The Ultimate Galapagos Packing List

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Ultimate Galapagos packing list - group doing a wet landing

Whether you’ve already booked or are thinking of booking your once in a lifetime trip to Galapagos, it’s crucial you know what to pack when the time comes. The Galapagos Islands are a remote destination with varied terrain, from soft sandy beaches to rugged volcanic landscapes and misty highlands, so you will need a range of gear – and the chances are you won’t be able to pick up anything you’ve forgotten once you arrive in Galapagos.

Luckily, Think Galapagos founder Rachel Dex has visited the Islands many times over the past few decades and has all the insider knowledge you need to pack like a pro!

Read on for some insights from Rachel for our ultimate Galapagos packing list.

First things first – luggage. The luggage allowance for your internal flights between mainland Ecuador and the Galapagos is limited to a checked bag weighing no more than 23kg (50lbs) and a daypack that will fit under your seat or in the overhead bin.

 Ultimate Galapagos packing list - image with lava land iguana and group in background

Footwear – at least 2-3 pairs of shoes from the list below

Your choice of shoes in Galapagos is very important, and this is the most commonly asked question we get asked by our guests.  Everyone likes to travel differently and the exact combination of footwear will come down to personal preference but hopefully this list helps. We recommend 2-3 pairs of shoes from the following:

i) Lightweight hiking shoes or hiking boots with good traction as you will be walking on lava and uneven terrain – it might also be muddy or wet in parts. Most people are fine with hiking shoes, but if you are liable to sometimes lose your balance on uneven terrain or like me you prefer to have some ankle support, then perhaps hiking boots with ankle support would be a good idea.

ii)  Trainers or Sneakers are preferred to hiking boots or shoes by some people and they are a good option if you need to pack light and are comfortable walking on uneven terrain in them.  BUT a warning, don’t bring your best ones! You will be walking on lava so the toes can sometimes get damaged or scuffed. If you are visiting Sierra Negra up on the highlands of Isabela they can get very muddy too! 

iii) Walking style sports sandals are a great option for many of your island visits when you have easily walkable paths. They have the added bonus of not needing to worry if you get your feet wet on a wet landing (when the yacht drops you off in shallow water on the beach instead of onto a jetty as they do in some places). The big brands that offer these are Teva, Keen or Merrell. Our preference is with open toes for such sandals but some people like the closed toe versions to prevent stubbing your toes! 

iv)  Water shoes – some people do like to have water shoes for the beach walks and wet landings. The issue I always have with these is that your feet are then wet for the hike so I don’t generally recommend, but some people do like to use them  so I thought it worth including on the list! 

Its worth mentioning is that any of these shoes or sandals that you use to visit the islands themselves are usually stored in a box on the main deck and washed by your yacht crew after each visit – this is to prevent spreading seeds and other organic matter from one island to the next and also to keep the inside of the yacht clean and free of sand.

v) Deck shoes – this is something people often forget to bring. To keep the inside of the yachts clean, most yachts will require you to leave any outdoor shoes out on deck which means for those who prefer not to go barefoot inside the yacht, it is a good idea to bring along a light pair of deck shoes that you can wear when inside the yacht. These can be whatever you would like such as flip flops, crocs, sandals or any other light comfy shoes that won’t take up too much space in your case.  

Read our ‘What shoes for pack for a Galapagos cruise’ blog for more detailed information

Ultimate Galapagos packing list - group doing a wet landing

Clothing list for Galapagos

Daytime temperatures in Galapagos range from high 80’s (ºF), around 29 degrees C in the hotter months (Dec-May) and high 70’s (ºF), around 25 degrees C in the cooler months (June-November) to daily lows of the mid 60’s (ºF) low 20’s degree C throughout the year.   

As a general guide, T-shirts and shorts or light trousers are the best clothing for the Galapagos. For those with very fair skin, it is probably best to wear long-sleeved shirts in Galapagos as the sun can be very strong.  

Here’s a clothing checklist:

i) Shorts and lightweight hiking trousers – Galapagos is on the equator so it’s pretty much always warm and often hot and humid.  For most activities you’ll most likely be more comfortable in shorts, but for activities like a sunset Zodiac (panga) ride through the mangroves, long trousers will protect you against mosquitoes. They are also very handy to wear on the days you are travelling between Galapagos and Quito as Quito can be a bit cooler.

ii) Long sleeved t-shirts – the sun is at its strongest near the equator so we recommend covering up during the middle of the day to avoid getting burnt especially if you are sensitive to strong sun.  You can get some really good lightweight UV protective ones now.  

iii)  Classic t-shirts – it’s definitely a good idea to bring along a couple of classic t-shirts. I tend to prefer these these most of the time except when the sun is particularly strong (and of course I always put strong sun protector on my arms)   

iv) Lightweight windbreaker jacket/ rain jacket – this is ideally one and the same item to save on packing!   This item helps with both protection from light rain you can sometimes get up in the highlands of some of the islands at certain times of year, and on an evening if you are out on deck as it can get cool or breezy if you are up and out looking at the stars!  

v) Sweater/jumper – I always bring along a sweater or sweatshirt as it can be cooler sometimes on an evening if you are up and out on deck in Galapagos. It also comes in handy travelling to or from Quito as you are usually having to take your Galapagos flight pretty early from Quito and it can be cool.  

vi) Swimwear – this maybe should have been top of the list! There will be lots of wonderful opportunities for getting in the water on your Galapagos trip and if you are planning on getting in the water (though not everyone always does), we definitely  recommend bringing a spare set as you will be typically in the water more than once in a day – that way you can spare yourself the horrible feeling of putting on a soggy bathing suit. For those who will be snorkelling we DEFINITELY recommend a wetsuit, particularly during the months from June to December. Almost all of the yachts we work with provide these for guests (many of them for no charge) but if you have your own, you may want to bring it. Rash vests are also a good idea for snorkelling and spending time on the beach.  

vii) Evening clothes – unlike with other cruises, the dress code in Galapagos is casual. However you might like a change of clothes for dinner with your fellow travellers such as a dress shirt or lightweight dress.

Ultimate Galapagos packing list, group of tourists at sunset

Sun protection – sun block, sun hat, and sunglasses 

The equatorial sun in the Galapagos Islands is very strong, even on cloudy days so please come prepared. We don’t want sunburn or sunstroke to affect your enjoyment of your long awaited trip!

i) Sunblock / High SPF sunscreen, factor 50+– if you can, please bring a mineral based, ocean friendly sunscreen. Ensure you reapply your sunblock once you’ve been in the water.

ii) Sun hat –  we really recommend getting hold of a sun hat with a wide brim that covers your face right to the tip of your nose. Your hat should have ties or a chin strap and fit tightly to your head so it stays put in the face of the strong breezes you often get as you travel from your yacht to the islands in the panga boat. We’ve seen many hats blown off on these short journeys!

iii) Sunglasses with good UV protection – If you can, get a pair with polarized lenses as these allow you to see more marine life. Investing in a sunglasses strap is always a good idea!

iv) A UV protection neck gaiter – this probably sounds a bit random and whilst this isn’t an essential item we really find these very handy! The best known brand for this is Buff, but lots of companies do less expensive versions too. Often one of the areas that can get burnt is the back of your neck and this is a really easy way to protect that area from the sun.

Ultimate Galapagos packing list - Blue footed boobie narrow strip wtih kids

 

Journal, guidebook and other reading material

i) Journal– many of our guests have fed back that they have loved recording their daily experiences while in Galapagos. It deepens their connection to the place – and to the pioneers who first discovered the islands and documented all their observations. You will have downtime each evening to savour the day and write down your thoughts.

ii) A copy of Darwin’s “Voyage of the Beagle” – a vivid and exciting travel memoir, this surprisingly readable book is a real joy to read whilst visiting the Galapagos (particularly Chapter 19 which is all about the archipelago).

Published in 1839 and based on Darwin’s 5 year voyage as a naturalist on the HMS Beagle, one of the real surprises is how little things have changed here since Darwin visited. The chapter on Galapagos is filled with careful observations about the animals, plants and geology of the islands, many of which give a hint at Darwin’s development of his theory of evolution by natural selection.

A few years ago children’s author Stephanie Ward wrote us a blog on the best books about Galapagos to read while you’re there – get inspired here.

Daypack and drybag

A daypack is vital for your daily island visits. It should be big enough to carry a reusable bottle of water (no plastic bottles are allowed in Galapagos!), your camera, sunscreen, an extra layer of clothing and your phone. 

A drybag for your phone and camera can also come in useful, especially for wet landings and for activities like kayaking or paddle boarding.

A Waterproof phone case that you can wear around your neck that will allow you to use your phone as a camera safely whilst on a panga (dingy) or kayaking excursion is a great piece of inexpensive kit that comes in really handy.  

This brings me nicely onto the next section….. 

Ultimate Galapagos packing list - Turquoise water and kayak with bright blue sky

Camera, extra Digital memory and GoPro

Galapagos offers some of the most amazing wildlife photography on the planet with almost endless photographic and video opportunities for all levels of ability. This means, almost without exception, people take significantly more photographs and video footage than they expect, so you need to make sure you have a spare digital memory card with you!

Another top tip is to take along a GoPro style underwater camera as the photo opportunities whilst snorkelling are great, from sea lion pups swimming alongside you, to rays, sharks, penguins and turtles along with a host of colourful fish.

For the last few years we have used the old version of the Canon Powershot D30, which is shockproof and waterproof and has been a great little camera. Another good waterproof option is the Panasonic Lumix for around £200.

Binoculars 

Your Galapagos guide will carry a good pair of binoculars to show your group wildlife, but if you have a pair of lightweight binoculars, it’s worth bringing them, particularly for bird watching.

Your own snorkel mask and tube

Even though all the yachts we work with provide these, having your own snorkel mask and tube that fit well and are comfortable is definitely worth considering bringing.  You can pick up a relatively decent one either at your local dive/water sports shop or online for under £50. Having your own mask means a better fit to your face, and a good tube allows air to enter more easily making for easier breathing. Make sure your tube has a cover guard which stops water splashing into the snorkel. It isn’t necessary to bring your own fins along as they take up too much room and the ones provided by the yachts are fine.

Ultimate Galapagos packing list - Woman Snorkelling Chinese Hat

Medication

i) Bug spray (insect repellant) – we often get asked about bug spray for Galapagos. In general, mosquitos aren’t a problem as they are rare in this climate and you don’t get them at sea. That said, it’s always good to have some insect repellent and bite remedies on hand.  We recommend a roll on variety rather than spray, to better protect the delicate ecosystem of the Galapagos.

ii) Over the counter remedies – it is also good to have some over the counter remedies such as headache tablets, Immodium, rehydration sachets with you in case you need them – although they are available in Ecuador and the towns in Galapagos, it is always good to use those that you are used to taking.

ii) Seasickness medication – for most people it is a good precaution to take some normal motion sickness tablets for your journeys between the islands; they sell a variety in all pharmacies and they are all pretty much the same – but for those who have a regular problem with motion sickness it may be worth seeing your GP about getting a prescription for seasickness patches – they are called Transderm Scōp® (Scopolamine). They are a slow release medication that lasts for 3 days. If you’re wearing a patch whilst snorkelling, it’s a good idea to have some micropore tape to keep it dry and stop it falling off! 

Money

The currency of Ecuador is US$. 

You must pay US$200 in CASH to the Galapagos National Park authorities as you pass through the migration control process in Galapagos. They don’t take any card payments – and although there is the option to pre-pay this service is very erratic with people who have pre-paid not appearing on lists etc – so we recommend paying in cash on arrival.

If most meals are included in your trip with us, for approximately a 2 week trip including an 8- day cruise, we recommend taking approximately $800 per person for items not covered in your land/cruise cost, and for additional items you may want to purchase. Costs per person not covered on your trip include: alcoholic drinks, $200 Galapagos National Park entrance fee, airport tax and tips for your crew and guides, and possibly some meals.

What you don’t need to bring!!

Here are a few things you don’t need… to save a bit of space in your luggage!

  • Your own towel as yachts and hotels provide these.
  • Single use plastic is banned in the Galapagos Islands so please don’t bring plastic bottles. 
  • The Galapagos Islands take bio-security very seriously and all luggage is checked before you board your flight. Therefore, please don’t pack fruits or vegetables. Ideally, don’t bring any food apart from pre-wrapped snacks for your flight. 
  • Drones are banned in Galapagos so leave yours at home!

We hope this list is useful and when the time comes, happy packing!!

If you have any questions at all about your trip to the Galapagos Islands, contact Rachel.

 

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