Frequently Asked Questions
When planning a visit to new place, especially a foreign country, it is perfectly normally to have many questions. This is why Dreamkapture Travel provides you with this easy guide to the often asked questions about preparing to go to the Galapagos Islands.
Below you will find answers to frequently asked questions about cruises in the Galapagos. We have separated the questions in two groups: “Most Commonly Asked Questions” and “More Specific Subjects.”
If you have a question which is not addressed here you can always contact us, and we will happy to answer your question. Contact Us
Most Common Questions:
When is the best time to visit the Galapagos?
The Galapagos Islands are a year round destination and can be visited during any time of the year.
The high seasons are generally considered to be mid-December through January and June through August, as this is when most foreign visitors arrive, but visiting year-round is no problem.
In the Galapagos, peak tourist periods are June to August, December to January and around Easter. The wildlife is always there, and you can see birds courting and young in their nests during any month. The exception are waved albatrosses, which leave en masse in mid-December and stay at sea until late March.
The warmest season is December to June with air temperatures 77°F to 90°F / 25ºC to 32ºC. The water temperature during this period ranges from 68°F to 80°F / 20ºC to 27ºC.
From July to November temperatures vary from low 68°Fs to 80°Fs / 20ºC to 27ºC.
The water temperature during this period ranges from 64°F to 75°F / 18ºC to 24ºC.
No matter which time of the year you go, there is always lots of wildlife to be seen.
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What should I bring?
Here is a helpful list on the important things to bring with you to the Galapagos.
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Small backpack
- Hat (preferably with a brim)
- Shorts
- Long pants
- T-shirts
- Long and Short sleeved shirts
- Wind breaker / light raincoat
- Bathing suit
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Tennis shoes rubber soles for on the ship
- Flip Flops
- Camera and binoculars
- Extra film, memory cards, discs
- Spare batteries or charging device
- Medication which you may be taking
- Insurance documentation
- Passport
- Money (US$ cash)
- Insect Repellent (only as a precaution)
Wetsuits and Snorkeling equipment are available on the ships usually as a rental (Upper class ships will often include these items, but it varies from ship to ship). If you already have a mask, it is always better to bring your own for the sake of the fit and if it has a corrective lens.
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Are there things I should not bring?
There are things which you will probably be better off not bringing to the Galapagos or to Ecuador.
The Do Not Bring List:
- Fruits, Vegetables, and Dairy Products to the Galapagos. The Galapagos islands are biologically protected area. If you are planning on bringing snacks with you avoid these are not allowed.
- Travelers Checks: Nobody wants to cash these in Ecuador, not even the banks. You are better off bringing a credit card with ATM capabilities.
- Foreign Money: It is better that you come to Ecuador with United States dollars. You can change Euros, but the exchange rate will not be good. The ATM's here will depense US dollars, and will make a better exchange rate automatically. Other foreign currency is extremely difficult to exchange.
- Bills larger than $20. $50 and $100 bills can be a curse here. Not many people want to take them, especially for smaller purchases. You will find the stores and businesses will be relunctant to make change for big bills. Taxi drivers are notorious for not having change and it is best to have small bills to pay the exact fare to avoid problems.
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What is included in the cruise price?
What is included can vary from ship to ship. But here are list of the basic items on all ships.
Prices includes ALL of the following:
- Bilingual Naturalist guide for the entire cruise
- All meals on board
- Water, coffee, and Tea
- The Excursions specified in
itinerary
- Accommedations in a double cabin
Below are additional items which could be included depending on the ship you choose. We will confirm what will be included on the ship of your choice prior to your purchasing a cruise.
- Snorkeling equipment (mask, fins, and snorkel... these are available on all ships but is usually as a rental, especially on Tourist and Tourist Superior cruises)
- Wetsuits (Wetsuits are usually a rental for about $5 per day of use. The Luxury ships normally include these as part of your cruise.)
- Snacks after excursions. Normally there are always snacks.
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What is not included in the cruise price?
Unless an item is specifically stated in a promotion, your cruise will not include:
- INGALA Migration card ($10; obtained at the airport in either Quito or Guayaquil)
- Galapagos National Park entrance fee ($100; purchase in airport in the Galapagos)
- Airfare from the mainland of Ecuador to the Galapagos ($330 - $424 depending on departure city and season)
These items vary from ship to ship
- Alcohol and Soft drinks
- snorkeling equipment
- wetsuits
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What is the difference between cruises?
This question can be applied to several specific characteristics of the choices you have when deciding on a Galapagos cruise.
There are differences in the class of ship, style of the ship, what the ship provides to its passengers, itineraries, number of days of the cruise, and cost.
Class of ship:
There are 4 classes is cruise ships: Tourist, Tourist Superior, First, & Luxury. The most significant differences among the cruises is going to be...
- Space aboard the ship. Space can be a critical comfort issue with some people. Spaces in the cabins, in the common rooms, and the deck will depend on the physical size of your ship. The better the class the more space you are going to have. First and Luxury Classes are going to have bigger ships, often with the same number of passengers as the smaller ships.but not necessarily more people.
- Quality and Quantity of Service. Much like a hotel the better the class the more extras you will have. With each step up in class you will have... better food, better guides, better rooms, a better ship! Also you will find extras items included such as: buffet style meals, snorkeling equipment or wetsuits included, additional presentations about the Galapagos, and many of the Luxury class ships have kayaking available.
- Destinations. Some destinations are only reached by First and Luxury class ships. This is due to the speed of the ship and the cost of fuel. Isabela and Fernandina islands are examples of this. These are both fantastic places, but there is a cost involved in getting there.
- Type of Ship. There are four basic styles of ships cruising the Galapagos: Motor Sailboats, Catamarans, Yachts, and Cruise Ships. Use the links to learn more about each type of ship.
- Number of Days in the Cruise. There are several choices for the duration of days in a cruise and the different options allow for different budgets and time schedules. You can find 4, 5, and 8 day options are the most common among the ships. Each ship has its specific itinerary and some ships will have 6 and 15 day options available.
Is a 5 day cruise better than a 4 day?
This depends on the itinerary of the ship. There are places in the Galapagos which are of more interest than others. Often the 4 day cruises will visit the places which are more geologically unique, are animal abundant, and are the least impacted by humans. An 8 day cruise is the best way to see the most in the Galapagos. On an 8 day cruise you will see the entire scope of the particular ship's itinerary. In conclusion: between a 4 and 5 day cruise... more does not always mean better. Our sales staff can explain the difference between the 4 and 5 day options on any particular cruise you like.
- Cost. This is simple, the higher the class of ship, the more the cost is going to be. Also 4 days are going to be less expensive than a 5 day or an 8 day cruise. Some cost involved with the Galapagos are the same regardless of which cruise you choose. These are the Park Permit $100, the INGALA Transit card $10, and Airfare for the most part is the same with little variation between airlines.
- Price Ranges:
- Tourist Class:
- 4 days: $570 - $650
- 5 days: $630 - $750
- 8 days: $1070 - $1300
- Tourist Superior:
- 4 days: $620 - $870
- 5 days: $770 - $900
- 8 days: $1120 - $1400
- First Class:
- 4 days: $760 - $1050
- 5 days: $960 - $1300
- 8 days: $1600 - $1900
- Luxury Class:
- 4 days: $900 - $3000
- 5 days: $1200 - $3800
- 8 days: $1800 - $6000 +
The above prices ranges are provided as a reference guide only and are not intended as exact prices for cruises, and they Do Not include the cost of park permits or flight tickets.
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Can I start and end my cruise on the same days I am flying?
YES you can!
On the day your cruise is beginning or ending there will be an airport pick up and drop off. This is to pick up new passengers to begin their Galapagos cruise and to return other passengers to the airport to depart the Galapagos.
This is the normal procedure with all the ships in the Galapagos. If you are beginning your cruise on the same day you arrive in the Galapagos you will be picked up in the airport by a representative of the ship. If you are flying out on the day you end your cruise you will be provided transportation to the airport in time for your departure flight.
*There are exemptions to this. There are some cruises that finish later on the last day and would require your departure flight be the next day. Also there are flights that arrive too late in the day to begin your cruise that same day.
Dreamkapture Travel arranges airline flights to the Galapagos for the same price as the airlines. When you book with Dreamkapture Travel, we make certain that you are on a flight / airline that does not conflict with your cruise schedule. This can be extremely critical if you only have a set amount of time to visit the Galapagos.
Let Dreamkapture Travel arrange you flight needs after you have decided on a cruise. It is always best to purchase you cruise first and then the flight. This way you do not restrict you cruise options and Dreamkapture can work with cruise ship for reserved seats on the airlines.
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More Specific Questions:
Air-conditioning
Most ships have Air Conditioning. Only a few of the Tourist Class and one or two of the Tourist Superior Class do not have air conditioning. If this is important to you, check the specification on the webpage for the ship(s) you are interested in, and it will be stated there.
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Airport Assistance
We provide you simple step by step instructions to guide you through the mainland airports. Once you arrive in the Galapagos, a representative from your selected ship will be looking for you. They will normally have a sign with the ship's name on it. When all the new guests are gathered you will then be shuttled to the ship to begin your Galapagos cruise adventure.
First Class and Luxury cruises will also assist you with your luggage in the Galapagos airports.
In Guayaquil, Airport pick-up is available by a private service which Dreamkapture can arrange for you. There is an additional cost for this service of $15 ( it can be more if there is a longer wait for your arrival). You need to confirm with Dreamkapture to arrange this and provide your name, flight number, arrival time, number of people in the group, and the amount of luggage you are traveling with.
The airport in Guayaquil is safe and secure. The best way to get to Dreamkapture Hostel is by a taxi inside the airport. The cost is usually about $4 - $5 dollars
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Baggage / Luggage
The airlines have a luggage allowance of one piece of 44lbs (20 kilos) plus 2 small carry-ons for flights to and from Galapagos. Dreamkapture Hostel in Guayaquil offers free storage to clients who purchased their cruise with Dreamkapture Travel. Otherwise there is a fee of $5 per bag, per week.
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Cabins on the ships
Cabins in the ships are generally small and will consist of two birth beds (bunk), and will have a private bathroom. The size of the cabins will usually increase with the higher class of ship you take your cruise on. There are a few options of a matrimonial beds in the Tourist and Tourist Superior classes and more frequently on First and Luxury Class ships. But most cabins on all the ships will have single beds.
Here are some of the ships
which offer double or matrimonial bed cabin options:
The cabin size is determined by the type of ship, for example a First or Luxury Class Catamaran or Cruise ship will have larger rooms with both beds being on the floor and more opportunities for matrimonial beds than that of a motor yacht or sail boat.
If you are traveling alone, you will have a roommate while on the cruise. Your roommate will be the same sex as you, (only a few ships mix sexes in the rooms and you would be informed of this option prior to purchase).
The price of a private room is normally double.
Some ships do offer triple cabins (for 3 people). These ships are: Cormorant Evolution, Coral I, Coral II, Eclipse, Eric, Flamingo, Galapagos Explorer II, Galapagos Legend, Letty, and the Santa Cruz.
You can find descriptions of the cabins on each of the ship's webpages. All ships are listed at: Quick Ship Pick page.
Also to read more on the differences between classes see:
What is the difference between cruises.
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Cameras & Underwater Photography
It is certain that you will want to have photos of your trip to the Galapagos Islands. Bringing your own camera is a must. Whether you use a digital or conventional camera, you will find that you will be able to charge batteries on all the cruise ships (110 v).
If you are wanting to have some underwater photos and you do not already have an underwater housing for your camera, it is best to buy a single use camera. Probably the easiest one to find here in Ecuador is the "Sport Single Use" camera. 
- Waterproof up to 50 feet.
- Clearest, sharpest pictures! Loaded with Kodak Ultra Max 800 speed, 27 exposure film for clearer, sharper pictures than any underwater camera.
- For outdoor and daylight use only.
This camera usually sells for about $13-$14 and you can find it in the Ecuacolor camera stores in most of the Malls in Ecuador.
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Climate
The Galapagos Islands are isolated so the climate is determined almost entirely by the ocean currents, which in turn are influenced by trade winds that push the currents. In general, December to May are the warmest months with temperatures of 80ºF to 90ºF (26ºC to 35ºC). June to November is cooler 70ºF to 80ºF (20ºC to 26ºC).
Mainland Ecuador - Highlands: It is spring-like most of the year. May through November is dry with an average temperature of 70ºF (20ºC). December to April is slightly cooler though still very pleasant.
Mainland Ecuador - Coast: The average temperature is 83ºF (28ºC), with a hot, rainy season from December to May and a dry season from June to December.
Mainland Ecuador - Jungle: In the Jungle the climate is hot 77ºF (25ºC), humid and rainy.
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Communications / Telephone
You will find land line phone service and cellular coverage in the Galapagos. But this is only in the main islands. While on your cruise in the more remote areas there could be days when you will have no phone signal. The ships maintain communications by radio. In the cities of Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz and Puerto Baquerizo Moreno on San Cristobal you will be able to find Internet Cafes and Cabinas to make international phone calls.
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Clothing...What should I wear?
You are on vacation, dress comfortable and informal. When visiting the islands bring comfortable lightweight clothing. If you sunburn easily, you should take this into consideration as well. For the evenings bring long pants and a wind-breaker / light jacket. Shoes are another item which should not be neglected. Good shoes are a must for many of the locations you will be visiting. The Galapagos are mostly made of lava, and lava is hard sharp type of rock. But there will be destinations where flip-flops are just fine.
On some of the First Class and Luxury ships you maybe required to dress for dinner; casual with shoes, no shorts, etc.
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Customs and Forbidden Items
The Galapagos are part of the Ecuador and have no international airports. But in order to preserve this special place and prevent the introduction of new species to the islands you are not allowed to take items such as fruits, vegetables, cheeses, eggs, flowers and seeds. Your luggage will be scanned at the SICGAL inspection station prior to you checking in for your flight.
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Departure Date / I have a specific dates which I can travel
Maybe your schedule is unflexible or you only have a short window of time which you can visit the Galapagos. How do you know what is available? At Dreamkapture Travel we sell every cruise ship. Provide us with your travel dates, number of people in your group, and budget and we can tell you what is available to match your needs. Contact Us.
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Documents Required
According to Ecuadorian Immigration regulations, every foreign passenger entering the Country must have a passport with a time validity of at least 6 months from the day of arrival to Ecuador. A Visa is not required by anyone regardless of their nationality if they will not be staying more than 90 days.
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Duration of Trip
There are 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 11, and even 15 day cruises.
Almost all of the ships only offer the 4, 5, and 8 day options.
This is due to their itineraries. Only a few ship have the 6, 10, 11, and 15 day options.
An 8 day cruise will include all the destinations of the particular ships itinerary. For example if the cruise starts on Sunday then you will visit all the different locations on the itinerary and end the cruise by returning to where you started the next Sunday.
The 4 and 5 day cruises are halves of the 8 day cruise. Most cruises have a halfway point when they will be in or near a port location. At this halfway point they say good bye to some guest and welcome new ones aboard. The 15 day cruise are a northern 8 day cruise and a southern 8 day cruise combined. Only a few ships are offering this option.
If the numbers do not add up for you this is because your first and last day on any cruise will be a half day. On the first day you will have an afternoon activity and on the last day an early morning activity. These half days are part of every ships schedule to bring on new passengers and to get others back to the airport on time for their return flight.
Dreamkapture Travel encourages our clients to spend a few days on the islands either before or after their cruise to take in some of the sites which were not part of the cruise. If you are scuba diver you will definitely want to make time to dive in the Galapagos.
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Electricity
The ships all have 110v electricity on board, and some also offer 220v.
The electricity in Ecuador is 110v with North American standard plugs. If necessary you should bring your own adapter.
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Entrance Fee
The Islands are part of the Ecuadorian National Parks system. There is an entrance fee of $100 U.S. dollars for adults and $50 for children under 12. The fee is collected on arrival in the airport in the Galapagos Islands and is ONLY payable in cash. There is no ATM access in the Galapagos airports, and they do not except $100 bills. You need to have the money on you prior to leaving the mainland. Credit card or travelers checks are not accepted.
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Flights to / from Galapagos
All Galapagos trips start with a flight from mainland Ecuador (Quito or Guayaquil). The flight from Guayaquil to Galapagos takes approximately 1.5 hours. The flight from Quito stops at Guayaquil and then flies on to the Islands. The total travel time from Quito to the islands is approximately 2.5 hours.
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Flights tickets to the Galapagos
At Dreamkapture we can book your flight tickets to the Galapagos for the same price as the airlines. You also have the option of using a credit card (only in Guayaquil) or paying by cash. The price is the same either way you would like.
Guayaquil-Galapagos-Guayaquil
Currently High Season prices are about $453
and Low Season prices are about $410
Quito-Galapagos-Quito
Currently High Season prices are about $503
and Low Season prices are about $450
Other combinations are available as well.
All ticket prices are subject to change and this is only a reference.
Specific tickets prices can be provided by Dreamkapture Travel.
Often people think it is best to buy your flight tickets first and then book a cruise...
BUT THIS CAN CAUSE PROBLEMS!
This can greatly complicate things by limiting your choices for cruises due to conflicts between ship's schedules and flight times. The ships will not normally wait for someone arriving on a later flight. Also your return flight can effect your options for cruise. In addition, changing flight tickets can be difficult and expensive.
When Dreamkapture Travel arranges your flight tickets there will be no conflict between the flight times and the ship’s schedule. We are also able to draw upon the reserved seats which each ship has to obtain your flight. Some ships are very specific about airlines in order to avoid just such situations.
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Food
Food can vary from traditional Ecuadorian dishes to something more international. If you are a vegetarian or have any special dietary needs please let us know in advance so that we can make the necessary arrangements. All meals on board are included in the price of the cruise.
On the Tourist and Tourist Superior Class ships meals are normally served as a fixed or single plate meal.
On the First and Luxury Class ships meals are normally buffet.
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Galapagos National Park & Marine Reserve
The Galapagos National Park protects 97% of the land mass on the islands. In addition, the Galapagos Marine Reserve protects a further 138,000 square km of sea surrounding the Islands.
The Park’s mission is to protect, conserve and manage the Islands ecosystems and its biological diversity for the benefit of humanity, local populations, science and education.
All the ships strictly adhere to the rules of the Galapagos National Park. All cruise itineraries are approved annually by the National Park. All ships passengers are always accompanied by a fully qualified Galapagos National Park guide.
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Health
Daily trips to the islands involve getting in and out of small boats known as pangas, which require some physical effort and balance. Daily nature walks may include walking on irregular ground including boulders. Briefings will be given by your guide in advance of the landings to better help you determine the levels of difficulty.
It is advisable that guests should be in reasonably good health and physical condition to fully enjoy a cruise in the Galapagos Islands. If a passenger suffers from any medical condition that might impact their travel experience they should consult with their doctor before traveling to the Galapagos to ensure that they are capable of undertaking the trip. In addition, passengers should advise us of their condition and associated medical needs prior to travel.
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Insurance
It is recommend that passengers buy trip cancellation insurance. In addition, we also recommend the following insurances: life, international medicine, baggage loss and baggage delay, loss of personal belongings lost or stolen personal objects during the length of the trip.
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Internet
In the cities of Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz and Puerto Baquerizo Moreno on San Cristobal you will be able to find Internet Cafes where you can connect to the Internet. None of the boats offer onboard internet service.
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Island Visits
The ships will anchor and guests will visit a minimum of two sites each day (with the exception of the first and last day). You will leave your ship to the island on a "panga" (local name for dinghies). There are two kinds of landings in the Galapagos: Dry and Wet. A dry landing would consist of stepping out of the panga onto a solid dry surface such as a dock, large rock or concrete slab. A wet landing would mean you are stepping out of the panga onto a beach. With the wet landing you would be barefooted and carrying your shoes in your hand. Once ashore your guide will lead you on marked trails explaining the geology and natural history of the location, and you are encouraged to ask your guide questions. Your treks will be done at a leisurely pace allowing plenty of time to enjoy and photograph the amazing wildlife and scenery. There is often an opportunity to swim and/or snorkel during these visits should you wish.
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Language
All the naturalist guides are bilingual and tours are conducted in English and Spanish if required. Some guides speak multiple languages and it is possible to arrange tours in another languages besides English and Spanish. There would be an additional cost for a specialty guide.
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Landings
The shores of the islands and the access to visitor sites can have rocky surfaces or beaches. Landings may be dry or wet. Dry landings are easily performed, as you will find a flat rocky surface for proper docking with the outing boats or sometimes a real pier as a landing place. When a beach is the only way of accessing a visitor site, it is performed as a wet landing. These are also quite simple since you just remove your shoes and socks, proceed to the front of the dinghy (or panga), and while swinging your legs out, you gently slide off the side of the panga, and will not wet yourself any higher than knee level. Afterwards, dry your feet, put your shoes on, and you will be ready to go. From time to time you may find rougher swells than the usual ones, and so the wet landing requires extra caution. At any landing, please, follow the instructions of the staff in charge.
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Last Minute Deals on Cruise
Last Minute Pricing happens about one week or a little more before the ship embarks. The reason for these deals are to sell the remaining spaces on the ship before the it sails.
Most often this can save you some money when purchasing a Galapagos Cruise.
The pros on this are:
The cons are:
- Your choices are limited to what is remains available.
- Spaces can be limited (not good for larger groups).
- You will need to be able to pay right away
- There are addition taxes and fees for using a credit card (these amounts can cancel out your Last Minute savings)
- Limitations on your ATM withdraws
- Requires additional days before the trip to gather funds to pay
This is a great way to save money, but time is of the essense and it is good to be able to react quickly. Paying with a credit card will involve other fees. Spaces on ships can sell out at anytime.
Dreamkapture Travel contacts the ships your are interested in to confirm there is space available and the Last Minute Prices. Contact us with your travel dates to find out what we have that matches your needs. For more advice on Last Minute Deals Click Here.
Also click here to visit our Last Minute Deal webpage.
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Money
The currency in Ecuador is United States dollars. On the Islands, most major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Diners etc) are widely accepted, except in smaller stores.
You can find Banco Pichincha and Pacifico branches on the island of Santa Cruz and Banco Pacifico on San Cristobal. Both have ATM machines that accept MasterCard, Visa and cards affiliated with the Cirrus, Maestro, Banred and ATM system. It maybe possible to change travelers checks but this is more difficult and a there is a service charge.
Important note: Most shops, restaurants, individuals, and even some banks will not accept $100 bills, we recommend taking smaller denomination notes.
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Myths about the Galapagos
There are several myths about the Galapagos which continue to be spread around by travelers. They have almost become like urban legends. Here are some of the myths about the Galapagos...
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Paying for your Galapagos Cruise
There are several methods for paying for you cruise.
- Paying by cash
- Direct Deposit to our bank account in Ecuador
- Paying in cash in our office in Guayaquil
- Wire Money
- We accept:
- (fees are paid up front before the wire is made)
- Bank Transfer
- Transfer money from your bank account to our
- (Bank Tranfer fees are subtracted from the amount transfered reducing the amount received)
- (This method takes time; up to a week. Not accepted for Last Minute Purchases)
- Credit Card
- Credit card will have additional taxes and fees applied
- Can only be done in our office in Guayaquil (signature required)
- *fees and taxes Do Not Apply to Airline Tickets...only the cruises
Are sales staff can thoroughly explain the differences, limitations, and consequences of each of these payment methods available to you. This way you can determine which is going to be the best for you.
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Prices of Cruises
The prices of cruises vary from ship to ship, from class to class, and to the number of days of the cruise. Also the prices of cruises are often changing due to the demand and availability of spaces on the ships. Most ships only have 16 passengers. The more economical Tourist and Tourist Superior Classes tend to sell quickly once Last Minute Pricing is available.
Here are some pricing guidelines
 Tourist Class:
- 4 days: $570 - $650
- 5 days: $630 - $750
- 8 days: $1070 - $1300
Tourist Superior:
- 4 days: $620 - $870
- 5 days: $770 - $900
- 8 days: $1120 - $1400
First Class:
- 4 days: $760 - $1050
- 5 days: $960 - $1300
- 8 days: $1600 - $1900
Luxury Class:
- 4 days: $900 - $3000
- 5 days: $1200 - $3800
- 8 days: $1800 - $6000 +
We update our prices for Last Minute Cruises daily. In addition, we do contact every ship to confirm your price and availability before you purchase. When you are working with us you will be getting the most update prices for cruises in the Galapagos.
We also recommend that you read
What is NOT included in the cruise price?
To see what Last Minute Deal prices are currently visit our Last Minute Deal webpage. If there is something you are interested, contact us from this page and we will provide you with more detailed information.
Why cruise prices are not posted on Dreamkapture's web site?
Prices of cruises can and do fluctuate frequently. Prices change because of the season, the availability of spaces, and the demand for the spaces.
Here at Dreamkapture Travel we sell every ship in the Galapagos, and as part of our service we contact the ships which match your needs to check the availability of spaces and the current prices. This way you will receive from us the most up-to-date information and best prices. This allows us to give you the a low current price for your travel dates without posting a high price on our website that does not need to be changed like other websites do.
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Scuba Diving
The Galapagos Islands are a world destination for scuba diving. The waters are a little colder but the abundance of animal life is amazing. In addition to reef fish and schooling fish, but you will have the opportunity to scuba with sea lions, turtles, reef sharks, hammerhead sharks, manta rays and much more.
Conditions in the Galapagos are more suitable for experienced dives
There are three types of diving options in the Galapagos: Day Trips, Live-Aboards, and a few regular cruises with diving options
Day trips are offered out of Puerto Ayora and Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. The day trips are more economical, usually consisting of two dives, and the price varies according to distance traveled.
Dreamkapture works with all the best dive operators, and we can help plan out your diving experience Prices begin around $150 per day and include complete equipment rental, boat transportation, and a sack lunch.
Live-Aboard diving would involve numerous dive days on the ship and visiting some of the more remote dive locations. The Live-Aboard options will cost about $575 per person per day. These dive ships only do very limited land visits (usually only Santa Cruz and San Cristobal islands).
Only a few of the cruise ships allow diving. This is a new feature as of February 2012. The diving portion of the cruise is slightly different than that of the regular passengers to accommendate the scuba diving. You can read more about this at Dive Cruises.
At Dreamkapture we are able to provide you with Scuba Diving itineraries and make all the arrangments for your diving days while you are in the Galapagos. We work with all the best Dive Operators in the Galapagos and when you let us arrange it for you there is absolutely NO extra charge!
If you want to know more just Contact Us with your scuba diving specifics and days if possible. We will provide you inclusive prices and dive locations.
Also visit our Scuba Diving Page: Diving in the Galapagos
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Seasickness / Motion Sickness
By comparison the waters around the Galapagos are considered to be calm. But some people are susceptible to motion sickness (sea sickness). The motion will be felt more on smaller ships than the larger ships, and there can be differences between the style of ships. For example catamarans are known to be the most stable.
Another thing to take into consideration is where your cabin is located. The higher up the cabin is the more the motion will be felt. If you do suffer from motion sickness then you should try to avoid the months when the seas are generally the roughest (August and September). Also there are also various sea sickness medications and aids readily available from pharmacist and other suppliers. These can be obtained over the counter here in Ecuador. One brand is called: Mareol.
Medication should be taken prior to feeling the sick, or before you go aboard your ship.
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Shopping
On the larger ships you will often find memorabilia which you can purchase: T-shirts, baseball caps, handmade Ecuadorian jewelry and other items. There may even be a gift shop on the luxury ships.
When you are in port cities or at the airport there will be an opportunities to browse some of the shops to purchase local crafts and souvenirs.
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Smoking Policy
Smoking is not allowed within the Galapagos National Park or within enclosed areas of the boat. Smoking is permitted on deck though and guests are asked to be considerate of other passengers who may be within the vicinity.
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Snorkeling & Wetsuits
Snorkelling equipment and wetsuits are available on all the ships. Usually the equipment is an additional rental; mask, snorkel, and fins for the entire cruise, and wetsuits by the day. Please let us know if you think you will be wanting a wetsuit, and we can let the ship know your size to have one available on board. Some guests prefer to bring their own to ensure the perfect fit. Please advise your size in advance (XS, S,M,L, XL).
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Time Zone
The Galapagos Islands are GMT -6 hours and do not change their clocks for Daylight Savings (because they are on the equator). This means that in the summer months they are the same time as Mountain Daylight Time but in the winter months they are the same time as Central Standard Time.
Simply put the Galapagos islands are one hour behind from the mainland time. For example if it is 4:00 pm in Guayaquil or Quito it will be 3:00 pm in the islands. This will also reflect with your arrival time on your flight ticket as Galapagos time.
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Tipping / Gratuities
In the Galapagos, it is customary to leave a gratuity for the guide and crew separately. Gratuities are at the sole discretion of the passengers and should be based on the level of service received. Usually a tip is between 8% and 10%.
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Transfers
Transfers on the Galapagos Islands.
All transfers from the airport in the Galapagos to the boat are included in your cruise if you are flying in on the same day your cruise is beginning. The same is true if you are flying out on the same day your cruise is ending.
If you are going to be in the islands prior to your cruise, you will be required to be at a meeting place either in the city or at the airport. This will depend on where your ship is anchored on that day. A representative from the ship will be looking for you, most likely they will have a sign with the ship's name on it.
Transfers in Quito or Guayaquil.
Transfers between the airport and your hotel and hotel to airport in Quito or Guayaquil are usually done by Taxi. Taxis are safe and dependable at the airports. There is the option of a special pick up by a private taxi service. Contact us to inquire the price of this.
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Water
On board most ships use reverse osmosis to produce fresh water. The water from the taps is safe to drink. If you have hestiations you might feel more comfortable drinking bottled water.
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Water Temperatures
December to June: 68ºF to 80ºF (21ºC to 27ºC)
July to November: 64ºF to 75ºF (18ºC to 24ºC)
In regards to snorkeling, you may be more comfortable by obtaining a wetsuit (rental on board) in the colder months.
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What is NOT included in the tour price?
These are items which are not included in the price of your cruise unless specifically stated in a promotion.
Not Included:
- Gratuities / Tips to Guide and Crew
- Cancellation/medical insurance
- Drinks (except water, coffee, teas, which are complimentary)
- US$ 100 Galapagos National Park entrance fee*
- US$ 10 INGALA Card; monitors population in the islands*
- Airfare from mainland Ecuador ($330 - $424 depending on departure city and season)
- Wetsuit rental (if needed)
- Snorkel equipment (this will depend on the ship you choose)
* Please note that the Galapagos National Park fee and population control card are only payable in cash.
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