Galapagos FAQs

FAQs about the Galapagos Islands CABINS What are the different cabin layouts? Most yachts only offer double accommodation (bunk beds). Consult us directly for details on specific yachts. Is there a single supplement? On most yachts there is a 50% surcharge if you want a cabin to yourself.
BANKS Are there banks in the Galapagos Islands? Yes. There is a bank in Puerto Ayora (Santa Cruz Island) and Puerto Baquerizo (San Cristóbal Island) that have ATMs. The Banco del Pacífico is open Monday to Friday 08h00 to 15h30, Saturday's 09h30 to 12h30 on both islands. CHILDREN Are children allowed? Most yachts accept children and many offer discounted rates for children. CLIMATE What is the climate like in the Galapagos Islands? Click here for Details COMMUNICATION Are there internet and telephone services? Yes, but only in Puerto Ayora (Santa Cruz Island) and Puerto Baquerizo (San Cristóbal Island).
ELECTRICITY What type of electrical outlets & currency is onboard? Yachts operate on 110 volts/60 cycle currency, with standard North American outlets as do all the hotels in Galapagos. ENTRANCE FEES What is the National Park entrance fee & how can I pay it? Click here for Details Where does my Galapagos National Park entrance go? The park entrance fee is distributed as follows: 40% Galapagos National Park; 20% Galapagos Municipalities; 10% Galapagos Province Government; 10% Galapagos National Institute (INGALA); 5% Galapagos Marine Reserve; 5% Galapagos Province Inspection and Quarantine System; 5% INEFAN (National Park Service); 5% National Army. In total, these fees assist in the protection and preservation of the Islands. EXTENDING MY STAY Can I extend my stay before and/or after my cruise? Yes, you can extend your stay but please consult us directly for details and restrictions. FLIGHTS - CHECK IN When and how do I check-in for my Galapagos flight? Check-in time is two hours before your flight in the national terminal. Your luggage must be checked by SICGAL for fruits, meat and plants prior to check-in. Many yachts will have representatives at the airport to assist you with your check-in. FLIGHTS - LUGGAGE What are the luggage and weight restrictions? Each passenger is allowed up to 40 lbs of luggage. FLIGHTS - SEASONS What are the flight seasons and rates? Click here for Details FLIGHTS - BOOKING How do I make my Galapagos flight arrangements? We automatically make your flight arrangements in conjunction with your cruise booking. GETTING TO THE ISLANDS How do I get to the Galapagos Islands? The only way to get to the islands is by air - most flights arrive in Baltra, some in San Cristobal. GUIDES What are the onboard Naturalist guides skills and qualifications? Click Here for Details ITINERARIES Can my yacht's itinerary be changed? A yacht's itinerary can be changed only by the Galapagos National Park Authorities or by the captain of the yacht under weather-related circumstances. How many islands can I visit on a 4-night / 7-night cruise? Click Here for Details MONEY What money do I need during my cruise? Click Here for Details PASSPORTS/VISA What documents are needed to enter the Galapagos? All visitors must present a return airline ticket and a valid passport. PHOTOGRAPHY What type of film and photographic equipment are recommended? We recommend plenty of film, telephoto lens and a UV filter. If you are planning to snorkel or scuba dive during your cruise, we recommend a disposable underwater camera or underwater camera casing. PURCHASES ONBOARD What can I purchase onboard and how? Most yachts offer a limited bar selection and souvenirs, which are paid for at the end of the cruise in cash or Travelers Cheques (some yachts also accept credit cards). REGULATIONS What are the Galapagos National Park rules and regulations? Click Here for Details RESERVATIONS When should I make my Galapagos yacht reservation? We recommend making your reservation as early as possible as late bookings can result in limited options. SAFETY DEPOSIT BOXES Are safety deposit boxes available onboard? Some yachts provide safety deposit boxes or a safe - please consult us directly for more information. SCUBA DIVING Can I scuba dive in the Galapagos Islands? Click Here for Details SEA KAYAKS Are sea kayaks available onboard? Some yachts offer sea kayaks, go to the specific yacht in the Yacht Details section for more details. SMOKING Is smoking allowed onboard? Smoking is allowed on most yachts but only on the outside deck. Smoking is not allowed during your visits to the islands. SNORKELING EQUIPMENT Is snorkeling equipment included? Most yachts offer snorkelling equipment - we however recommend bringing your own as the quality of equipment on most yachts is very poor. Go to the specific yacht in the Cruise Rates section for more details. TIPPING What are the recommended tipping policies? We suggest you to follow international guidelines of US $10.00 per person per day for the ship's crew and US$ 7.50 for the guides' pool. TRAVEL INSURANCE Should I purchase travel insurance? Yes, we thoroughly recommend taking out travel insurance before departing on your holiday. WATER Is there drinking water onboard? All yachts offer their passengers drinking water. We recommend bringing your own water bottle for visits to the islands. WETSUITS Are wetsuits necessary? Wet suits are not necessary but will make your time in the water more enjoyable - please contact us if you need help renting wet suits.

Tel/Fax: (593 2) 2550-180 / 2550-176 / 2560-428 Amazonas 1188 y Cordero Quito, Ecuador - South America.