Once you’ve landed in the Galápagos, getting between the inhabited islands — Santa Cruz, San Cristóbal, Isabela, and Floreana — means either a public speedboat ferry or a short flight on a small inter-island plane, known locally as an avioneta. Here’s how each one actually works.
Open-water speedboats called fibras run daily between the main inhabited islands and are how most independent travelers — and many Nauti guests doing a multi-island land-based trip — get around.
Boats typically run twice a day between Santa Cruz (Puerto Ayora, the main inter-island hub) and San Cristóbal, Isabela, and Floreana — generally one morning and one afternoon departure per route.
Crossings run roughly 2 to 2.5 hours depending on the route and sea conditions
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Advance booking is strongly recommended in high season — boats do sell out
Small local aircraft offer a faster, smoother alternative to the ferry — especially valuable for reaching Isabela, the route where sea conditions are often roughest.
Small, locally-operated aircraft fly scheduled routes mainly connecting Baltra or San Cristóbal with Isabela, cutting a 2+ hour boat crossing down to around half an hour.
Avionetas cost more than the ferry but save real time and spare travelers prone to seasickness a rough crossing.
Approximately 25–35 minutes, depending on the route and operating conditions.
Inter-island flights use small aircraft with limited seating. Capacity varies depending on the aircraft operating the route.
Basic — 17 lb (8 kg)
Ideal for travelers with light luggage.
Classic — 30 lb (14 kg)
A higher baggage allowance for travelers carrying more luggage.
Premium — 35 lb (16 kg)
The highest standard baggage allowance available.
Neither option is “better” — it depends on your budget, your schedule, and how well you handle open water.
~2–2.5 hours
~25–30 minutes
Open-water speedboat; can be rough
Smooth, short flight
Usually 2x daily per route
Usually 1x daily per route
Lower $60 per route
Higer. $160 – $250 per route
Standard, one bag per person
Strict weight limit
Budget travelers, flexible schedules
Time-limited trips, motion sickness, Isabela specifically
Santa Cruz (Puerto Ayora) is the hub nearly every inter-island trip runs through.
The most-traveled inter-island route — connects the two largest population centers. Served by ferry; no scheduled avioneta route on this leg.
The most-traveled inter-island route — connects the two largest population centers. Served by ferry; no scheduled avioneta route on this leg.
Travel between San Cristóbal and Isabela with two inter-island transportation options:
Avioneta
Approximately 45 minutes. A fast option for travelers who want to save time and avoid a longer sea crossing.
Ferry
Two routes of Speedboat that will take a Full Day.
Travel between Baltra yo Isabela Isabela with two inter-island transportation options:
Avioneta
Approximately 30 minutes. A fast option for travelers who want to save time and avoid a longer sea crossing.
Transfer + Ferry
Transfer from baltra to Puerto Ayora + Ferry Puerto Ayora – Isabela
Travel between Baltra and San Cristóbal with two inter-island transportation options:
Avioneta
Approximately 30 minutes. A fast option for travelers who want to save time and avoid a longer sea crossing.
Transfer + Ferry
Transfer from baltra to Puerto Ayora + Ferry Puerto Ayora – San Cristobal
Take the ferry. It’s the standard way almost everyone gets between islands, and the cost difference versus an avioneta adds up fast across a multi-island itinerary.
Consider the avioneta, especially for Santa Cruz ↔ Isabela — it turns your roughest likely crossing into a 25-minute flight.
This is exactly where a travel specialist earns their keep — tell us your islands and dates and we’ll build a route that actually connects, with realistic timing between ferries/flights and your island activities.
It's strongly recommended, especially in June–September and December–January — boats can sell out, particularly the morning departures.
Crossings happen in open ocean channels, so some swell is normal — the Santa Cruz ↔ Isabela route tends to be the choppiest of the three. Sitting toward the back/center of the boat and taking motion-sickness medication beforehand both help.
Santa Cruz ↔ Isabela is the route most travelers consider flying, since it's typically the choppiest crossing of the three.
Yes — tell us your islands and dates and we'll arrange the right combination as part of your itinerary.
Ensuring safety on a construction site is crucial to protect workers
Tell us which islands you’re visiting and your travel dates, and we’ll recommend the most practical combination of ferries and inter-island flights — then arrange the bookings for you.
Planning a Galápagos trip can feel overwhelming. We’re here to help you choose the right cruise or island-hopping experience based on your interests, travel style, dates, and budget.
Tell us about your travel plans, and we’ll create a personalized Galápagos itinerary tailored to your interests, travel dates, and budget.
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