What to pack for a Galapagos Islands Trip?

The key to choosing the clothes to pack for your Galapagos trip is comfort. In addition, you must know that in Galapagos we have two climatic seasons, a warm and wet one from January to June: from 21 °C (c.a 70 °F) to 30 °C (c.a 86 °F) and a cool and dry one from July to December: 65 °F (c.a 18 °C) to 75°F (c.a 24 °C). The climate in Galapagos does not change much, so the following list will help you to pick a type of clothing to wear in Galapagos all year round.

✓ Upper garments: Short and long-sleeved t-shirts and safari-type shirts are essential. Also, remember to bring a raincoat and a fleece jacket to keep you warm on cool nights. Remember to always wear light colors, to avoid being suffocated by dark clothing.

✓ Lower garments: Long and short hiking pants, they can be made of cotton or quick-drying synthetic fabrics. As with upper garments, we recommend wearing light colors.

✓ Swimsuit: We recommend bringing at least 2 swimsuits since you will spend almost every day at sea.

✓ Casual clothes for the night: After wearing the same clothes all day, you will need something more casual and comfortable to enjoy a dinner in town or onboard your cruise. It is not necessary to wear anything glamorous, but rather something with which you feel comfortable.

✓ Caps and hats: For sunny days we recommend safari-type hats, if you don’t have one, don’t worry, caps are also useful.

✓ Hiking shoes: To explore the rugged surfaces of the Galapagos we recommend you bring a pair of hiking shoes. If you don’t have them, don’t worry, you can bring sports shoes, but make sure they have a thick, patterned sole and above all that you feel comfortable.

✓ Sandals and water shoes: Sandals and water shoes are a good option for walking along the shores without worrying about getting your feet wet, or your everyday footwear getting damaged. We recommend you wear Teva-type shoes with straps.

We have already discussed the documents, clothing, and types of shoes that should not be missing in your luggage for your next Galapagos vacation. Now, it is time to list the personal items you should not forget. Some of them may be a bit obvious, however, we feel it is important to mention them, since, on the islands or aboard a cruise ship, they may be difficult to obtain.

✓ Sunglasses: The location of the Galapagos Islands on the equator makes the sun’s rays much more intense than in other parts of the world, so a pair of sunglasses with UV protection is necessary to protect the eyes.

✓ Toiletry kit: Most hotels and cruise ships provide you with these personal hygiene items. However, so that you do not lack the products you usually use, you can carry them in your luggage.

✓ Sunscreen: Just like taking care of your eyes, taking care of your skin is also essential. We recommend that you take a factor 100 sunscreen to avoid sunburn and get a spectacular tan before returning home.

✓ First aid kit: What you should never forget to pack in your suitcase are the medicines you have been prescribed in case you need them. In addition, we recommend that you take some basic medications such as ibuprofen, aspirin, and motion sickness pills.

✓ Refillable bottle: In hotels and cruise ships, there are purified water dispensers, so you can refill your bottle before the activities.

One of the most important parts of your vacation is documenting it, because just living it will not be enough to share it with your friends and family. Here are some recommendations of electronic devices you can’t forget to pack for your trip to Galapagos.

✓ Camera: Whether you are an amateur or professional photographer, and you love animals or landscapes, you will love the Galapagos Islands. Don’t forget to bring your camera, its charger, and enough memory to store all the pictures you want.

✓ Go-Pro: A camera as versatile and waterproof as the Go-Pro allows you to document your snorkeling or diving experiences in the crystalline and biodiverse waters of the islands.

✓ Power adapters: In Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands we use the same electrical connections as in the USA at 110v; if you are from Europe you will need to bring your power adapter, to be able to charge and avoid damage to your electronic equipment.

Previously, we have mentioned several of the items that you should pack for your trip to Galapagos and because of their importance, you should not forget. Below, we have listed some additional items, which are not essential, but worth remembering.

✓ Binoculars: Generally, wildlife is very easy to spot without special equipment, but on the other hand, sometimes they can be a bit distant, so binoculars can be very useful.

✓ Waterproof bag: This type of bag is ideal to prevent your electronic devices from getting wet and damaged.

✓ Sunburn creams: These types of creams can be very useful to take care of your skin after suffering a sunburn.

✓ Hiking poles: These can be useful during hikes, they help you to support yourself better and thus be able to walk with more stability on the rocky surfaces of the islands.

✓ Wildlife guide: This type of guide will help you discover more about Galapagos species. There are several options both in online book stores and in physical stores, so it will not be difficult to acquire one.

✓ Small backpack: This can be useful for carrying personal items during excursions.