NB: Please read all cruise itineraries as a guide only. All routes and programs can change without notice due to National Park policies and regulations, weather conditions, seasonal changes, safety reasons and the wildlife encountered during the travel. Flexibility is the key to the success of any expedition. Nevertheless the safety and the interest of our passengers is always first priority.

Wet Suit:

A wet suit is recommended from June to December for swimming and snorkeling.

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/memory.

Shoes:

Most walking ashore is over rocky lava terrain. Therefore tennis shoes, sneakers or walking shoes with rubber soles should 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, occasionally 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.
Passports must be valid for at least 6 months on the day of departure.

Galapagos National Park admission fee:

The Galapagos National Park entrance fee is US$100 per adult and US$50 per child under 12 years. The fee must be paid upon arrival at the airport in Galapagos (rate is subject to change without notice).

Electric current:

The current onboard as well as on the islands and the mainland is 110/AC.

Local time:

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

Purchases on board:

US dollars or traveler checks may be used on board. Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard and American Express) are also accepted aboard the bigger cruise ships.

Safety:

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.

Cruise prices include:

Transfers in Galapagos (aiport-ship-airport), cruise on board of the selected yacht in double accommodation with all facilities, three meals a day, English speaking naturalist guide (special departures with guiding in other languages upon request).

Cruise prices do not include:

Air fares (e.g. Quito-Galapagos-Quito; from US$ 480.- per person), Galapagos National Park fee (USD 100.- per person), TCT Tourist Card ($20 per person), beverages, single accommodation, tips, travel insurance and personal items.