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mortujamm-blog · 5 years ago

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How to Go to the Galápagos Islands: Land or Sea?

The Galapagos Islands, set roughly 600 miles off the coast of South American nation, remained a closely-guarded natural secret for countless years. Over that point, the terra firma evolved into a home for associate all-star solid of plants and animals. someday within the 1800s, some swashbuckling pirates and unfearing explorers started inbound within the Galapagos Islands. the foremost notable early visitant was Darwin, a young naturalist United Nations agency spent nineteen days learning the islands' flora and fauna in 1835. In 1859, Darwin printed On the Origin of Species, that introduced his theory of evolution — and therefore the Galapagos Islands — to the globe.

Since then, word of those islands and their impressive beauty has steady full-grown. In 1959, the island became Ecuador’s 1st parkland, and in 1978, it had been named a UNESCO World Heritage web site. Today, quite 275,000 folks visit the island once a year to check those unimaginable animals and landscapes for themselves.

5 Things to try to to in the island The Galapagos Islands, in Ecuador, provide life and landscapes found obscurity else on earth. Play VideoYOU would possibly LIKE NEWLY DISCOVERED island turtle could offer HOPE TO A taxon specialists BELIEVED WAS EXTINCT PAIRS OF SANDALS THAT ARE improbably comfy to run IN, in step with THOUSANDS OF REVIEWERS As wonderful as you think that the Galapagos Islands are, they habitually exceed expectations. It’s an area wherever lizards swim, birds walk, and humans — for once — don’t take center stage.

How to Get to the island Islands: Land or Sea? The first call you have got to create concerning visiting the Galapagos Islands is additionally the foremost tough. does one wish to remain during a building on one in every one of the 3 underpopulated islands, exploring different islands and areas via day-trip boat rides? Or, does one wish to be supported by a live-aboard boat, that provides accommodations and transportation from island to island?

There are 3 main factors to contemplate once selecting between land and ocean.

Cost: a visit to the Galapagos Islands are often dear. However, it’s easier to craft less costly expertise if you decide on to be land-based. These days, there are hotels and restaurants at several value points on San Cristóbal Island, Santa Cruz Island, and, to a far lesser extent, Isabela and Floreana islands. Live-aboard boats are available in a variety of value points, too. However, just about the foremost bare-bones boats still add up to quite a land-based vacation. Time Management: If you decide on a land-based vacation, expect to pay plenty of your time obtaining from your building, onto a ship, resolute the day’s destination, then back to your property. On the opposite hand, live-aboard boats do most of their navigating throughout the night once travelers are asleep in cabins onboard. this suggests passengers rouse during a new destination prepared for a full day of exploration. Access: as a result of land-based explorations are restricted to the 5 islands which will be reached someday, travelers won’t be able to visit a lot of distant islands that boat-based itineraries embody. Bottom Line: Unless you’re afraid of sailing, suffer from naupathia, or hate the concept of being on a ship for per week, book a cruise. You’ll waste less time back and forth, and you’ll see as several distinct areas of the Galapagos Islands as doable.

Cruise Ships, Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

ULLSTEIN BILD/GETTY pictures Scuba divers United Nations agency wish to specialize in underwater adventures have a couple of choices within the Galapagos Islands moreover. The island Sky, island Aggressor III, Humboldt someone, island Master, and Nortada are live-aboard boats that were designed specifically for breathing devices diverse. They ply the waters all the thanks to the little-visited north islands within the terra firma, where deep, cold, current-filled diving yields time with manta rays, whale sharks, sunfish, and hammerhead sharks. Note that these are for skilled diverse solely.

Land-Based supply

Many of the islands within the island terra firma are abandoned. However, a large variety of hotels are often found on Santa Cruz Island and San Cristóbal Island, and several other boats operate out of harbors on those islands moreover. make sure to book a building that’s set close to the harbor (not within the highlands), thus you'll be able to be near to the boat's boarding spot for day journeys.

For example, the 21-room Golden Bay island is located right to the harbor of San Cristóbal Island. you'll be able to watch ocean lions frisk on a tiny low beach directly ahead of the property, and day-trip boats leave from a dock that’s no quite a three-minute stroll away. Book the corner suite, that options a living-room bathing tub and glass walls that slide receptive eliminate all barriers between you and therefore nature outside.

Meanwhile, the Angermeyer city district hotel is true on Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island. Their newest space has been smartly designed within an aground picket boat.

Or, book a building that owns and operates its own boats to confirm a seamless normal of service and therefore the most sensible and convenient itineraries. for instance, the unequaled Pikaia Lodge, set within the highlands of Santa Cruz Island, has its own boat that's used completely for guests on packages that embody land and ocean adventures.

The oscine Bay island-building, set in Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island, additionally has its own yacht, dubbed the ocean Lion. This vessel will interruption to twenty passengers and 2 guides (many different day-trip boats carry sixteen passengers and have only 1 guide). eared seal itineraries additionally comprehend all 5 islands that day-trip boats are allowed to go to.

Boat-Based supply

Most liveaboard boats provide five- to eight-day itineraries, with set departure dates and routes. Routes are set by island parkland officers to mitigate state of affairs and environmental stress. Your boat can give a northern or southern itinerary (sometimes referred to as jap and western itineraries), alternating weekly. each embodies tremendous land excursions, lots of time within the water, and ample opportunities to check the notable flora and fauna of the island.

If you’re assault seeing a specific species within the island, seek advice from the tour operator and decide the month and itinerary that may offer you the most effective probability for an observance. Some species are seasonal, and plenty of exist solely on specific islands. for instance, the waved albatross, additionally referred to as the island albatross, isn't a full-time resident. These birds simply show up for coupling within the spring and summer.

Boats within the Galapagos Islands are restricted to most of a hundred passengers, however, most carry fewer than that. The good thing about traveling on a smaller-capacity vessel may be a lot of intimate aboard expertise and quicker transfer times between your main vessel and therefore the rubber dinghies. Smaller boats additionally tend to possess a lot of character and history. for instance, the 18-passenger M/Y Grace was a marriage gift from philosopher Onassis to Kelly and patrician Rainier III. The better half couple honeymooned on the boat, and a few say their female offspring, Stéphanie, was planned aboard.

Ecoventura, that has many vessels that yield up to twenty passengers at a time, is another glorious operator. additionally, 2 naturalists take guests onshore and justify each animal and plant in nice detail. The boats additionally provide a number of the foremost eco-friendly choices around, which are of growing importance to a section already seeing the negative effects of temperature change.

And if you’re traveling with an enormous cluster, don’t worry, as larger-capacity boats tend to possess a lot of aboard services, like guest lectures and medical facilities. For reading more click here

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life-of-luxe · 2 years ago

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Ecoventura Luxury Yachts Explore the Galapagos Islands

As an award-winning leader in sustainable cruise travel, Ecoventura adds Evolve, a new luxury yacht to it's fleet. This is the only Gal

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laidbacktripblog · 6 years ago

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#galapagos #galapagos islands #cruise #yacht #luxury #travel #wanderlust #inspiration #islands #island hopping #ecuador #trip #journey #guide #travel guide #destination #photographers on tumblr #nature

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laraehrlich-blog · 5 years ago

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Original content owned & copyrighted by Green Global Travel.

Cruises have gotten a bad rap lately: One recent scientific study found that air quality on a cruise ship deck was “worse than the world’s most polluted cities.”

But not all cruise companies feature gigantic cruise ships carrying 5000+ passengers. In our eyes, small ship cruises are much better for travelers, locals, and the environment alike.

The best small ship cruise lines typically have less than 300 passengers, a lower guide-to-passenger ratio, and expert local guides. These small luxury cruise ships have become increasingly popular in recent years, offering a more intimate and immersive travel experience.

Some small luxury cruises focus squarely on nature and wildlife, while others focus more on the history and culture of a destination. But in general, small cruises are less about the amenities of the ship itself and more about exciting shore-based adventures.

Whether you’re taking a river cruise in READ MORE: The Importance of Community-Based Tourism

WHY SMALL SHIP CRUISES ARE SUPERIOR

Galapagos Islands Cruise Ship – The Eric by Ecoventura

More Personal Space

With the On a luxury cruise ship packed with several thousand people, you often feel like a nameless face among the huddled masses. But on a smaller ship with 20-50 people, you feel more like a treasured guest, with ample room to roam.

This makes it much easier to find your own personal space away from the crowd, to have quiet time or special moments as a couple or family.

READ MORE: 0 Romantic Places for Your World Travel Bucket List

Drinking curacao on the island of Curacao

Better Personal Service

When you’re just one of the 5,000 cruisers packed into a huge floating city, it’s unreasonable to expect the attention to detail that comes with four-star service.

For travelers willing to sacrifice luxury in exchange for rock-bottom prices, the affordability and But there’s also a lot to be said for the value of the experiences you get on small boat cruises. There, all the staff (including the cruise director) knows your name and preferences, and can provide more personalized recommendations.

Having a bartender who knows you want a Blue Hawaiian with your Happy Hour appetizers may not make or break your trip. But traveling with a company who makes you feel like more than just a number-coded wristband goes a long way towards making your trip feel special.

READ MORE: The Top 0 Things to Do in Curaçao

Peruvian Amazon River Cruise excursion – swimming in the Amazon River

Connect with Like-Minded People

When you’re on a small ship with just 20-50 passengers for a week to 0 days, you tend to get to know everyone on board to some degree.

Instead of being sat at the same table with the same people night after night, on small cruises there seems to be an unspoken agreement that passengers will swap dining tables nightly.

It’s like a game of musical chairs, giving you plenty of opportunity to find out who you click with.

Inevitably, you’re bound to meet a handful of folks that share your same ideals. Especially when you take a nature/wildlife or history/culture-focused cruise, which each tends to attract a certain type of traveler.

Going on life-changing adventures with perfect strangers can create some surprisingly strong bonds. Perhaps you’ll even meet your future travel buddies!

READ MORE: Small Ship Cruising the Peruvian Amazon

Peruvian Amazon River Cruise Boat docks on the river bank

Small Ships Go Where Big Ships Can’t

You’ve heard the old saying, “Size doesn’t matter”? Well, in the case of cruise ships, it does. And in this case, bigger is very rarely better.

Small ships are simply more nimble than large ships. Unless you’re going to a mega port, big cruise ships often have to ferry their entire passenger load back and forth via small boats or Zodiac rafts.

We have great memories of our small ship cruise through the Greek Islands. Although our boat docked in When you’re cruising in places like the rivers of Europe or the READ MORE: Happy Accidents on Aegina Island, Greece

Galapagos Islands Cruise gives you intimate experiences with Galapagos wildlife

Exclusive Experiences

One of our favorite things about travel is getting a chance to learn first-hand about the history, culture, nature, and wildlife of a destination.

While other travel bloggers may prefer to explore places on their own, we love the knowledge we gain by traveling with local experts.

As a longtime professional writer, I’m continually asking our guides questions, taking notes, and interviewing local people. We ultimately use a lot of this information to make our posts more in-depth and authoritative.

Because the number of people on small ship cruises is limited, there is usually at least one guide for every 8 to 2 passengers. With such intimate access to an expert, you’re virtually guaranteed to have once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

READ MORE: NatGeo’s Don George on Travel Writing

THE WORLD’S BEST SMALL SHIP CRUISES

Africa Cruises: Nile River Cruise, Seychelles Cruise, Botswana Cruise

Antarctica Cruises: Antarctica Cruise, New Zealand’s Sub-Antarctic Islands Cruise

Asia Cruises: India Cruise, Philippines islands Cruise

Caribbean Cruises: Coastal Cuba Cruise, Lesser Antilles Cruise

European Cruises: Greek Islands, European Christmas Markets Cruise, Black Sea Cruise

North America Cruises: Northwest Passage, Alaska Inside Passage Cruise

South America Cruises: Chilean Fjords Cruise, Galapagos Islands Cruise, Peruvian Amazon Cruise

South Pacific Cruises: Great Barrier Reef Cruise, Micronesia Cruise, Polynesia Cruise

CRUISES

Elephants along the Chobe River (Botswana) Image by hbieser from Pixabay

Chobe River Cruise (Botswana)

Botswana is currently on our African safari bucket list, primarily because of the country’s forward-thinking approach to READ MORE: 55 Interesting Facts About Elephants

Nile River Cruise, photo via Pixabay

NILE RIVER CRUISE

If you’re interested in ancient history, READ MORE: 20 Longest Rivers in the World

Seychelles Cruise via Pixabay License

Seychelles Cruise

Located nearly ,000 miles off the coast of mainland Africa east of important marine areas. Together, these marine reserves cover more than 8,000 square miles.

The Seychelles are collectively very small, with a total population of around 94,000 people spread across 77 square miles of land. But their natural beauty makes them a favorite on lists of the world’s most beloved islands, with some visitors describing it as like “a garden of Eden.”

Highlights include the Seychelles National Botanical Gardens, Curieuse Marine National Park, Veuve Nature Reserve, and Morne Seychellois National Park. About 42% of the archipelago is set aside for conservation, protecting wildlife such as the rare Seychelles Black Parrot, Seychelles Giant Tortoises, and some of the world’s largest seabird colonies.

A Seychelles cruise is the best way to explore the islands’ myriad attractions. These range from idyllic READ MORE: The World’s 30 Best Exotic Islands to Visit

CRUISES

Antarctic Cruise

There’s a lot of very good reasons why taking a cruise to The Antarctic peninsula is also one of the world’s best places for watching wildlife. We saw everything from pods of Orcas and READ MORE: 30 Antarctic Animals You Can See on an Antarctic Cruise

Rockhopper Penguin image by Michael Frankenstein from Pixabay

Cruising New Zealand’s Sub-Antarctic Islands

You may know that New Zealand is divided into a North and South island. But did you know that the country also boasts remote archipelagos of islands, which have been collectively named as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for their pristine wilderness and READ MORE: Ecotourism in New Zealand (Top 0 Things to Do for Nature Lovers)

CRUISES

Brahmaputra River, photo via Pixabay

Brahmaputra River Cruise (India)

The northeast Indian state of Assam, which shares its border with Bhutan and Bangladesh, has emerged in recent years as a bright spot in Asian ecotourism

This is thanks in large part to Kaziranga National Park, which is a protected UNESCO World Heritage Site.

A luxurious cruise down the mighty Brahmaputra River is arguably the best way to explore the region, offering amazing opportunities to see some of the region’s Elephants to Sloth Bears, the endangered South Asian River Dolphin, and thousands of bird species. In short, it’s a must-see for animal lovers!

READ MORE: Indian Animals: A Guide to 40 Incredible Indian Wildlife Species

Philippines Islands Cruise image by Guy Goddard from Pixabay

Cruising the Philippines islands

Located in Southeast Asia near READ MORE: Top 5 Things to Do in Coron, Palawan (Philippines)

CRUISES

Cuba Mountains, photo via Pixabay

Costal Cuba Cruise

President Obama loosened the decades-long restrictions on Americans traveling to Cuba

several years ago, causing a dramatic surge of interest in traveling to the Caribbean island.

With Donald Trump actively working to reverse these improved diplomatic relations, there’s never been a better time to explore mass tourism.

Lesser Antilles Cruise

When most Americans think of the Caribbean, they tend to think of perennial sun/surf/sand hotspots such as the Bahamas, Cayman Islands, and Jamaica.

But the more remote islands of the Lesser Antilles (which form the eastern boundary of the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean) are generally less over-developed and more pristine than those crowded mass tourism destinations.

Included among the Lesser Antilles islands are Martinique, St. Lucia, Saba, Sint Eustatius, and Grenada, which has recently emerged as a haven for ecotourism. Popular activities in the region range from bird watching and snorkeling/Dominica. From the gorgeous waterfall and diving READ MORE: 20 Best Caribbean Islands to Visit

CRUISES

The Swallow’s Nest on the Black Sea in Crimea image by Irina Rassvetnaja from Pixabay

Black Sea Cruise

As bodies of water go, the Black Sea is pretty strange. On the map, this inland sea looks more like a giant lake, connected to the Aegean Sea (and the Mediterranean) by the narrow Bosphorus Strait.

But, with 68,500 square miles of surface area and a maximum depth of 7,257 feet, the Black Sea is considerably bigger than the ancient archaeological sites.

Must-see sites you can visit while cruising the Black Sea include Instanbul’s Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque, Romania’s Danube River Delta, the Ukranian city of Odessa, and Sochi Olympic Park, the first theme park in all of Russia.

READ MORE: 40 Fascinating Facts About Russia’s Amur Leopard

Christmas Market in Hamburg, Germany via Pixabay license

European Christmas Market Cruise

Although we’re not at all religious, our family goes bonkers for Christmas, especially anything to do with READ MORE: 75 Christmas Traditions Around the World

Greek Islands Cruise

From to the ancient history of Athens

to Meteora’s majestic mountains, mainland Greece has plenty to offer travelers with an interest in nature, culture and history.

But for a true taste of Greek tradition, it’s hard to beat small ship cruises through the countless s are tiny (7.4 to 59 square miles) and quaint: Many mainland residents have vacation homes there, so it’s a great place to catch locals in a celebratory mood. They’re also considerably less crowded with tourists than some of the more famous islands.

The Cyclades, with around 220 islands, is the densest and most popular grouping in Aegean archipelago thanks to Delos, Mykonos, and Santorini. For ancient history, the Dodecanese Islands (especially Rhodes) and Crete are hard to beat.

READ MORE: 40 Photos Of Greece That Will Make You Want To Go

AMERICA CRUISES

Northwest Passage Cruise

The Arctic Circle is considered to be one of the planet’s last truly wild places.

The Arctic region encompasses northern Alaska and A small ship cruise of the historic Northwest Passage is arguably the best way to explore the Arctic. It offers unique opportunities to see explorer’s bucket list.

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Location/Facts:

Situated in the Pacific Ocean, the Galapagos Islands are a volcanic archipelago that lie 620 miles from the South American mainland. A province of Ecuador, it consists of 13 main islands and 6 smaller isles. It is a remote destination that is a melting pot of unique wildlife, which inspired Charles Darwin’s landmark theory of evolution following his visit in 1835. Have been called a “living museum and showcase of wildlife” it is home to wildlife species that are found nowhere else on Earth; the giant tortoise, Galapagos sea lions, Flightless Cormorant, the Waved Albatross and, of course the boobies.

Getting There:

Galapagos is reached through the country of Ecuador by flying into either the capital city of Quito or the countries largest city of Guayaquil. If you don’t plan on spending any time on the mainland, fly into Guayaquil, since it is closer to the islands and most flights from Quito to the Galapagos stop there. If you plan on doing some exploring in Ecuador prior or after your trip, go to Quito. Its famous old town is an UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with colonial charm, bustling markets and architectural buildings. Whichever city you choose, will most likely require an overnight stay.

The Galapagos Islands has two airports, one on San Cristóbal and the other on Isla Baltra, just north of Santa Cruz. Which airport you choose will depend on how you have decided to explore the islands. The flight from Guayaquil to the islands is approximately an hour and forty-five minutes (about 40 minutes from Quito to Guayaquil). Domestic flights can be booked through TAME, Avianca or LAN.

Language(s):

Spanish is the official language in Ecuador and on the Galapagos Islands, though English is widely spoken on tours, plus in the restaurants and hotels.

Currency:

The US Dollar

Electricity:

Plug Type A/B, 110v. The voltage and socket is the same as the U.S., so there is not need for an adapter or converter.

When to Go:

Every month in the Galapagos has its highlights and the weather makes any time of the year a good time to visit, so when you go greatly depends on the type of experience you are looking to have. For example, in March on San Cristobal and Genovesa you can catch a glimpse of the frigatebirds inflated red throat pouches, in May your chances increase for witnessing the blue-footed booby mating dance on North Seymour and in August you can catch the newly born sea lion pups. There is always something incredible to see on the Galapagos. For a complete list of wildlife activity check out the monthly calendar at Ecuador Travel Site.

The peak tourism months are June, July and August, as well as mid-December through mid-January. You should book your trip well in advance during these times, as the number of visitors allowed on the islands is limited. Be aware that the prices are also often higher during this time. December through May is when the sea tends to be the calmest. In these months the weather is hotter and slightly rainy with temperatures typically in the 80s. On most days the sun will still make an appearance after the rainfall. June through November brings cooler temperatures (in the 70s) and colder water. Experienced divers prefer this time of year, as the currents bringing nutrients into the water draws more amazing marine life.

How to Visit/Planning:

One of the biggest decisions to make when planning your travel to Galapagos is how you will choose to explore the islands. You can either take a cruise on a live-aboard boat or stay onshore using a hotel as your base. If you select the latter, it is possible to book day trips to some of the popular islands from Santa Cruz or San Cristobal. Though this may be a more economical option, getting around independently can be challenging, as exploring most of the islands requires being accompanied by a licensed guide. Plus, you will have limitations to the islands you can reach due to the distance. The advantage to a multi-day live-aboard cruise is that they leverage the night hours by using them to travel between islands, so your days are not wasted. The small group yachts, under 20 passengers, are the best way to explore the islands and see more of the wildlife in a personalized environment. There are dozens, if not hundreds, of licensed vessels with a variety of stops and routes to choose from. Ecoventura is the sustainable travel company who took me through the islands, and is ideal for those wanting a small group experience with educated naturalists. If you opt for day trips from the main islands, Sharksky offers good options. The best solution may be to take a 4-day cruise then spend a couple days on your own on a populated island, like Puerto Ayora in Santa Cruz or Puerto Baquerizo Moreno in Cristóbal.

Getting Around:

Navigating between the islands will require a plane or boat. Though for getting around on the populated islands you can rent a bike for about $15 per day or catch a taxi for a couple of bucks to most destinations.

Where to Stay:

If you are staying overnight in Guayaquil, try Hotel Oro Verde (from $124), which offers shuttle service from the airport or for a more peaceful stay in a quiet residential area, Nazu House Bed & Breakfast (from $86). In Quito, splurge at Hotel Patio Andaluz (from $210) centrally located in the historic district or hideaway at Las Terrazas de Dana (from $109), a modern ecolodge in the cloud forest of Mindo. In the Galapagos, stay in the lap of luxury at Finch Bay Eco Hotel (from $325) on Santa Cruz Island or the family run Galapagos Suites (from $134). On San Cristóbal, try the simple Galapagos Eco Friendly (from $89) that has all you need.

Where to Eat:

While in Quito, get your ceviche fix at Zazu (www.zazuquito.com) or indulge in traditional Ecuadorian dishes and pasta at Fried Bananas Café (www.newfriedbananas.com), make sure to order the fried banana dessert made with vodka. In Guayaquil, try local foods with a trendy twist at La Pizarra (https://ift.tt/1Nj7Qfu) or opt for Noe (www.noesushibar.com), known as the place to go for great sushi. On the island of Santa Cruz have a casual dinner at Calle de los Kioscos, an open-air market with plenty of cheap local food choices. For outdoor dining, head over to La Garrapata (+593 5-252-6264) for the fresh tuna in a sesame and pepper sauce. For a local experience on San Cristóbal, get burgers at Cri’s (https://ift.tt/2VT17Vm) and eat on the tiny stools out front.

Bucket List Must-Dos:

Plan your trip around the month of May to get a better chance of witnessing the Blue Footed Booby mating dance, the courtship ritual of these popular birds.

Take the steep climb to the top of the volcanic cone of Bartolomé and get a peak at the most photographed natural structure in the Galapagos, Pinnacle Rock.

Do as the sailors did in the 19th century and send a post card at Post Office Bay on Floreana Island. Leave one and sift through the others to pick one close to home to hand deliver.

Take a closer look at the giant tortoises at the Darwin Research Station (https://ift.tt/Kyq8rp) in Puerto Ayora where scientists and volunteers are involved in conservation.

Snorkel through the network of lava tunnels known as Los Tuneles on isle Isabela. The unique formations above and below the water include a series of arcs and tunnels that are a sanctuary of marine life.

Essential Information:

It is a requirement to have a naturalist with you when exploring the protected islands; you cannot just venture off on your own.

Though you may be able to hop onto a last-minute cruise when you reach the islands, it’s best to book well in advance, at least 3-4 months during non-peak times and 6 months to a year during high tourist months.

When arriving to either of the two Galapagos airports, travelers must pay a $100 per person ($50 for children under 12) Galapagos National Park entrance fee at immigration.

A visa is not required to enter Ecuador, though make sure your passport does not expire within 6 months of arrival.

It is strictly prohibited to touch or otherwise disturb the nature or wildlife of the Galapagos. Do not feed the animals (not even a drop of water) or leave behind any sort of litter.

Packing Tips:

Exploring the Galapagos typically means being on a boat, so make sure that you load up on motion sickness medication. Some days can get pretty choppy and seasickness can even affect those not prone to it. Try the sea-band wristband or Dramamine’s less drowsy formula.

Be kind to the ecosystem by bringing biodegradable sunscreen, shampoo, conditioner and lotions. (Alba Botanica makes a highly rated sunscreen and Campsuds makes a multi-purpose cleaner that can be used as a shampoo, body wash or even dish cleaner.)

A small pair of binoculars can go a long way when trying to spot wildlife from the boat. (Bushnell Falcon makes some nice ones for under $30)

Limit plastic waste by bringing a reusable water bottle. (The Vapor Element Bottle is perfect for travel since it folds up into a tiny neat package when empty)

Bring the right pair of shoes. Light hiking shoes are necessary for some of the islands and water shoes are needed for the wet landings when the panga can’t bring you all the way to the shore or dock. A dual-purpose Keen style active shoe would work well. Also, bring a comfortable pair of deck shoes to wear while just hanging out on the boat.

Don’t forget an underwater camera to capture the incredible marine life. I use a GoPro, but if you want a cheaper option just get an underwater case for your phone.

Most tours will provide snorkeling gear (masks, tube, fins and wet suit), but consider at least bringing your own mask. A properly fitted one can enhance your snorkel experience and lessen the chances of missing marine-life because of having to fiddle with your gear.

You can leave the makeup and blow dryers at home since you will most likely be in and out of the water several times per day.

Bring a small daypack to take along on the hikes.

Pack a dry bag to store all your electronics. It can get tricky moving from the small panga to shore while carrying your camera equipment and you want to make sure it is protected.

If you are taking a cruise, there will be some down time and very limited Internet. Bring a book or download movies to your laptop prior to leaving home.

It gets hot in the Galapagos and a long-sleeved UPF shirt to protect you from the sun while hiking or snorkeling can save your shoulders from a brutal burn.

Helpful Websites:

Galapagos Conservancy www.galapagos.org