1.  When is the best time to go to the Galapagos?
2.  Which rules to follow on Galapagos concerning nature protection?
3.  How far in advance should I book?
4.  How do I get there?
5.  Does the guide accompany us on each island?
6.  What is the difference between the 4 night/5 day and 7 night/8 day tours?
7.  What is a typical day of sightseeing like on a Galapagos cruise?
8.  What are the accommodations like?
9.  What are the meals like?
10.  What type of aircraft is used in the Galapagos Islands?
11.  How common are wildlife sightings in the Galapagos?
12.  Are the Galapagos boats equipped with snorkeling equipment?
13.  Can I scuba dive from the boat?
14.  Do you cruise between islands in the daytime or at night?
15.  How physically fit do you have to be to enjoy a Galapagos trip?
16.  Are these trips suitable for children?
17.  Are the boats equipped with life vests?
18.  What if I have a medical emergency on the cruise ship?
19.  Can I extend my stay?
20.  How much should I budget for a trip to the Galapagos Island beyond the tour fee and international airfare?
21.  Why is the National Park Service fee so expensive?
22.  Is seasickness common?
23.  Are there luggage limits on domestic flights or on the boats?
24.  How are the cruise ships equipped for electricity?
25.  What phone service is there on the cruise ships?
26.  Do the cruise ships have smoking policies

1. When is the best time to go to the Galapagos? [ Top ]

The answer depends on what you are most interested in seeing. Times of year when birds mate, nest, migrate, etc. vary by species so if you're particularly interested in observing birds, it's best to research and plan your tour accordingly. The same may be said for any of the other animal species. Our staff has traveled to the Galapagos almost every time of year. From our experience, any time is a good time to visit the Galapagos.

2. Which rules to follow on Galapagos concerning nature protection? [ Top ]

The beauty of nature of Galapagos can only be preserved if the visitors follow these 12 rules, which have been drawn up by the administration of the National Park.

1. Do not touch any animals
2. Do not feed the animals - it will disturb them in their natural comportment
3. Do not scare away nesting birds
4. Do not take away animals, plants or parts of them as a souvenir
5. Do not buy souvenirs consisting in parts of animals or plants
6. Do not bring any animals or plants from the mainland - otherwise the Islands' ecosystem could be destroyed
7. Do not bring any food to the Islands
8. Throwing away litter is not allowed
9. Do not write or carve your name in trees or rocks
10. Follow the instructions of your guide
11. You are not allowed to leave the marked trails
12. Point out the rules of the National Park to inattentive visitors

3. How far in advance should I book? [ Top ]

Due to demand, Galapagos yachts historically have been reserved well in advance, particularly for the high seasons. Although shorter timetables are feasible, it is normal and recommended that you book your trip 3-6 months prior to your intended date of departure, and 6-12 months prior to the holiday seasons.

4. How do I get there? [ Top ]

Passengers fly into Quito or Guayaquil and then on to the Galapagos to begin their cruise. Flights from the mainland fly into one of two Galapagos airports, either on Baltra Island or San Cristobal Island. The Baltra Airport is near the main town of Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island reached via ferry and bus. After arrival formalities, passengers are usually shuttled immediately to their vessel. Those flying into San Cristobal take a short five minute bus trip to the harbor to begin their Galapagos cruise.

5. Does the guide accompany us on each island? [ Top ]

Yes. By law, all Galapagos cruises are guided by a National Park Service-certified guide. On Galapagos cruises, the guide holds an information meeting each evening in the lounge area to discuss the itinerary for the next day. During this meeting he/she will describe the flora and fauna that passengers may observe on the island. Questions concerning biological, geological and human history are always welcome. The guide accompanies the group on all shore excursions. On land-based tours are also guided. Galapagos guides are licensed by the Charles Darwin Research Station in Puerto Ayora and most have a university degree in biology, or related discipline.

There are 3 levels of naturalist guide, although you are most like to come across II and III who are allowed to guide up to 16 people. All must pass various courses applied by the Galapagos National Park authorities. The basic differences according to the regulations are not entirely clear in places.
Level III: Ecuadorians or foreigners with work permits, academic title in biology, tourism or related subject, speak Spanish, English, French or German, & pass Natural Guide course 2.
Level II: Ecuadorians, secondary or intermediate university studies in biology, tourism or related subject, speak English, French or German, & pass Natural Guide course 3.
Level I: Residents of the area, high school diploma, Basic English, have wide knowledge of the zone & pass Natural Guide course 1.

6. What is the difference between the 4 night/5 day and 7 night/8 day tours? [ Top ]

Longer tours visit more islands. Since at least part of the first and last day of the tour will be spent in Quito and getting to the Galapagos Islands, the shorter tours also spend less time sailing around the islands.

7. What is a typical day of sightseeing like on a Galapagos cruise? [ Top ]

The vessels anchor offshore at two visitor sites or islands per day. Passengers are ferried to the landing point in an small flat-bottomed boat called a panga, that is designed to land on beaches. 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.  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. Three to four hours is usually spent at each site, allowing plenty of time to explore and photograph the abundant wildlife.  There are opportunities to swim and snorkel daily.

8. What are the accommodations like? [ Top ]

Those traveling on a tourist superior cruise stay at a comfortable three star hotel. First class cruises stay at a four star hotel. Luxury cruises and cruise ships stay at a five star hotel. We personally inspect the rooms and amenities of all potential hotels and lodges in each tour location and select only those that meet our rigorous standards for cleanliness, comfort, convenient location, safety, customer service and ambiance.

9. What are the meals like? [ Top ]

Breakfast, lunch and dinner served daily in the dining room during the sailing portion of the tour are nutritious and plentiful. The menu generally includes a variety of seafood, fish, beef, fresh salads and soups as well as dessert and hot drinks. On land-based tours meals generally include a variety of seafood, fish, beef, fresh salads and soups as well as dessert and hot drinks. For dinners, our land-based passengers are on their own to explore the local restaurants. Our guide recommends the best restaurants on each island.   In general, the food served at the Galapagos is superb and you have a huge selection dishes to choose from in case you are vegetarian, don’t eat red meat, don’t like a certain type of cereal, etc.

10. What type of aircraft is used in the Galapagos Islands? [ Top ]

Domestic carriers use Boeing 737s to fly to the islands from mainland Ecuador. These planes accommodate 150 - 350 people.

11. How common are wildlife sightings in the Galapagos? [ Top ]

The Galapagos Islands are teeming with wildlife, offering many opportunities to see animals up close in the wild. Sixty-three percent of the species breed exclusively in this archipelago, and the lack of predation has fostered an environment where they are not afraid of humans.

12. Are the Galapagos boats equipped with snorkeling equipment? [ Top ]

Yes. The Galapagos is a paradise for snorkelers. Boats have masks, snorkel tubes and swim fins that you'll be able to rent and pay for directly on board. Since a mask and snorkel tube do not take up much room or weigh much, you may choose to bring your own for added comfort and familiarity.

13. Can I scuba dive from the boat? [ Top ]

As for your wish of diving at the islands, the Galapagos National Park sent a resolution a few months ago where all live aboard diving activities are forbidden until new order; I’m afraid we cannot offer it until this get a legal solution.  Perhaps, you would be interested on staying one or two extra days after your cruise, stay in a nice hotel in Puerto Ayora and from there organize daily diving sessions. 

14. Do you cruise between islands in the daytime or at night? [ Top ]

The days are normally spent anchored at one of the islands. Although there are times when you will sail short distances between islands during the day, longer distances are cruised at night to maximize daytime explorations and wildlife observations.

15. How physically fit do you have to be to enjoy a Galapagos trip? [ Top ]

Passengers able to walk a few hours a day unassisted will be able to fully enjoy the Galapagos Islands. Some of the excursions require more physical activity than others, involving short steep climbs or long walks in hot weather. However, most excursions require moderate activity. To enter and exit the dinghies, one must be reasonably fit, sure-footed and in good health. Passengers who are concerned about their ability to do any particular day hike can discuss the situation in advance with on-board the naturalist beforehand.

16. Are these trips suitable for children? [ Top ]

Children with an interest in nature usually thoroughly enjoy a trip to the Galapagos, but bored or misbehaving children can at worst be the bane of a boat and, on smaller yachts, cause serious tensions with other passengers. Child restrictions depend on the boat, as also the facilities for looking after children. Although the Park recommends that children be over 7 years, there is no prohibition and mothers could even bring babies in their arms on land visits. Large cruise ships are better equipped for children, and may have nurseries and child-minders so that parents can make land visits and leave their children onboard. Smaller yachts generally have no facilities, and some will not allow young children below 5-7 years. Those that do accept younger children usually make it clear that the parents have full responsibility to accompany and look after the child/children throughout the cruise, and require the signing of a waiver. Chartering a yacht has the advantage of enabling dedicated care to be organized.

17. Are the boats equipped with life vests? [ Top ]

Cabins are equipped with a life preserver for each passenger. Comfortable lightweight life vests are provided for panga excursions.

18. What if I have a medical emergency on the ship? [ Top ]

All boats are equipped with a basic first aid kit for minor ailments, however most boats cannot handle serious medical conditions. Passengers are advised to obtain medical or travel insurance that covers medical evacuation.

19. Can I extend my stay? [ Top ]

Yes. We offer an array of trip extensions both in the Galapagos Islands and too many interesting destinations on mainland Ecuador to suit the individual needs and interests of our passengers. If you would like to discuss the options or arrange a trip extension on either end of your trip, please contact us.

20. How much should I budget for a trip to the Galapagos Island beyond the tour fee and international airfare? [ Top ]

Transit Control Card:  USD 10.00 per person
Park Entrance Fee: Adults USD 100.00 / Children under 12 yrs USD 50.00
Meals/beverages not included on cruise packages USD 100.00
Meals/beverages not included on land-based tours USD 20.00 – USD 25.00 per day
Tips, depending on activities and length of trip USD 60.00 – USD 150.00

On most of the Galapagos cruises, coffee, tea, hot chocolate and bottled water are provided free of charge. There is a bar on board, with juice and soft drinks, wine, beer and a basic selection of liquor where passengers may run a tab until the end of the cruise. Beer and alcoholic beverages range from USD 2.00 to USD 3.00, a bottle of wine is USD 15.00 to USD 20.00, and soft drinks/juices from USD 1.00 to USD 2.00.

Cash as well as Visa, MasterCard and Amex are accepted on most boats; however, some boats only accept Traveler's Checks and/or US dollars.

21. Why is the National Park Service fee so expensive? [ Top ]

The Galapagos Islands are part of the Ecuador National Park system and a USD 100.00 per adult and USD 50.00 per child entrance fee is charged. The fee must be paid in cash upon entry at the airport. The fee helps protect and preserve the Galapagos Islands, supporting park staff, educational programs and ongoing conservation efforts. Preserving the biodiversity of the Galapagos Islands is a worldwide endeavor.

22. Is seasickness common? [ Top ]

Due to ocean currents, there will be moderate movement of the Galapagos vessels while navigating. We recommend that passengers who are prone to motion sickness consult their doctor to obtain some type of preventative medication suited to their individual needs.

23. Are there luggage limits on domestic flights or on the boats? [ Top ]

For the flights to the Galapagos, the airline allows one checked suitcase (44 pounds) and one carry-on bag per person. If your luggage exceeds the limit, you can pay an excess baggage fee at the counter. The less you pack, the more carefree your trip will be. It's best to pack your clothes in two bags, one with warmer and city clothes that can be left in your hotel in Quito, and a separate bag for your Galapagos gear.

24. How is the cruise ships equipped for electricity? [ Top ]

There are 220 & 110-Volt electrical outlets on most boats. Passengers should contact our staff to double check what electricity voltage a particular boat has. Some boats have hair dryers for guest use, but most do not.

25. What phone service is there on the cruise ships? [ Top ]

Cell phone coverage is very limited in the Galapagos. All of the cruises carry radios for emergencies, and some are equipped with satellite phones.

26. Do the cruise ships have smoking policies? [ Top ]

Smoking is prohibited in enclosed areas aboard all vessels and on the Islands. Smoking is only allowed on the outer decks in designated areas.