Galapagos Travel FAQ

1. What is the weather like in the Galapagos Islands?

Between December and June, the climate is generally hot and humid with temperatures averaging 82.4°F /28°C. It is warm during the day with heavy rain showers at night. The islands are very lush and green at this time of the year, and the water temperature is perfect for swimming and/or snorkeling. To prevent sunburn, we recommend snorkeling with a t-shirt or dive top.

Between June and November, the weather is a bit cooler and often windy, with average temperatures around 75.2°F/24°. This is known as the garua season (local term for light drizzle). This is the ideal season for snorkeling—especially around the southern islands—as the colder waters are rich in nutrients and the perfect home for marine wildlife. Keep in mind, however, that a thin wetsuit will make the experience much more comfortable.

Average water temperatures in Galapagos:
January - June: 70°F - 80°F (20°C - 26°C)
July - December: 65°F - 75°F (8°C- 23°C)

2. When is the best time to visit the Galapagos Islands?

The Galapagos Islands are a great destination as they have a warm climate year-round; however, certain months offer better opportunities for certain activities. You will have the best diving experiences from June to November, when colder waters result in more varied marine wildlife due to the high nutrient levels. During this period, divers can see large schools of hammerheads and even whale sharks.

There are a few months when wildlife is especially astounding due to the transition between the dry and wet seasons. The transition occurs between April and June, and from November to January.

3. Do I need a visa to enter or visit Ecuador?

Most visitors are allowed to stay in Ecuador without a visa up to 90 days, renewable for an additional 90 days. Check with your travel advisor to see whether citizens of your country require any special type of visa. Everyone is required to have a passport valid for at least 6 months, and you should carry a copy of your passport with you at all times.

Note: For all international flights departing from within mainland Ecuador, an airport tax costing between $29.78 and $40.80 USD is charged. You must pay the tax before passing through security and reaching your departure gate.

4. How do I get to the Galapagos?

Flights to the Galapagos Islands depart daily from both Quito and Guayaquil. Your travel advisor will book the best Galapagos flight option for you.

5. Should I carry my passport with me while in the Galapagos Islands?

While you are in the Galapagos Islands you can leave all your belongings in your cabin or hotel room, and carry only a copy of your passport with you.  However, if you plan to use traveler’s checks in Puerto Ayora, you will need your original passport.

6. What is the check-in procedure at the Quito and Guayaquil airports?

For all flights, you should be at the airport at least two hours before departure. You can check in your luggage with the airline after it has passed the control with SICGAL, which is located at the end of the room. For environmental reasons, your luggage will be checked for animals, seeds, plants, fruits, vegetables, or any biohazard material that is forbidden on the Galapagos Islands.

At the airport, you will have to show your Transit Control Card (currently $10 USD), which, depending on what cruise or tour service you choose, may be arranged for you in advance, but otherwise is payable in cash only at the Galapagos National Institute (INGALA) counters in Quito and Guayaquil airports.

There is also a departure tax of $41 USD from Quito and $27 USD from Guayaquil on all international flights.

7. What are the luggage restrictions?

Airlines operating the Galapagos Islands route allow one piece of luggage per person with no more than 44 pounds (approximately 20 kg) and a carry-on bag of maximum 15 pounds (7 kg).

8. What should I pack for my trip?

We recommend you pack comfortable and breathable clothes: shorts, t-shirts, a windbreaker, a light sweater, swimsuits, good hiking shoes, sandals, any personal medications, a good camera with plenty of memory cards or film, strong sun block, sunglasses, a sun hat, binoculars, and insect repellent. You can take your snorkeling gear with you as well if you'd rather have your own equipment.

9. What should I pack for the land excursions?

For land excursions, comfortable clothing is a must and should include shorts, a head covering, walking shoes, a windbreaker-type jacket, binoculars, and of course your camera. Do not forget to take enough high-SPF sun block as the sun’s rays are very intense on the Galapagos Islands. It is best to seal your camera in a plastic bag in order to protect it from the water, especially during landfalls.

10. What type of clothing should I wear onboard a Galapagos cruise ship?

Casual and light clothing is recommended on board the ship, as this is your time to relax and enjoy the beautiful natural surroundings. A light sweater or jacket is also good for breezy, cooler nights, which are common from June to November. Some Galapagos cruise ships have a semi-formal dining dress code (ask your travel advisor), and all ships require shoes or sandals to be worn to dinner.

11. What are dry landings and wet landings on a Galapagos cruise?

Dry landing means passengers step directly from a dinghy to rocks or onto a dock. Wet landing means that the dinghy gets close to the shore, and then you step into knee-deep water assisted by crew members and guides and wade onto the beach. Make sure to ask which type of landing is scheduled on each excursion in order to dress appropriately.

12. Are there any physical requirements for a Galapagos cruise?

Reasonably good physical condition is required to fully enjoy your Galapagos vacation, as some trails can be challenging in hot and sunny conditions. In some cases, elderly or disabled passengers may find certain trails beyond their comfort level. Notify your travel advisor of any special circumstances well ahead of time so that necessary arrangements can be made.

13. What happens if I get seasick on a Galapagos cruise?

Your chances of developing seasickness are correlated with the size of the vessel you are on. If you are prone to sea sickness, you should consider traveling on a larger and more stable ship, on which wave movements are generally scarcely felt. A few ships also have onboard seasickness medication for passengers – consult your travel advisor about the conditions on your chosen vessel. If you know that you are prone to seasickness, it can also be more convenient to bring your own medication with you.

14. Is the water onboard a Galapagos cruise safe to drink?

All cruise ships stock bottled or filtered water onboard, but whether it is offered free of charge depends on the service. Consult your travel advisor about the water provided on your particular vessel.

15. Will I have Internet access during my Galapagos cruise?

Most of the larger, more luxurious vessels provide Internet access to passengers for a fee, whereas in general the smaller vessels do not have Internet access. Consult your travel advisor to see if your chosen ship has this service.

16. What is included and not included in my Galapagos cruise price?

Onboard accommodation and meals, island sightseeing, all guide and lecture services, and transfers around the islands are included in the package price. Some vessels also provide extras, such as snorkel equipment and coffee and tea.

Not included are: flights to the Galapagos Islands, entrance fee to the Galapagos (currently $100 USD payable in cash only to the national park authorities in Baltra), the Galapagos Government Control ID Card (currently $10 USD payable in cash only beforehand or at the airport in Quito or Guayaquil), tips, soft drinks, alcoholic beverages, and any other extras not specifically mentioned in your itinerary.

17. How should I pay for my onboard expenses?

All boats accept US dollars for the payment of onboard expenses at the end of the cruise. Some also take Euros, travelers’ checks, and major credit cards. Consult your travel advisor to find out about the payment capabilities on your chosen ship. ATMs can be found only on San Cristobal Island and on Santa Cruz Island. Most of these ATMs accept international ATM cards.

18. How much should we tip the guide and crew?

Tipping is a very personal matter and we suggest rewarding crew and guides based on their performance. That said, the general rate for gratuities on a Galapagos Island cruise is around $100 USD per person per week for the whole crew, and $40 USD per person per week for the guide, provided that you feel the service has been excellent and that it has met your expectations.