Your Galapagos trip is weeks (or days!) away and now you need to know what to pack! You’re in luck, because we’re here to help.

Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or this is your first time out of the country, packing light helps save you time, anxiety from lost luggage and money from increasing airline fees.

Packing Tips For Your Galapagos Trip

1. Pack light – Use our checklist below to help you stay organized and only pack the essentials.

2. Bring 2 bathing suits so that you can snorkel daily and let one dry from the previous days activities.

3. To help care for the ecosystem, please bring biodegradable sunscreen and lotions if possible. We provide biodegradable shampoo and conditioner in all of the rooms for you to use while onboard.

4. Bring your sense of adventure! Ask your naturalist guides about the land and animals you are seeing around you and embrace the unique nature available in the Galapagos Islands.

The Complete Packing Guide for the Galapagos Islands

Print this list so you can check off each item as you pack it in your luggage.

Travel Essentials

Passport – Must be valid for 6 months after departure from Ecuador.

Ecoventura boarding information

Credit cards – Visa and Mastercard are most often accepted.

Cash – Local Currency is US Dollars

Personal medication

Seasick medication

Sunglasses – It can be windy and since you will be getting in and out of the pangas, you might want your sunglasses to have a strap so you don’t lose them.

Sunscreen – We suggest waterproof with at least SPF 30. You need to be careful, the sun is much stronger near the Equator.

Toiletries – (toothbrush, toothpaste, razors, comb, etc.) Be sure to remove all the packaging from toiletries and do not dispose of them in the Galapagos. Take these items back with you to the mainland.

Travel Gear

Daypack – We provide a mesh bag for your towel and snorkeling equipment, but suggest if you need to carry other travel gear such as a water bottle, camera and binoculars you will need a small daypack.

Camera and/or video camera – With extra memory cards.

Water bottle – Starting in 2014 we are providing collapsible water bottles for our guests.

Underwater Camera – You won’t want to miss the variety of wildlife waiting for you when you snorkel in the Galapagos!

Small pair of binoculars – The animals aren’t hiding and most likely you will be able to see everything up close. Binoculars do come in handy to see some of the far off birds or to birdwatch from the boat.

Clothing

2 – 3 Short sleeve shirts

1 – 2 Long sleeve shirts – Long sleeves are the best protection from the hot sun.

1 Lightweight long pants

2 – 3 Shorts

1 Sweatshirt

1 Light rain jacket or poncho, especially during rainy season

Socks

2 Bathing suits

Wide brimmed hat

Shoes

Comfortable walking shoe or light hiking boot (ex Keens) – We do a lot of exploring on foot so come prepared to walk with shoes you have already worn in and thick, comfortable socks.

Rubber-soled shoe or boat shoe – To wear onboard when we are lounging on the boat.

Sport Sandal (ex Teva) – During wet landings we will sometimes be stepping directly into the water, so you want to wear shoes that have a good grip and are able to get wet.

Optional

Extra batteries – For any electronic devices that you carry with you.

Book to read

Journal – You will want to take time to write down all of the animals and plants you are seeing so you don’t forget when you go back home.

Extra film or memory cards for your camera

Have you visited the Galapagos before? We would love to hear from you in the comments with your best tips on what to bring to the Galapagos!