Galapagos Island Vacations are Healthy and Safe in 2025

When selecting an island destination for vacation in 2025, an archipelago of volcanic islands in the Pacific Ocean off the west coast of the Republic of Ecuador may be a great destination.

Named for their giant tortoises, 18 main Galápagos islands are centered on Baltra, the home to the primary commercial and private airport that welcomes about 265,000 visitors yearly.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other health agencies, the Galapagos Islands do not have any targeted health advisories in effect as of late February 2025.

Furthermore, the CDC says there are no vaccination requirements for visiting the Galapagos, as the disease risk is very low across the archipelago.

However, the CDC does recommend that all travelers be up-to-date on routine vaccines like tetanus and measles. Other vaccine options include hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and typhoid fever, especially if you plan to visit areas of Ecuador besides the Galápagos.

However, if you spend time in Ecuador, the CDC warns travelers about two viruses that spread primarily through infected midges and mosquitoes.

In 2025, both Oropouche and Dengue travel advisories include Ecuador, which extends to Galápagos.

"The Galápagos Islands are a popular choice for travelers to view wildlife up close in stunning landscapes and varied island ecologies," Jeri Beales, MSN, RN, informed Vax-Before-Tarvel News.

"From a health perspective, there is no concern for malaria or yellow fever on any of the islands, but mosquitos are known to carry dengue fever, so visitors need to prevent bites while visiting."

"And you should have a health professional look over your vaccine records before leaving to ensure you're up-to-date on CDC recommended immunizations. If you plan to combine a trip to the Galápagos with areas of mainland Ecuador, be sure to mention this to your doctor or travel clinic because there are other health risks to consider," added Beales, who leads Destination Health Clinic, a Boston-area travel health provider specializing in health education and vaccination for international travelers.

Additionally, there has been evidence of transmission of Chikungunya, Malaria, Yellow Fever, and the Zika virus in Ecuador within the last five years.

Proof of Yellow Fever vaccination is required for most travelers arriving in Ecuador from Brazil.

From a safety perspective, the U.S. Department of State ranks Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands as Level 2 destinations. While several areas in Equador are at risk, and visitors should exercise increased caution, the islands 500 miles to the west are not mentioned by the State Department.

If you travel to Ecuador, enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program to receive digital alerts, making locating you in an emergency easier. Or visit the U.S. Embassy in Quito, Ecuador.

As the Galápagos Islands are a year-round travel destination, the local government strives to ensure everyone has a healthy and safe visit in 2025.