How to reach Galápagos?

You must fly into Ecuador (South America) first, international airports are found in Quito and Guayaquil. There are flights from Quito (stop over in Guayaquil) and Guayaquil to either San Cristobal or Baltra on Galápagos.

What is the best time to visit Galapagos?

The Galapagos Islands can be visited during any time of the year. The warmest season is from December to May when you get the most hours of clear skies. Clear skies however do not guarantee the best wildlife viewing on the islands due to the intensity of the sun. If you are a diver, the best time to visit Galapagos is from June - November. During these months, the water temperature is the coldest but there are much better chances to see larger schools of hammerheads and even whale sharks. 

How long is the flight from Ecuador to Galápagos?

It takes 30 minutes to get from Quito to Guayaquil and about one and a half hours from Guayaquil to the Galápagos archipelago.

Are there luggage restrictions on the airplanes?

For the flights to Galápagos, only one checked suitcase (44 lbs.) and one carry-on bag are allowed.

Could you organize our flight to Galápagos/ Ecuador?

Once you book a cruise on board the Galapagos Journey I or II we automatically book a flight to the Galápagos Islands for you and issue your tickets. It is required that passengers arrive in Ecuador at least one day before the departure date of the cruise, we recommend 2 days. You can book your flight to Ecuador with your local tour operator.

Can you arrange hotel and other tour reservations for us in Ecuador?

Of course, this can be done by your local tour operator. We are happy to arrange any other tour reservation for you but you must request it from your tour operator or travel agent.

We offer day trips as well as round trips and our programs include trekking tours, jungle tours, river rafting, horseback riding, trekking tours, climbing, mountain biking, culture trips and bird watching. You tour operator or travel agent can also book a hotel, hacienda or lodge for you.

Which regulations do we have to obey on the islands?

To preserve the fragile environment of the national park and marine reserve please listen carefully to the orders of your guide. In addition we ask you not to take any food to the islands, not to throw litter, not to remove anything, not to touch or feed the animals and never to leave the path. Photographs are the best souvenirs!

For a more comprehensive list of regulations view the Galapagos National Park rules.

What is usually not included in cruise the price?

Not included are the national park entrance fee (100 USD per person – you have to pay that in cash at the airport in Galápagos), airport taxes, drinks (except water, tea and coffee), tips, snorkeling equipment and wet suits (depending on the ship), travel insurance as well as the flight from Ecuador to Galápagos and back.

Are there any immunizations required/recommended?

For Galápagos itself there are not any immunizations neither required nor recommended. But if you plan to spend more time in Ecuador, especially in the jungle, immunization might be recommended. As this changes from time to time please check with your local health office a few weeks in advance of your trip.

What to bring?

You will need your passport, US Dollar cash and should bring your credit card.

The Galápagos islands are situated right on the equator so the weather is usually nice and warm. So bring mainly light clothes and just a few warmer ones for the evenings or when it starts raining. For this case you want to bring also rain gear and for swimming two bathing suits.

You might want to bring a small bag for the excursions, a water bottle and at least two pairs of walking shoes (one might get wet when you have to step into water to get ashore). The sun on the equator is really strong, so make sure to bring suntan lotion (at least #30) and sun block, as well as sunglasses and a hat.
As it is difficult to buy things on the islands, you should not count on being able to buy things there. Especially bring enough films and batteries for your camera because on the islands they are more expensive and the films are often not a very good quality. Do not forget your camera, you will really regret it!

Useful are also insect repellant, a travel alarm clock, binoculars, flashlight..

Is there a dress code on board?

On the Journey fleet clothing is totally informal. At night you may want to wear long sleeve shirts and casual slacks. Remember it is an expedition cruise.

Is it allowed to smoke on board or on the islands?

It is not allowed to smoke in the cabins or on the islands . However, you can smoke on specified deck areas. 

What is the currency in Galapagos?

The currency in Galapagos is the same as that of mainland Ecuador: the US Dollar. 

What if I run out of cash?

The “Banco de Pacifico” in Puerto Ayora (Santa Cruz) and Puerto Baquerizo (San Cristobal) cashes dollars. It is open Monday to Friday 8:00am - 3:30pm. The ATM accepts only Mastercard and Cirrus (operates 7:00am – 11:30pm) but does not always work.

What is the electric current on board?

110V, 60 Hz in cabins and passenger areas. 220V outlets available on certain parts of the boat.

Is it possible to make phone calls to my home country?

Our Journey fleet is equiped with a cell phone to contact the mainland in cases of emergency. But all of them have a stop over in Puerto Ayora (Santa Cruz) where you can call home or use a internet café to send emails. Cell phones work in the Galapagos at certain Islands and visitor sites, usually on Santa Cruz and San Cristobal you will get a signal, you can bring your own cell phone and have work on roaming.

Are children allowed on board?

Children under the age of 7 are not recommended on board. The strict regulations on the islands are not adequate for them. We will embark all children under the age of 18 under the sole responsibility of their parents or legal guardians.

Are single or triple suites available?

Single and triple suites are available for additional charge.

Do you have to be in a certain physical condition?

Some of the trails on the islands are quite rough so passengers should be in a good physical condition. You should be able to walk a mile unassisted, and be able to climb steps.

Are there medical services available?

There is only first aid available on Galápagos. All vessels have radio contact with the mainland in case of emergency. There is no hospital so in case of an illness you have to return to the mainland.

Is seasickness common?

Most people are not affected but there may occur rough sea or the constant motion of the ship might bother you. So if you are prone to seasickness you should take some medication, just in case.

Are there special meals for people with dietary requests?

Just let us know about 2 weeks in advance and we will arrange a special diet for you.

How much should we tip the guide and the crew?

Tipping primarily is a personal matter. However in Galápagos it is very common and if you want to be polite you should tip around 8-10% of your cruise price all in all.

What kind of guides does the Galapagos Journey fleet use?

All boats are accompanied by naturalist ll and lll guides, that all speak English and have a thorough knowledge of the wildlife of Galápagos. They have been trained by the Charles Darwin Station and are licensed by the National Park.

Are there wet landings?

A small zodiac brings you from the yacht to the shore. Some landings are “dry”, that means you can step directly on volcanic rock. Wet landings mean that you have to wade ashore in shallow water (can be from your ankle up to your knee). The water may splash so you should pack your camera into a plastic bag.

What documents are required?

According to Ecuadorian Immigration regulations, every foreign passenger entering the Country must have a passport with a time validity of at least 6 months from the day of arrival to Ecuador.