GALAPAGOS ISLANDS BASICS

Take nothing from the islands but memories;
leave nothing behind but footsteps

IMPORTANT

If you love animals and the outdoors, you will find a visit to the Galapagos one of the most fascinating and exquisite wildlife encounters possible on earth. But do not consider a cruise in the islands to be a 'cruise'. It isn't, can't be and shouldn't be! Your ship is where you eat and sleep; the experience is ashore. And part of your responsibility is to see that you help protect and preserve the islands as they are for all future generations to enjoy!

THE BIG PICTURE

GETTING THERE:
There are multiple daily flights to both Quito, the capital of Ecuador, and Guayaquil, Ecuador's main port. One night on the mainland in either Quito or Guayaquil is a necessity.

Flights from the mainland (Quito and Guayaquil) are confirmed by the cruise line so when your cruise is confirmed, so is the accompanying air - the only factor to be determined is if you will embark the flight in Quito or in Guayaquil.

Once in the islands, getting from the airport to the pier and pier to the ship is also handled by the cruise line.

HOW LONG?
Generally, cruises are either 3 or 4 or 7 nights. Depending upon the port, the 3 nights may be the northern part of the archipelago or it may be the southern part. A cruise of 7 nights generally does a "figure 8" getting both the northern and southern parts.

Cruises can begin any day of the week, totally dependent upon the yacht or ship's schedule.

The length of cruise you select will depend entirely upon how long you want AND your total travel schedule. Generally you should confirm your cruise first - on your preferred vessel for your preferred length of time - and THEN plan the rest of your trip.

IS IT REALLY A "CRUISE":
No, not in the sense of the word most commonly used. If you think of your "cruise" simply as the comfortable, safe means to get around the islands to the main visitor sites, and NOT as a floating entertainment center, you'll have the correct understanding. Entertainment at night is generally a briefing and presentation on the next day's activities and visits, perhaps followed by some music and dancing. Activities by day are shore visits often combined with a chance to swim and snorkel.

SOME DETAILS AND TRAVEL TIPS

GALAPAGOS PARK TAX
Paid at the airport upon arrival, in US dollars and must be paid in cash - no travelers checks or credit cards.
As of January 2007, this tax totaled $100 per adult ($50 per child under 10), combining several previous taxes into one.

GALAPAGOS TRANSIT CARD
A new USD 10 transit card will be a requirement for all travelers to the Galapagos Islands as of October 29, 2007. This new Immigration Control Card is required as authorities are implementing a new system for controlling immigration to the Islands. There are about five thousand illegal immigrants living permanently on the islands and the number continues to rise each year. All visitors that travel to Galapagos will be required to buy a USD 10 transit control card (Tarjeta de Control de Tránsito) TCT. The new ID will hold the general information of the traveler, a chip, and a bar code. The value of the card will be in addition to the USD 100 fee for entrance to the Galapagos National Park.

RULES AND REGULATIONS
The specific rules and regulations set forth by the National Park Service will be explained in detail by your ship's staff and will be strictly enforced. In general, you are not allowed to wander freely - you must stay on the marked trails. It you encounter wildlife on the trail, you are allowed to move to the side to pass. You are not allowed to harass or feed the animals, take anything from the islands nor leave anything behind. If you disobey the naturalist guides, you can be restricted to the ship. Your cooperation in following the rules and regulations will assure generations to come of the same exquisite wildlife experience you will have.

FLEXIBILITY
Part of the success of any journey depends on you. Your visit to the Galapagos takes you to one of the most unspoiled areas on earth, but you will have to accept conditions as they exist, respect your fellow travelers and the "local inhabitants" of the islands. Walks can be challenging, with little or no shade cover; trails can be narrow, restricting ability to move at your own pace. If you are able to accept conditions as they are and not expend energies on wishing they were different, you will assure yourself of the best possible experience.

WEATHER
The islands are located on the equator, and the seasons vary little during the course of the year. The "garua" (or cool, misty part of the year) occurs from May to December and a lightweight jacket may be necessary. The remainder of the year (January through April) is considered the "warm" season and is the wetter of the two seasons. While wildlife is pretty much active all year, certain birds have breeding seasons . If you have specific interests, inquire to make certain you travel in the right time of the year.

Click here for Climate information

PACKING & CLOTHING
Whether you are on a yacht or one of the larger 90-1 00 passenger ships, dress is entirely casual. Pack swim suit, shorts, t-shirts, lightweight pants and shirts with long sleeves. A small backpack or fanny pack for carrying gear ashore is highly recommended. Be sure to bring a hat, plenty of strong sun protection, insect repellent just in case), and good walking shoes. There are opportunities to snorkel, and gear is generally available for rent on board, but in limited supply and sizes. Do not overpack - cabins are not large, and storage space is limited. And be sure to leave all valuables at home - they are not necessary in the islands. There are no dressy parties or evening entertainment. Think, plan, pack and go casual!

LUGGAGE ALLOWANCE
In general, 44 pounds per person plus carry-on and reasonable camera equipment. Because this can change, always check before packing. If you are going in and out of either Guayaquil or Quito, you may leave large luggage behind at the hotel in a locked storage room, allowing you to take only what is necessary to the islands.

GETTING ASHORE
In all cases, going ashore is by "panga", - either a rubberized craft or a small motor boat. Debarkation is from the mother ship by ladder to the "panga". Always wear shoes, and have both hands free for balance as both the mother ship and the "panga" will be moving. From the "panga" to shore you may have either a "wet" landing, wherein you crawl overboard into the surf and walk ashore, or "dry" landing, wherein existing rocks or natural promontories are used. There are no piers or platforms. Crew members and guides will assist with all debarkations and embarkations.

Taking your time, having hands free and utilizing the assistance of the crew will assure that no mishaps will take place. For wet landings, take off your shoes while in the boat. Bring a small towel, and once ashore, dry off and put back on your shoes. Walking around in wet shoes is no fun! Most wet landings take place on sandy beaches. A small backpack or fanny pack affords you the ability to take extra film, sun protection, your towel, etc, and leave your hands totally free for getting on/off the pangas, and are an essential piece of going ashore gear.

VISITING THE ISLANDS
Once ashore, stay on the marked paths and stay with your group. If animals are on the path, you may walk around them. Do not try to make them move from the path. Do not talk loudly, feed or harass the animals in any way. And respect your fellow travelers; they too want to get that perfect photo and hear what the naturalist guide is saying.

Little natural protection from the sun is available so make sure you have plenty of sun block. You will make morning and afternoon excursions, generally at different sites.

SOME COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS

HOW DO I PAY FOR ON-BOARD PURCHASES?
In most cases you will not pay for each item as you purchase it. The ship will run a tab and you will settle up on the last day. Generally personal checks are not accepted. Traditionally all purchases had to be paid for in cash (either U.S. Dollars or Sucres) BUT today many yachts and ships are accepting credit cards so be sure to check with your specific ship as to acceptance of credit cards.

WHAT ABOUT TIPPING?
The crew and your Naturalist Guide depend on tips as part of their remuneration and as an incentive to continue to do the best job possible. Specific guidelines are generally explained on board, but you can expect to tip the crew as a whole (putting your tip money into a general box which is split among all crew members), tip the barman based upon his service to you, and tip your guide directly. A good guideline is $10 per person per day for the crew, $5 per person per day for the guide, and barman depending upon your use of his service.

IS SNORKELING EQUIPMENT PROVIDED?
Masks, fins and snorkels in average sizes are available on most of the ships and yachts. If you have an unusual size foot or need special gear, bring your own.

CAN I SCUBA DIVE?
Certain ships offer "occasional diving" where local outfitters pick you up and take you to dive sights for the day. You miss the naturalist shore visits. Thre are permits and releases to complete and sign, so you need to make advance arrangements.   Not all ships and yachts provide this service. If the focus of your visit to the Galapagos is diving, then you need to book one of the dedicated dive ships. Galapagos is recommended for advanced divers only due to currents, cold water, thermoclines and large marine life. Best diving months are November to June when water temperatures are warmer and visibility the best.

WHAT DAILY ACTIVITIES CAN I EXPECT?
The day begins with breakfast followed by the morning ashore. Return to the ship for lunch and a siesta while the ship navigates to the next site. Mid-afternoon shore excursion, dinner and evening briefing on the next day's activities.

WHAT HAPPENS DURING SHORE EXCURSIONS?
On the islands you will follow marked trails set by the National Park service; walking is generally at a leisurely pace. The guides will interpret and explain the flora and fauna. You'll spend 3 to 4 hours at each site with plenty of time to photograph the abundant wildlife. Afterwards they may be an opportunity to snorkel or swim.

HOW STRENUOUS ARE THE WALKS?
Passengers able to walk a few hours a day unassisted will be able to fully enjoy the islands. Some of the excursions require more physical activity than others, though most require only moderate activity. Entering and exiting the pangas for transport between the ship and shore does require hands-free agility and balance. Walks will be outlined at the nightly briefing, allowing ample time for you to check with the guides on any specific concerns you may have.

WILL I ENCOUNTER ROUGH SEAS?
Due to the strong currents in the area of the Galapagos there may be moderate movement of the vessel while navigating. Most passengers are not affected. However if you are prone to sea sickness, bring motion sickness prevention medication with you.

WHO REGULATES THE CONSERVATION ON THE ISLANDS?
In 1959 the Ecuadorian government declared 97% of the total land area of the Islands as a National Park and in 1961 the Darwin Station was established. The Park Service and the Darwin Station have been working together for more than thirty years for the protection and management of recreation and tourism.

The Galapagos National Park is responsible for conservation projects including the protection of endangered populations of native animals, the eradication and control of introduced species and the management of recreation and tourism.

The Charles Darwin Research Station is an international, non-profit organization which acts in a scientific capacity for the Park Service and conducts conservation-oriented research and training of the Naturalist tour guides.

HOW CAN I CONTRIBUTE TOWARDS THE PRESERVATION OF THE ISLANDS?
Funding of the Darwin Station depends on International Conservation organizations and concerned private donors. The Charles Darwin Foundation is committed to preserving the unique plant and animal species providing scientific and technical support to the government in an effort to preserve the islands' fragile ecosystems.

Financial assistance is critical to pay for equipment, field work, guide training, local environmental education and other related activities. You can help with a tax deductible donation to the Charles Darwin Foundation:

Charles Darwin Foundation Inc
100 N Washington St #232
Falls Church, VA 22046

With a donation of $25 or more you will become a "Friend of Galapagos" and receive the Galapagos Bulletin and bi-annual publication of "Noticias", the station's technical journal. Friends are invited to seminars and other informal gatherings to hear more about research and conservation programs.