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Title image - BAI takes you to: Galapagos Islands

Galapagos Islands FAQ

Here is where you will find answers to some of your questions about this expedition. If you do not find what you need here, please contact us at info@bergadventures.com.

Choose the specific question to link to your answer

  1. Where are the Galapagos Islands?
  2. How are the flights to the Galapagos Islands?
  3. How much luggage can I bring?
  4. How physically fit should I be to be to enjoy a Galapagos trip?
  5. Do I need any vaccinations?
  6. Are there health concerns for Galapagos travelers?
  7. What is the weather like in the Galapagos?
  8. What is the currency of Ecuador?
  9. Are there entrance fees for Galapagos National Park?
  10. Are there banks on Galapagos Islands?
  11. Can we smoke on the islands or on the boat?
  12. Will there be time for snorkeling?
  13. Is the water cold?
  14. What about SCUBA diving?
  15. What are the costs for SCUBA diving?
  16. What wildlife will I see in the Galapagos?
  17. What shall I bring?
1. Where are the Galapagos Islands? Back to Top
A province of Ecuador, the Galapagos Islands are located about six hundred miles west of Ecuadorian mainland. The Equator divides the islands, placing a third of the Galapagos in the northern hemisphere and the rest in the southern hemisphere.
2. How are the flights to the Galapagos Islands? Back to Top
Planes to the Galapagos depart from the capital city of Quito and stop briefly in Guayaquil on the Ecuadorian coast. The flight from Guayaquil to the Galapagos Islands is about ninety minutes. All flights leave the mainland in the morning and have afternoon return schedules.
3. How much luggage can I bring? Back to Top
You are allowed one piece of luggage at 20 kilos (approx 44 pounds). Excess luggage requires an additional fee.
4. How physically fit should I be to be to enjoy a Galapagos trip?Back to Top
You must be in good health and reasonably fit. Travelers who can walk a few hours a day unassisted will be able to fully enjoy the Galapagos Islands. Most excursions ashore are moderate activities such as walking along beaches, though some optional explorations involve short, steep climbs or longer walks in hot weather. Our guides and the naturalist aboard the ship will inform you fully of any challenges an activity might present, and help you tailor each day to make the most of opportunities.
5. Do I need any vaccinations? Back to Top
No vaccinations are required for entering Ecuador and traveling to the Galapagos. If your additional travels will take you to other areas of South America, vaccinations may be required. We recommend you check with your physician well before departure.
6. Are there health concerns for Galapagos travelers? Back to Top
Our guides will help you make healthy choices during your trip. We recommend that you drink bottled water while traveling in Ecuador, or other beverages you know to be safe. Excursions from Quito into the surrounding countryside will be at elevations of 9,000 feet and above. Travelers with a history of heart conditions or high blood pressure should consult their doctors before the trip for guidance.
7. What is the weather like in the Galapagos? Back to Top
The islands lie directly on the Equator so you can expect it to be temperate most of the year, with temperatures ranging from mid-60s to the mid-80s. Early mornings can be misty, especially in the highlands of Santa Cruz and San Cristobal. Most days are sunny and spectacular.
8. What is the currency of Ecuador? Back to Top
Ecuador’s currency is the US dollar.
9. Are there entrance fees for Galapagos National Park? Back to Top
The Ecuadorian government charges each visitor $110 US to enter the Galapagos. The fee is to be paid with twenty-dollar bills. Bring newer currency for this expense, as bills that are worn or tattered might not be accepted.
10. Are there banks on Galapagos Islands? Back to Top
Branches of Banco del Pacífico in Puerto Ayora (Santa Cruz Island) and Puerto Baquerizo (San Cristóbal Island) have ATMs. Banking hours are Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., and Saturdays from 9:30 a.m. to just after noon.
11. Can we smoke on the islands or on the boat? Back to Top
As an important step in protecting the Galapagos ecosystem, smoking is prohibited on the islands. Smoking areas are designated on the deck of the boat, though smoking is not allowed inside social areas or in any of the cabins.
12. Will there be time for snorkeling? Back to Top
There will be terrific opportunities for snorkeling at various locations in the Galapagos. (Masks, snorkels, and flippers are provided free aboard the boat.)
13. Is the water cold? Back to Top
Currents sweeping toward the Galapagos from the south bring cool waters to the islands. The water temperature is a consistent 68 degrees F—chilly enough that many people prefer to wear a wet suit for warmth while snorkeling and diving. (Wet suits are available to rent on the boat).
14. What about SCUBA diving? Back to Top
SCUBA dives can be arranged to satisfy the interests of divers of all experience levels. For the widest range of opportunities, let us know in advance of the trip what you wish to do while in the Galapagos so that we can make arrangements. All dives are fully supported and accompanied by a trained dive master.
15. What are the costs for SCUBA diving? Back to Top
Depending on the size of the group going out for a dive, the cost will be about $80 US per person. The fee includes all necessary equipment, transportation from shore or from our boat to the dive area, and two dives.
16. What wildlife will I see in the Galapagos? Back to Top
The inhabitants of the Galapagos are like no others on Earth. With few natural predators, these animals have developed little fear of humans. Everywhere you go in the islands, you will find yourself surrounded by wildlife you can encounter closer than you can imagine.
The Galapagos Islands take their name from the giant tortoises that roam many of the islands. Among other species you are likely to see are iguanas, penguins, sea lions, crabs, dolphins, and whales. Birds will be everywhere, too—frigate birds, blue-footed boobies, Darwin finches, flamingos, cormorants, and dozens of other species.
17. What shall I bring? Back to Top
The Berg Adventures confirmation packet you will receive when you sign up for a Galapagos trip will include a complete equipment list that explains in full each item you will need.
Here’s the short version:
  • Khaki pants and Bermuda shorts
  • Cotton shirts and T-shirts
  • Windbreaker or sweater
  • Good walking shoes (tennis shoes will do)
  • Rubber-soled shoes or thongs (Tevas are popular)
  • Small backpack or knapsack
  • Camera with lots of extra film
  • Bathing suits (2)
  • Sunscreen
  • Hat or scarf
  • Underwater camera
  • Sunglasses/strap
  • Sea sickness medication
  • Wet suit for swimming, snorkeling, and diving. (Wet suits can be rented on the boat.)

READING LIST

Field Guides:

  • Darwin's Islands, A Natural History of the Galapagos, by Ian Thornton
  • Galapagos, A Natural History Guide, by M.H. Jackson
  • A Field Guide to the Fishes of Galapagos, by Godfrey Merlen
  • Plants of the Galapagos Islands, by Eileen K. Schfield
  • A Field Guide to the Birds of Galapagos, by Michael Harris

Highly Recommended:

  • Galapagos, Islands Lost In Time, by Tui de Roy
  • Galapagos, Discovery on Darwin's Islands, by Steadman and Zousmer
  • Galapagos, a Terrestrial and Marine Phenomenon, by Paul Human
  • Key Environments, Galapagos, by R. Perry
  • The Voyage of the Beagle, by Charles Darwin