Before you come to Galapagos

Packing

To the Galapagos and the mainland coast, visitors are advised to pack casual, comfortable (cotton) garments. Depending on your own needs, some additional items may include:

• Snorkeling gear (mask, snorkel and fins/flippers)
• a short wetsuit 3 to 6 mm thick (even during the hot season it will shield you against the sun, abrasions and small jelly-fish)
• wading shoes/sandals or booties (avoid flip-flops)
• 2 pair of sneakers
• one light windjammer/jacket
• one good sweater (during the cold season)
• 3 light, large, long-sleeved shirts (sun-proof fabric)
• a good rain poncho (only during the rainy season)
• 4 pair of shorts and one pair of long pants
• one umbrella against rain or sun (folding type)
• a walking-stick for the crossing the lava fields
• if you have weak ankles, you may consider also ankle-high boots.
• One wide brimmed hat
• bathing suits
• sunglasses
• binoculars
• two sunscreens (SPF 50)
• one insect repellent
• sea sickness remedies, wrist bands
• 6 zip-lock plastic bags
• some large heavy-duty trash-bags
• one extra pair of prescription glasses
• one small flashlight
• paper tissue
• extra batteries
• Antihistamine pills
• soothing cream for sun burn or rashes
• eye and ear drops
• wrist bands or ear patches for sea sickness
• anti-acid pills etc.

The dress code aboard your boat is casual! There's no need to bring a tux or evening dress - and there is a weight limit of 20kg on flights to Galapagos. You can sometimes pay an excess charge ($2 per kilo) if weight and space requirements permit, but it is best to leave extra baggage in your mainland hotel to await your return.

For scuba diving tours, all equipment can be provided and tested by our Galapagos partners, and wet suits in standard sizes can be hired locally.

Departure from Quito & Guayaquil

Please contact the Galapagos Best representative at the Tame airlinecounter (national departure building) 1½ hours before your departure. He/she will give you your tickets, help you check in your luggage and give you useful information.  We have guaranteed plane spaces on TAME according to departure dates.

Galapagos Best can purchase your tickets in Ecuador in order to guarantee your reservations.

Before boarding your flight to Galapagos, your luggage will be inspected by the Ecuadorian authorities. This is to control and prevent the introduction of exotic species to the islands. Staff will:

• check your luggage for "organic" material like food, plants and so on. Please remove all fruit and anything that may contain viable seeds, eg. muesli bars.
• be aware that 'wood-carvings' are also considered 'organic' (eg. souvenirs made of balsa wood).  It is illegal to transport any item which might carry bacteria. Such items can usually be left in your mainland hotel to await your return.

These precautions ensure that Galapagos remains protected from new species that can seriously affect the environment, wildlife and your vacation experience. Please cooperate with the inspectors.

TAME flights do not always have enough overhead compartments on the plane, so your “carry-on” should be small enough to fit under your seat. The flight to Galapagos takes about 1½ hours.

Arriving in Galapagos

The islands are part of the Ecuadorian National Park system and the entrance fee of US$ 100.00 is collected upon arrival at Baltra. We recommend that you bring new bills as this fee is only payable in cash.

Once the fee is paid, our naturalist guide or a crew member will meet the cruise party for transfer on board your yacht. (A 5-minute bus-ride). 

Your luggage will be delivered to your cabin within the hour. Please hand your luggage tickets to your guide upon arrival. (Don’t forget!!)

The guide will give you a safety briefing, and you will then be offered lunch on board the yacht and your Galapagos cruise will begin!

See also Ecuador for passport and visa requirements for a Galapagos vacation.