Galapagos Vacations

LUGGAGE
No more than 20 Kgs. (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.

You must fly to Ecuador first, either to Quito or Guayaquil and from here take a national flight to the Islands. Here's how to arrange a flight to Galapagos

CLOTHES to TAKE
For your Galapagos vacations, clothing ranges from informal to very informal.

Essentials include proper footwear, 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 sunblock (SPF 30), sunglasses and lots of film (ASA 200).

SHOES
Most walking ashore is over rocky lava terrain. Therefore tennis shoes, sneakers or walking shoes with rubber soles must be worn.

For easy walks like on gravel or sand terrain Tevas or aqua socks are suggested.

WEATHER
The Galapagos Islands are located on the equator. The tropical heat, however, is tempered by Pacific breezes, and these by the South Equatorial Current. More about the weather in Galapagos during February to April

During your Galapagos vacations keep in mind that there are two seasons in the islands:

The hot season from December to May 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, the dry season, you can expect cool winds, occasionally bringing with them a light misty-type drizzle called garúa.

Temperatures in Galapagos average in the 70s F (20°-24° C) during the day and lower at night. Read some Galapagos vacation reviews and best time to travel



For those visitors who want to do some Snorkeling in the Galapagos Islands I recommend to bring a shortie wet suit, since the Galapagos waters cool down to temperatures that range in the 60s F (18°C to 20°C).

SUNBURN
Because the country is located right on the equator, sun rays are direct. Fair-skinned persons should use sun protection at high altitudes and seashore at all times, even if the weather is cloudy, as UV rays penetrate light clouds. I strongly recommend sun block with SPF30 or higher.

PASSPORTS
Guests must travel to the Galapagos with their passports.Passport numbers must be furnished one month prior to arrival.

GALAPAGOS NATIONAL PARK ADMISSION FEE
In your Galapagos vacations US$100 per person must be paid upon arrival at the airport in Galapagos (rate is subject to change without notice) to be able to enter to this national park.

ELECTRIC CURRENT
110/AC. Electric shavers and hair dryers can be accommodated.

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

PURCHASES ON BOARD
When planning your Galapagos vacations is good to know that... US dollars or travelers cheques may be used on most of the cruise ships in the islands.

Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard and American Express) are also accepted specially aboard Santa Cruz Ship or Isabela II deluxe yacht and the all new Yacht la Pinta

SAFETY
All safety and fire prevention measures have been implemented on most of the vessels cruising the islands, for a comfortable and secure Galapagos vacations. MT ships are all ISMC compliant.

There is a resident medical officer aboard the M/V SANTA CRUZ and ISABELA II. Life jackets are mandatory for all "panga" rides (outboard motorized Zodiacs) and outings.

MEALS
Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included on every ship cruising the Galapagos. Wine, beer and soft drinks are extra. Bottled water is supplied in each cabin free of charge.

If you want to spend your Galapagos vacations in a safe way I recommend "Metropolitan Touring" or "Klein Tours" travel companies for their superb service and experience.

PACKING CHECKLIST

• Small backpack (waterproof)
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Sneakers or rubber soles
• Shorts
• Trousers
• T-shirts
• Long and Short sleeved shirts
• Windbreaker
• Bathing suit
• Wet suit (for snorkeling between June - November)
• Socks
• Underwear
• Hat or cap
• Toilette kit
• (biodegradable shampoo please)
• Sun block
• Sunglasses
• Binoculars
• Camera & camcorder
• Any medicine you may be taking
• Your Favorite book Maybe a book about the Galapagos Islands could be a good idea to read.

The ideal spot for an unforgettable vacation. Last Minute Travel Vacations Advice

More About Galapagos:

Web www.galapagos-islands-tourguide.com

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