Galapagos Packing Checklist

Packing Check List :

• Small backpack (waterproof)
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Sneakers with rubber soles
• Shorts
• Long pants
• T-shirts
• Long and Short sleeved shirts
• Wind breaker
• Bathing suit -wetsuit for snorkeling in cold months
• Socks
• Underwear
• Hat or cap
• Toilette kit (biodegradable shampoo please)
• Sun block
• Sunglasses
• Binoculars
• Camera & camcorder
• Any medicine you may be taking
• Book/ Notebook

Important Information :

• Please read the Itinerary as a guide only. Our route and program varies according to National Park policies and regulations, weather conditions, seasonal changes , safety reasons and the wildlife we encounter. Flexibility is the key to the success of this expedition. The Expedition Staff will provide you with snorkeling gear (mask and snorkel, fins, floating device and net bag). Please note that the operation does not carry prescription masks. A shortie wet suit is recommended from June to December.
• Dry landing: guests step from the dinghy onto rocks or a dock.
• Wet landing: as the dinghy edges onto a sandy beach, guests step into knee-deep water and wade ashore.
  

Luggage
No more than 20 Kilos (44 pounds) of luggage (one suitcase) may be checked on flights to or from the Galapagos Islands.
Additional luggage may be stored at your hotel. These restrictions do not include small carry-on flight bags or camera cases.

Cruise attire
For travel in the Galapagos, clothing ranges from informal to very informal. Essentials include sneakers, shorts, long- and short-sleeve lightweight shirts, bathing suit, a wide-brimmed hat, long pants, and a wind breaker or light jacket for evenings. Be sure to bring sunscreen, sunglasses and lots of film.

Shoes
Most walking ashore is over rocky lava terrain. Therefore tennis shoes, sneakers or walking shoes with rubber soles must be worn.

Climate
The Galapagos Islands are located on the equator. The tropical heat, however, is tempered by Pacific breezes.
There are two seasons in the islands: the rainy, hot season from December to June when humidity is high and average temperatures are in the 80s F (26°-30° C). There may be occasional showers, but the days are generally hot and sunny.
From June to November, you can expect cool winds, ocassionally bringing with them a light misty-type drizzle called "garúa." Temperatures average in the 70s F (20°-24° C) during the day and lower at night.

Passports
Passengers must travel to the Galapagos with their passports.
Passport numbers must be furnished one month prior to arrival.

Galapagos National Park admission fee
US$100 per person. It must be paid upon arrival at the airport in Galapagos (rate is subject to change without notice).

Electric current
110/AC. Electric shavers and hair dryers can be accommodated.

Local time
GMT minus 6 hours in the Galapagos Islands. GMT minus 5 hours on mainland Ecuador.

Purchases on board
US dollars or travelers cheques may be used on board. Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard and American Express) are also accepted aboard M/V SANTA CRUZ and ISABELA II.

Safety
All safety and fire prevention measures have been implemented on all vessels. There is a resident physician aboard the M/V SANTA CRUZ and ISABELA II. Life jackets are mandatory for all "panga" rides (outboard motorized Zodiacs).

Meals
Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included. Wine, beer and soft drinks are extra. Bottled water is supplied in each cabin free of charge.