Travel Preparation

1. What is the best time of year to visit the Galapagos? Back to top

Galapagos is a sub-tropical destination. Most of the seabirds and reptiles nest year-round, so you can see courtship, mating, chicks hatching and rearing at any time of the year. The climate allows for a wonderful trip no matter what time of year you visit, but you can consult the Climate Chart to be informed about seasonal variations.

2. Do I need a passport or visa to go to the Galapagos? Back to top

Consult our Visa Information page or contact us for visa requirements specific to your country of origin before traveling to Ecuador. A passport is required for entry into Ecuador. It is recommended that you make at least two photocopies of your passport ID page, airline ticket, tour documents, traveler´s check ID numbers, credit cards (both sides) and airline itinerary. Leave one at home with friends or relatives and bring the other copy with you, keeping the copies separate from the originals. While you travel in Ecuador always carry your passport with you since it is a legal requirement and you could be asked for it at any time. You will also need it when making withdrawals or paying with traveler´s checks.

3. When should I make my Galapagos yacht reservation? Back to top

Although some yachts offer last-minute promotions, we recommend making your reservation as early as possible as late bookings can result in limited available options, especially during the high season.

4. Should I purchase travel insurance? Back to top

Yes, we thoroughly recommend taking out travel insurance before departing on your vacation.

5. How do I get to the Galapagos Islands? Back to top

There are two airlines—TAME and AEROGAL—that have flights from Guayaquil and Quito into Baltra Island and San Cristóbal Island, depending on where your cruise will depart from. Please refer to the Galapagos Flight Information for further details.

6. How do I make my Galapagos flight arrangements? Back to top

We automatically make your flight arrangements in conjunction with your cruise booking according to the best flight schedule in relation to your cruise itinerary. If you are interested in arriving to the islands early or staying after your cruise, or you would like to visit fly into or out of a different island than your cruise departs from, please let us know at the time of making your reservation, so we can book your flight accordingly.

7. When and how do I check-in for my Galapagos flight? Back to top

Check-in time is two hours before your flight in the national terminal. Your luggage must be checked by SICGAL (Galapagos Province Inspection and Quarantine System) for fruits, meals and plants prior to check-in

Packing & Luggage Tips

1. What type of clothing should I wear on board? Back to top

Comfortable, casual clothing is recommended for aboard the ship. Some yachts prefer that jeans, shorts, T-shirts or tennis shoes not be worn for dinner.

2. What can I pack for the land excursions? Back to top

For shore excursions, comfortable clothing is a must--preferably shorts, bathing suits, brimmed hat, sunscreen, walking shoes, tennis shoes, windbreaker-type jacket, binoculars, camera and plenty of film.

Arrival to Mainland Ecuador

1. What can I expect upon arriving in Ecuador? Back to top

During your flight to Ecuador, you will fill out a T3 Tourist Information Card, and a Customs Declaration Card. These forms may be available in English; if not, your flight attendants can assist you in filling out the documents. In the Passport Control area of the airport, the immigration officer will request your passport and the T3 Tourist Information Card. Have your flight tickets available if the officer asks for them. If asked about the purposes of the trip, tell the officials that you are on vacation and are going to the Galapagos Islands. The official may also ask how long you plan to stay. A copy of the T3 form will be returned to you along with your passport. Be sure to keep it in a safe place since you will be required to turn it in when you leave the country. You will then proceed to the baggage claim area to claim your checked luggage. You may need to pay a fee (about 2 USD) for use of a luggage cart. Your bags may be inspected by customs, and they will request your Customs Declaration Form. Before leaving the customs area, you may be required to show that your luggage tags match those originally given to you at check-in with your boarding passes. If you do not have a transfer arranged to your hotel, take an official yellow taxi to your place of lodging.

The Islands

1. What type of weather can I expect? Back to top

Please refer to our Climate Chart.

2. What time zone is used in the Galapagos? Back to top

Ecuador is in the Eastern Time Zone (GMT-5) on the mainland. Galapagos is one hour behind mainland Ecuador (GMT-6).

3. What can I expect upon arrival to the Galapagos Islands? Back to top

The islands are part of the Ecuadorian National Parks system and the entrance fee of 100.00 USD to be paid in cash is collected on arrival to the airport. We recommend that you bring new bills; this fee is ONLY payable in cash. A representative from the yacht will await you at the airport and transfer you to the vessel.

4. What will my cruise experience be like? Back to top

The cruise experience usually has certain common aspects among all of the vessels. Most flights arrive to the Galapagos around mid-day no matter which island your cruise departs from. In the airport you are greeted by a representative of your yacht who transfers you to the docks so you can board. Many vessels have 8 day itineraries that can be broken down into 5 and 4 day cruises. In these cases, passengers are picked up (for example, for the 4 day cruise) while others are dropped off (from the 5 day cruise). In some instances, guests who fly into Baltra Island airport will cross the canal by boat and be bused across the Highlands. Some vessels make this the first visitor site, while others take you directly to board the vessel docked in Puerto Ayora. Each morning and afternoon you have the opportunity to visit one of the visitor sites with a bilingual guide, during which time you will usually have the opportunity to snorkel. Guests within the Galapagos National Park zones must always be accompanied by a guide during excursions. Some of the boats have kayaks on-board that can be used. Diving is also an option on many yachts. All vessels give briefings before each land excursion about the specifics of the sites to be visited. Each island is unique in its own way--either through the flora, fauna or geology. The cruises usually end around mid-day so that an early afternoon flight can be caught back to the mainland.

5. What does my Galapagos National Park entrance fee go towards? Back to top

The park entrance fee is distributed as follows: 40% Galapagos National Park; 20% Galapagos Municipalities; 10% Galapagos Province Government; 10% Galapagos National Institute (INGALA); 5% Galapagos Marine Reserve; 5% Galapagos Province Inspection and Quarantine System; 5% INEFAN (National Park Service); 5% National Army. These fees assist in the protection and preservation of the Islands.

6. Can I extend my stay before and/or after my cruise? Back to top

Yes, you can extend your stay up to a maximum of 21 days on the islands, but please consult us directly for details and restrictions.

On-board

1. Can my yacht's itinerary be changed? Back to top

A yacht's itinerary can be changed only by the Galapagos National Park Authorities or by the captain of the yacht under weather-related circumstances.

2. Is smoking allowed onboard? Back to top

Smoking is allowed on most yachts but only on the outside deck. Smoking is not allowed during land excursions to the islands.

Land Excursions & Guides

1. How will we get from the ship to shore? Back to top

The vessels anchor offshore of the excursion sites. Passengers are ferried to the landing point in small boats or dinghies (locally called “pangas”).

2. What are the landings on the islands like? Back to top

The landings are either wet where one must step into the water anywhere from your ankles up to your knees and wade to shore or dry where one steps from the panga directly to the volcanic rock. Your guide and panga motorist will assist you with a steady hand.

3. What is the physical condition required for the cruise? Back to top

Elderly or disabled people may have problems on the difficult trails. It is especially recommended that passengers be in reasonably good physical condition because some trails are difficult to traverse.

Diving, Snorkeling & Kayaks

1. Is scuba diving offered? Back to top

Depending on the yacht chosen, scuba diving options may be available anywhere from individual dives to full diving charters. Some even offer diving for beginners or courses for those who are interested in becoming certified. Please refer to the information specific to your chosen yacht to see whether diving is offered, go directly to Scuba Diving for a list of yachts and complete diving information, do an Advanced Search for all yachts offering diving, or contact us for further information.

2. Is snorkeling equipment provided? Back to top

Depending on the yacht chosen, snorkeling equipment may be included in the cruise rate, may be rented or you may need to take your own personal equipment on the cruise. Please refer to the individual information for your chosen yacht, do an Advanced Search based on snorkeling equipment to find which vessels provide snorkeling equipment for you, or contact us for further information.

3. Are wetsuits necessary? Back to top

Wet suits are not necessary but will make your time in the water more enjoyable. The waters are warmer from January through April, and the wet suits may not be necessary during this time. Some vessels include wetsuits or offer them for rent (usually boats in the Superior Tourist Class category or higher). Please contact us if you are unclear about whether your chosen vessel provides wetsuits or if you need help renting wet suits from an outside agency.

4. Are sea kayaks available onboard? Back to top

Depending on the yacht chosen, sea kayaks may be included in the cruise rate or may be rented. Please refer to the individual information for your chosen yacht, do an Advanced Search based on sea kayaks to find the vessel that best fits your needs, or contact us for further information.

Food & Dietary Concerns

1. If I have special dietary requirements, what can I do? Back to top

If you are vegetarian, allergic to any foods or under a special diet, many yachts can cater to these needs. Please give advance notice so your needs can be clarified and arranged.

2. Should I be worried about consuming the food and water? Back to top

Please be careful about eating uncooked food, including vegetables and un-peeled fruit. It is better to drink bottled water or desalinated water provided on board our vessel. Almost all the restaurants are careful about using clean or bottled water and utilizing good sanitation practices, but it is better to avoid any health problems.

Individual Travelers

1. Is there a single supplement? Back to top

Most yachts have a surcharge if you want a cabin to yourself, however, the amount of the surcharge varies. Please consult us for information specific to your yacht.

Children

1. Are children allowed on the cruise? Back to top

Most cruises accept children and many offer discounted rates, however, some vessels do not allow children under the age of seven years. Please consult us for information specific to your cruise vessel.

Money

1. What about money? Back to top

The local currency is US dollars. MasterCard and VISA are widely accepted in Guayaquil and Quito. Please note that there is often a service charge added on to credit card payments within Ecuador, and/or a minimum purchase amount required. Many banks are only open Monday through Friday 9am to 4pm. In Galapagos there is only one bank and you can only get cash with MasterCard or Cirrus. The Islands are a cash- and traveler´s check-oriented destination.

2. Are there any additional fees that I need to know about? Back to top

All international flights charge an airport departure tax that must be paid in cash after checking in at the airport. The tax is: 20 USD if departing from Guayaquil or 25 USD if departing from Quito.

3. What are the recommended tipping policies? Back to top

We suggest you to follow international guidelines of 10.00 USD per person per day for the ship's crew and 7.50 USD for the guide.

Communication

1. How can I make phone calls or use the internet? Back to top

There is full phone and cellular phone communication in the Galapagos. To make international calls once you have arrived, the least expensive rates are at internet cafes such as Easy Cyber Cafe. Here you will also find inexpensive internet service. For local calls, the least expensive option is usually with a Bell South or Porta calling card that can be purchased for public phones.

2. Can I communicate if I do not speak Spanish? Back to top

Communication on the mainland can be more difficult if you do not know Spanish. In the Galapagos on the other hand, it is easier to communicate because many people who live there can speak English.

Heading Home

1. Do I need to reconfirm my international flight? Back to top

It is extremely important to re-confirm your international flights. If you will be staying on mainland Ecuador after your Galapagos tour, make sure to reconfirm. Let us know if you will catch your international flight immediately after returning from the Galapagos or would otherwise like assistance, so we can reconfirm for you.