Travel Preparation
Packing list:
Clothing:
-Warm clothes for journey by plane
-Waterproof Jacket
-Casual dress / shirt and pants, tank tops, shorts
-good walking shoes, sport sandals or sneakers
-a waterproof ba
-Towel
-Underwear
-Socks
-Sleepwear
Photography gear:
-good digital camera
-underwater camera
-polarizing filter
-x-ray proof bag
Money:
-US Dollars (bills no larger tan USD 20.
-Only one NOT reliable ATM
-Traveler`s checks are a hassle to Exchange
-Money-belt
Other Items:
-Snorkeling equipment
-Travel journal
-Lip balm
-Basic toiletries
-A flashlight
-Passport and copy
-Lightweight binoculars
-Water bottle (1 liter)
-Band-aid
-Medicine
Some reminders:
- The weight limit is 20 kg (44 pounds).
- Carry your money and credit cards on your person.
- Leave all valuable jewelry at home.
- When traveling, be sure your luggage is properly padlocked so no one is tempted on your bag
Sunscreen:
Because the Galapagos Islands are located on the Equator, the sun is very strong. You will most likely be spending a lot of time outside on land tours and beaches so your skin will be exposed on a daily basis. We highly recommend you bring a sunscreen with a high SPF, especially for those people who are not accustomed to being exposed to such intense sunrays. You do not want to get burned on the first day and not enjoy the rest of the trip!
Travel documents:
You definitely do not want to forget your passport (and visa, if it is required). Your passport must be valid for at least six months after your return. You should also bring a color copy of your passport to carry with you at all times. Check with your ecuadorian embassy for questions regarding visas, passports, and other travel documents.
Cameras:
With lots of memory space, batteries and charger. The beauty of the Galapagos Islands and the abundance of wildlife will have you snapping photos at every turn. However many photos you expect to take, multiply that by ten. There will be photographic opportunities that you may never have again so be sure you are prepared.
Extra cash:
There may be costs that you will have to pay in cash, such as the Galapagos Park Entrance Fee, Transit Control Card fee. You will also need cash for tipping your guide and crew at the end of your cruise and for buying souvenirs on the islands. You will have access to ATM machines while in port but as a backup we also recommend bringing a debit card, some extra cash and a credit card.
Hiking/water shoes:
For land excursions during your Galapagos cruise you will be transferred from the cruise ship to the islands by panga ride (dinghy boats). Often this requires a wet landing, so we recommend dry/wet strap on sandals (Tiva style) that you would also feel comfortable walking in. Some excursions are dry landings with hikes, so you should also bring hiking or tennis shoes. Keep in mind that you will be exposed to sand, dirt, and salt water that may damage footwear, so you may not want to bring new shoes. Flip flops are also recommended for while onboard.
Motion sickness medication:
Many people experience motion sickness aboard the yachts. However much of the navigation on any cruise takes place at night and some people are quite susceptible to this motion. There are medications to avoid this miserable feeling; if you believe you will experience sea sickness we recommend talking with your doctor before the trip to determine what kind of remedy suits you.
Sweater or jacket:
The Galapagos Islands are located on the Equator and therefore the weather can be quite warm during the day. However, nights can be chilly, especially aboard on the sundeck while the boat is navigating, causing a slight breeze. You will definitely want a jacket or sweater to wear in the evenings.
After all don’t forget to bring yourself.