BEFORE YOU GO TO THE GALAPAGOS ISLANDS

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:  Passengers need their passports to enter the Galapagos Islands.  No vaccinations are required.

LOCAL TIME:  GMT-5 on the mainland. GMT-6 on the Galapagos Islands.

NATIONAL PARK TAX:  The Galapagos Islands are part of the Ecuadorian National Parks System and the entrance fee is US $100 per person. Children under 12-years-old enter for US $50.  This fee is collected IN CASH ONLY at the Baltra and San Cristobal airports in the Islands.

ARRIVAL IN THE GALAPAGOS: Your yacht's tour guide will meet you at the Baltra or San Cristobal airport. A bus out of the airport will then transfer passengers to the yachts (a short distance of about 10 minutes).

ON BOARD:  Breakfast, lunch and dinner are all served on board. The menu consists of continental breakfasts, international cuisine and a few buffets. Tea, coffee and water are free all the time. The naturalist guide on board will give daily briefings and host discussions about shore visits.
 
ON THE ISLANDS:  The yacht anchors at each island destination and passengers are ferried to the landing point in small boats called pangas (dinghies).  On island walks, visitors follow marked paths which may change slightly from season to season to avoid bird-nesting areas. Naturalist guides accompany all groups. Some islands have excellent beaches for swimming and snorkeling. Masks, flippers and snorkels are available on board. Some yachts include the snorkeling equipment in the price of the trip, but if you prefer you can bring your own equipment. The terrain is often rough and passengers should be in good physical condition.

ELECTRIC CURRENT:  The Electric current is 110 V and 220 V A/C &12V and 24V  D/C.

LUGGAGE ALLOWANCE:  A maximum of 20 kilos per person (one piece of luggage) is allowed on flights to the Galapagos Islands.

PURCHASES ON BOARD:  Cash (American dollars) may be used on board. No credits cards are accepted for payment on board. Charges are kept on individual passengers' tabs and are paid at the end of each cruise.

CLIMATE: In general, December to June are the warmest months (28 C average temperature). January, February and March can be hot and humid, but the islands can be quite lush and green if it rains. The months between July and November are cooler and dryer (24 C average temperature). The water temperature is usually between 21 C and 25 C.

WHAT TO BRING:  Dress is always casual and comfortable. You will need lightweight pants, cotton shorts, shirts, T-shirts and a wind-breaker or a sweater. You should also bring good walking shoes (sneakers, are fine) and rubber sandals or protection for your feet in the water. You will also need a small backpack or knapsack; we recommend bringing a case or plastic bag for your camera.  Bring a bathing suit, a wide-brimmed hat, sunscreen and sunglasses. The ship provides towels and fresh water for island excursions.

ITEMS INCLUDED IN THE CRUISE RATE:  The program includes accommodation in double cabins, all meals aboard, sightseeing, a naturalist guide authorized by the Galapagos National Park and all transfers within the Galapagos Islands.

ITEMS NOT INCLUDED:  Airfare to Galapagos, National Park entrance, alcoholic beverages, personal expenses and tips.

TIPPING: The guide and crew are normally tipped. Tipping is of course optional.

CHILDREN: Children under 4 years of age may join the cruise under special arrangements and conditions. We ask that children under 12 years of age be accompanied by an adult.

For up-to-date information about travel details and our different programs or services, please CONTACT US.