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.