Bienvenido! (Welcome in Spanish!)

Click here to download your Need to Know document. This guide includes important travel information about your Galápagos cruise—please read it thoroughly. During the voyage, direct any questions to your onboard hotel manager or expedition leader.

For guests extending their trip with the Machu Picchu post-cruise tour, we have included additional travel information about your land package.

In an effort to ensure your flights/travel are arranged for your cruise at the correct time, please follow our guidance below. The times are for all itineraries. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact us.

On embarkation day, your flight should arrive no later than...

City/Port: Guayaquil, Ecuador (GYE)
Arrival Time: Anytime (1 pre-cruise night included)

On disembarkation day, your flight should depart no earlier than.

City/Port: Guayaquil, Ecuador (GYE)

Departure Time: 5:00 pm

After a post cruise package, your flight should depart no earlier than.

City/Port: Lima, Peru (LIM)

Departure Time: 10:00 pm

Guests with late-night departures from Guayaquil, Quito, or Lima following their Galapagos cruise or Machu Picchu post-cruise land tour can book a hotel night for their layover. Please contact our sales counselors for details.

The climate and conditions of Guayaquil are quite different than the Galapagos, so pack for versatility.

Guayaquil boasts mild days and cool nights almost year round—and a nearly constant annual temperature. Average highs are in the mid-60s with lows in the upper 40s.

Galapagos, located on the equator, is nearly always warm, and the islands experience two seasons:

• December-June is warmest. Temps range from 72 to 90°F (22 to 33°C) and the water is in the mid-70s F (mid-20s C). The islands receive the most rainfall in this season with short, daily showers concentrated in upper elevations.
• July-November is the Garua season. Garua is a mist that forms in the highlands of the islands, providing moisture but not a lot of rain. On average, the temps are cooler, from 60 to 75°F (18 to 24°C) with the water averaging 70°F (21°C).
• No matter the season, the sun is intense on the equator—packing clothing that provides sun protection is a plus!

Every day you’ll have opportunities for adventure, whether you are strolling the Malecon 2000 boardwalk in Guayaquil or exploring Galapagos flora and fauna, in the water snorkeling or kayaking. Keep the weather and activities in mind while packing.

Think practicality, active comfort, and layers. Weather and activities should be your guide for packing. Sun-protective and insectrepellant fabric* is highly recommended. Personal gear that works well on other outdoor adventures in warm, humid climates will
work well in the Galápagos. Storage space is limited, so pack efficiently.

A special note on luggage: Checked luggage for your Galapagos flights is restricted to 1 bag, with a total weight of no more than 50 lbs (23 kg) and no bigger than 62 linear inches (width + height + length). Carry-on is restricted to 1 piece of hand luggage, weighing no more than 17 lbs (8 kg), with size restrictions of 43 linear inches (13 wide x 21 high x 9 long). Excess baggage is subject to additional fees. See our Galapagos cruise FAQs for more information.

Clothing & Gear
Sweater or sweatshirt for windy evenings on deck
Lightweight long-sleeve shirts
Short sleeve t-shirts, shirts, or blouses
Lightweight or convertible hiking pants
Jeans/khakis, shorts, skirts/dresses
Bathing suit
Travel binoculars & safety strap
Sunscreen and SPF rated lip balm
Insect repellent

Outerwear
Light rain or wind jacket
Fleece or hooded jacket/pullover
Brimmed hat & sun hat that covers ears/neck
Long sleeve rash guard/sun-shirt

Luggage
Dry bag for camera, binoculars, snacks, etc.
Collapsible or nesting luggage recommended to maximize cabin storage space
Daypack for hiking and skiff rides

Footwear

Day hikers or sturdy walking shoes
Water socks or water shoes/sandals
Comfortable deck shoes and sock

Optional Items

Camera, memory cards, extra batteries/charger, safety lanyard
Paddling / waterproof gloves
Water bottle (also available on board)

Snorkel vest or wet suit (if you foresee needing one)
Sunglasses & retainer strap
Adventurous spirit!

Prohibited Items to bring to Galapagos

*Please note: if you are going on a pre- or post-cruise land tour, be sure to bring your own refillable water bottle, sunscreen, and insect repellant.

Your cabin comes complete with a hairdryer, towels, eco-friendly shampoo/conditioner, and body wash.

Provided On Board
Adventure gear including mask/snorkel/fins, shorty wetsuits, walking sticks & yoga mats                                           Refillable water bottles
Fun and adventure!

Galapagos cruises operate primarily within waters protected by the outer islands. The advantage of La Pinta over other smaller vessels is size and stability. At 209 feet, La Pinta is large enough and heavy enough to be stable in most sea conditions. In the event that we do cross an open passage or expect unfavorable weather, the captain will give notice so that you can prepare accordingly. Seasickness medication (Dramamine) is available on board, but is not recommended for children. If you are prone to seasickness or traveling with children, you should consult your physician prior to your departure.

Note: Seas tend to be a bit rougher from approximately mid-August through October. If sea sickness is an issue for you, it might be best to plan your trip outside of this period.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that all visitors to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands are up to date on vaccinations. Get specific recommendations on the CDC website: Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands 

* The CDC also provides updated recommendations concerning the Zika virus in destinations around the world.

For updated COVID travel policy, see Health & Vaccination page

UnCruise Adventures leads adventure-focused Galapagos wildlife cruises. On the seven islands and islets we visit, chances are high for ticking off 12 species on the “Big 15” list of the archipelago's most iconic animals. See Great and Magnificent frigatebirds, the Galapagos hawk, land and marine iguanas, giant tortoises, the Galapagos sea lion, and the Galapagos fur seal, all on large Isla Isabela. American flamingos feed in lagoons on Isla Floreana. Galapagos penguins live in caves and crevasses on the coasts of Floreana, Fernandina, and Isabela. Blue-footed and Nazca boobies nest on tiny Isla Rabida. What else will you meet strolling along a remote red sand beach?

Many species are found here and nowhere else on earth. It is estimated that 26 endemic species of birds and other unique creatures have made their homes in the Galapagos. An inspiration for modern thinking, the islands’ biota inspired Charles Darwin to form his theories of evolution.

97% of the archipelago’s islands is designated a national park. Human settlements are concentrated on the remaining 3%. There are strict rules about visiting the areas on islands that have been designated as visitor sites by the national park authorities. The Galapagos is also part of a huge Marine Reserve, which ranks among the largest in the world.

The Galapagos National Park and Marine Reserve, like all special wilderness areas, needs help and cooperation from visitors to preserve their pristine state. At UnCruise, we are careful to leave this fragile ecosystem exactly as we found it. The park and reserve are protected by Ecuadorian law, which includes specific rules for visiting protected areas. Ecuador’s Ministry of the Environment states:

Any wrongdoing, inadequate behavior, or threat to protected habitats, as well as to their geological, biological, and/or cultural components, will be strictly observed by both Park Wardens and Naturalist Guides. Any confirmed and reported unlawful actions could lead to sanctions which may result in the interruption of original travel plans, questioning, detention, fines, or even legal action temporarily suspending the local tour operator while a proper investigation takes place. The best way to avoid difficulties with local environmental enforcement authorities is to simply follow the Galapagos National Park visitation rules.

Below are the official rules of the park. These rules will be posted on La Pinta for your reference while traveling, and any of your guides can provide additional information if questions come up while you travel. One important note: visitors cannot legally go anywhere in the Park without a licensed guide escort. Rules are enforced by naturalist guides and park officials:

1. Do not disturb or remove any native plant, rock or animal on land or in the water.
2. Be careful not to transport any live material or sand to the islands.
3. Do not take any food or drink except water to the uninhabited islands.
4. Do not touch, pet or feed the animals. Approaching them too closely or taking flash photography will disturb them.
5. Do not startle or chase any animal from its nesting place.
6. Do not leave any trash on the islands or throw any litter overboard.
7. Follow marked trails at all times and do not walk out of their limits.
8. Stay with your naturalist guide who must accompany all groups on trails.
9. Do not buy souvenirs of objects made from native Galapagos products (except for wood) especially black coral, sea lion teeth, and shells of the Galapagos tortoises.
10. Do not smoke on the islands.

Animals and Birds

• Giant tortoise
• Land iguana (pictured)
• Marine iguana
• Lava lizard
• Hoary bat
• Gecko
• Blue-footed boobies (pictured)
• Nazca boobies
• 13 species of Darwin’s finch
• Short-eared owl
• Galapagos hawk
• Galapagos petrel
• Great and Magnificent frigatebirds
• Galapagos penguin
• Flamingo
• Flightless cormorant
•  
• Marine Life
• Green sea turtle
• Sperm, pilot, humpback, and Brydes whales
• Spinner, striped, and bottlenose dolphins
• Galapagos sea lion (pictured) and fur seal
• Angelfish, butterflyfish, and damselfish
• White-tipped reef shark
• Manta, spotted eagle, and golden rays

These resources are suggested to enhance your understanding and enjoyment of the history, unique culture, wilderness, and wildlife of the Galapagos.

The Galapagos Affair - John Treherne
This intriguing and gripping mystery tells the true story of a small group of settlers on Floreana Island in the 20s and 30s hoping to build an idyllic “Garden of Eden” community. A mysterious murder is unraveled through the retelling of bizarre and peculiar events.

My Father's Island, A Galapagos Quest - Johanna Angermeyer
An adventurous true story, yearning to learn more about her father, Angermeyer travels to the islands, the place he escaped to as a refugee from Hitler and where he and her mother lived before his death.

Galapagos Wildlife, A Visitor's Guide - David Horwell and Pete Oxford
Written by Galapagos naturalists including photos of the islands’ unique inhabitants, details about each marine, land, and sky creature, from endemic penguins to brightly colored blue-footed boobies.

Galapagos Diary: A Complete Guide to the Archipelago’s Birdlife - Hermann Heinzel and Barnaby Hall
Filled with graphics by a renowned illustrator and an accomplished photographer. With detailed information about birds and other animal species, this book also contains a checklist so travelers can record what they see.

The Beak of the Finch: A Story of Evolution in Our Time - Jonathan Weiner
Find out how the theory of evolution evolved since Darwin's first visit, what current researchers are discovering, and how the islands are impacting new evolutionary research.

Evolutions Workshop; God and Science on the Galapagos Islands - Edward J Larson
Chronicling human discoveries and impacts from the first explorers and pirates, to Darwin and scientists, to today’s adventurous travelers and the small permanent population.

The Voyage of the Beagle - Charles Darwin
Arguably the quintessential tome about the Galapagos Islands, Charles Darwin shared his observations, descriptions, and details of the five-year journey he undertook on the H.M.S. Beagle, a voyage that would inspire his theory of evolution and that would change the way we all see the world.

Galapagos: A Natural History - Michael H Jackson
Considered by some to be the “bible” of the Galapagos for the beginning biologist, this natural history book provides introductory and in-depth information on the islands’ volcanic origins, ecology, flora and fauna, history of human impact, and issues and efforts of conservation.

The Evolution of Charles Darwin: The Epic Voyage That Forever Changed Our View of Life - Diana Preston

From the Los Angeles Times Book Prize-winning historian, the colorful, dramatic story of Charles Darwin's journey on HMS Beagle that inspired the revolutionary theories in his path-breaking books "On the Origin of The Species" and "The Descent of Man".

The Galapagos - Henry Nicholls  

In The Galápagos, science writer Henry Nicholls offers a lively natural and human history of the archipelago, charting its course from deserted wilderness to biological testing ground and global ecotourism hot spot. Describing the island chain's fiery geological origins as well as our species' long history of interaction with the islands, he draws vivid portraits of the life forms found in the Galápagos, capturing its awe-inspiring landscapes, understated flora, and stunning wildlife. Nicholls also reveals the immense challenges facing the islands, which must continually balance conservation and ever encroaching development. To complement the book "The Galapagos Affair: When Satan Came to Eden" documentary is available with stories from some of the children (now elders) either brought to Galapagos or born there during that time. The documentary is from 2013 and Cate Blanchet narrates quotes from the book written by Dore Strauch.