The Galapagos Islands are part of Ecuador and are situated in the Pacific Ocean about 1,000 km from South America. The islands emerged from the bottom of the sea in the form of astonishing volcanic upheavals. The archipelago consists of 19 islands – 13 large and 6 small – and dozens of islets and rocks that dot a vast area that covers 45,000 square kilometers. Thanks to a lack of natural predators, wildlife in the Galapagos has no fear of humans, making the islands one of the world’s greatest wonders and a magical destination to visit.
The Galapagos Islands has good weather all year round. There are 2 seasons: Hot Season: December until May – Conditions are tropical, temperatures are hot and humid from 26ºC-30ºC (79ºF-85ºF), while the water temperature averages 26ºC (79ºF). Dry Season: July to June – Sea temperatures drop to 20ºC-23ºC (70ºF-72ºF), cooling the air temperatures to 23ºC-26ºC (72ºF-79ºF).
The following species capture the most iconic Galapagos wildlife: Galapagos Albatross. Blue-Footed Booby. Nazca Booby. Red-footed Booby. Flightless Comorant. American Flamingo. Frigated Birds. Galapagos Hawk. Land Iguana. Marine Iguana. Santa Fe Land Iguana. Galapagos Penguin. Galapagos Sea Lion. Galapagos Fur Seal. Galapagos Giant Tortoise.
Flights to Galapagos restrict checked luggage to one (1) piece that does not exceed 23 kg (50 lb). Hand luggage cannot exceed 8 kg (17 lb).
Essentials: Passport. Printed itineraries. Travel insurance. Health insurance information. Credit/debit cards. Cash (US Dollars). Personal medication.
Wearables: Light-weight hiking shoes. Water-resistant, closed-toe sport sandals. Anti-slip sandals for onboard.
Clothing: Hiking shorts. Lightweight hiking pants. Casual pants and shorts (men). Casual dress, skirt, shorts or pants (women). Short-sleeve T-shirts. Long-sleeve shirts or rash guards for sun protection. Underwear Socks (normal and for hiking). Bathing suits (minimum 2).
Accessories and Gear: Sunglasses (optional: neck strap). Wide-brimmed hat or cap. Bandana Outerwear Windbreaker jacket Warm sweater or fleece.
Portables: Toiletry kit. Sun block & lip balm (waterproof + SPF 50 or higher). Insect repellent.
Gear: Small backpack/daypack (preferably waterproof). Binoculars. Camera. Video camera. Extra memory cards and batteries. Tripod (optional). Appliance chargers & adaptors if necessary (plugs in Ecuador are US-style A & B, 2 flat pins, 110 V). Prescription snorkelling mask or specialized snorkel equipment*. Sealable plastic bags of various sizes. Journal. * All normal snorkeling equipment is available onboard and at the Finch Bay Galapagos Hotel. Some charges may apply.