The Ecuadorian mainland is five hours behind Greenwich Mean Time, and the Galapagos are six hours behind, one hour behind Ecuador’s continental time, so keep that in mind when figuring out airplane connections.
A few day yachts operate on mainland time to simplify contact with their offices.
Ecuadorian time is in the same time zone as the Eastern Standard Time Zone of the United States.
One more scheduling tip: check the best time to dive the Galapagos before you lock in flights — every season has its highlights, from whale sharks to schooling hammerheads.
Frequently Asked Questions About Galapagos Time
What time zone are the Galapagos Islands in?
The Galapagos Islands are six hours behind Greenwich Mean Time (GMT-6), one hour behind mainland Ecuador. Mainland Ecuador shares its time with the U.S. Eastern Standard Time zone.
Do the Galapagos observe daylight saving time?
No. Ecuador and the Galapagos keep the same time all year round, so the one-hour difference between the islands and the mainland never changes.
How does the time difference affect flights to the Galapagos?
Airline tickets show local times, so a 1.5-hour flight from Guayaquil appears to land only 30 minutes after departure. Keep the one-hour gap in mind when planning connections.
