Galapagos FAQ’s
Sun all-year-round is what Galapagos is all about! December to June are the warmest months, while January to March are humid and hot and the islands are greener. The cooler months are from July to November, however the all-year-round temperature is 76°F (24°C).
Yes. The Galapagos are one hour less than continental time (GMT-6). Our vessels and itineraries are operated with Ecuador’s mainland time.
We recommend all our guests to arrive at least 3 hours before the departure time. This will give you enough time to start with the mandatory luggage inspection at the SICGAL station. SICGAL officers will check all visitors' luggage going to the Galapagos looking for forbidden organic materials (seeds, animals, plants, fruits, vegetables) that could potentially affect the fragile ecosystems in the islands.
One of our representatives will be able to assist you in the AV counter with your boarding ticket, and other travel documents to proceed with the check-in. All guest will be given an identification tag to wear. Thus they can easily be recognized when arriving in Galapagos.
Note: If you have prepaid the INGALA Transit Control Card with us, our representative will already have this documented. Otherwise, you need to make the line to make the cash-only payment.
If the tax was prepaid with us, a stamp will be already within your travel documents. Otherwise, guests need to make the cash-only payment in Galapagos upon arrival.
One or more of our guides will welcome our guests to Galapagos, they will carry a sign with the name of one of our vessels and a list to check all our guest into the bus to take them to the dock where the correspondent ship or yacht will be waiting.
The airline guidelines allow one piece of luggage of 20 kg (44 lb) along with a carry-on bag of 7 kg (15 lb) per person. As a recommendation, bring a soft-sided bag, as it will be easier to store in the cruise cabin. Do not forget to lock your luggage before handing it in for check-in.
The most suitable clothing for the Galapagos is lose breathable clothing: shorts, cotton T-shirts and swimming wear. The hikes though the islands can be on irregular terrains, so we recommend hiking shoes and beach wear such as sandals, sun block, sunglasses, a wide brim hat, etc. Other personal items such as personal medication, a good camera with plenty of memory cards or film, and binocular are also a must!
As a mandatory, local regulation all visitors must be accompanied by a National Park Certified Guide in all the islands’ excursion. Guests will be divided into groups of up to 16 people for every visit. Guides will be also on board our cruise, to give informative lectures and next-day briefings as well as to share their knowledge about the destination and help to answer our guests’ questions.
Yes. It is forbidden to smoke in any internal areas of our vessels. Smoking is only allowed in the open areas of our sun decks. For more information, please feel free to contact a crew member.
Our vessels manage 110 volts in European and American outlets. The frequency in the Coral I and Coral II is of 60 Hz and in the Galapagos Legend is of 50 Hz.
Our recommendation is for passengers to be in good physical conditions, some of the inland trails can be a bit challenging with irregular walking paths. Elderly or disable guests can notify our crew member to remain on board in any of the excursions. We reserve the right to decline a guest if he/she fails to inform of any physical disability, or who, under the company’s discretion, constitutes a danger to themselves, other guests, members of the crew, or can alter the operation of the vessel.
Breathable, comfortable clothing and shoes is a must. As well as swimming wear, a hat, sunglasses, binoculars, water thermos, camera and a beach towel that can requested to our staff.
From the dinghy boat to the islands, landing can also be a bit stirred so do not forget to protect all your non-water resistant valuables in plastic bags i.e. your camera.
Upon arrival, an account with your name and cabin number will be opened for you.
If your payment is going to be with a credit card, please go to the front desk so our staff can take photocopies of your passport and card. Credit card authorizations can take up to 48 hours, so we ask you to do this on the first day of cruise.
All major credit cards are accepted: Diners, Visa, MasterCard, and American Express. Euros* and U.S. Dollars are also accepted.
*Ask for the exchange rate.
Satellite Internet is available in all our fleet. Internet plans are available upon request at the front desk and they start at 100MB or unlimited WhatsApp.
Meals on board the Galapagos Legend are:
- Breakfast from 7:00
- Lunch at 12:00
- Dinner at 19:00.
*On the last day of the cruise, breakfast will be served at 6:30 to do the last excursion before heading to the airport in Galapagos.
On board the Coral yachts:
- Breakfast from 7:30
- Lunch at 12:30
- Dinner at 19:30
Our meals are gourmet, healthy, low in fat, with vegetarian options which also include traditional dishes of local cuisine. If there are any allergies or special diets do not forget to notify this to your local travel agency beforehand.
There are guests who are especially sensitive and prone to get seasickness, we recommend to take medication at least 24 hours before getting on board. If it happens during the cruise, notify one of our staff members so they can get you the appropriate medication.
We do not recommend you to drink water from the tap. In our vessels, we have drinking stations with purified water for that purpose. In each cabin you will find a complimentary thermos, you can use and refill it as you please.
It is not necessary. Each cabin’s bathroom has a biodegradable shampoo and soap dispenser as part of our conservation policy. However, if you would like to bring your own, please make sure it is biodegradable.
Yes. You will find towels in your private bathroom as well as beach towels will be handed to all guests before each excursion, just ask for one to our staff members.