Answers to the 80+ most common questions we get about Galápagos Cruises
It is simple as sending us an email with the following information:
After completing all the information above, the agency will contact you to successfully book a tour for you!
The agency will contact you by sending an email back as soon as we receive the information needed for your booking. This email will mean that your reservation has been made and the agency will follow with the payment details for your booking to be complete.
We will first send you an email verifying that your tour has been effectively booked. The next step is to coordinate payment with our sales representatives.
Providers charge cancellation penalties, which applies not only to the agency but to the clients too. As a result, tour cancellations are liable to the cancellation fees detailed in our (terms and conditions.) The agency does represent r clients in cancellation cases and try to recover money provided to service providers, however, sometimes this isn’t possible. We are bound by the fact that the final decision is always made by the service provider. We strongly advise you to purchase travel insurance that fully covers you in the event of a trip cancellation.
It is important to inform our clients that our accounts are 100% secure.
A last-minute booking is one made less than two weeks before your trip’s scheduled departure. If you are in Quito, you should pay us in US dollars in our office or by credit card online. If you are located outside of the United States, the only option for payment is via credit card online.
To confirm your reservation, the agency requires a 40% deposit at the time of booking. The remaining balance is due three months before your departure date. Of course, if you choose to pay in full at the time of booking, that is also fine. We only require complete payment for bookings made just under three months before the travel date.
Usually when tourists book a tour with an agency, it reserves all of the necessary areas for your trip, such as hotels, cruises, and lodges. To 100% guarantee the space, each of the following service providers require payment from the agency on your behalf. As a result, your early payment to the agency is crucial. A late payment to us may result in the cancellation of your reservation by the operator.
We are unable to take your credit card information over the phone due to Ecuador’s strict anti-fraud measures. This is for the consumer’s protection. However, the online payment methods of our agency are secure and easy to use.
Our bank information is available upon request. You should simply tell our sales assistant which bank you wish to pay into, and they will provide you with complete information.
Unfortunately, this payment method is currently not available.
Sadly no, in Ecuador travelers checks are not received with ease.
The agency will send you a receipt by email as soon as we receive your transfer or payments.
All tickets, vouchers, and instructions will be sent electronically by an email provided by the agency. When traveling, you can either print a physical copy to bring with you or save the documents to your phone or tablet. We generally send out tickets between 1 and 2 weeks before your tour departure, but this is highly dependent on when we receive the tickets first from yacht operating companies. If you require your tickets sooner, please let us know so that we can try to make the special arrangements for you.
Tickets are sent via email. Meaning that there is no need for you to visit any offices to get them.
As a travel agency we advise you to check vaccination recommendations with your doctor as well as passport/visa prerequisites with the Ecuadorian Embassy in your country before you travel to Ecuador. As of now, all nationalities require at least 6 months of passport validity, and visa requirements vary by country of residence. Such information is essential to verify because your airline may refuse to allow you to board if your passport or visa is not on date or in order.
There are 4 types of boats.
Detailed on the yacht section of the webpage.
Sharing a room or paying a supplement for a single room are both options for tourists. There are certain boats that demand no or only a small single supplement. The single supplements on other ships range from 20% to 100%. In most cases, there is no additional charge to regular prices if visitors are open to sharing their cabin with a stranger. Boat operators will always try to pair you up with someone of the same gender (though this cannot be guaranteed).
It mostly depends on the yacht of your preference but activities include a wide food menu, snorkeling, diving and other family activities.
Galapagos cruises are extremely popular which is the reason they are limited in availability all year. As a result, it is always recommended to plan ahead of time. Specifically if you intend to travel during the months of July, August, Christmas, New Year’s, or Easter, when rooms are frequently fully booked 12 months in advance.
Prices usually begin to fall 1-2 months before departures, and often when spaces remain available, rates may fall even further 1 week or less before a cruise departure date.
This option is possible, and you’ll find agencies in Puerto Ayora that can assist you. Visitors should be highly flexible with their travel plans because they will have to wait in port until appropriate cruise spaces become available, which could take as little as one day or as long as a week.
The most popular months to visit Galapagos and have the highest tourist volumes are July, August, Easter, Christmas, and New Year.
What it is included and excluded in each cruise varies depending on which type of cruise you choose to travel on. However, a general range of what it includes and excludes will be provided below:
Remember that there is no such thing as right or wrong, and tipping is always optional. So, in any given situation, do what you believe is right, without feeling pressed.
Absolutely, a large potable water dispenser is available at all times for you to take water when necessary.
Often prices are different by yacht and are unquestionably higher on first and luxury cruises. Beer and soft drinks should cost between $1.50 and $3, while wine and cocktails are typically a little more expensive.
Just about all yachts restrict bringing your own alcoholic beverages aboard and only wrapped foods, such as chocolate bars, are permitted in the National Park, and wrappers must be properly discarded after use.
The food is usually varied, with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, chicken and fish/seafood, rice/pasta/potatoes. Consider eating traditional Ecuadorian dishes as well.
Yes. The agency gives you the chance to let us know in advance your food preference so we can communicate it with our staff. However, keep in mind that South America doesn’t quite usually cater well to vegetarians, but most yacht chefs will do their best to accommodate you.
Visitors flying in from mainland Ecuador on the first day of the cruise will have their guide waiting for them at the airport’s arrivals area. Simply look for the person carrying a sign with your yacht’s name on it. Moreover, if you arrive in Galapagos a few days before the cruise, we will provide tour meeting instructions. Depending on the location of the yacht, you may be able to meet your tour group at the docks, or you may be required to return to the airport.
Usually all Galápagos ship cruises have 110V AC outlets that accept the two-prong electrical plug used in North America. Moreover, newer ships often have electrical outlets in each cabin, and some may even have dedicated USB charging stations.
This usually tends to vary by yacht, but smoking is typically prohibited in cabins and on board. Passengers may be permitted to smoke on deck in some cases, but must be considerate of non-smoking passengers.
Yes, without a doubt. Children under the age of 12 usually receive a 20% discount, but each yacht has its own policy regarding children and babies. If you don’t mind traveling on a larger ship with more passengers, we highly suggest the M/V Galapagos Legend. The Legend, which can accommodate 100 guests, has family-friendly rooms which can be connected together, as well as a devoted child’s area with entertainment and activity programs for your children.
If there occurs an event where something with the ship/cruise occurs, the boat operator will be willing to take responsibility for appropriately resolving the situation. Also check our cancellation policy on the terms and conditions page.
Boat swaps are rare and uncommon, but they do occur when mechanical problems are so drastic that your first-choice yacht couldn’t perhaps operate. However, a boat operator is responsible for finding a yacht of equal or higher category level than your original yacht, with dates and itinerary that are similar to the original trip.
If the illness is minor (e.g., a stomach bug or seasickness), the passenger could indeed rest in their cabin while the others in the group continue with the cruise activities. Moreover, some recommendations for people with easy to have motion/sea sickness are to book cruises on a larger ship or a catamaran. Larger boats and catamarans roll less in swells because they are more stable. Other options in order to avoid this are to consult a doctor about anti-seasickness medication.
All vessels operating Galapagos cruises and tours are required by law to have a current maritime safety certificate. This means that all vessels are completely compliant with Ecuadorian maritime law.
Of course. For our agency clients, we always handle both flight bookings and ticketing. If you prefer to book your own flights, that is usually not a problem. However, please let us know ahead of time so that we can inform you of which airline/flight you need to be on.
Often Galápagos yachts require agencies and their passengers to book flights through their operating specific company. This policy exists because cruise operators must regularly send supplies to the Galapagos Islands in order to operate their cruises. This is accomplished through cargo flights from Quito to the Islands, at a significant cost to the cruise line. As a result, some yachts have made agreements with airlines in which they receive lower cargo prices if they purchase a certain number of passenger flight spaces through the airline. As a result, in order to ensure that they sell enough flight seats, they require all of their passengers to fly on that airline and book their flights through their own operating company. Nevertheless, If a passenger chooses to book their own flights, the yacht operator will charge them a penalty fee. The amount of the penalty varies, but is almost around $50-$60 per person.
Sure. Cruises yachts always hold spaces in advance for all of their cruise dates throughout the year, so when you book, the yacht will release a flight space for you. The only exception is for last-minute bookings, where finding flight spaces can be more difficult.
Definitely. You may fly out before your cruise begins and/or return after it concludes, but only if space is available on the new date you wish to book. The agency can request a different flight date from the airline on your behalf, and we usually have no trouble getting it.
Agencies usually only book flights for clients who have booked a cruise or tour through them. If you only want to book flights, go directly to the airline websites.
Avianca and LATAM.
Only two airports on the mainland of Ecuador receive flights: North Seymour Airport on Baltra Island (near Santa Cruz) and San Cristobal. Isabela Island also has a small airport for occasional small plane flights from Santa Cruz.
Galapagos flight prices vary with the flight route and date. This table gives an idea of typical average rates:
Route | Average Rate |
Quito / Galapagos / Quito | $500 – 550 |
Quito / Galapagos / Guayaquil | $475 – 525 |
Guayaquil / Galapagos / Quito | $475 – 525 |
Guayaquil / Galapagos / Guayaquil | $450 – 475 |
Ecuadorians with a valid Cedula ID card can purchase at a discounted rate.
If the tourist is already booked on a cruise, there is not a chance of choosing since the boat operator will select the flight for the entire group of passengers. All cruise passengers travel together in this manner, making it easier for the guide to meet the group at the airport. You can fly with a different airline than the rest of the group, but you risk the guide not waiting for you if your flight is delayed, so we do not recommend it. However, if you are traveling independently and without a cruise, we can book your flights on whatever flights you wish (subject to availability).
No. Reconfirmations are not required.
Only baggage weighing up to 23kg (50 pounds) and hand luggage weighing 10kg (22 pounds) plus a small additional personal item are permitted in the cargo hold. Excess baggage allowances can be purchased, but only if the aircraft has enough load capacity. Expect to pay an extra $5 or more per additional 2lb (1kg).
Galápagos flights are often classified as domestic departures and thus require a two-hour check-in period. In practice, many passengers choose not to follow this rule, but we always recommend arriving at the airport two hours before your flight time because airlines occasionally change flight times at the last minute.
Absolutely. Date changes are possible, depending on availability. Date or route changes are typically charged an additional fee by airlines.
Unless mentioned while you book your tour with us, airport transfers in Quito / Guayaquil will not be included. When you arrive in Galapagos, your guide will meet you at the airport and have transportation waiting for you to take you to the yacht.
A typical day on the archipelago consists of the following:
It is always preferable for you to consult with the boat itineraries. But it depends. On larger islands, you may spend the entire day visiting different landing points, whereas on smaller islands, you may only land once before cruising to a new island in the afternoon.
Timings are crucial to be aware of. They are determined by the arrival and departure times of the flights (regardless of which airline and which flight you are on). The flights arrive in Galapagos in the mid to late morning, so you will only have a midday activity on that particular day. The flights depart early to mid-morning on the final day, so you can only visit the islands in the early morning. To get a better idea of your specific cruise, consult the individual boat itineraries.
Boats frequently combine their 4 and 5 day itineraries to make an 8-day trip. They do this so that they can offer three different trips in the same week.
The disadvantage is that passengers on an 8-day tour lose time because they must return to port to drop off passengers at the end of their 4 or 5-day cruise and pick up new passengers. Such passenger switch-over day is not entirely wasted because each yacht will organize an activity/visit while the passenger switch-over is taking place.
Itineraries for boats have always been possible to alter. Changes to national park regulations / restrictions and boat mechanical issues are the most frequent causes of such change. Typically, no more than 1 or 2% of cruises are affected, and the impact of any necessary change on passengers is always minimized to the greatest extent possible. If there is a case where a cruise is affected, the agency will definitely represent our clients registering a complaint.
Dry landings usually have pangas able to drop tourists off directly onto a small land. On the other hand, wet landings have pangas stop at the beach and make the passengers disembark in shallow water where the water only touches up to the knees.
A guide is a person who has been trained and licensed to lead tours by the National Park Authority and is knowledgeable about nature and biology.
These levels no longer exist. However, there were levels of licensed naturalist guides based on experience and acknowledgement.
Of course. All of the guides on the agency yachts are qualified to lead tours in English. Clients should keep in mind that the level of English between guides varies greatly, and that English is their second language.
Most guides work on a freelance basis and frequently switch boats, so a boat with a great guide one week could have an average one the next week. However, all of the guides have worked hard to earn their guiding badges, speak English, and have been approved by the Galapagos National Park Service.
Due to date, there are two diving options:
Dive sites can be found on almost every Galapagos island. It is best to consult our diving webpage to determine which sites are best for you based on the dive complexity of the site and the wildlife that can be seen there.
Of course. All boats provide life jackets to passengers, so using one while snorkeling is not a problem.
In Galápagos, each place is distinct and will suit a different level of diver experience.It ranges from strong currents and should only be attempted by experienced divers, while others are calm and appropriate for people who are unfamiliar with diving. A minimum quantity of previous dives may be required for the most advanced dive sites.
The majority of the equipment is provided on Galapagos dive cruise, however, wherever possible tourists should bring their own equipment to the Galápagos islands which includes your own dive set, watch and gadgets.
The information needed usually includes: weight, height, shoe size, wetsuit size, PADI license number and diving experience.
The standard usually varies depending on the operator, but it is generally in good condition and safe working order. Divers are also welcome to bring their own equipment if they prefer.
During a typical cruise itinerary, there is at least one snorkeling opportunity per day.
It mostly depends on the boat. Some boats include equipment, while others charge a small rental fee.
It varies depending on the boat. In general, it is not the most modern or newest equipment, but it is functional and safe. Tourists are welcome to bring their own snorkeling equipment if they prefer.
A wetsuit is always required when diving. On the other hand, it really depends on the season for snorkeling. During the cold season (August to November), the sea can be chilly, so a wetsuit is recommended. It is not always necessary during the warm season (December to June / July). It also depends on each individual’s resistance to cold.
For tourist duration of stay of less than 90 days in Ecuador, US, Canadian, and Australian citizens do not require a visa. The passport has to be valid for a minimum of six months when entering the country. The first official requirement for entering Galapagos is a valid Ecuadorian tourist visa stamp in your passport, which should have been issued to you upon arrival in mainland Ecuador.
The Galapagos Islands are fantastic to visit all year. Although there are two seasons in terms of weather: July to December is the cool and dry season, with generally cloudy skies and bumpier waters. January to June is a warm and wet season with sunny weather and occasional intense rains
Clothing: sneakers or hiking shoes for adventures, sandals and swimsuits for the beach, shorts, lightweight pants in case it is cold, socks, hats for protecting yourself from the UV and sunglasses.
Other: cameras, memory cards, insect repellant, sunscreen, binoculars, medicine for sea sickness or other medical conditions.
Not necessarily. The Galápagos Islands are not considered a malaria-risk destination.
For the excursions and snorkeling, a reasonable level of physical ability is required; most activities on the islands involve 2 to 3 hours of gentle walking per day, therefore all visitors should be ready for this.
To visit the Galapagos Islands, you must have health insurance. At the airport, immigration officers frequently check insurance certificates and may deny travel if you do not have a valid policy. A specific health policy or a travel insurance policy that includes hospitalization could be considered insurance. If you’re going on a diving cruise, you’ll need specialized insurance and shouldn’t rely on a standard travel policy.
Visitors should budget for these few expenses: park entry fee and INGALA tct card ($120), tips (depending on the number of days cruising and the class of yacht).
Yes. ATMs are available in Puerto Ayora (Santa Cruz) and Puerto Baquerizo Moreno (San Cristobal). Internet access should be available while in port if your international contract allows for roaming, but it is extremely risky while at sea.
Sure. San Cristobal Island has the best surfing conditions. Also, on some occasions islands offer surfing lessons.
Santa Cruz, San Cristobal, and Isabela all have a variety of Galapagos hotel options. Floreana Island has basic lodging.
Speedboat ferries are the least expensive and most dependable mode of transportation between islands. Ferries pass daily between Santa Cruz, San Cristobal, and Isabela islands. EMETEBE airline also operates small aircraft flights on the main islands. Day tours to islands besides the main three can be arranged through agencies in Puerto Ayora. However, it is best for you to cautiously check local information in Galápagos.
All visitors to the islands must pay the Galápagos National Park Entrance Fee. The current entry fee to the Galapagos Islands is $200 USD per person except for children under 12 years old which should only pay 50 USD. Visitors are not allowed to leave the terminal if they do not pay the Galápagos entrance fee. Nevertheless, if you are a citizen of a South American country, you may pay less.
This cost must be paid in cash at the arrival airport.
To travel to Galápagos, a US $20 migration transit control card is required. This fee can be paid at the airport in Quito (or Guayaquil).
Unfortunately no. Only cash is accepted.
The National Park $100 is distributed this way:
40% Galapagos National Park
20% Galapagos Municipalities
10% National Institute
10% Galapagos province local government
5% National Navy
5% Ministry of Environment
5% Quarantine and pest control
5% Galapagos Marine Reserve
The transit control card is given to INGALA, the organization in charge of island migration.
The Galapagos National Park area is cautiously protected in order to preserve the archipelagos’ unique ecosystem. These rules should be explained to you by your naturalist guide but at the same time, we as your agency of choice have to remind them as well.
Most lodges do not extend their assistance beyond suggesting certain vaccinations. It is not a requisite for the large percentage of lodges. Nevertheless, we do advise that you consult with your local health care professional back home and explain that you will be visiting Ecuador’s Rainforests. Yellow Fever, Typhoid Fever, Rabies, and Hepatitis A and B are the most common vaccinations. Take into consideration that this is only a precaution to be taken at your own risk, as it is highly rare to hear of any tourist contracting any of the previously stated diseases while visiting any Amazon.
The term “primary rainforest” refers to a more immaculate and unaltered forest with dense vegetation and a complete ceiling canopy, which is often seen deep in the Amazon basin. Primary rainforest is thought to be the most rich biodiversity type of forest. While “secondary rainforest”, also known as jungle, is distinguished by a thin ceiling canopy (less vegetation in higher sections), ground vegetation soaks up more sunlight, letting thick and lush vegetation to flourish. Secondary Rainforest is observed on the fringes of Primary Rainforest and is not as immaculate or diverse as Primary Rainforest.
Always try to pack as light as you can. Remember that packing light means the more trouble-free your tour will be. Remember that the 50-pound limit per person is imposed by airlines (Coca & Lago Agrio), not the lodge you will be planning to visit. Here is a list that might help.
Not really. While primary rainforest has way more of a diverse range in wildlife, secondary jungle has advantages such as ease of access, shortened tour lengths, simpler hikes, more variation in activities such as white river rafting and horseback riding (Tena), and affordable rates, just within the Amazon.
Visitors should always try to carry only the necessary. Many hotels have luggage apartments where you can store your belongings for a small fee. For those flying to the Amazon region, keep in mind that luggage weight is limited to 23 kg per person. Just those taking a bus to the Amazon region and proceeding elsewhere after their Amazon tour might be required to bring all of their luggage with them.
To visit the Amazon, a certain level of healthy lifestyle is required. Many lodges will offer activities based on age, health and wellness, but longer ride canoes (no back assistance), hikes on irregular terrains, and changes in the climate are to be expected in some instances only to approach the lodge.
Sure, it is ideal to speak with your Trips & Dreams Travel Consultant and provide as many details about your specific case as possible. Your Travel Consultant will indeed be capable of assessing and suggesting a lodge that will be equally satisfying for both your children and traveling adults.
Yes, the majority of lodges will divide tourists based on the day they arrive at the lodge. However, please review with your Trips & Dreams Travel Consultant to see if the lodge of your choice can accommodate activities for you and your traveling companions based on age and fitness.
Yes and no. Extensive hikes are an exciting part of visiting the Amazon Basin. If you are searching for a decent hike, you will most likely be able to take part in one. On the other hand, if you want to avoid long hikes, this is also possible. It is an usual feature for lodges to brief their visitors the day before about the activities that will actually happen on the next day. If you don’t feel satisfied with a hike ahead of you, you could either skip that activity and remain at the lodge, or request to take part in another more minor activity if possible.
This would be a yes for the majority, if not all, of the primary rainforest lodges. The majority of them are in profound remote places down river, and canoe rides of 2 to 3 hours are standard on the first day when entering Lodges. Your everyday tasks will also necessitate canoe rides to certain portions of the rainforest.
Sure, even though very few lodges offer it as an option, you must request it at the first stage of your booking reservation. This will help your tour operator to look into Lodges that offer camping.
Not all the time. Travel guides or consultants will inform you on where you are more likely to notice a specific animal or species. However, there are no guarantees because you are entering their natural habitat and it is a matter of chance whether you can spot them.
Sadly, no. Even the most luxurious lodges may have bugs or insects in their cabin. Again, it is a matter of luck if they bother you or not. Anyway, you are in the Amazon, and maintaining them out with closed windows or doors can help.
Many rustic lodges will have some sort of electrical source (Solar Panels or Generators), but this does not imply that there will be electricity with outlets in your cabin. Lodges will typically have an electrical area in which you can charge your electronics, as well as electricity in their common spaces. Most lodge cabins will be lit either by candles or lamps.
Absolutely. All lodges provide extra services that must be paid for in cash, such as bar expenses, souvenirs, and tipping.
Galápagos
Mid range boat
From
27 Reviews
Galápagos
Mid range boat
From
27 Reviews
Galápagos
Mid range boat
From
27 Reviews
Galápagos
Mid range boat
From
27 Reviews
