Travel Details

Motion sickness:

Due to strong currents, there will be moderate movement of the vessel while navigating.  Most passengers are not affected. However, if you are prone to seasickness, we strongly urge you bring some type of medication to prevent motion sickness.

Physical limitations :

The majority of Ecoventura passengers are healthy, active and reasonably fit. Passengers able to walk a few hours a day unassisted will be able to fully enjoy Galapagos. Some of the excursions require more physical activity than others involving short steep climbs or long walks in hot weather or on uneven rocky trails. However, most excursions require moderate activity and the walks are at a leisurely pace. Entering and exiting the Zodiacs require that you need to be sure footed. If you are concerned about your ability to do any particular day hike, please consult with the naturalist before disembarkation. In order to enjoy your trip to its fullest potential, it is a good idea to do some exercise before your trip, such as walking, swimming or bicycling.   Please see your doctor for a check-up before traveling to Ecuador.  Any medical condition or physical disability that may require special attention or treatment must be advised to Ecoventura at the time of booking.

National Park Rules & Regulations:

Galapagos National Park Rules & Regulations

All visitors to the protected areas within the Galapagos National Park must be accompanied by a licensed naturalist guide. Guests must stay with their guide and remain on marked trails to protect the wildlife and for their safety.

During orientation, your guide will go over the Galapagos National Park rules, which you are required to follow during the cruise. Signs posted on our vessels list the National Park Rules & Regulations.


  • Maintain a distance of at least six feet from wildlife to avoid disturbing them, even if

  • they approach you.

  • Do not touch, pet, or feed the animals. Do not startle or chase any animal from its nesting place.

  • Do not disturb or remove any native plant, rock, or animal on land or in the water.

  • Do not buy any products or souvenirs made from banned substances, including black coral, shells, lava rock, animal parts, or any native wood or vegetation. This is illegal and must be reported.

  • Be careful not to transport any live material or sand from one Island to the next.

  • Food or drinks, except for water, are not permitted on the uninhabited islands.

  • Do not bring any food, animals, or plants to the islands.

  • You must cooperate fully with the inspection officials at the airports.

  • Do not leave any trash on the Islands or throw any litter overboard. Practice “leave no trace” principles to maintain the beauty of the environment.

  • Motorized aquatic sports, mini-subs, aerial (drone) are not permitted in the national park or marine reserve.

  • Flash photography is not permitted when taking photos of wildlife.

  • Smoking and campfires are strictly prohibited within the Galapagos National Park protected areas.

  • Fishing is only permitted on recreational boats authorized by the GNPD licensed for “pesca vivencial”.


Additional Rules & Regulations (effective March, 2024):

Visiting hours to areas of the Galapagos National Park are as established in the Management Plan, from 6:00 to 18:00, with diving activities ending at 17:00, excluding permitted night diving.

The use of sound players such as radios, cellphones, speakers is only allowed through headphones.

The use of sunscreen containing the chemicals oxybenzone, octinoxate, and others harmful to marine ecosystems is regulated and restricted to sustain and protect the coral reefs.

In addition, to avoid disturbing or provoking the wildlife, Ecoventura suggests guests avoid wearing bright colored clothing while on the Islands, refrain from using selfie sticks. Ecoventura has always encouraged guests to use bio-degradable sunscreen.

In 2017, Ecoventura eliminated the use of plastic straws and single-use plastic bottles in our entire fleet. By mid-2018, most plastics were prohibited from entering Galapagos including plastic straws, single-use plastic bags, Styrofoam containers, and non-returnable plastic bottles. 

We are conscious of the damage plastics causes to marine life and is why we started this initiative before the resolution became mandatory.

In 2022, Ecoventura opened a Recycling Facility in Galapagos to ensure no garbage produced on board our fleet is left behind. All plastic, cardboard, and glass are compacted and recycled. We ask guests do their part by removing packaging materials at home or taking them to the mainland rather than leaving trash onboard in Galapagos.

Purchases on Board:

Every passenger has an open tab at the bar and boutique, which are paid the last day of the cruise. We accept cash (US Dollars), Master Card or VISA credit cards only.

Special Occasions:

You may order a bottle of wine ($35) or birthday cake ($25) to be served at dinnertime or a fruit basket ($15) for your cabin.  It is prohibited to bring flowers to Galapagos. Please advise us at least 30 days prior to departure.

Drinking Water:

Bottled water is provided in your cabin and is free of charge. Filtered drinking water is provided during meal times. We suggest you do not drink water from the tap in your cabin. Water bottles can be refilled from the water container located in the bar area.

Smoking Policy:

Smoking is prohibited in enclosed areas aboard the vessels and on the Islands.  Smoking is only allowed on the outside deck in a designated smoking area.

Electric current:

110/AC 60 cycle (current and plugs are the same as in the US)

Local currency:

Ecuador adopted the US Dollar as their monetary unit. Languages: English and Spanish are spoken aboard the vessels by the naturalists and Captains. Be sure to bring small bills ($1, $5, $10 are best) for small purchases and can use larger bills for gratuities.

Time zones:

Ecuador is in the Eastern time zone (GMT-5 in the mainland). Daylight savings time is not observed. Galapagos is one hour behind mainland Ecuador. On board, we observe mainland Ecuador time.

Language spoken:

English is spoken aboard the vessels by guides, concierges and Captains. All crew speak Spanish.

Satellite Wi-Fi:

Onboard the Orgin, Theory and Evolve, high-speed Wi-Fi is available 24/7 for guests in all areas of the yachts and is provided free of charge. Please note that service may be subject to weather conditions in the area.


 

 

Communication:

Most telecommunication providers have signal in Galapagos and passengers can use their smartphones that are activated for international calling on days when the yachts are in close range to port. 

Medical facilities on board:

The yachts carry first aid kits and medical supplies. The Captain and guides are trained in basic First Aid procedures. All yachts have radio contact with the mainland for any medical emergencies.