Galapagos Essentials: What You Need to Pack for Your Expedition
17 Apr 2024 | Galapagos Islands
Got a golden ticket to visit the Galapagos Islands and wondering what on earth to take to the wildlife wonderland off the coast of Ecuador? Here’s your essential guide on what to pack on a Galapagos trip – from footwear to clothing and aquatic gear. Rest assured, you won’t be weighed down during your trip – this stunning archipelago of volcanic islands is an excellent year-round destination, with temperate subtropical weather conditions that leave plenty of room in your luggage for sunscreen and sandals.
Footwear
Leave your flimsy flip flops at home or back on the boat. Hiking or tennis shoes are a must on the islands, as you’ll be traversing across a variety of terrain, including rocky lava fields, beaches, cliffs, forests, shrubland and grasslands. Experience each of the 18 Galapagos Islands’ different walking experiences in full alongside our expert naturalist guides.
Guests can take beach treks to meet curious sea lions and iguanas, hike black sand beaches, explore lava landscapes and craters, and tackle challenging uphill climbs for magnificent 360° island views. Don’t forget to pack a pair of water shoes or water-resistant sandals for wet tender landings during regular sea and shore expeditions.
Clothes
The Galapagos Islands have little temperature difference between the warmer rainy season (December-May) and the cool, dry garua season (June-November). The islands experience a pleasant year-round temperature range between 69°- 84°F (21°- 30°C).
Nevertheless, the Galapagos subtropical climate can produce a range of weather conditions – from blue, sunny skies to periodic rain showers. Pack lightweight, layered clothing with good SPF protection, including sun shirts, shorts, long-sleeved tops, and long trousers. Protective, wide-brimmed hats and polarized sunglasses are a good idea as the Galapagos’ strong equatorial sun has a sharp bite.
A rain jacket or windbreaker is essential during the warmer, wetter months when short tropical downpours are more common thanks to the Humboldt Current. Have a sweater or fleece on hand for the chillier and more overcast, misty season in June-December when temperatures can dip into the low 60°F (15°C) range in the mornings and evenings. Daytime temperatures hover around a pleasant 69°F (21°C), perfect for outdoor adventures.
Swimwear
It wouldn’t be a trip to the Galapagos without a host of water activities. On board Aqua Mare, exploring the ocean is a daily option, with snorkeling, kayaking, stand up paddleboarding and diving excursions available to our aquatically-minded travelers. Top-of-the-range equipment for water activities such as wetsuits and snorkeling gear are provided — the same kits allocated to you throughout the duration of your voyage. At least two swimsuits are essential, along with long or short sleeve rash vests, waterproof sunscreen, and SPF lip balm.
Miscellaneous items
Mosquito repellent with DEET 7 should be liberally applied to keep bugs at bay during expeditions. While your phone or digital camera will quickly fill up with amazing shots of the Galapagos unique scenery and wildlife, be sure to capture what’s going on under the sea with an underwater camera for snorkeling. You can also look forward to candids taken by our attentive crew!
Don’t fret if you miss an item
Not sure if you’ve checked off every item on your Galapagos packing list? Don’t fret. Provided on board Aqua Mare is a well-stocked supply of Galapagos essentials, including high SPF sunblock, tropical strength insect repellent, beach bags, binoculars for spotting birdlife and wildlife and water sports equipment ranging from snorkeling gear to paddleboards and kayaks. In line with our mission to eliminate plastic usage on board, we also provide all guests with their very own reusable water bottle that doubles as a keepsake of their time with us. Just bring a sense of adventure and you’ll be good to go!
Join us in the Galapagos
If you’d like to be packing a bag for a once-in-a-lifetime trip to the Galapagos Islands, our Aqua Expeditions team would love to welcome you onboard Aqua Mare, the first true superyacht in the Galapagos Islands. With our expert guides and 1:1 personalized service, you’ll experience the Galapagos in style and comfort. Contact our Expedition Consultants to book your suite.
