Flight to the Galapagos

How long is the flight from Ecuador to Galapagos?
It depends from where you depart. Flights to the Galapagos leave from Quito and Guayaquil. It takes about half an hour to get from Quito to Guayaquil and roughly one and a half hours from Guayaquil to the Islands.
Are there luggage restrictions on the airplanes?
Only one checked suitcase (44 lbs., 20kg) and one carry-on bag are allowed. Thank God bathing suits and shorts don't weigh that much!

When to go and what to bring

When is the best time to travel to Galapagos?
The Galapagos Islands could be visited in any year season. The hotter season is between December to May (80°Fs to low 90°Fs (27ºC to 32ºC)). Between June to November the temperature vary between 70°Fs to 80°Fs (21ºC to 26ºC). All the time there are a fascinating wild life to enjoy.
Since the climate is always pleasant year round, there is no "best" or "better" time to fly to the Galapagos. However, you might take other factors, such as High Season vs. Low Season etc. into account. Please have a look at our "When to go" page and decide when it's best for you to travel to the Islands.
What should we bring?
Since the Islands are situated very near the Equator, we recommend you to bring lightweight clothes. Bring, of course, your swimming suits, sun lotion, and good footwear. Please have a look at our packing list to get an idea what to bring.

Taking precautions

Are there any immunizations required / recommended?
For the Galapagos Islands there are no immunizations neither required nor recommended. If you, however, intend to spend more time in Ecuador, especially in the jungle, immunization is highly recommended. As this changes from time to time please check with your local health office (or the Institute for Tropical Diseases) a few weeks in advance of your trip.
Will we have to exchange any money before we travel to Ecuador or once in the country?
Not if you have US dollars. In 2000, Ecuador adopted the US dollar as its official currency. Just make sure you bring cash bills in good condition with you. If they have tears in them, they are likely to be refused.

Payment regulations

What is the National Park entrance fee & how can I pay it?
The entrance fee amounts to $100. You'll pay it in cash when you enter the National Park on the first day of your arrival.

Included in your price

What is included in the prices?
It is included the accommodation on board, three meals a day, snacks, purified drinking water, coffee, tea, visits and excursions to the Islands with an English speaking naturalist guide, and panga rides,
What is not included?
Not included in your price are the flight tickets to and from the Galapagos Islands, the National Park entrance fee, sodas and alcoholic drinks on board, tips, and all kinds of personal expenses.

On the boat / On the Islands

Is it possible to make phone calls to my home country?
You can call your family and friends from Ayora Port (Santa Cruz Island). You  also will find internet facilities there.
Are single suites available?
Most of our cruises will assign double cabins to all passengers unless you want to pay the single supplement if traveling alone.
Is it allowed to smoke on board or on the Islands?
In the cabins, as well as on the Galapagos Islands, it is not allowed to smoke. On smaller boats, however, you can smoke on deck. The bigger (cruise) ships even offer certain smoking areas.

Trip Extentions

Can I extend my stay before and/or after my cruise?
We highly recommend you to do so. Have a look at our entire Trip Extention section and get to know mainland Ecuador and its major cities at its best!
Can you make hotel reservations for us in Ecuador?