How to reach Galápagos?
There are flights from Quito (stopover in Guayaquil) and Guayaquil to either San Cristobal or Baltra.
How long is the flight from Ecuador to Galápagos?
It takes 30 minutes to get from Quito to Guayaquil and about one and a half hours from Guayaquil to the Galápagos Archipelago.
Are there luggage restrictions on the airplanes?
For the flights to Galápagos, only one checked suitcase (44 lbs., 20 kg) and one carry-on bag are allowed. If you are flying with EMETEBE (small airline operation on the Galapagos Islands) you can only check 10 kg per person.
Could you organize our flight to Galápagos/ Ecuador?
Once you book a cruise we automatically book a flight to the Galápagos Islands for you and issue your tickets. It is required that passengers arrive in Ecuador at least one day before the departure date of the cruise. Unfortunately we are not able to arrange your international flight to Ecuador.
Can you arrange hotel and other tour reservations for us in Ecuador?
Of course we are happy to arrange any other tour reservation for you. We offer day trips as well as round trips and our program includes trekking tours, jungle tours, river rafting, horseback riding, trekking tours, climbing, mountain biking, culture trips and bird watching. We can also book a hotel, hacienda or lodge for you.
Which regulations do I have to obey on the islands?
To preserve the fragile environment of the national park and marine reserve please listen carefully to the orders of your guide. In addition we ask you not to take any food to the islands, not to throw litter, not to remove anything, not to touch or feed the animals and never to leave the path. Photographs are the best souvenirs!
What is not included in the price?
Not included are the national park entrance fee (USD 100.- per person – you have to pay that in cash at the airport in Galápagos), the migration card (USD 10.- per person which has to be paid in cash in the airport of Quito or Guayaquil), drinks (except water, tea and coffee), tips, snorkeling equipment and wet suits (depending on the ship), travel insurance as well as the flight from Ecuador to Galápagos and back.
Are there any vaccinations required/recommended?
For Galápagos itself there are not any vaccinations neither required nor recommended. But if you plan to spend more time in Ecuador, especially in the jungle, vaccionations might be recommended. As this changes from time to time please check with your local health office a few weeks in advance of your trip.
What to bring?
You will need your passport, US Dollar in cash and should bring your credit card but please note that you cannot use them everywhere. The Galápagos Islands are situated right on the equator so the weather is usually nice and warm. So bring mainly light clothes and just a few warmer ones for the evenings or when it starts raining. For this case you should bring also rain gear and for swimming two bathing suits. You might want to bring a small bag for the excursions, a water bottle and at least two pairs of walking shoes (one might get wet when you have to step into water to get ashore). The sun on the equator is really strong, so make sure to bring suntan lotion (at least #15) and sun block, as well as sunglasses and a hat. As it is difficult to buy things on the islands, you should not count on being able to buy things there. Especially bring enough films and batteries for your camera because on the islands they are more expensive and the films often do not have a very good quality. Do not forget your camera, you will really regret it! Useful are also insect repellant, a travel alarm clock, binoculars, flashlight, snorkeling equipment and wet suits (some boats offer the last two but there is only a certain quantity available and usually it is “first come – first serve”).
Is there a dress code on board?
On the small ships clothing is totally informal. On the bigger ones, especially on the cruise ships you might want to bring some semi-formal clothes for dining. But ties are not required as it is an expedition cruise.
Is it allowed to smoke on board or on the islands?
It is not allowed to smoke in the cabins or on the islands. However, some of the boats offer certain smoking areas.
Is there a possibility to change money on the islands?
The “Banco de Pacifico” in Puerto Ayora (Santa Cruz) cashes dollars. It is open Monday to Friday 8:00am – 3:30pm. The ATM accepts only Mastercard and Cirrus (operates 7:00am – 11:30pm) but does not always work.
What is the electric current on board?
110V, 60 Hz, sometimes ships offer 220V.
Is it possible to make phone calls to my home country?
Most ships only have a phone to contact the mainland in cases of emergency. But nearly all of them have a stopover in Puerto Ayora (Santa Cruz) where you can call home or use a internet café to send emails.
Are children allowed on board?
Children under the age of 7 are not allowed on board. The strict regulations on the islands are not adequate for them.
Are single or triple suites available?
Single and triple cabins are available for additional charge. Triple cabins nearly only exist on the cruise ships and are only for parents with their child.
Do you have to bring a certain physical condition?
Some of the trails on the islands are quite rough so passengers should bring a good physical condition.
Are there medical services available?
There is only first aid available on Galápagos. All vessels have radio contact with the mainland in case of emergency. Some of the bigger ships may have their own doctor aboard. But there is no hospital so in case of an illness you have to return to the mainland.
Is seasickness common?
Most people are not affected but there may occure rough sea or the constant motion of the ship might bother you. So if you are susceptible to seasickness you should take some medication, just in case.
Are there special meals for people with dietary requests?
Just let us know about 2 weeks in advance and we will arrange a special diet for you.
How much should we tip the guide and the crew?
Tipping primarily is a personal matter. However in Galápagos it is very common and if you want to be polite you should tip about USD 10 per person/per day for the guide and USD 10.- per person/per day for the whole crew of the ship.
What kind of guides accompany the ships?
All boats are accompanied by naturalist class ll and lll guides that all speak English and have a thorough knowledge of the wildlife of Galápagos. Some economy ships also have naturalist guides level I. They all have been trained by the Charles Darwin Station and are licensed by the National Park.
What are wet landings?
A small boat called “panga” brings you from the yacht to the shore. Some landings are “dry”, that means you can step directly on volcanic rock. Wet landings mean that you have to wade ashore in shallow water (can be from your ankle up to your knee). The water may splash so you should pack your camera into a plastic bag.
