13 Must-Have Items to Pack for a Galapagos Islands Cruise

The Galapagos Islands never disappoint as an adventure destination. This wildlife sanctuary brings joy and smiles to thousands of visitors every year and they are especially enjoyable if you travel well prepared. Packing the right equipment for Galapagos travel will guarantee the best possible experience. Sore feet, sun burns and overheating are only a few of the discomforts that you will avoid during your Galapagos tour if you pack right from the start. On this article we will go over the 13 essential items to pack for a unique Island getaway.
Let’s start from the bottom, up!

1. Hiking Shoes / Boots

Bring comfortable walking or hiking shoes with good traction for the Galapagos. On many visitor sites, you will be walking on sandy, rocky and slippery terrain in the same outing, so be sure to pick the right footwear. If you are not sure-footed and lose your balance on occasions, taller hiking boots with ankle support are recommended. Certain visitor sites during a Galapagos luxury cruise will include walking on loose rocks and uneven terrain.

3. Deck shoes or Sandals

The soles of your hiking shoes will often be dirty from the island excursions and, in order to keep your yacht clean, outfitters recommend that you bring a light pair of deck shoes or thongs for when on the yacht. After each excursion in your Galapagos tour, hiking shoes are stored on a bin on the yacht when you board.

5. Hiking shorts / Light full-length hiking pants

Light hiking shorts are ideal for those warmer days and will be used almost daily during your Galapagos tour. Light full-length pants, either synthetic or cotton, are great as well for those cooler walks in the highlands or for use at night. Lighter colors are recommended to avoid unnecessary heating due to light absorption.

7. Light Fleece / Wind Shell

While most of the time you won’t need either of these items in the Galapagos, it’s good to have a light fleeced jacket or sweatshirt to wear on the plane and in the Ecuadorian highlands, as well as to have one handy in the islands just in case. From June through Fall it can be cool and foggy in the very early morning hours when we set out on landings, which is another time you may use these items. By mid-morning you will be back in T-Shirts and shorts. Occasionally you will experience breezes as we sail from one location to another location in the evening.

9. Sunglasses with Security Strap

The equatorial sun in Galapagos can be pretty intense and a good pair of dark sunglasses with a security strap is recommended. Polarized lenses will help you to see better when looking in the water to spot turtles and rays during dinghy rides on mangrove estuaries. It is a good idea to bring two pairs of sunglasses for your Galapagos cruise if possible, especially if you need prescription glasses.

11. Sports Bottle

Staying well hydrated during your daily outings is very important. The Galapagos Islands can get pretty hot during the warm season (Dec – May), reaching temperatures of up to 95 °F (35 °C). You will be walking between 2 and 4 hours every day on the different visitor sites and it is important that you take plenty of water with you. We sell sturdy sports bottles onboard at $15 ea. Which contribute to saving our oceans. You can also bring your own bottle, such a Nalgene bottle or an aluminum sports bottle is a must.

13. Where it all fits: A Light / Durable Duffle Bag

In addition to your carry-on bag you should only need one duffle bag as your main luggage for your Galapagos tour. Your duffle or suitcase should be well made and durable to take the punishment the airlines often impose on luggage. It is worth spending a little more on a good piece of luggage, as it should last you for a long time. A medium size duffle or suitcase of 30” X 15” X 14” with a capacity of 110 liters or slightly larger should be sufficient.