How to get here?

First you must arrive in Ecuador (Quito or Guayaquil), there are several commercial flights arriving into Ecuador everyday.

The only time efficient way to get to the Galapagos from mainlaind Ecuador is by air. Galapagos flight booking is warranty with your cruise confirmation. All international connections are from mainland Ecuador . There are flights from Quito (stop over in Guayaquil ) and Guayaquil to Baltra or San Cristobal where your cruise will begin. Your flight will take 30 minutes to get from Quito to Guayaquil and about one and a half hours from Guayaquil to Galápagos - Baltra or San Cristobal .

The airlines have established low and high season for the flights as follows:
High Season: Nov 01 - Apr 30 + Jun 15 - Sep 14
Low Season: May 01 - Jun 14 + Sep 15 - Oct 31

What to bring?

Clothing

    * Comfortable walking shoes
    * Sandals with thongs or Tevas for wet landings
    * Light cotton socks
    * Long-sleeved cotton shirts and T-shirts
    * Light cotton scarf to protect your neck
    * Shorts
    * Lightweight long pants or skirt / dress
    * Light rain jacket or wind breaker
    * Sweatshirt, Sweater, light jacket: the early morning/late evenings can get cool, often with a breeze
    * Wide-brim hat
    * Bathing suits

Equipment 

    * Sun block lotion
    * PABA sunscreen (at least # 15)
    * Lip salve
    * Sunglasses with a strap
    * Extra eye glasses/ contact lenses
    * Insect repellent
    * Personal medication
    * Self-sealing bags for electronic equipment
    * Camera
    * Underwater cameras to take photos of the animal life while snorkeling
    * Camera gear
    * Film and more film or enough flash memory to download pictures.
    * Binoculars in case you want to get a more detailed look at unique animals in Galapagos.
    * Extra batteries for cameras
    * Plastic Bags

  Money and Security

    * Passport
    * Copy of passport
    * US Cash mostly low denomination bills ($5 to $20)
    * Travel Insurance

  Motion Sickness

    * Salted Crackers
    * Candied Ginger or ginger tablets
    * Patch

First Aid 

    * Pepto Bismol or Kaopectate for stomach upset and mild diarrhea.
    * Immodium or Lomotil for more severe diarrhea
    * Band - Aids
    * Anti-biotic cream
    * Aloe Vera cream or gel for sunburn
    * Tylenol or other mild pain relief.

FAQS

What is not included?
Galapagos flights, Galapagos Entrance Fee (currently $100 US payable in cash to the national park authorities in Baltra), tips (it is customary to tip the guide, and crew) soft drinks, alcoholic beverages, and any other extras not specifically mentioned.

Can I pay the Galapagos National Park fee with my credit card or travel checks?
Unfortunately the payment can only be in cash.

Where does my entrance fee go?
The Park entry fee collected upon a visitor’s arrival to Galapagos is used to help fund Park management and community and conservation projects in the islands. The beneficiaries are as follows: Galapagos National Park Service (40%), Municipal Governments (20%), the Galapagos Provincial Board (10%), Galapagos Marine Reserve (5%), the National System for Protected Areas (5%), the National Galapagos Institute (10%), the Quarantine and Inspection System (5%), and the Ecuadorian Navy (5%).

Is the cruise itinerary subject to change?
On occasions, the ship's captain may find it necessary to vary the itinerary due to Galapagos National Park regulations or for safety reasons.

What are the land visits like?
Most visits last one hour and half to three hours. They are in our small boats or pangas, and either are dry or wet landings. A guide will be always with you frequently making stops to explain or show things, the pace is gentle and never rushed.

What happens if I cancel my cruise?
Cancellations up to 61 days prior to departure, 20% of the total amount paid will be retained as a penalty fee. 60 or less days prior to departure 100% of the total tour rate is forfeited.

How can I pay my expenses on board?
Incidental expenses on board can be paid in cash US Dollars.

How far in advance should I book?
We recommend that you book your trip at least 6 months prior to your planned date of departure and 12 months prior to booking for holiday seasons.

Do I cruise between islands in the daytime or at night?
The days are normally spent anchored at one of the islands. Although there are times when you will sail short distances between islands during the day, longer distances are cruised at night to maximize daytime explorations and wildlife observations

Is the air ticket fare included?
No, it is not included, but we can issue the tickets. The airfare is subject to change; we will provide you with the rate the moment you book.

Do I need a passport or visa to go to Galapagos?
A passport is required. Your travel agency can advise you of any visa requirements when traveling to Ecuador.

Should I purchase travel insurance?
Yes, we thoroughly recommend taking out travel insurance before departing on your holiday.

Are there any luggage restrictions?
Domestic airline regulations permit 20 kilos per person for your luggage not including small carry-on flight bags.

What time zone is used in Galapagos?
Ecuador is in the Eastern Time Zone (GMT-5 in the mainland). Galapagos is one hour behind mainland Ecuador.

How long does the flight from Quito or Guayaquil take to Galapagos?
The flight from Quito to Guayaquil takes thirty minutes, from Guayaquil to Galapagos takes an hour and thirty minutes

Does Galapagos Odyssey offer special food if I have any food restriction?
Yes, in case you require vegetarian food or special meal please let us know at least 6 weeks in advance so we can take care of it.

What is the physical condition required the cruise?
Elderly or disabled people may have problems in the difficult trails. We recommend that passengers be in reasonably good physical condition as some trails are difficult to pass through.

Will I encounter rough seas or bad weather?
Due to strong currents, there will be moderate movement of the vessel while navigating. Most passengers are not affected, however, if you are prone to seasickness we recommend you to bring some type of medication to prevent motion sickness.

What is the best season to take the cruise?
No matter what time of year you visit the islands, you will always find the wildlife activity.
During the "hot" season the islands are generally much greener and the land birds most active. It is also during this period that the ocean temperature is warmer for swimming and snorkeling. During the "cool" season the land birds and sea mammals are most active. This is the best time for observing courtship displays in the sea birds.