Relevant Information for Passengers

Backpacking Checklist

Passport.
Photocopy of passport (carry separate from passport).
Photo ID’s.
Credit cards.
US Dollars – carry lots of small bills $1’s and $5’s for tips in Ecuador and cash for crew tip (if you'd like).

Equipment:

Small daypack for hikes (if waterproof or if it has a waterproof area for phones even better).
Good quality sunglasses – polarized with strap or courd ideal.
Spare pair of prescription glasses or contacts.
Binoculars.
Photo equipment / GoPro.
Chargers for camera, video, and phones.
Diary to keep a journal of experiences.
Leisure reading.
High capacity memory stick to download or share photos.

Clothing:

2-3 pairs of walking/hiking shorts or pants.
1 pair quick drying shorts or pants – swim pants a good option.
Rain jacket / windbreaker.
1-2 pair lightweight pants for boat.
2 long sleave light weight shirts for boat.

Sweater or fleece for cool events:

1-2 nicer outfits for dinners out (or in) - Women lightweight dresses can be nice for evening or daytime in between snorkels or hikes.
2-3 bathing suits (there is a place to hang out suits to dry but can sometimes take a day in the sun).
1-2 rash guards for sun protection.
Tennis or walking shoes.
Teva, Chaco or Keen sandals for wet walks.
Hat.
Gator for neck and ear coverage from sun.
*Sunscreen isn’t always enough protection from sun. Using clothing, rash guards, hats, gators etc is helpful!

Toiletries:

Medication – cold sinus, advil, motion sickens medicine, etc.
Small personal aid kit.
Sun Screen 50+.
Lip balm with sun screen.
Travel toilet paper for emergencies.
Ear plugs and eye mask.
Wash cloth.
Toiletries.
Insect repellent.

Bags

1 bag de 23 kg and 1 hand bag 10 kg

Dimensions and weight

For all destinations, the maximun checked baggage weight is 23 kg for Economy Class and for Business Class the maximum weight is 32 kg (this weight only applies to the XXL fare).

For all destinations, the dimensions of your baggage cannot exceed 158 dimensional centimeters, equivalent to the sum of the external dimensions (height+lenght+width).

Please keep in mind that we can accommodate luggage up to 230 centimeters with additional cost.

Hand luggage:

• Maximun weight: 10 kilos.

• Maximun dimensions: 55 cm x 35 cm x 25 cm (height, lenght and width), including wheels and handles.

• Location: you can carry it in the overhead compartments of the aircraft.

• Remenber that it must be light enough for you to handle it yourself.

• If your hand luggage does not comply with the weight and measurements indicated, you wil have to pay an additional cost.

Meetings Points

1 Baltra airport

Passengers who take the cruise from SUNDAY to SUNDAY begin and end the tour at Baltra airport

See Meeting Point on Google Maps

2 Pto. Ayora Muelle de pasajeros mid-day

This meeting point is for passengers who start the tour WEDNESDAY or THURSDAY and have traveled to the Galapagos before the cruise start.

See Meeting Point on Google Maps

Tips & Gratuities

This is a very sensitive matter for al of us. Throughout the years we have often asked what gratuity would be appropriate to leave for guides and crewmembers. With the experience we have had, we may first do some important clarifications.

• Tipping and gratuities depend very much on the cultures and customs, so be aware that some information provided may appear reasonable, exaggerated or diminished.
• Please remember that quality of service should determinate the amount of any tip, you have no obligation at all as all crew members are properly paid an compensated.
• In order to avoid misunderstanding that had happened in the past, we must clarify that all naturalist guides, crew and staff are paid according to Ecuadorian laws and to Galapagos Special Law and are receiving the benefits they deserve.

Here is a guideline based on the past experiences:

For naturalist cruise:

Guide and crew are tipped separately.
If service has been excellent, the average tip has been USD 80 – 100 per person for the entire ship crew (the crew will divide it equally among them) excluding the guide, and USD 60 - 80 per person for the guide.

Please understand that is just a suggestion: tipping and gratuities are very personal matter and entirely depends on the value of the service you have received from us.

Deposit gratuities for the crewmembers in a enveloped and give it to the captain. You can do the same for the guide.

Deposit gratuities for the crewmembers in an enveloped and give it to the captain. You can do the same for the guide.