The Galapagos Islands have become an increasing popular tourist destination.  For this reason, cruises in the archipelago book out months in advance (particularly onboard reasonably-priced cruise yachts).

We recommend booking your cruise as early as possible, particularly for high season (May through to September; December and January) cruises.  Leaving it until the last minute will result in limit or no cruise options. Reservations made less than a month in advance cannot be guaranteed. Full payment for Galapagos cruises and flights must be made no later than 60 days before the cruise.

There are a wide variety of yachts currently operating in the Galapagos Islands. These yachts operate strictly within the Galapagos archipelago and do not extend their voyages outside this region. Visitors are required to purchase a return airline ticket in order to reach the Galapagos Islands.

There are four types of cruise vessels (motor, sail, catamaran and cruise ship) that are categorized into four classes (TOurist, Tourist superior, First and Luxury class). Generally, as one moves up the classes the yachts increase in size and capacity, and offer a greater selection of onboard amenities that include air conditioning and private bathrooms.

There are three basic costs involved with a cruise in the Galapagos Islands:

1. Return Airline Ticket
   

What to bring?

Items

Reason(s)

Bathing suit

For those interested in snorkeling, swimming or diving during your cruise.

Binoculars

Get a more detailed look at the rare and unusual creatures.

Day pack

For easy and comfortable storage of personal items while on island tours.

Hat or cap

The sun can be intense, particularly in the late morning and early afternoon.

Camera

To capture your personal memories of the unique sights of the Galapagos.

Sandals

Most islands visits involve ‘wet landings’ (water reaching up to one’s calfs)

Shorts

The late morning/early afternoon heat is more pleasant with light clothing.

Sun cream
sun block

Adequate protection from direct sunlight & reflected sun from the water is essential.

Sun glasses

It is often very sunny; & the sun’s reflection off the water can be strong.

Sweatshirt
light jacket

The early morning/late evenings can get cool, often with a breeze.

T-shirts

The late morning/early afternoon heat is more pleasant with light clothing.

Water bottle

Avoid dehydration and thirst in the heat and sunshine of the Islands.

What is onboard?

What is a typical cruise like?

About the naturalist guides.

Difference between a 4 & 7 night cruise.

Payment

1. The client(s) of G2G services has(have) the responsibility to select a trip appropriate to their abilities and interests - G2G will not pay for any expenses incurred for medical reasons.  The client(s) of G2G services is(are) held responsible for being in sufficient good health to undertake the trip.  G2G and its affiliates take no responsibility for incidental costs for special arrangements or problems incurred by passengers physically unable to participate in the planned activities.
2. No refund will be forthcoming for missed sightseeing, meals, and early/late departures and disliked visits.
3. Any complaint the passengers may have while on holiday in Ecuador must be brought to G2G;s attention immediately in writing.  If this is not possible, the complaint must be received within ten (10) days of the date of the complaint.  G2G will not accept any liability for claims received after this period.
4. G2G strongly recommends that all the passengers using G2G services have travel insurance for trip delay, trip cancellation, baggage, accident and sickness before coming to Ecuador - this type of insurance is not included on G2G tours, cruises and other third party services.

1. Third party services, including but not restricted to Galapagos yacht operators, reserve the right to alter or change their itineraries without prior notice where deemed necessary, including but not restricted to substitution with comparable hotel, yacht or vessel, attractions or sightseeing.  Extra costs due to unexpected changes in your itinerary for reasons beyond our control are the responsibility of the client(s).
2. G2G reserves the right to change prices without prior notice in the event of any price increases beyond the control of G2G including but not restricted to the price of the fuel and/or fluctuations on Government taxes.

1. All reservations must be made in writing to G2G.
2. All services are booked and confirmed only upon receipt of at least a 30% deposit payment.  This deposit payment must be received within eight (8) days of confirming the arrangements in writing.  There shall be no binding contract until the deposit payment has been received by G2G; Failure to remit your deposit payment on time will result in an automatic change of status of any confirmed space to a provisional basis and the possible inability to reinstate your reservation.  When G2G receives your deposit payment, this payment is deemed to constitute acceptance by you of all G2G terms and conditions, including but not limited to the cancellations policies and terms.
3. Any reservation made within sixty (60) to thirty-one (31) days of commencement of our services will be accepted provided space(s) is(are) available, and payment in full is received within eight (8) days by wire transfer or by credit card.  Payment for reservations less than thirty (30) days in advance must be made in full within five (5) days by bank wire transfer or by credit card through PayPal.  We do not accept payment by check for reservations made less than sixty (60) days prior to commencement of our services.
4. For reservations made more than sixty one (61) days prior to the commencement of our services, the balance is due no later than sixty (60) days prior to commencement of the program.  If the balance has not been received by that date, your reservation will be cancelled, and the client(s) is(are) not entitled to any refunds.  Payments made by check must be received at least ninety (90) days prior to the commencement of our services.
5. G2G will not provide tickets, coupons, vouchers or documents until full payment has been received and in the case of checks, until the check has been cashed.
6. G2G will not accept responsibility for wire transfer and/or courier charges.

1. Any cancellation of a booking must be received by G2G in writing and shall only be effective upon its acknowledged receipt by G2G; If written notification is received at least ninety (90) days prior to departure, your deposit will be refunded, minus a US $100 service charge per person.  If your cancellation is made 89 to 60 days prior to departure, 50% of your payment will be refunded, minus a US $100 service charge per person.  If your cancellation is made 59 days or less prior to departure, full payment is forfeited.
2. If you are a "no show," your reservation will be deemed as cancelled without having given G2G any notice, and the provision 1 above shall apply.
3. Any request to amend or change a booking once it has been confirmed is subject to space availability.  If G2G is able to modify your reservation , an administrative fee of $50 per change will be assessed.  This fee(s) will be added to your final invoice.
4. No refunds are given:
1. for lost travel time or substitution of facilities;
2. for itineraries amended after departure;
3. for circumstances arising beyond G2G's control, necessitating alternative arrangements being made to ensure the safety and/or further participation and enjoyment of your program;
4. if you do not arrive for any accommodation, service, sightseeing or trip segment without notifying G2G;
5. if you leave your program after it has begun, or miss any scheduled sightseeing, activities, meals or accommodations;
6. if you suffer loss of services or inconvenience as a result of travelling without the correct documentation, including passports, visas and inoculations certificates.

These policies do not apply to bookings made on the following yachts: Alta, Diamante, Eclipse, Evolution, Lammer Law, Mistral, Parranda, Galapagos Legend, Coral I and II, Galapagos Explorer II, Guantanamera, Xpedition, Rachel, Archipel I and II and the Seaman – please ask us directly for cancellation policies on these yachts.

PASSENGER'S PERSONAL INFORMATION

To issue final confirmation of services, G2G requires:

1. Passengers complete names (as they appear in the passengers’ passport)
2. Passport number & passport copy in case of children
3. Dietary requirements.  G2G will do its best effort to satisfy dietary needs, but in certain cases this may not be possible.
4. Nationality
5. Date of birth
6. Language spoken and mother language
7. In special cases (i.e., scuba diving, climbing) G2G will need further information such as: height, weight, physical condition, etc.

PAYMENT BY BANK (WIRE) TRANSFER

Your bank will be able to help you transfer funds from your account directly to ours - please ask us for details.  Please make sure that the details are copied exactly as one small error, can slow down the process or send your funds to the wrong account.
 
Due to new US regulations, you must include our office address and your address in the wire transfer request form.

Please Email a scanned copy of your wire transfer form or fax it to Guide2Galapagos at: 
+ 5932 2560-426

Please make sure that all bank charges are covered (including a $10 fee we are charged for receiving your wire transfer) so that we receive the full amount of your tour and / or cruise and / or tickets.

PAYMENT BY U.S. CHECK

If you prefer to pay by check, we do require that the check be in US funds from a bank in the U.S. Please ask us for more details.  Do not send the check by registered or regular mail.  Please use a reliable courier such as TNT, DHL or FedEx.  Please do not endorse the back of the check and make sure that the check written out correctly and signed.

Please send the check to:

Santiago Acosta
Accounting Department
Guide2Galapagos
Amazonas 1188 y Cordero
Quito, Ecuador

We always confirm receipt of checks and wire transfers.
Balance payments by check must be received 30 days prior to the deadlines stipulated above - the check must be received no later than 90 days prior to your cruise.

PAYMENT BY CREDIT CARD (VISA, MASTERCARD, AMEX)

If you prefer to pay by credit card (Visa, MasterCard, AMEX) please let us know by Email and we will send you the relevant details.  Please note that there is a 3.5% surcharge for paying by credit card.