Galapagos - Health

Medical facilities in the Galapagos Islands are limited.

Isabela Island has a small and extremely basic health center. Santa Cruz Island has a basic hospital. San Cristóbal Island has a well-equipped public hospital.

Hospital Oskar Jandl in San Cristóbal Island is a modern, functional hospital with 34 beds, medical specialties, diagnostics, and emergency care, open 24 hours.

If you become seriously ill or injured at the Galapagos Islands, you'll need to be evacuated to the Ecuadorian mainland or the United States for treatment. Medical evacuation can be very expensive.

Decompression chambers are available at the Protesub (Sub-aquatic) Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz Island in the Galapagos Islands, and the Ecuadorian Navy base (San Eduardo Naval base) in Guayaquil.

Travel health insurance is mandatory for foreign tourists. Make sure your insurance includes evacuation by air ambulance.

Vaccine-Preventable Diseases:

Be sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines.

Vaccinations for hepatitis A and B, as well as typhoid, are advised.

There is a risk of yellow fever transmission in parts of Ecuador but there is no risk of yellow fever in the Galapagos Islands. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for travelers arriving from Brazil, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Uganda.

Food and Water Concerns:

Despite recent infrastructure improvements, there are still problems with the potable water system in the Galapagos Islands – specifically on San Cristobal. A recent study found that there were still contaminations (including E. coli bacteria) in the potable water distribution systems.

It is strongly advised that you treat or boil all water that is intended for human consumption. Be careful eating fruits and vegetables that have been washed in potable water.

Mosquito-borne Diseases:

There is a risk of zika and dengue in this country.

Because of the pregnancy risks, travelers should consult the CDC Travelers’ Health website for the most current recommendations for Zika.

Prevention:

• Use a repellent containing 20%-30% DEET or 20% Picaridin on exposed skin. Re-apply according to the manufacturer's directions.
• Wear neutral-colored (beige, light grey) long-sleeved clothing.
• Pre-soak or spray the outer layer of clothing and gear with permethrin.
• Ensure that the hatch and window screens work properly.

Emergency Numbers:
See Emergencies.

Useful link:

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Last updated:  January 2024