During our trip to the Galapagos, I couldn’t help but think about these 10 things I wish I had known before visiting the Galapagos. Even though I researched, read other bloggers’ posts, and received tips from our tour companies – it didn’t prepare me for this list of things I wish I had known. So dear reader, I am sharing these tips for visiting the Galapagos with you! So that when you plan your trip to the Galapagos, you are better prepared.
10 Things I Wish I Knew Before Visiting the Galapagos
1. The water is freezing.
Some of the tours provided wet suits while some didn’t. It’s worth checking ahead with your tour company to see if they will be available. If you have your own – I recommend bringing it and any snorkel/scuba gear you have.
2. You won’t always see the wildlife you want to.
Our original plan was to visit Espanola to see the albatross birds – but when we made the arrangements they told us the tour was closed due to the avian flu. So we moved our trip around and spent one less day at San Cristobal. When we arrived – they said the tour was available, which was disappointing because we didn’t have to go.
Logan really wanted to see a hammerhead shark, and we snorkeled in areas they could be seen – but didn’t have a chance to see them.
But despite all that – we still saw tons of sea lions, penguins, sharks, and birds which were all beautiful.
3. Bring a lot of Protection: sun shirts – not tank tops.
I made the mistake of thinking hot = tank tops. But they didn’t provide adequate protection from the Ecuadorian sun. I was actually hotter in my tank tops than when I wore my long-sleeved, hooded sun shirt. Covering up in the sun will keep you cooler than less clothing will. Also, ensure you bring a big bottle of sunscreen no matter your skin color.
4. There is virtually no shade on any of the islands or excursions.
Literally no shade. Every excursion we went on was completely open to the sun with nowhere to hide. Be prepared with the right sun protection for as long as the sun is out – sunscreen with high SPF, long clothes, hat, and sunglasses. I’m a sun bum but I used SPF 80 and still got burned.
5. Bring a Change of Clothes on Excursions
One thing I wish I had known before our visit to the Galapagos is that you snorkel on almost all the excursions. I hate sitting in a wet suit – I don’t particularly enjoy hiking in one either. Bring a change of clothes with you on the excursions and you’ll be more comfortable after the water portion. Sometimes you go snorkeling before your hike sometimes after, so it’s best to be prepared for both.
6. You spend A LOT of time on boats
Be prepared to spend hours and hours on boats. Often times it can take 1-3 hours one way just to reach your destination. Some boats are nicer than others and you don’t get to choose which one you take – it’s kind of a gamble depending on what tour company you go through. I get really bad motion sickness, so I took a lot of Zofran (anti nausea medication) and even that wasn’t enough on a few occasions. Several people got sea sickness on the boats – so if you’re prone to it, try to stay on the lower, back side of the boat.
7. Pack Less Clothing
There are lavandarias (laundry services) all over the islands, and even at some hotels. We ended up getting a week’s worth of clothing washed for us for $2.75 USD. I recommend packing as light as possible and utilizing the local services.
8. Bring more money in smaller bills.
Most places on the Galápagos Islands take cash only. Food, tips, transportation, souvenirs- you’ll need cash – especially small bills. Taxis cost around $2 while meals can cost anywhere from $5-$50.
9. Stay close to the water.
Although it might not be the most budget friendly option, it is certainly the most convenient. All the tours, ferries, restaurants and action happen at the water. Save yourself time in transportation and stay as close to the water as you can afford so that everything is within walking distance.
Pro Tip: Bring your own snorkel/diving gear if you have it. Mask, snorkel, and sometimes wetsuits are provided. But they aren’t always the best of quality, and some tours require you to rent the wet suit – which you will want.
10. Fly into Santa Cruz
We flew into San Cristobal, took a flight to Isabela and then ferried over to Santa Cruz. Since we arrived by ferry and not by plane – due to time constraints we missed out on the highlands tour you can take by taxi in your way from the airport.
There are also direct flights from Quito into Santa Cruz – where San Cristobal typically has a layover in Guayaquil.
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