GALAPAGOS PRE-TRIP INFO

Quick Info | Arrival Info | Tipping | General Info | Packing List & Tips | Our Yacht | Itinerary | FAQS

You’re officially going to the Galapagos and this is about to be one of the most unforgettable trips of your life! The animals encounters and closeness with nature you’ll experience here is unlike anywhere else in the world.

From packing tips to logistics, we’ve got you covered so you can focus on enjoying the experience once you’re there. This pre-trip info is here to help you feel fully prepared so you can relax and enjoy every second once you arrive.

General Quick Info

11 Days | July 19 – 29, 2027

This is a fully supported, start-to-finish itinerary. Once you arrive in Quito, everything else is handled for you including transport, accommodations, activities, and guides.

You’ll experience:

• Walking among giant tortoises
• Hiking one of the largest volcanic craters in the world
• Snorkeling in some of the world’s best sites with chances to see sea lions, marine iguanas, sea turtles, penguins, rays, sharks, tropical fish and more
• Opportunities to see blue footed boobies, frigates, and dozens of other bird species
• Island nature walks with land iguanas and sea lions
• A week on board a luxury yacht, exploring areas of the islands only accessible by sea

Arrival Info

You’ll fly into Quito (UIO – Mariscal Sucre Quito International Airport).

• If arriving on the trip start date, try to land before 8pm to give you time to get to the hotel, check in, and be ready to receive instructions for departure the next day when we fly to the islands.
• Airport transfers are included if you arrive on the trip start date
• After landing, you’ll go through immigration
• Once you exit, you’ll be met and transferred to the group hotel
• On departure day, we plan to be back in Quito between 2pm-4pm, so flights that depart after 6pm would be ideal.

Visas

U.S. and Canadian citizens do not need a visa to enter Ecuador for tourist stays of up to 90 days.

Your passport needs to be valid for 6 months after the end date of the trip (July 19–29, 2027), so it will need to expire AFTER January 30, 2028. If your passport expires before this date, you will need to begin the process of updating your passport.

Vaccines

You likely don’t need any vaccines for the trip as none are required for Ecuador with the exception of Yellow Fever depending on your recent travels. The CDC guidelines on vaccines are linked here: Ecuador CDC Guidelines.

As of July 2025, Yellow Fever vaccine is required for travelers aged 1 to 60 years who have resided for more than 10 days in Yellow Fever endemic countries in South America (specifically Colombia, Peru, Brazil, and Bolivia). Additionally, proof of immunization is required for all travelers arriving from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda who have spent any time in these countries, including layovers longer than 12 hours. For all travelers, the vaccine must have been administered at least 10 days prior to entering the country.

There are low level cases of Malaria in Ecuador but malaria meds are not typically necessary as there is no known malaria in the Galapagos. Feel free to talk to your doctor about their recommendations.

Tipping Customs

Tipping is not required, but it is a part of the culture and a meaningful contribution to the people who make your trip great. The recommendations for tipping are generally as follows (in USD):

• Day Trip Guides: $5-$10/person/day
• Isabela II Yacht Crew: $25/day per person
  • at the end of the sailing, there will be tip envelopes with tips for both the ship crew and naturalist guides, general recommendations are: $15/day for the crew and $10/day for the naturalist guides
• Total: budget roughly $200-$300 USD total for tips for the trip
• You may also want a few small bills on hand for spontaneous moments, $1-2 USD goes a long way.
• Meals: most restaurants include a 10% service tip, additional tips are always appreciated

General Ecuador Info

Here are a few basic travel tips to prepare you for Ecuador:

• Main language is Spanish but most people speak English as well
• Currency is the USD (yes really!), most places won’t accept anything above a $20 bill, ATMs are readily available
• Credit cards are generally accepted but it’s always best to have some cash on hand as well
• Outlets are the same as North America
• Uber is available and affordable in Quito
• Cell service – if your data plan doesn’t include international data and you need connection, we recommend using Airalo, but note: you will likely have no cell service the entire time on the Isabela II
• WiFi – will be available at hotels in Quito, expect to have limited access to high speed WiFi in the Galapagos Islands (WiFi generally works on Isabela II for basic communication)

Packing List & Tips

You do NOT need anything fancy, just keep it practical and comfortable. The Galapagos can be warm the day, and cool during the evenings in July and August. Expect average temps to be around 70F (21C) during the day and 65F (18C) at night. The water will likely be chilly. There are wetsuits available.

The weather in Quito is consistent year round as it’s on the equator: warm during the day and cool at night. Expect highs in the 60s and lows in the mid-40s. Quito is a high-elevation city (9,350 ft/ 2,850 m) so if you plan to spend time in the city before or after the trip pack layers and sunscreen.

Clothing Tips

• Loose, breathable clothing (linen, cotton, flowy pieces)
• Comfortable walking shoes or boots (uneven terrain)
• Layers for early mornings and evenings
• Light jacket
• Shawl or cover-up for sun
• Swimsuits
• Hats + sunglasses + reef safe sunscreen

Long Haul Flight Tips

• Wear comfy loose fitting clothes
• Drink lots of water, a lot of jet-lag symptoms are actually dehydration and effects from being in pressurized air for extended periods of time
• Avoid alcohol in flight – it’s fine! it can just contribute to dehydration/jet-lag
• Get up to walk around as often as possible if you aren’t sleeping

Packing List

If possible, I’d recommend packing in a small rolling suitcase, and a backpack/bookbag. It’s a hassle to lug around a big checked bag since we’re make a few moves. This is of course not an exhaustive packing list but just some helpful notes/things that may be less obvious! You can also browse an Ecuador Packing List here.

• Passport
  • Color copy printed of passport
  • Picture of Passport on your phone (this is just always helpful to have)
• Cash (see FAQ section below)
• Toiletries/Personal Items
  • Prescription medications
  • Dramamine: even if you aren’t prone to motion sickness I recommend packing this
  • Reef safe sunscreen
  • Sunscreen chapstick
  • Lotion
  • Toiletries/soaps/makeup etc
  • Sink Laundry Packs
  • Travel Towel
  • Hydration packets – it’s easy to get really dehydrated and drinking lots of water is key!
  • Water bottle – both Amandas like this self-cleaning one (there are water bottle refill stations on the Isabela II)
• Clothing/Shoes
  • Loose fitting clothing, think flowy pants, loose cover ups etc.
  • Light jacket
  • Rain jacket
  • A light cover/shawl/button-up/etc to hide from the sun
  • A few bathing suits – we will be swimming a lot!
  • Boots or good walking shoes
  • Sandals/shoes that can get wet – at times we will likely have wet island landings where you step out of the zodiac boats into the water
  • Hat
  • Sunglasses – I’d recommend polarized
• Tech/Accessories
  • AirTags for your bags
  • All your chargers
  • Books/kindle etc
  • External charger
  • Camera (just your phone is fine, but I linked the camera body & lens I use – I also rent a 200-600 lens from Aperturent)
  • Binoculars
  • Underwater phone case – this is something I SO wish I’d had in the Galapagos the first time. Amanda Meeks uses a GoPro, Amanda Brown has an Insta360
  • Floating Wrist Strap – this is KEY for an underwater case or GoPro so you don’t drop it and lose it forever
  • External hard drive – wifi/service isn’t usually fast enough to backup everything on iCloud, so if you take a lot of pics it might be worth bringing a hard drive
  • Hand held fan
  • Dry bag – optional
  • Tote or collapsible day trip bag for hikes
• Long Haul Flight
  • Carry On Suitcase – this is my go-to carry on
  • Travel neck pillow (my sister loves the Trtl, I’ve been using this one that holds my head up)
  • Travel eye mask (I loveee these ones)
  • Headphones that plug into plane audio jack OR an AirFly to use bluetooth headphones
  • Bag lock for your bookbag/suitcase

Sample Clothing Packing List:

• 4-5 shirts
• 2-3 pair shorts
• 2-3 pair long pants
• 1-2 long sleeved light shirt
• 1 light jacket/sweatshirt
• 1 warmer jacket/light coat
• 1 rain jacket
• 2-4 bathing suits
• pjs & undergarments, socks, etc

We’ve linked some of our favorite items and they are commissionable links that receive a small portion (like a few cents) at no cost to you anytime you buy through them, but by no means is it required!

Itinerary

Day 1 – Quito: Arrival Day

Arrive in Quito and transfer to your hotel near the airport.

• Upon arrival in Quito, you will be welcomed at the airport by our private driver and transferred to your hotel.
• You will stay at the elegant Wyndham Quito Airport Hotel (or similar), conveniently located just minutes from the terminal, perfect for a smooth and relaxing arrival. The rest of the day is at leisure to rest.
• Overnight: Wyndham Quito Airport Hotel (or similar)

Day 2 – Fly to Galápagos & Isabela Island

Fly to the Galápagos and visit the Santa Cruz highlands, walk with giant tortoises, followed by a visit to Isabela Island.

• After breakfast, transfer to the airport for our morning flight to Baltra (Galápagos).
• Upon arrival in Balta, we will go through Galapagos customs, pay the $200 USD cash National Park entry fee, and transfer to the town of Puerto Ayora.
• From there we explore explore El Chato Giant Tortoise Reserve in the lush highlands of Santa Cruz, one of the best places to observe giant tortoises roaming freely in their natural habitat.
• Enjoy lunch at a local ranch surrounded by beautiful highland scenery.
• In the afternoon, at the docks in Puerto Ayora we will board a speedboat to Isabela Island (approx. 2–2.5 hours). Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel.
• Overnight: Casita de la Playa or similar (Isabela Island)

Day 3 – Sierra Negra Volcano & Snorkeling

Hike one of the largest volcanic craters in the world, followed by snorkeling at Concha Perla– one of the highlights of Isabela Island.

• After breakfast, depart for a guided hike to Sierra Negra Volcano, home to one of the largest volcanic craters in the world. The hike offers spectacular panoramic views across dramatic lava landscapes. A box lunch will be provided during the excursion.
• In the afternoon, visit Concha Perla, a calm and beautiful snorkeling site where you may encounter sea lions, marine iguanas, sea turtles, rays, and tropical fish.
• Overnight: Casita de la Playa or similar (Isabela Island)

Day 4 – Los Túneles Snorkeling

Enjoy one of the most spectacular marine experiences in the Galápagos.

• Depart after breakfast for the famous Los Túneles (Cabo Rosa) snorkeling excursion, widely considered one of the best snorkeling locations in the archipelago. Formed by ancient lava flows, this area features crystal-clear waters and incredible biodiversity.
  • You may encounter:
    • Sea turtles
    • White-tip reef sharks
    • Seahorses
    • Rays
    • Penguins (seasonal but generally around in July)
    • Blue-footed boobies nesting nearby
  • A box lunch is included during the tour.
• Overnight: Casita de la Playa or similar (Isabela Island)

Day 5 – Board Yacht Isabela II

Return to Santa Cruz, and board our expedition yacht to begin the island-hopping experience and white sandy beaches of Las Bachas.

• Early morning departure around 6:00 AM to catch a speedboat back to Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz (~2-2.5 hours).
• Upon arrival, we will return to the Itabaca Channel to board the Isabela II for an introductory briefing and boat drill.
• Next we will explore Las Bachas on Santa Cruz Island’s north shore, swim at the white sandy beach and explore brackish lagoons with birds
• Return to the ship for a welcome cocktail, expedition briefing, and dinner

Day 6 – San Cristobal via Isabela II

Explore Punta Pitt and visit Cerro Colorado on San Cristobal Island

• Land on the eastern tip of San Cristobal Island and hike the ascending trail
• Spot all three booby species, both frigate bird species, and bachelor sea lions
• Weather permitting, swim, kayak, snorkel, or take a panga ride from the beach
• Disembark at Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, following Darwin’s 1835 exploration
• Drive 40 minutes to Cerro Colorado breeding center for endangered giant tortoises
• Explore deciduous forest with diverse birds, San Cristobal mockingbird, and lava lizard

Day 7 – Española via Isabela II

Discover Gardner Bay and Punta Suarez on Española Island

• Morning walk on Gardner Bay’s white coral beach, spotting sea lions, mockingbirds, and finches
• Enjoy excellent snorkeling opportunities
• Optional kayaking, inflatable dinghy ride, or glass-bottom boat excursion
• Afternoon trek at Punta Suarez through lava and boulder fields
• Observe seabirds like waved albatrosses, boobies, and swallow-tail gulls
• Visit the iconic blowhole and spot large marine iguanas

Day 8 – Floreana via Isabela II

Explore Cormorant Point, Post Office Bay, & Baroness Cove on Floreana Island

• Morning walk on the green olivine-crystal beach at Cormorant Point
• Visit brackish lagoon to watch American flamingos
• Explore white-sand beach with sea turtle nesting sites
• At Champion Islet, enjoy snorkeling, panga ride, or glass-bottom boat tour
• Afternoon visit to Post Office Bay and its historic barrel post
• Learn about Darwin’s stop and its role in evolutionary studies
• Finish with snorkeling off the beach

Day 9 – Isabela & Fernandina via Isabela II

Experience Punta Moreno on Isabela Island

• Morning mangrove stroll searching for sea turtles and exploring volcanic landscapes
• Spot diverse wildlife including penguins, cormorants, sea lions, and colorful birds
• Optional glass-bottom boat ride or deep-water snorkeling

Discover Punta Mangle on Fernandina Island

• Afternoon panga exploration of Fernandina Island’s pristine coastline, bays, mangroves, and coves
• Snorkel or observe rays, sea turtles, dolphins, and whales in the Bolivar Channel
• End with a glass-bottom boat ride or deep-water snorkeling, weather permitting

Day 10 – Eden Inlet & North Seymour via Isabela II

Explore Eden Islet

• Take a scenic panga ride to Eden Islet, just off Santa Cruz’s coast
• Observe blue-footed boobies, reef sharks, and frigates in their natural habitat
• Snorkel among vibrant marine life
• Weather permitting, enjoy a glass-bottom boat ride to explore the stunning volcanic underwater scenery

Discover North Seymour Island

• Explore North Seymour Island’s diverse habitats and iconic Big 15 species
• Afternoon walk to see nesting frigate birds, land iguanas, sea lions, plus dinghy ride and snorkeling
• Evening briefing, cocktail, and dinner to end the day

Day 11 – Disembark & Return to Quito

• Arrive at Baltra Island to conclude the journey
• Transfer to the airport for return flight to Quito

FAQ’s