Travel Tips
General Information
On-Board Facilities
- The Treasures of the Galapagos cruise vessel features nine cabins: One Ocean View Master Suite (36 square meters in size) and eight junior suite cabins (18 square meters in size). All cabins include a private bathroom, hot water, personalized air conditioning, a security box, and a two square meter balcony (The Ocean View Master Suite includes two balconies).
- The cruise vessel also includes several luxurious areas for socialization, including two bars, three solariums, a library with a TV/DVD area, a Jacuzzi, a lounge, and a dining room.
Staff Service
- Treasures of the Galapagos features a bilingual (English and Spanish) crew of eight members in addition to a level-III certified naturalist guide, who will join you on all off-board excursions as described in the itinerary.
Electricity
- Ecuador uses 110 V electrical current. Guests whose devices do not run on 110 V current must supply their own international adapters.
Visa and Travel Documents
- As per international law, you must have a visa in order to enter Ecuador to begin your trip. While Palace Tours does not provide visas, we can help by providing you with all the necessary information you need to successfully obtain a visa to Ecuador.
Insurance (Personal and Otherwise):
- Palace Tours strongly recommends the purchase of adequate travel insurance in your country of origin prior to arrival to cover injury, illness, death, loss of luggage or effects, or cancellation.
Health Considerations
- Ecuador does not require a yellow fever vaccination, and the nation has no yellow fever or malaria alerts at any location at this time.
- Palace Tours strongly recommends you consult your physician for any personal health advice based on your travel itinerary.
Pre- and Post-Tour Accommodations
- Unless specifically mentioned, airfare (Domestic or international) to or from the Galapagos Islands and to or from Ecuador, accommodations before or after your tour, transfers to or from airports, and tour extensions are not included in the price of your journey, but can be arranged for an additional fee.
Off-Board Excursions
- During off-board scheduled excursions, as described in the itinerary, you will enjoy the services of a bilingual (English and Spanish) level-III certified naturalist guide. Please feel free to ask the guide any questions you may have, discuss any concerns, etc. Guides are there to ensure you are safe and having the best possible Galapagos experience!
- Transfers to and from the cruise vessel during excursions take place with panga boats, and these landings can either by dry or wet and are indicated as such in the itinerary.
- Due to environmental regulations, docks are not available for landings or departures on any uninhabited islands you will visit as part of your tour.
- All itineraries are approximate and subject to change based on availability and conditions at the destination.
Weather
- In the Galapagos Islands, the weather is relatively stable throughout the year.
- The cool, dry season lasts from July to December and brings overcast conditions and choppier waters. Temperatures range from 19° to 25° C, with an average sea temperature of 21° C.
- The warm, wet season lasts from January to June and brings sunny skies and the occasional heavy rain shower. Temperatures range from 22° to 27° C, with an average sea temperature of 24° C (Though it has been known to dip lower).
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to visit the Galapagos Islands?
- The Galapagos Islands are a perfect destination to visit at any time of year!
What should I pack with me on my trip to the Galapagos Islands?
- In terms of clothing, we recommend comfortable walking shoes or boots with strong traction, "Teva" style sandals for hiking on beaches or wet landings, a bathing suit, a light-to-medium fleece jacket for cool or breezy evenings, shorts (Quick-dry, if possible), T-shirts, sunglasses (Preferably polarized), and a hat or cap.
- We also recommend you pack your travel documents, such as your passport, a camera (With batteries and plenty of film/memory), a basic first-aid kit (Band-Aids, aspirin, seasickness pills, stomach-settling pills), and cash (Preferably in U.S. dollars). You should also pack a backpack for any off-board excursions so that you can carry any essentials you will need for the day.
- This list is by no means exhaustive, but merely a suggestion to get you started.
What is the currency?
- Ecuador's national currency is the U.S. dollar, so it is legal tender for any transactions you may make.
- Please note that all transactions you make on board the cruise vessel, such as for an alcoholic beverage or a wetsuit rental, must be conducted in cash.
What is the time difference in Ecuador?
- The Galapagos Islands are on GMT-6 (The same as Chicago). They do not observe Daylight Savings' Time, so during the months of April-October, they are on GMT-7 (The same as Denver). They are one hour behind mainland Ecuador.
How many airlines fly to the Galapagos Islands? How many airports are there?
- Only two airports in the Galapagos Islands receive flights from mainland Ecuador: Baltra Airport on the island of Santa Cruz and San Cristobal Airport on the island of the same name. There is also a small airport on the island of Isabela in operation to receive the occasional small flight from Santa Cruz.
- The Galapagos Islands are serviced by LAN, TAME, and Aerogal (Now owned by Avianca).
Do I need to be in good physical condition to visit the Galapagos Islands?
- Guests on the Treasures of the Galapagos itinerary can expect several hours of gentle walking each day on paths which may be unpaved and at varying slopes, so guests should have a level of fitness appropriate to participate. Please ask any questions you may have related to fitness as an impediment to participation at the time of booking.
- Certain treks or activities, like snorkeling, may require a greater degree of fitness.
Will I be able to use my cell phone or access the internet?
- Due to their isolated nature, cell phone and internet service will be limited on uninhabited islands.
Can my children accompany me on Treasures of the Galapagos?
- Children under 12 years of age are allowed on board Treasures of the Galapagos excursions and pay 40% of the adult fare.
I have dietary restrictions. Can I be accommodated?
- Guests with dietary restrictions are required to provide advance notice so that we can make special arrangements. Please ask any questions or indicate any dietary restrictions you may have at the time of booking.
Will I be able to do any laundry?
- Laundry service is not available on board Treasures of the Galapagos.
Should I leave a tip?
- Tips are not included in the total price of your journey and may be left as per the discretion of the guest.