Packing List for a Galapagos Cruise

Most yachts cruising Galapagos will prohibit you from taking your own alcoholic drinks on board. However, if you are tactful and subtle and drink your own alcohol in private on some evenings, but still buy drinks from the bar on others, then most cre...

Since the year 2000, the official currency of the Galapagos Islands is the US dollar. It is best to use cash and cards, as traveller checks are not readily accepted. It's also best to bring smaller denomination notes - you won't be able to use anythi...

The official language of Ecuador (and therefore Galapagos) is Spanish. However, English is widely spoken and understood at hotels, restaurants and tourist shops. You will find that almost everyone involved in hosting you during your Galapatours cruis...

Unfortunately, we are not legally allowed to give you recommendations on vaccinations for your cruise to Galapagos. Please visit a travel health clinic or take advice from your personal physician at least 8 weeks before you travel.
However, the foll...

Indeed we do! When we receive your booking deposit we send all our clients a comprehensive suggested packing list and lots of other useful information about your time in Galapagos. Here's a brief summary of our suggested packing list to get the most ...

To protect the vulnerable and unique Galapagos habitats and wildlife, no non-native plant or animal species must be allowed to arrive on the archipelago. SICGAL is the government department responsible for ensuring the islands are protected in this w...

On all flights to and from the Galapagos islands each passenger is permitted to take 50lb (23kg) of baggage that must be checked in. In addition, each passenger may have an item of carry-on luggage up to 17lb (8kg). Cabin baggage is often subject to ...

Under Ecuadorian law, if you are only temporarily visiting the Galapagos then you are exempted from the requirement to pay any customs charges on items that you are bringing in to the country. This includes new or used portable electronics such as ca...

The vast majority of our vessels will have standard snorkels, face masks and fins for you to use free of charge. Please check the "amenities" section of your ship for full details on exactly what equipment is included, and what carries an additional ...

There is no requirement to wear a wetsuit when swimming or snorkeling in Galapagos, but for the most enjoyable experience we do recommend you use one.
The Galapagos islands are such a haven for undersea life because they lie at the point where warm ...

There is no doubt that photographs you take on your adventure to the Galapagos will be some of the most wonderful you ever will! There are a few tips that can make your shots even better.

First of all, make sure that you bring all the necessary eq...

As throughout the rest of Ecuador, the standard electricity supply in Galapagos operates at 100v AC, 60Hz, using flat 2 pin plugs. This is the same supply voltage and plug type found in the USA, so American visitors won't normally require an adapter ...

The Galapagos islands operate mainly on cash, the US dollar being the official currency since 2000. Please note, though, that $100 bills are NOT readily accepted anywhere in the islands. You may even find it difficult to change $100 bills in the bank...

There are 2 banks with ATMs in Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz island, and an additional ATM at the Proinsular supermarket.
In Puerto Baquerizo Moreno on San Cristóbal Island there is one bank with an ATM.
Most ATMs will limit your withdrawals to...

At Galapatours we only work with boat operators who adhere to the highest standards of hygiene and food safety, and who only use the best equipment. Away from your cruise boat, we are unable to vouch for the practices of other service providers you m...

In short, yes! All of our Galapagos cruise vessels have 110V AC outlets that take the 2 prong electrical plug that is also used in North America.
More modern vessels will have electrical points in each cabin, some may even offer dedicated USB chargi...

Most Galapagos cruises do not have internet access or wifi on board. There are a small number of vessels that do offer this service for an additional charge, including Legend, Pinta, and Santa Cruz II, Please note however that this will inc...

If you are prone to motion sickness then here are a few hints to help you.

Firstly, book a cruise on a bigger vessel or on a catamaran. Larger boats and catamarans are more stable, and so roll less in the swells. Some examples would be the Ocean S...

In a word, amazing! However, diving around the Galapagos Islands is a little more challenging because of the presence of some strong currents, slightly colder water temperatures, and the rugged undersea terrain.
All Galapagos diving is done from div...

We encourage you to bring your own equipment to the Galapagos wherever possible. As a minimum, you should bring your own dive watch and any dive gadgets you like to use. You should also bring a valve adapter suitable for DIN valves. Unless you prefer...

There is good diving in Galapagos all year round, but June to December is usually felt to be the best time. The water temperature is coldest between September and November with thermoclines, although this also tends to coincide with the arrival ...

US, Canadian and Australian citizens do not need a visa for tourist stays of less than 90 days in Ecuador. Upon entry, the passport must be valid for at least 6 months. To enter Galapagos, the first official requirement is a valid Ecuadorian tourist ...