Cruise port Isla Champion (Floreana, Galapagos)
Info for port Isla Champion (Floreana, Galapagos) on 30 Jun 2027
Port information & tips for Isla Champion (Floreana, Galapagos)
The small island of Champion, located off the coast of Floreana, is an untouched natural jewel of the Galapagos Archipelago and fascinates with its extraordinary biodiversity. The volcanic backdrop offers a spectacular atmosphere, while the crystal-clear water, thanks to its coral reefs, is among the best snorkeling areas in the region. Highlights include sightings of the rare Floreana mockingbird as well as encounters with playful Galapagos sea lions and sea turtles in their natural habitat. Since the island is a strictly protected reserve, expedition ships anchor at a fixed position off the coast. Transfers are made safely by Zodiac inflatable boat directly to the shore or to the diving sites, allowing travelers to experience the untouched wilderness far from any urban infrastructure in an immediate and exclusive way.
The island of Champion, located off Floreana, is a fascinating anchorage in the Galapagos Archipelago and is typically visited as part of an expedition cruise. There is no traditional port or terminal in the usual sense; arrival is primarily by air via the Ecuadorian mainland to one of the two Galapagos airports, from where you embark on the expedition ship that then heads for Floreana.
Flight to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands
Guests from the DACH region reach Ecuador on international flights, usually via Quito (UIO) or Guayaquil (GYE). Since there are no direct international flights to the Galapagos Islands, a stopover on the mainland is essential. From Quito or Guayaquil, you then take a domestic flight to the Galapagos airports of Seymour (GPS) on Baltra or San Cristóbal (SCY) on San Cristóbal. Flights from Quito often make a short stopover in Guayaquil. The flight time from Guayaquil to the Galapagos is approximately 1 hour 45 minutes to 2.5 hours, while from Quito it is around 2 hours 15 minutes to 2.5 hours.
Transfer to the Cruise Ship
Depending on the itinerary, your Galapagos cruise will start from either Baltra or San Cristóbal. From Baltra Airport (GPS), a free shuttle bus will take you to the Seymour Passenger Dock, where you will transfer to the tender boat to your cruise ship. If your ship starts from Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz, you will take a bus from Baltra Airport to the Itabaca Channel (approx. 10 minutes, 5 USD), cross with a short ferry (approx. 5–10 minutes, 1–2 USD), and from there take a taxi (approx. 45 minutes, 20–25 USD) or a bus (approx. 75 minutes, 5 USD) to Puerto Ayora. San Cristóbal Airport (SCY), on the other hand, is located directly by the capital, Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, so the transfer to the embarkation point is easily done on foot, by taxi, or by shuttle in just a few minutes.
Recommendation: Pre-cruise Hotel and Formalities
Due to the long journey and early morning departure times to the Galapagos Islands, an overnight stay in mainland Ecuador is strongly recommended, ideally in Quito or Guayaquil, to relaxedly cushion any potential flight delays. In addition, special formalities must be observed for entry into the Galapagos National Park: a Transit Control Card (TCT, 20 USD) must be purchased before the flight to the islands, and upon arrival, the National Park entrance fee (from August 1, 2024: 200 USD per adult, payable in cash) must be paid. Many cruise lines coordinate flights and transfers within the Galapagos Islands.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will usually receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for the journey to the port accordingly and keep in mind that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination - is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The following also applies during the voyage: for shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and the notices on board, as mooring and departure times can change at short notice.
