Avoid Overpacking for Your Galapagos Cruise

Ideal items to bring on your Galapagos cruise adventure

The lighter your load, the more freedom you’ll have to enjoy your Galapagos adventure to the fullest! Because of the archipelago’s unique terrain, equatorial climate, and the diversity of excursions you’ll take, it can be difficult to strike that happy packing medium between under-prepared and over-prepared for your daily activities by overpacking for your cruise. Complete with essential pre-trip tips, a packing checklist, and an online gear shop, this ultimate Galapagos packing guide will help you decide which items should make the cut for your cruise of a lifetime.

Read on to discover tips for packing light –and right– for your Galapagos cruise.

1) Opt for function over fashion.

Perhaps the most important element of conquering the Galapagos packing challenge, and not overpacking for your cruise, is opting for function over fashion. The aesthetics of the items you bring don’t matter nearly as much as being comfortable at sea and on shore, prepared for any adventure, and well-protected in the elements! With a quick visit to Quasar’s gear shop, you’ll find recommendations for multi-function clothing and excursion-tested equipment perfectly suited for your Galapagos expedition.

Sun hat and multi-functional clothes over fashion styles, ideal recommendations for a Galapagos packing checklist

2) Ditch anything that isn’t “able.”

When you’re reviewing the items in your overflowing suitcase and wondering, “How is this all going to fit?”, ask this one question: Is it “able”? If it’s not collapsable, breathable, stowable, rollable, totable, or layerable, we recommend leaving it behind. Nobody wants to be weighed down, overpacking for your cruise, while taking in the beauty of Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands.

Avoid...	Opt for...
Carrying hard case suitcases.	A durable, medium-sized duffle bag. A duffel with built-in wheels is the ideal bag for your Galapagos clothing and gear. Hard shell luggage and suitcases that don't collapse are usually heavy and difficult to store in your cabin, and are therefore discouraged.
Bringing bulky layers.	Lightweight layers. The best Galapagos outerwear is the most versatile. Bring items that can be easily rolled up, or even stuffed and zipped into their own pockets for ultra-compact storage.
Packing too many shoe options.	Multi-function shoes. Follow the Galapagos Shoe Rule of 3: pack one option for the deck, one for land, and one for water. Your blister-free feet will thank you for choosing comfort and function over style.

Avoid...

Opt for...

Carrying hard case suitcases.

A durable, medium-sized duffle bag. A duffel with built-in wheels is the ideal bag for your Galapagos clothing and gear. Hard shell luggage and suitcases that don't collapse are usually heavy and difficult to store in your cabin, and are therefore discouraged.

Bringing bulky layers.

Lightweight layers. The best Galapagos outerwear is the most versatile. Bring items that can be easily rolled up, or even stuffed and zipped into their own pockets for ultra-compact storage.

Packing too many shoe options.

Multi-function shoes. Follow the Galapagos Shoe Rule of 3: pack one option for the deck, one for land, and one for water. Your blister-free feet will thank you for choosing comfort and function over style.

4) Tone down your toiletries.

One of the things that takes up the most space when packing for a Galapagos luxury cruise is toiletries. Quasar yachts are equipped and restocked daily with self-care necessities like shampoo, conditioner, and body soap. If you’re brand-loyal, we recommend choosing a soft-shell toiletry kit to eliminate bulk, and limiting toiletry tubes to 3 oz or less for lighter, smooth-sailing travel. Multi-purpose products like Dr. Bronner’s soap can be used as laundry soap, face wash, and body wash when you travel.

5) Download a tried-and-true Galapagos packing checklist.

Reading through a reliable, trip-tested packing checklist is a surefire way to pack perfectly for your Galapagos cruise... and also eliminate that “I know I forgot something” feeling!

Take the stress out of packing for your Galapagos cruise and download Quasar's free Galapagos Packing Checklist for peace of mind, or to watch a video on what to pack and to learn even more, read: Galapagos Packing List – What to Pack for the Galapagos Cruise of a Lifetime

5 Essential Tips to Avoid Overpacking for Your Galapagos Cruise

1) Opt for function over fashion.

2) Ditch anything that isn’t “able.”

2) Eliminate duplicates.

4) Tone down your toiletries.

5) Download a tried-and-true Galapagos packing checklist.