IMPORTANT INFORMATION BEFORE YOU TRAVEL TO GALAPAGOS

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

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

FLIGHTS TO GALAPAGOS
The only way to get to the Galapagos is by air. Galapagos flight booking is warranty with your cruise confirmation. All international connections are from mainland Ecuador. There are flights from Quito (stop over in Guayaquil) and Guayaquil to Baltra or San Cristobal where your cruise will begin. Your flight will take 30 minutes to get from Quito to Guayaquil and about one and a half hours from Guayaquil to Galapagos (Baltra or San Cristobal islands)

The airlines have established low and high season for the flights as follows:
High Season: Nov 01 - Apr 30 + Jun 15 - Sep 14
Low Season: May 01 – Jun 14 + Sep 15 – Oct 31

 

LUGGAGE ALLOWANCE:  A maximum of 20 kilos per person (one piece of luggage) is allowed on the flights to 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 pay US $50.  This fee is collected IN CASH ONLY at the Baltra and San Cristobal airports in the Islands.

ARRIVAL IN THE GALAPAGOS: Your cruise's tour guide will meet you at the Baltra or San Cristobal airport. A bus out of the airport will transfer passengers to the cruises (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 about the islands, the species and suggestions about clothes and equipment for the daily 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. You can charge your camera batteries, cell phone and other electronic gadgets on the yacht

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 is the warmest months (28 C average temperatures). 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 temperatures). The water temperature is usually between 21 C and 25 C.

WHAT TO BRING: 

Clothing
Comfortable walking shoes (sneakers are fine)
Sandals with thongs or Tevas for wet landings
Light cotton socks
Long-sleeved cotton shirts and T-shirts
Shorts
Lightweight long pants or skirt / dress
Light rain jacket or wind breaker
Sweater, light jacket: the early morning/late evenings can get cool
Wide-brim hat
Bathing suit

Equipment
Sun block lotion 
Sunglasses with a strap
Extra eye glasses/ contact lenses
Insect repellent
Personal medication
Self-sealing bags for electronic equipment
Camera (you can charge your batteries in the yachts)
Extra batteries for your camera
Extra flash memory cards
Underwater camera to take photos while snorkeling
Binoculars
Money and Security
Passport
Copy of passport
American dollars, cash mostly low denomination bills ($5 to $20)
Travel Insurance
First Aid
Pepto Bismol or Kaopectate for stomach upset and mild diarrhea.
Immodium or Lomotil for more severe diarrhea
Band - Aids
Anti-biotic cream
Aloe Vera cream or gel for sunburn
Tylenol or other mild pain relief.

 

ITEMS INCLUDED IN THE CRUISE PROGRAM: 
-Airport transfers in Galapagos
-Accommodation in double cabins (Single travelers will have to share their cabin with another person of the same gender or pay the single supplement)
-All meals on board
-Daily visits according to your itinerary
-All excursions lead by an English speaking naturalist Guide

 

NOT INCLUDED: 
-Airfare from Quito or Guayaquil to Galapagos $425 (at the moment you book your cruise with us, your flight space to the Galapagos is automatically guaranteed)
-Entrance fee for the Galapagos National Park $100 (must be paid in cash at galapagos airports)
-Transit card fee $10 transit card
- Personal travel and medical insurance
-Personal expenses
- Tips

 

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 various programs, please CONTACT US.