Entry Requirements

U.S. citizens must carry a valid passport, no visas or inoculation are required. Visitors from other countries should consult an Ecuadorian Consulate.

Air Transportation

AMERICAN AIRLINES, CONTINENTAL AIRLINES, and LAN ECUADOR have direct flights from USA. IBERIA and KLM have directs flights form Europe. TAME and AEROGAL serves the Galapagos Islands Both Airports: Baltra and San Cristobal. There is a 40 pound (1 bag) baggage allowance on Galapagos flights.

Galapagos National Park Tax

To be paid upon arrival in Galapagos ($ 100 USD)

Cruise rate includes

Accommodations aboard, all meals, island sightseeing and lectures by naturalist guide, round trip transfers between airport and yacht. Incidentals to be paid at the end of each cruise with either cash or travelers checks.

What to pack

Life aboard the yachts is very informal. Casual, comfortable clothing is a must! Bring shorts, bathing suits, preferably cotton shirts, 2 pairs of good rubber-soled walking shoes, windbreaker jacket, wide brimmed hat and a back-pack to carry camera, film (plenty!), sun glasses and sun-screen.

On board

The normal daily schedule consist of a shore excursion right after breakfast, return aboard for lunch and perhaps a "siesta" before the afternoon shore excursion. After dinner your naturalist guide will brief you on the islands to be visited the following day.

On shore

You are ferried from the yacht to shore via small boats called "Pangas". Landings are either "dry" or "wet", where you might have to wade ashore in shallow water. At all times you are accompanied by your naturalist guide. The terrain is often rough and passengers should be in a good physical condition.

Itinerary

May be subject to change due to weather conditions or National Park Directives. The captain may deviate from the published itinerary for any reason he deems advisable. Galasam reserves the right to change passengers from one yacht to another of equal category.

Tipping

Tipping is at the discretion of the passenger. A "tip box" is provided for the general crew. Guides are tipped separately.

Climate

Located on the equator, the Galapagos climate is tempered by the Humbolt Current, so you do not experience extreme heat. The warmest weather is in December to June, when temperatures range from 72 to 90 degrees, while the water temperature is in the mid 70 degrees. July to November is cooler, ranging from mid 60's to 75 degrees. The average water temperature rarely reaches 70 degrees.

Departure Tax

Payable at the time of departure from Ecuador ($ 25 USD)