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| Getting there |
| Flights to Galapagos |
Once in Ecuador, there are flights to Galapagos leaving from both Quito and Guayaquil. There are several flights leaving Quito in the morning which fly for 30 minutes to the Port city of Guayaquil. After touching down there for 40 minutes or so, the flight takes off for the 1hr40mins flight to Galapagos. |
There are two airports in Galapagos on two separate islands: Baltra and San Cristobal. If not catching a cruise, be aware that these islands are 2-4hrs launch ride apart and about $40 each way. The authorities have threatened to close Baltra in December 2008 for maintenance so be prepared. This will not affect you if on a cruise as the boat starts and finishes its tour wherever the flight is. |
| Quarantine |
As you pass through check-in in Quito airport to fly to Galapagos, your check-in luggage will be searched for things that may alter the environment in Galapagos. Certain fruits and vegetables and soil on boots will be screened for. These things could potentially bring in unwanted seeds and insects and affect the fragile environment in Galapagos. Arriving in Galapagos, your hand luggage will be checked. To find out more click here |
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| Galapagos National Park Tax |
This has to be paid in cash ($100) upon reaching the airport terminal in Galapagos. |
| On board |
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| Food |
In general, the vessels serve up a good variety of meats, fresh fish, fruit, vegetables, salads, etc. Lunch and dinners consist of a three-course meal including buffet. Snacks and fresh juices are offered during the day upon return from the excursion. |
| The Bar |
Most of the high-end vessels will have a great bar with several bottles. On the smaller, cheaper vessels, the bars are often poorly stocked so feel free to bring your own alcohol on board. |
| Water |
There is always plenty of drinking water on board. Some boats have desalinators for drinking and general use. Lower end vessels have to take on water and will impose limits on how much water is used. |
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| Health |
There is no malaria in the Galapagos but the dengue-fever carrying mosquito is present. |
A change in country and diet often results in stomach disorders, usually lasting a couple of days. There is little you can do to prevent this except only drinking bottled water, avoiding salads and unpeeled fruit. Should you become affected, it is essential to take plenty of fluids. Weak tea without milk seems to be the best way. Some travel doctors suggest that a one-shot dose of the antibiotic Ciproxin works wonders (plus a 5 day course for severe cases). Consult your physician. |
Seasickness is a possibility on the cruise although we do most of our navigation at night and any daytime traveling is usually calm at this time of the year. Over-the-counter remedies like Dramamine are effective (if you take them before the symptoms occur). Note the warnings with these for asthmatics and drowsiness is a side effect. Some people swear by acupuncture ‘sea-bands’ which have no side effects. In the USA, transderm scoop patches are another option (not available in the UK). Our advice is to lie down when seasickness begins to set in. Close your eyes, do not read, and do not concentrate. The rocking usually puts you to sleep. The importance of lying down lies in resting the vestibular system in the ear, which is confused in its quest to control your balance, seasickness being the result of this confusion. |
The walks are not too strenuous and you will be given a good description of all activities the day before in order to decide whether or not it is for you. Some walks can be rocky, wet, involve short climbs up steps, etc. The walks are not meant to be energetic but are more oriented on stopping and observing wildlife. They are typically a mile long. In most cases, you will have an easier option for any particularly strenuous activities. Though we try to avoid the hottest time of the day, you will be walking in hot weather with little or no shade. |
| Electricity |
110 V A.C. 60 Hz. This applies to Galapagos, the mainland and to the supply on the boat. The sockets are two-pin American style |
| Snorkeling |
This activity will constitute a major part of our activities during the trip. As the heat of the day eliminates being on land, it is the perfect time and the water is at the perfect temperature to snorkel. Most boats carry their own fins, masks and snorkels which are lent or rented for the duration of the cruise. The masks are good if you intend to just try out the snorkeling and maybe do it a couple of times. |
If you’ve never snorkeled before you may want to practice having the mask on in the pool or even in the bath. There will certainly be plenty of opportunities to learn once you are here too but you may start getting into it when it's time to leave. |
| Photography |
Make sure re-chargers can work on 110V and that you have the appropriate plug. For storage of photos, either bring more flashcards or a way of downloading (laptop, external disk drive). In Puerto Ayora, we can assist you with storage (DVD’s, etc) but you must have the adaptors/cables necessary to upload onto the computer. |
There are several cruises designed specifically towards photographers and their needs. These are usually led by photographers and the group is often organized by the local camera club or through photography magazines. Get in touch with us and we’ll search for the right options. |
| Tipping |
While in the Galapagos, the crew of your yacht will do their best to ensure you have a wonderful stay. On our particular tours, the crew and naturalist guide tips are included in the cost of the trip. A tip of around $100 -$200 per passenger for the crew pot and the naturalist guide, is the general recommendation on all other tours and varies depending on the boat. We will advise on each particular boats recommendation at the time of booking. |
| Links |
Sea Sheppard |
