Galapagos Useful Information

LAST UPDATED: FEB.16/2012

GALAPAGOS USEFUL INFORMATION

The Galapagos Islands have become an increasing popular tourist destination. For this reason, cruises in the archipelago can book out months in advance (particularly on-board 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 may result in limited or no cruise options. It's a supply and demand market. If demand is high, then spaces are limited.

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 on board amenities that include air conditioning and private bathrooms.

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

ROUND TRIP 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, the time of year and the specific airline (LAN, Aerogal or Tame).

OFFICIAL AIRLINE FLIGHT RATES [updated February 16th 2012]

NOTE: INDICATED RATES DO NOT INCLUDE THE U.S.D. $10 ISSUE FEE PER TICKET

TAME | AEROGAL | LAN

TAME AIRLINE

LOW SEASON: SEPTEMBER 15 TO JUNE 15

FLIGHT ROUTE
CLASS "L"
CLASS "K"
CLASS "Y"

ADULT
CHILD
ADULT
CHILD
ADULT
CHILD

QUITO - GALAPAGOS - QUITO $495.80
$373.72
$540.60
$403.96
$585.40
$434.20

QUITO - GALAPAGOS - GUAYAQUIL $473.40
$359.16
$518.20
$389.40
$563.00
$418.52

GUAYAQUIL - GALAPAGOS - QUITO $470.72
$356.48
$515.52
$386.42
$560.32
$415.84

GUAYAQUIL - GALAPAGOS - GUAYAQUIL $448.32
$340.80
$493.12
$371.04
$537.92
$401.28

HIGH SEASON: JUNE 16 TO SEPTEMBER 14

FLIGHT ROUTE
CLASS "K"
CLASS "Y"

ADULT
CHILD
ADULT
CHILD

QUITO - GALAPAGOS - QUITO $540.60
$403.96
$585.40
$434.20

QUITO - GALAPAGOS - GUAYAQUIL $518.20
$389.40
$563.00
$418.52

GUAYAQUIL - GALAPAGOS - QUITO $515.52
$386.42
$560.32
$415.84

GUAYAQUIL - GALAPAGOS - GUAYAQUIL $493.12
$371.04
$537.92
$401.28

AEROGAL AIRLINE

LOW SEASON: SEPTEMBER 1 TO JUNE 30

FLIGHT ROUTE
CLASS "Y"

ADULT
CHILD

QUITO - GALAPAGOS - QUITO $446.52
$269.56

QUITO - GALAPAGOS - GUAYAQUIL $428.60
$260.60

GUAYAQUIL - GALAPAGOS - QUITO $425.92
$257.92

GUAYAQUIL - GALAPAGOS - GUAYAQUIL $408.00
$248.96

HIGH SEASON: JULY 1 TO AUGUST 31

FLIGHT ROUTE
CLASS "Y"

ADULT
CHILD

QUITO - GALAPAGOS - QUITO $505.2
$328.56

QUITO - GALAPAGOS - GUAYAQUIL $487.60
$319.60

GUAYAQUIL - GALAPAGOS - QUITO $484.92
$316.92

GUAYAQUIL - GALAPAGOS - GUAYAQUIL $467.00
$307.96

LAN AIRLINE

SAME RATE ALL YEAR (i.e., NO SEASONS)

FLIGHT ROUTE
CLASS "K"
CLASS "H"
CLASS "Y"

ADULT
CHILD
ADULT
CHILD
ADULT
CHILD

QUITO - GALAPAGOS - QUITO $533.88
$389.40
$507.48
$411.80
$634.68
$457.72

QUITO - GALAPAGOS - GUAYAQUIL $505.88
$371.48
$539.48
$393.88
$606.68
$438.68

GUAYAQUIL - GALAPAGOS - QUITO $503.20
$368.80
$536.80
$391.20
$604.00
$436.00

GUAYAQUIL - GALAPAGOS - GUAYAQUIL $475.20
$349.76
$508.80
$372.16
$576.00
$416.96

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 (TCC) 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? see BEST TIME SECTION
Budget	How much do I wish to spend?
Flights	Where do I wish to depart from and return to (Quito/Guayaquil)?
Length of cruise	from 3 nights up to 14 nights? see CRUISE LENGTH DIFFERENCE
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 - from 3 nights (4 days) up to 14 nights (15 days)
THE YACHT - Cruise rates varies greatly from yacht to yacht, independent of class
TIME OF YEAR - as it relates to weather, tariffs etc.

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:
Round trip airline ticket (booked in conjunction 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(+wet suit)	For those interested in snorkeling, swimming or diving during your cruise. If visiting the Galapagos between mid August through to the end of October, having access to a wet suit (rented or your own) does make your time in the colder waters more comfortable.
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. A wide-brimmed hat is the most optimal choice, as it will general offer better protect for your ears and back of the neck.
Camera / video camera	To capture your personal memories of the unique sights of the Galapagos. It is an added bonus if you have an underwater camera (even disposable if need be).
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.
Ziplock/small plastic bags	This is to protect items against the water (specially when traveling from the boat to the island in the zodiacs).
Miscellaneous	Batteries, alarm clock, travel adapters & chargers (for electronic equipment like laptops, digital cameras etc), water bottle, small first aid kit (i.e., Peptobismol, Immodium, Andrews, band aids, burn cream, pain relief medication, insect repellant, sea sickness medication like 'Mareol' etc). Lastly, a sense of responsibility and curiosity is highly recommended.

WHAT IS ON BOARD MOST GALAPAGOS BOATS?

Although the on-board 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 on-board 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 THEDIFFERENCE 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.

As of February 1st, 2012 all yachts are operating on a 15-day (14-night) cruise cycle, which is generally broken down into two distinct 7-night (8-day) itineraries. Therefore, most of the yacht now offer the opportunity to enjoy cruises that vary in length from a minimum 3-nights (4-days) all the way up to a 14-night (15-day) adventure.

WHEN IS THEBEST 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?

For those sensitive to motion or sea-sickness, there are two factors to keep in mind:

(1) time of year – try to avoid late August through to October – as the seas are generally more turbulent this time of the year. Most of the wildlife is present all year round (although in different activities depending on the month in question). The Waved Albatross (usually present on Espanola only from March to December), and whales (usually only present between June and September)

(2) try to avoid the sailing (or motor sailer) boats – the narrower the boat the more prone it is to rocking in the open waters, while the wider (and heavier) the boat is the more stable it is. The most stable are the large cruise ships and the motor catamarans (i.e., Athala, Anahi, Cormorant II, Queen of Galapagos), followed by the wider motor boats and then down to the narrow sailing boats. The smaller the boat, the less stable it is. A recent example is the M/Y Rumba, which capsized recently in Galapagos. This boat was not only small (length & width) but a very light boat – having been constructed entirely of wood.

Additional reading / resource 'Sea sickness: Ginger, Mareol and Never vomit into the Wind'

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 Whales start 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).

Amazonas N23-31 (between Veintimilla & Wilson)
Quito, Ecuador - South America.

Tel.: + (593-2) (02) 222-1336 / + (593-2) (02) 256-0428
Tel/Fax.: + (593-2) (02) 256-0426
Skype: sangay.touring

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