FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1When is the best time to visit Galapagos?
Galapagos is a place that can be visited at any time. There are two season, and the warmest is between December and May. It is the time of year when the sky is always clear, and the sun shines strongly. If you love to dive in amazing places, the best time to visit Galapagos is from June to November. During this season the weather is a little cooler, but it gives you the chance to enjoy the best from Galapagos' famous marine reserve.
2What should we bring?
Since the islands are situated very near the Equator, we recommend that you bring lightweight clothing and of course, don't forget your swimsuits, sun lotion, and good footwear.
3How long is the flight from Ecuador to the Galapagos?
It depends from where you depart. Flights to the Galapagos leave from Quito and Guayaquil. It takes about half an hour to get from Quito to Guayaquil and roughly one and a half hours from Guayaquil to the islands.
4Are there any immunizations required/recommended?
For the Galapagos Islands there are no required or recommended immunizations. If you, however, intend to spend more time in Ecuador, especially in the jungle, immunization is highly recommended. As this changes from time to time please check with your local health office (or the Institute for Tropical Diseases) a few weeks in advance of your trip.
5Are single or triple suites available?
Most of our cruises will assign double cabins to all passengers unless you want to pay the single supplement if traveling alone. Triple cabins can also be arranged on request, depending on availability and the vessel you choose.
6What is the time zone of the Galapagos Islands?
The Galapagos Islands are 6 hours behind GMT (equivalent to USA Central Standard Time)
7Does the equatorial line cross the Galapagos Islands?
The equatorial line does pass through the Galapagos, just north of Isla Santiago. Please refer to our Itinerary page to see which itinerary passes through the equatorial line.
8What are marine currents like the Galapagos?
The Galapagos Islands waters have the Humboldt Current's influence that brings cold waters especially during the mist rainy season (cool weather) from July to December. The warm season is during the months of January to June. The southeast trade winds become weaker and the water from the Panama Basin remains warm. During this season there is more of a tropical climate with some occasional rains. "El Niño" current may cause a much greater flow of warm waters, making the surface warmer and rainfall increase.
9What is the water temperature in the Islands?
Average water temperatures in Galapagos:
January - June: 70°F - 80°F (20°C - 26°C)
July - December: 65°F - 75°F (18°C- 23°C)
10Can you snorkel in the Galapagos?
Snorkeling equipment is available on-board and is an activity on all of our Galapagos Cruises. All water sports convey a certain risk. Passengers participating in these activities do so under their own responsibility.
*Restrictions and fees might apply, please contact us for more information.
11Special Diets:
Passengers with special dietary needs are asked to request the latest menu offered and in such cases that stated menu does not meet their needs to clearly convey their specific dietary needs. It is the responsibility of passengers with specific dietary needs to addressed additional requirements at least 30 days prior to the start of the cruise. Those general and specific needs not clearly conveyed cannot be met. Every reasonable effort will be made to cater to such requests within reason, subject to availability of products in Ecuador retains the right to refuse to cater such special needs.