FAQs- Galapagos

What is the weather like in the Galapagos Islands?

The climate between December and June is hot and humid (28°C / 82.4°F average). It is warm during the day, but heavy rains at night that can last for 20 minutes or more are not unusual. Understandably, the islands are very lush and green at this time of the year. During this time the water temperature is perfect for swimming and/or snorkeling. We recommend using a T- shirt or dive top for snorkeling to help to prevent sunburn.

Between June and November, is the Galapagos Islands are cooler and often windy (24° C/ 75.2°F average). It is also the garua season (local term for light drizzle) especially around the southern islands. If you are a snorkeling enthusiast, this is the ideal season to do so, since the colder waters are rich in nutrients for the marine ecosystem, but keep in mind 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 (18°C- 23°C)

When is the best time to visit the Galapagos Islands?

The Galapagos can be visited all year round, but, depending on your interests, certain months are better for certain activities. For example, if you are a keen diver then the best time to visit is from June to November, when colder waters result in more varied marine wildlife due to the high nutrient levels that are present in the water. It is not uncommon for visitors to see larger schools of hammerheads and even whale sharks during this time. While December to May sees clearer skies, this does mean the sun’s intensity is very high during the middle of the day.

Do I need a visa to enter or visit Ecuador?

Most visitors are allowed to stay 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. You do, of course, need a valid passport for international flights and a copy of it should be carried with you at all times.

How do I get to Galapagos?

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

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

While you are in Galapagos you can leave all your belongings in your cabin, you do not need to carry it with you.  However, if you plan to use traveler’s checks in Puerto Ayora you will need your original passport.

What is the check-in procedure at Quito or Guayaquil’s airport?

Check-in time is 2 HOURS before departure. You can check-in your luggage with the airline after this 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 other biohazard material that is forbidden on the Galapagos Islands. Luggage allowance per person is one 40 lb (20 kg) piece of luggage and a carry-on bag of 15 lb (7 kg). Here you must also show your Transit Control Card (currently $10 US), which, depending on what cruise service you choose, may be arranged for you in advance, but otherwise is payable in cash only at the Galapagos National Institute (INGALA) counter in Quito and Guayaquil Airport.

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

Upon arrival in the Galapagos you will be welcomed by cruise staff; they will take you to the ship, take care of your checked luggage and show you to your assigned cabin.

What is the luggage restriction?

Airlines operating the Galapagos Islands route allow one piece of luggage per person no more than 20 kg (approximately 44 pounds) and a carry on bag of 7 kg (15 pounds). If possible, take a soft sided bag as it will be easier to store in your cabin.

What should I pack for my trip?

We recommend you pack comfortable and breathable clothes; shorts, T-shirts, a windbreaker (and a light sweater from June to December), swimsuits, good hiking shoes, sandals, any personal medication, a good camera and plenty of memory sticks or film, high-factor sun block, sunglasses, sun hat, binoculars, and insect repellent between December and May. If you plan to go snorkeling and you have the snorkel and mask, pack them too.

What should I pack for the excursions?

For land excursions comfortable clothing is a must, preferably shorts, head covering, walking shoes, windbreaker type jacket, binoculars, camera and plenty of film or memory cards.  Do not forget to take with you enough high grade sun block as the sun’s rays are very intense on the Galapagos Islands. It is a good idea to seal your camera in a plastic bag in order to protect them from the water, especially during landfalls.

What type of clothing should I wear on board?

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 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.

What are Dry Landings and Wet Landings?

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.

Is there any physical requirement for the cruise?

Reasonably good physical condition is required to fully enjoy cruise itineraries, as some trails entail exertion underneath hot sunshine. 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.

What happens if I get seasick?

Your chances of developing seasickness are correlated with the size of the vessel you are on; wave movements are felt much more on smaller ships, whilst they can scarcely be felt on larger, more stable ships. A few ships have seasickness medication onboard for passengers – consult your travel advisor about the situation on your chosen vessel. If you know that you are prone to seasickness it will always be more convenient to bring your own medication with you.

Is the water safe to drink onboard?

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

What is the voltage used onboard?

Most of the larger, more luxurious vessels provide internet access to passengers, at 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.

What is included in the tour package 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.

What is not included in the tour package price?

Not included are: flights to the Galapagos Islands, although we can arrange this for you; the Galapagos Entrance Fee (currently $100 US payable in cash only to the national park authorities in Baltra); the Galapagos Government Control ID Card (currently $10 US payable in cash only beforehand or at airport in Quito or Guayaquil); tips; soft drinks; alcoholic beverages; and any other extras not specifically mentioned in your itinerary.

How can I pay for my expenses onboard?

All boats receive cash in US dollars for the payment of onboard expenses at the end of the cruise. Some also take cash in Euros, travelers’ checks and major credit cards, so consult your travel advisor to find out about the payment capabilities on your ships. Automated Teller Machines can only be found on San Cristobal Island and on Santa Cruz Island. Most of these ATM's accept international ATM cards.

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 in Galapagos Island cruises is around USD $100 per person per week for the whole crew, and USD $40 per person per week for the guide, provided that you feel the service has been excellent and that it has met your expectations.