Galapagos Useful Information

GALAPAGOS USEFUL INFORMATION

The Galapagos Islands have become an increasing popular tourist destination. For this reason, cruises in the archipelago book out months in advance (particularly onboard reasonably-priced cruise yachts).

We recommend booking your cruise as early as possible, particularly for high season (May through to September; December and January) cruises. Leaving it until the last minute will result in limit or no cruise options.

OVERVIEW OF CRUISES & YACHTS

There are a wide variety of yachts currently operating in the Galapagos Islands. These yachts operate strictly within the Galapagos archipelago and do not extend their voyages outside this region. Visitors are required to purchase a return airline ticket in order to reach the Galapagos Islands.

There are four types of cruise vessels (motor, sail, catamaran and cruise ship) that are categorized into four classes (Tourist, Tourist superior, First and Deluxe class). Generally, as one moves up the classes the yachts increase in size and capacity, and offer a greater selection of onboard amenities that include air conditioning and private bathrooms.

There are three basic costs involved with a cruise in the Galapagos Islands:

ROUNDTRIP GALAPAGOS AIRLINE TICKET

Flights are automatically reserved when you book a cruise. There are three daily flights (two on Tame and one on Aerogal) to and from the Galapagos Islands, routed: Quito – Guayaquil – Galapagos – Guayaquil – Quito. Therefore, one can depart from either Quito or Guayaquil and then return to either Guayaquil or Quito. Flight spaces are guaranteed by the respective yacht for cruise dates only. If you prefer to fly out to Galapagos prior to the cruise and/or extend your time in Galapagos after the cruise, this depends on publically available flight spaces for these non-cruise dates.

The rates for return flights to the Galapagos Islands vary according to the routing and the time of year.

Airline Flight Rates

HIGH SEASON: January 1st to April 30th / June 15th to September 14th / November 1st to December 31st

GALAPAGOS FLIGHT RATES - HIGH SEASON

ROUTING ADULT CHILD

QUITO - GALAPAGOS - QUITO USD $422 USD $217

QUITO - GALAPAGOS - GUAYAQUIL USD $403 USD $208

GUAYAQUIL - GALAPAGOS - QUITO USD $400 USD $205

GUAYAQUIL - GALAPAGOS - GUAYAQUIL USD $372 USD $191

LOW SEASON: May 1st to June 14th / September 15th to October 31st

GALAPAGOS FLIGHT RATES - LOW SEASON

ROUTING ADULT CHILD

QUITO - GALAPAGOS - QUITO USD $367 USD $190

QUITO - GALAPAGOS - GUAYAQUIL USD $349 USD $181

GUAYAQUIL - GALAPAGOS - QUITO USD $346 USD $178

GUAYAQUIL - GALAPAGOS - GUAYAQUIL USD $328 USD $169

Note: ‘Child’ is anyone under 12 years of age / ‘Adult’ is anyone over 12 years of age.

Note: updated January 15th, 2010

Note:Flight rates are subject to change without prior notice

Flight season dates

Dates	Season
Nov.01 - Apr.31	HIGH
May.01 .- Jun.14	LOW
Jun.15 - Sep.14	HIGH
Sep.15 - Oct.31	LOW

GALAPAGOS NATIONAL PARK ENTRANCE FEE

All visitors to the Galapagos Islands must pay a Galapagos National Park entrance fee. This is paid upon arrival in the Galapagos Islands and can only be paid is USD cash – Travelers Cheques and credit cards are not accepted. These fees assist in the administration, conservation and preservation of the islands by the Galapagos National Park Authorities. The current fees (per person) are: $100 per adult & $50 per child (less than 12 years of age). In addition, there is a $10 charge for the Tourist Control Card (TCT) which is normally paid in the airport of departure (Quito or Guayaquil), while a limited number of yachts require that this fee is pre-paid (i.e., with your cruise).

CRUISE PACKAGE

Choosing a yacht/cruise can be a complex and challenging task if you do not know what your options are. You should keep the following issues in mind while planning your yacht/cruise selection(s):

Aprox. Date	When do you wish to visit the Galapagos Islands?
Budget	How much do I wish to spend?
Flights	Where do I wish to depart from and return to (Quito/Guayaquil)?
Length of cruise	Charter, 7-night or 4-night cruise?
Vessel type	Motor, sail, catamaran or cruise ship?
Size & capacity	Small (8-12), medium (13 to 20) or large (21 +)?
Itineraries	Are there any specific islands or wildlife I wish to see?
Amenities	Do I require scuba diving, sea kayaks?

The costs:

The cost of a cruise varies greatly depending on several important factors:

CLASS- Deluxe, First, Tourist Superior or Tourist

LENGTH OF CRUISE -Charter, 7-night, 4-night cruise

THE YACHT -Cruise rates varies greatly from yacht to yacht, independent of class

TIME OF YEAR -High season (December 1 to January 5 / June 15 to September 14)
Low season (January 6 to June 14 / September 15 to November 30)

What is included and not included in cruise packages:

INCLUDED:

transfers in the Galapagos;

accommodation in double cabin (there a limited number of single and triple cabins);

bilingual (Spanish/ English) guide; - this is one of the most important aspects to consider!

all meals once in Galapagos;

tours of the islands (specific to the specific yacht);

fresh towels & sheets;

drinking water;

snorkeling (on most yachts);

local taxes.

NOT INCLUDED:

Roundtrip airline ticket (booked in conjuntion with the cruise);

Galapagos National Park entrance fee;

Alcoholic beverages and non-alcoholic beverages outsides of meals;

Snorkeling equipment (on some yachts);

Tips/gratuities;

Personal spending;

Services not previously specified

WHAT TO BRING

We recommend packing the following items in order to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable cruise in the Galapagos Islands:

Items	Reason(s)
Bathing suit	For those interested in snorkeling, swimming or diving during your cruise.
Binoculars	Get a more detailed look at the rare and unusual creatures.
Day pack	For easy and comfortable storage of personal items while on island tours.
Hat or cap	The sun can be intense, particularly in the late morning and early afternoon.
Camera	To capture your personal memories of the unique sights of the Galapagos.
Sandals	Most islands visits involve ‘wet landings’ (water reaching up to one’s calfs)
Shorts	The late morning/early afternoon heat is more pleasant with light clothing.
Sun cream sun block	Adequate protection from direct sunlight & reflected sun from the water is essential.
Sun glasses	It is often very sunny; & the sun’s reflection off the water can be strong.
Sweatshirt light jacket	The early morning/late evenings can get cool, often with a breeze.
T-shirts	The late morning/early afternoon heat is more pleasant with light clothing.
Water bottle	Avoid dehydration and thirst in the heat and sunshine of the Islands.

WHAT IS ONBOARD MOST GALAPAGOS BOATS?

Although the onboard design and layout varies from one vessel to another, most yachts have the following in common:

Private double cabins (some higher class yachts also offer suites and/or single cabins)

Common dining room

Common social areas (both indoor and outdoor)

Amenities - private bathrooms, air conditioning, common television, bar, snorkeling equipment

Bilingual naturalist guide

Drinking water

110 volt / 60 Hz electrical outlets

Other – several yachts also have onboard scuba diving equipment

WHAT IS A TYPICAL CRUISE LIKE?

Although there are varying itineraries from one vessel to another, they generally work in the same manner:

You will land in the late morning in Galapagos, where your guide will be awaiting you & where you pay (in cash) your Park fee;

Depending on the itinerary of the yacht you will either be taken to your yacht awaiting you in Baltra or you will board a small mini van or bus and make your way to Puerto Ayora harbour, some 40 minutes journey on Santa Cruz island. Upon boarding your yacht, you will meet the crew and captain and be shown around the yacht and your quarters;

In the evening, you will have dinner aboard the yacht & where your guide will review the itinerary, island(s) and wildlife likely to be encountered during the day.

During the late evening or overnight your yacht will make its way to the next island, so that when you wake up in the morning you will at the next island;

Breakfast served early in the morning, after which you will board a small dingy which will take you and your guide to your first island visit. After which you will return to your yacht for lunch;

Following lunch, you will make another island visit with your guide, after which you will return to your yacht to relax. Take this time to snorkel or simply relax on deck in the glorious sunshine. Dinner is served and your guide will most probably review the day and explain the itinerary for the following day;

Steps 4 & 5 are repeated until the last day of your cruise; on the last evening, usually all the passengers get together to discuss the tips to be given to the crew & guide;

On the last day, you will have breakfast early as usual. Depending on the specific yacht’s itinerary you will make your last visit directly after breakfast and be transferred with your guide to the airport to catch your flight back to mainland Ecuador.

ABOUT THE NATURALIST GUIDES

The guides are trained by the Galapagos National Park with the help of the Charles Darwin Research Station. There are three levels of guides:

Naturalist Guide I

A native of the islands or resident of the archipelago for many years, with a high school diploma, who has a sound knowledge of the region and speaks English. He must pass the course of Naturalist Guide I, and can lead a group of 10 visitors maximum.

Naturalist Guide II

Ecuadorian by birth or by naturalization, who has achieved a high school education or has a university background in biology or related fields, or in tourism. He has to be fluent in English, French or German, and pass the course of Naturalist Guide II. He can lead groups of up to 16 visitors.

Naturalist Guide III

Ecuadorian by birth or by naturalization, and, in the case of a foreigner, must have legal working papers. He has to show proof of a degree in biology or related fields, or in tourism. He must be fluent in Spanish, English, then French or German. He must pass the course of Naturalist Guide III, and may lead a group of 20 visitors. All Tourist Superior, First and Luxury class yachts carry Class-III guides.

Functions of guides:

To inform and educate visitors on the richness of the protected area and the natural history of the Galapagos, competently and with diligence.

To be responsible and to control actions committed by the visitors, within the Galapagos National Park. To ensure the rules and regulations of the National Park are followed.

To keep in touch with the administrative authorities, to signal his group’s whereabouts and to receive instructions.

To carry a guide’s license and identity papers, and to wear a uniform, if necessary.

To be vigilant of the application of technical and administrative measures in order to protect the natural resources and the visitors.

To cooperate with the control and with the patrol of the region to ensure conservation and rational use of the resources.

To participate in the activities of observations, including the collection of data on the ecological impact and other environmental aspects.

To provide interpretation for special groups.

To report to the legal and technical-administrative authorities whenever necessary.

WHAT IS A THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A 7-NIGHT & 4-NIGHT CRUISE?

The first thing to keep in mind is that on any given cruise the first half-day and last half-day is occupied traveling to and from the Islands. That is to say, an 8-day / 7-night cruise ends up being 7 full days out in the islands, while a 5-day / 4-night cruise only allows you 4 full days out in the Galapagos Islands.

The greatest advantage of 7-night cruises over 4-night cruises is that one is able to experience substantially more of the wonders and beauties of the Galapagos Islands. Unlike a 4-night itinerary, 7-night itineraries allow you to visit a greater range of islands, and thus enjoy a greater variety of flora and fauna unique to the world. In addition, 7-night cruises work out to be more economical (on a per-day basis) and give visitors 7 full days to enjoy and soak in the splendor of the Islands, as opposed to 4 full days on a 4-night cruise.

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT THE GALAPAGOS ISLANDS?

The Galapagos is visited all year round, but most people select the holiday / vacation periods (i.e., Christmas/New Year's, Easter, summer holidays/vacations). These periods sell out up to one year in advance (or more!).

The warmest period (air & water temperatures) generally run from November through to April. The coldest (and generally has more turbulent seas) are generally September and October. February through to April are the most desirable months. During this period, the islands not only adopt an emerald-green color, and turn humid and balmy warm, but many species start reproducing now.

calmest waters;
the hottest period in Galapagos;
the islands are generally a lush green due to high humidity & scattered showers;
most animals are in the height of reproduction, courting and/or nesting;
Reproduction of land reptiles, as well as land birds.

WHAT IF I AM SENSITIVE TO MOTION / SEA SICKNESS?

TIME OF YEAR - First, it would be advisable to consider travelling the Galapagos in any month except for September & October (when the seas are generally rougher).

TYPE OF GALAPAGOS BOAT - The most stable boats are the large capacity cruise ships (Deluxe class), followed by the motor catamarans, and then the wider motor boats. The least stable are the sailing (motor sailer) boats.

ITINERARIES & ISLANDS

There are 14 islands (not including Baltra) which can be visited by tourists:

ISLAND
ALTERNATIVE NAMES
WILDLIFE INTEREST(S)
OTHER INTEREST(S)
SNORKEL

BALTRA
n/a
LAND IGUANAS / LAVA LIZARDS
AIRPORT (start/end of most cruises)
NO

BARTOLOME
n/a
PENGUINS / RAYS / SHARKS / HERONS
PINNACLE ROCK
YES

CHINESE HAT
SOMBRERO CHINO
SEA LIONS / PENGUINS / MARINE IGUANAS / HAWKS
TRAIL HIKE
YES

ESPANOLA
HOOD
WAVED ALBATROSS / BLUE-FOOTED & NAZCA BOOBIES
HERONS / GULLS / OYSTERCATCHERS / DOVES / FINCHES
HAWKS / MARINE IGUANAS / LAVA LIZARD / SEA LIONS
GARDNER BAY (BEACH)
PUNTA SUAREZ (BLOW HOLE)
YES

FERNANDINA
NARBOROUGH
MARINE IGUANAS / CRABS / PENGUINS
FLIGHTLESS CORMORANT / SEA LIONS
TRAIL HIKE
YES

FLOREANA
SANTA MARIA / CHARLES
SHARKS / HERONS / RAYS / SEA LIONS / PENGUINS (rare) / SEA TURTLES / BLUE-FOOTED BOOBIES / FLAMINGOS / FINCHES
DEVIL'S CROWN (SNORKEL SITE)
POST OFFICE BAY
PUNTA CORMORANT
YES

GENOVESA
TOWER
MARINE IGUANAS / RED-FOOTED BOOBIES / FRIGATEBIRDS / NAZCA BOOBIES / TROPICBIRDS / DUCKS
HERONS / WHIMBRELS / OWLS / FUR SEALS
DARWIN BAY
PRINCE PHILLIP'S STEPS
YES

ISABELA
ALBEMARLE
GIANT TORTOISES / RED-FOOTED BOOBES / MARINE IGUANAS
LAND IGUANAS / FLIGHTLESS CORMORANTS / PENGUINS / SEA LIONS
BLUE-FOOTED BOOBIES / RAYS / SHARKS / TURTLES
FLAMINGOS / HAWKS / FINCHES / TERNS / EGRETS / HERONS
ELIZABETH BAY
PUERTO VILLAMIL
VOLCAN SIERRA NEGRA
TAGUS COVE
URBINA BAY
PUNTA MORENO
PUNTA VICENTE ROCA
YES

NORTH SEYMOUR
SEYMOUR NORTE
BLUE-FOOTED BOOBIES / SEA LIONS / FRIGATEBIRDS
GULLS / NAZCA BOOBIES / TROPICBIRDS
TRAIL HIKE
NO

RABIDA
JERVIS
DUCKS / STILITS / BLUE-FOOTED BOOBIES
NAZCA BOOBIES / SEA LIONS / FUR SEALS / FLAMINGOS
TRAIL HIKE
YES

SANTA FE
BARRINGTON
LAND IGUANAS / SEA TURTLES / HAWKS / SEA LIONS / SHARKS / RAYS
TRAIL HIKES (2)
YES

SANTIAGO
SAN SALVADOR / JAMES
FUR SEALS / HERONS / OYSTERCATCHERS
WHIMBRELS / DOVES / HAWKS
ESPUMILLA BEACH
JAMES BAY
BUCANEER COVE
PUERTO EGAS
SULLIVAN BAY
YES

SAN CRISTOBAL
CHATHAM
FRIGATEBIRDS / DUCKS / WHIMBRELS
BLUE-FOOTED BOOBIES RED-FOOTED BOOBIES
TROPICBIRDS / SEA LIONS / GIANT TORTOISES
EL JUNCO
FRIGATEBIRD HILL
GALAPAGUERA
INTERPRETATION CENTER
KICKER ROCK
ISLA LOBOS
PUNTA PITT
YES

SANTA CRUZ
INDEFATIGABLE
GIANT TORTOISES / SHARKS / MARINE TURTLES
LAND IGUANAS / MARINE IGUANAS / FLAMINGOS
VERMILION FLYCATCHERS / PETRELS / SEAL LIONS
PELICANS / OWLS / DOVES / FINCHES
PUERTO AYORA
CH. DARWIN STATION
TORTUGA BAY
BACHAS BEACH
DRAGON HILL
BLACK TURTLE COVE
TWIN CRATERS
LAVA TUNNELS
YES

SOUTH PLAZA
PLAZAS
SEA LIONS / LAND IGUANAS / GULLS / TROPICBIRDS / FRIGATES / BLUE-FOOTED BOOBIES / NAZCA BOOBIES / SEA TURTLES
RAYS / SHARKS
TRAIL HIKE
YES

GALAPAGOS WILDLIFE

WILDLIFE	PHOTO	SITES	BREEDING NOTES
GIANT TORTOISE 14 sub species		BEST PLACES: SANTA CRUZ (Highlands & Charles Darwin Station) & ISABELA (Volcan Alcedo & Wolf); Also found on SAN CRISTOBAL, SANTIAGO, ESPANOLA & PINZON.	Most eggs laid between June and December; Incubation takes about 160 to 240 days; Hatchlings emerge from Decemebr to April
PACIFIC GREEN TURTLE		BEST PLACES: SANTA CRUZ (Black Turtle Cove), FLOREANA (Punta Cormorant), FERNANDINA (Punta Espinoza), ISABELA (Urbina Bay), BARTOLOME, GENOVESA (Darwin Bay)	Breed any time of year (but mainly in hotter months); Incubation takes between 45 to 55 days.
LAND IGUANA		BEST PLACES: SANTA FE, SOUTH PLAZA, SANTA CRUZ (Cerro Dragon), ISABELA (Urbina Bay & Volcan Alcedo); Also found on FERNANDINA, BALTRA &NORTH SEYMOUR.
MARINE IGUANA Endemic		BEST PLACES: Punta Espinosa (FERNADINA); Almost rocky shoreline on almost every island.	Mating & egg-laying between January & March (hottest months); Incubation takes about 3 to 4 months.
LAVA LIZARD 7 Endemic species (largest found on ESPANOLA)		BEST PLACES: ESPANOLA, SAN CRISTOBAL, FLOREANA Also found on most islands (except Genovesa, Darwin & Wolf).	Incubation takes about 3 months
PENGUINS Endemic		BEST PLACES: BARTOLOME, ISABELA & FERNANDINA Rarely found elsewhere (except FLOREANA occaisionally).	Incubation takes between 35 to 40 days;
BLUE-FOOTED BOOBY		BEST PLACES: NORTH SEYMOUR & ESPANOLA Widespread throughout the islands.	Incubation is 41 days & chicks fledge 105 days later.
RED-FOOTED BOOBY		BEST PLACES: GENOVESA Not widespread.	Incubation takes 45 days & chicks fledge 130 days later.
NAZCA BOOBY		BEST PLACES: ESPANOLA Widespread throughout the islands.	Incubation takes 40 days & chicks fledge 115 days later.
FRIGATEBIRDS [species: Magnificent & Great]		BEST PLACES: GENOVESA, NORTH SEYMOUR & SAN CRISTOBAL; Widespread throughout the islands.
FLIGHTLESS CORMORANT Endemic(and largest - and only flightless one - of the 29 cormorant species around the world)		BEST PLACES: ISABELA & FERNANDINA Not widespread.

MONTH	CLIMATE	WILDLIFE
JAN	· Start of rainy season · Ideal for snorkeling · SEA (avg) temperature: 76°F (24°C) · AIR (min/max) temperatures: 71 / 80°F (22 / 30°C)	· Land birds nesting; · Land iguanas begin reproductive cycle (Isabela) · Adult male marine iguanas become brightly coloured (Espanola). · Green Sea Turtles lay eggs on beaches
FEB	· SEA (avg) temperature: 77°F (25°C) · AIR (min/max) temperatures: 75 / 86°F (24 / 30°C)	· Flamingos nesting (Floreana) · Nazca boobies end nesting (Espanola) · Marine iguanas nest (Santa Cruz) · Penguins present (Bartolome) · Galapagos dove nesting
MAR	· Peak of rainy season · Intense sun & heat · SEA (avg) temperature: 77°F (25°C) · AIR (min/max) temperatures: 75 / 87°F (24 / 31°C)	· Marine iguana nesting (Fernandina) · Waved Albatross arrival (Espanola)
APR	· SEA (avg) temperature: 77°F (25°C) · AIR (min/max) temperatures: 75 / 87°F (24 / 31°C)	· Waved Albatross courtship (Espanola) · Hatching of Giant Tortoises & Sea Turtles · Hatching land iguanas (Isabela)
MAY	· SEA (avg) temperature: 76°F (24°C) · AIR (min/max) temperatures: 71 / 82°F (22 / 28°C)	· Blue-footed boobie courtship (North Seymour) · Hatching Sea Turtles (Espanola & Santiago) · Hatching marine iguanas (Santa Cruz) · Waves Albatross egg laying (Espanola) · Storm petrels nesting
JUN	· Start of dry season (Garua – cooler & drier climate) · SEA (avg) temperature: 73°F (23°C) · AIR (min/max) temperatures: 70 / 79°F (21 / 26°C)	· Giant Tortoises nesting & egg laying (June to December)
JUL	· SEA (avg) temperature: 72°F (22°C) · AIR (min/max) temperatures: 68 / 79°F (20 / 26°C)	· Blue-footed boobies active (Espanola) · Flightless Cormorants nesting (Fernandina) · Oystercatchers nesting (Santiago) · Lava lizards mating · Whalesstart appearing (Isabela & Fernadina)
AUG	· SEA (avg) temperature: 71°F (22°C) · AIR (min/max) temperatures: 66 / 79°F (19 / 26°C)	· Galapagos hawks court (Espanola & Santiago) · Nazca boobies nesting (Genovesa) · Swallow-tailed gulls nesting (Genovesa) · Arrival of migrant shore birds · Giant Tortoises return to highlands
SEP	· SEA (avg) temperature: 72°F (22°C) · AIR (min/max) temperatures: 66 / 79°F (19 / 26°C)	· Penguins active on Bartolome · Sea lions active · Marine birds nesting
OCT	· SEA (avg) temperature: 73°F (23°C) · AIR (min/max) temperatures: 68 / 79°F (20 / 26°C)	· Lava herons nest · Fur seal mating · Boobies raise chicks (Espanola) · Giant Tortoises lay eggs
NOV	· SEA (avg) temperature: 74°F (23°C) · AIR (min/max) temperatures: 70 / 79°F (21 / 26°C)	· Sea lion pups born · Brown Noddy Terns breeding · Storm Petrels nesting · Green Sea Turtles most commonly seen (until May)
DEC	· SEA (avg) temperature: 75°F (24°C) · AIR (min/max) temperatures: 72 / 80°F (22 / 27°C)	· Giant Tortoises start hatching (through to April) · Green Sea Turtles mating · Waved Albatross migrate (not present from January to March)

NOTE: Due to climatic variations, events may vary.

GALAPAGOS FLIGHTS & CHECK IN

STEP ONE: Getting from Ecuador (Quito or Guayaquil) to the Galapagos

Any given Galapagos Islands cruise technically starts with the flight out to the islands from Quito (or Guayaquil). Flights take off from Quito between 07h30 and 09h30 (between 09h00 and 11h00 from Guayaquil) in the morning of the first day of the cruise (unless you have requested that you fly out earlier to Galapagos). All Galapagos yachts already have pre-assigned seats on specific flights, in this way each yacht operator can guarantee all passengers have the necessary flight spaces for their cruise.
All passengers are required to check in for their Galapagos flight 90 minutes prior to flight departure. Prior to checking in at the airline counter (some cruises use TAME airlines while others use AEROGAL), all passengers must pass by the INGALA counter for the Tourist Control Card to pay the USD $10 per person fee and collect your card [NOTE: (1) all individuals must be pre-registered with INGALA - most yacht operators register their guests upon reserving and confirming your cruise; (2) some yacht operators require that this fee of USD $10 per person is pre-paid; and (3) if you are traveling independently (i.e., not with an arranged tour, you will need to register yourself with INGALA - [this can be done on their web site]

Next to the INGALA counter, you will find the SICGAL luggage inspection area. No agricultural products are permitted. Once you have passed these two check points, then proceed to the airline counter (TAME or AEROGAL) to check in for your flight. All airline tickets are now electronic. IMPORTANT NOTE: All passengers are restricted to the following luggage limits per person: (1) one check-in piece of 20kg (44lbs); and (2) one carry-on/hand luggage of 7kg (15lbs). The flight from Quito (via Guayaquil) to the Galapagos is approximately 2 ½ hours on a Boeing 727.

STEP TWO: Arrival in Galapagos (Baltra or San Cristobal)

Upon arrival at Baltra (or San Cristobal) travelers pay the Galapagos National Park entrance fee of $100 per adult (or $50 for children) – this MUST be paid in USD cash only. Inside the Galapagos airport, there will be a bank of guides for the various yachts. In addition to your cruise voucher, some yachts pre-provide passengers with either small badges or stickers which must be worn to assist the guide recognize his or her passengers, while other yachts have large signs. The naturalist guide will meet you, collect your luggage and escort you on the short bus ride to the Baltra or San Cristobal dock (or in some cases a longer trip down to Puerto Ayora) to board the boat. Once at the respective dock, motorized zodiacs, called ‘pangas’ will transport you from the dock to your boat, where the crew will welcome you on board. After departure and lunch, the first island visit is made.

STEP THREE: The day to day

Apart from the first day (where you only have one afternoon visit) and the last day (where you generally have one short visit in the morning), all other days consist of two daily visits – one in the morning after breakfast, and one in the afternoon (after lunch). IMPORTANT NOTE: some yachts do not have a short visit on the last day, and only consist of a transfer back to the Galapagos airport for your flight back to mainland Ecuador.

Each island visit, or more accurately said, each visitation site, usually consists of a light hike (a very limited number of visitation sites are panga rides only – but this is the exception). The total visitation generally lasts between 2 to 3 hours (depending on the site in question), allowing plenty of time to explore and photograph the abundant wildlife. There are opportunities to swim and snorkel daily (with a few exceptions when visits are inland (i.e., the highlands of Santa Cruz, as an example). These hikes are along well marked National Park trails. On the islands, one follows marked trails established by the National Park Service, walking at a leisurely pace as the guides interpret and explain the unusual sights (vegetation, wildlife, geography etc).

Passengers are ferried (via zodiak/panga) from your boat to the landing point, that is designed to land on beaches or mini docks. The landings are either wet (where one must step into ankle to knee-deep water and wade to shore) or dry (where one steps from the panga directly on to a solid landing surface). The guide and panga driver assist passengers with a steady hand at all landings.

During the overnight hours, the yachts will make their journey to the next day’s visit point. This way, when passenger wake for breakfast, the yacht is already anchored off the island that will be visited. Each day, passengers get up around 7am and enjoy breakfast – you can ask for vegetarian or specific foods on the most important boats in Galapagos. After breakfast, one takes in the fist (morning) visit and then transported back to your boat for lunch (usually around 1 or 2pm). Most often you will have an opportunity to swim/snorkel in the early afternoon (between to the two visits) or in the late afternoon (after the afternoon visit). All yachts generally carry snorkel equipment, although many charge a nominal fee (ranging from US $10 to $25 the week) to rent this equipment. If you have your own, it is recommended that you bring it along if possible.

Occasionally, there are transfers between the morning and afternoon visit (but passengers are busy enjoying their lunch in the meantime). Sometimes these trips are short, sometimes they take hours. In either case, you’ll have plenty of time on your own on the boat during the midday hours. Most boats have VCRs, a small library, and a few games to whittle the hours away with, but think about what you want to do with spare time on the boat before you head to the Galapagos, and make sure you bring any necessary accessories. All boats attempt to maximize daylight hours with minimal sea travel and maximize visit times on the islands. Dinner is usually served between 6 and 7pm. After dinner many boats have a review guided by the naturalist about the day and what they have seen, what kind of wildlife they have seen, explaining like that (some boats have these discussion in the morning during breakfast).

During or after dinner, the boat again heads for the next site. Overnight is when the boat does most of its long hauls. If you’re prone to seasickness, note that many of the longer passages are through open ocean water between islands, which can be quite choppy. What every sailor knows: the roughest ride is at the top of the boat, the lower down and centrally located you are, the less you feel the motion. For those very sensitive to sea sickness, try and avoid sailing boats and avoid taking a cruise between late August through to October (the rougher period in Galapagos).

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