land-based excursions may require temporary changes due to access conditions in certain areas. This does not mean that all tours have been suspended.

 
 

Real traveler experiences

Pablo S. 🇲🇽 said:

Chokotours was a great option I found exploring…

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Rahul Gudapati 🇪🇨 said:

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Booked the Discovery Diving in Santa Cruz tour

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Booked the Los tuneles Cabo Rosa tour

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Mandy Fuller 🇧🇷 said:

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Kristin 🇺🇸 said:

Our group had a great time! We saw turtles…

Booked the Pinzon Island tour

Francisco 🇺🇸 said:

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Booked the Espanola Island tour

Dale Markowski 🇺🇸 said:

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Booked the Bartolome Island tour


 
 

Which Tourist Attractions Are Open and Which Have Access Restrictions?


The Galápagos National Park Directorate has conducted assessments to determine which visitor sites are in suitable condition to welcome tourists.

According to the update published on November 7, 2026:

– Santa Cruz: El Garrapatero Beach is open. Las Grietas, El Chato, and El Puntudo remain subject to access restrictions.

– San Cristóbal: La Lobería and Punta Carola are open. Puerto Chino and Baquerizo Beach remain closed.

– Isabela: The Los Humedales area remains closed.

These restrictions are precautionary measures designed to protect both visitors and the natural environment. Visitor site availability may change as inspections and recovery work continue.

 
 
 
 

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Why book with ChokoTours?

Local expertise. Clear choices. A booking process built around your trip.
Features
Local expertChokoToursGalápagos Tours
ViatorGlobal Marketplace
GetYourGuideGlobal Marketplace
CivitatisGlobal Marketplace
Other Ecuadorian Agencies
Daily tours on every island
YesFrom Santa Cruz, Isabela and San Cristóbal islands.
YesSelection available
YesSelection available
YesSelection available
YesSelection available
Wide variety of boats
YesChoose the boat category, price and route.
VariesLimited filters
VariesLimited filters
VariesLimited filters
YesSelection available
You'll know the names of the yacht and the local operator
YesWe confirm availability with the local operator first.
NoYou won't know who runs the tour, and you may get cancellations 24 hours before.
NoYou won't know who runs the tour, and you may get cancellations 24 hours before.
NoYou won't know who runs the tour, and you may get cancellations 24 hours before.
NoYou won't know who runs the tour, and you may get cancellations 24 hours before.
Direct coordination with local boat operators
YesWe work directly with the boat owners.
VariesThrough third-party providers
VariesThrough third-party providers
VariesThrough third-party providers
YesLocal operator
Personalized bilingual WhatsApp assistance
YesLanguages we speak: Spanish and English.
VariesThrough their support channels
VariesThrough their support channels
VariesThrough their support channels
Check tourDepends on activity
Real support from Choko, before and during your trip
YesWe help with any issue or question about your trip, together with the local operator.
VariesThrough provider
VariesThrough provider
VariesThrough provider
YesLocal operator
Explore Galápagos tours
Features and services vary by activity and provider.

 
  
 

Should I Cancel My Trip to the Galápagos Islands?


Our recommendation is not to cancel your vacation solely because of the flooding reports.

The Galápagos Islands remain an extraordinary travel destination, and much of their tourism infrastructure and activities continue to operate. Flights and maritime transportation services have resumed following the temporary disruptions reported in late October.

If you already have a confirmed reservation, we recommend staying in contact with your travel agency and tour operators to verify the conditions of your scheduled activities before each excursion.

If a visitor site remains closed, operators can inform you about available alternatives or possible itinerary adjustments.

 

Bloggers on ChokoTrip trips


 
 

At ChokoTrip, We’re Still Here to Help You Plan Your Galápagos Vacation


At ChokoTrip, we work directly with local tour operators on Santa Cruz, Isabela, and San Cristóbal Islands. Our goal is to help you organize your tours, excursions, and ferries safely, easily, and hassle-free.

We closely monitor updates from local authorities and information provided by our tour operators so we can offer responsible and reliable information to our travelers.

If you are planning to visit the Galápagos Islands, you can continue planning your activities or checking tour availability for your travel dates.

The Galápagos Islands need visitors to keep coming. Tourism is one of the main sources of employment and income for local families across the islands. Traveling responsibly also means supporting local communities during challenging times.

We look forward to welcoming you to the Galápagos Islands!

 



Chokotrip unlike Viator, Civitavis, GetYourGuide and other

When you book tours through ChokoTrip or ChokoTours, you`ll receive the names of the boats and operators, so you have security in your reservations. Many people believe that the policy on websites like Expedia, Viator, etc that allow you to cancel your tour 24 hours in advance are favorable however, it also means tour operators can cancel your tour 24 hours in advance, which happens frequently in Galapagos. This is not a risk when booking with us because we work directly with the local operators, which also allows us to keep our prices down. We dont take big commissions from the locals that the travel companies do so our prices are not inflated.









USAGE POLICIES

  • By booking accommodation on each island, you will receive $10 per island. That is, if you book accommodations on all 3 islands, you will get a $30 discount per person when booking daily tours on all 3 islands.
  • When using the discount on tours booked with ChokoTours, accommodation reservations cannot be canceled, and no cancellation or date change policies from the hotels will apply.
  • To access the discount, the tours must be purchased by the same person who made the reservation through the following form on the ChokoTours website.
  • Only for 2026 reservations



TRAVEL SAFE THROUGH THE GALAPAGOS

Many people believe they don’t need travel insurance for the Galápagos, so let me explain in this link why you should purchase comprehensive health and cancellation insurance when traveling to the Galápagos.

  • GO FOR YOUR INSURANCE 🎯




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    @ChokoEc

    @ChokoEc

    My name is Christian but you came call me Choko. Together with my wife we have created this blog to help all travelers going to Galapagos. I am from Ecuador, born in Guayaquil. Passionate about traveling and everything related to social media. In my free time I travel the americas. I have given conferences and workshops revolving around my work and tourism 2.0 // WRITE ME USING WHATSAPP: +593978990910 - BLOG EN ESPAÑOL ChokoTrip

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