Recommended Gear for Galapagos Islands Journey
Top-quality mountaineering clothing and equipment are investments that will see you through years of adventures. It is wise to choose carefully, and not to skimp on quality. We recommend specific manufacturers or models as starting points of reference for you; there are several other equipment manufacturers you may want to consider. Take this list to your local outdoor specialty shop, or refer to our Gear Suppliers page.
Footwear:
Travel Shoes: For travel, easy walking and light hiking.
Sport Sandals: Open toe model that can be worn with socks (Teva, Chaco)
Booties: Neoprene booties for wet landings (wading to shore)
Lightweight Socks: 3 pairs Synthetic/Wool Blend (Smartwool, Fox River)
Clothing:
Casual Clothes: Two to three changes. For hotels, resorts and dinner in the evening.
Shorts: 2 pairs, casual fast drying.
Short Sleeve Shirts: 2 casual wicking fabric preferred.
Lightweight Travel Jacket: Simple wind shirt or light fleece. It can be windy on the boat.
Waterproof Jacket: There are a variety of waterproof materials now available we suggest a material that is breathable.
Work-out Clothes and Bathing Suit: Simple and versatile, for hotels and the boat.
Wetsuit/Wetsuit Jacket: This is optional. Some people prefer using them while they are snorkeling but life vests will be available.
Head & Hand Gear
Sun Hat: Lightweight hat with a good brim or visor. Original Tilley hats are a good choice because they protect you from the sun and rain. They also will not fly off when then there is a breeze.
Bandanas: One or two traditional cotton.
Accessories
Sunglasses: 1 pair high quality. A spare pair in case you lose or damage one pair.
Daypack: To keep your water, camera and jacket when off on day hikes. Waist pouches may work as well.
Dry Bag: Small, for transporting all your items that cannot get wet, such as camera gear, binoculars.
Water Bottles: Two one- liter, leak-proof wide-mouth (Nalgene or Lexan bottles)
Medical & Personal
Sunscreen: SPF 30 or higher, non-oily (L'Oreal or Terrapin)
Lipscreen: SPF 30 or higher, any brand
Toiletry Kit: toothbrush, toothpaste, lotion, alcohol-based anti-bacterial hand sanitizer, anti-bacterial soap, comb/brush, shave kit, lighter, needle/thread, throat lozenges (bring travel size bottles to keep you kit small)
Eye Drops
Earplugs
Sea-sickness Medication: Motion sickness medication such as 'Gravol' or a patch.
Zip-loc Bags: They can be very useful so bring plenty.
Baby Wipes / Wet Wipes
Insect repellant
Travel Items
Passport Belt/Pouch
Small Padlocks: for locking luggage
Book(s)
Journal
Binoculars: Optional. High quality, 8X32 or 10X42. You will get CLOSE to wildlife on Galapagos, many people feel binoculars are not that useful.
Camera, Lenses, Video Camera: Large telephoto lens are not necessary because we will get very close to the wildlife, but in some instances they might be useful. Wide angle lens are important to capture the landscape. Have a good plan to protect your cameras from ocean spray, light rain and dust. Large Zip lock bags will work if you bring plenty. Otherwise bring dry bags or a "Pelican Case". You will be able to charge camera batteries on the boat and in the hotel, so bring your charger!
Film and / or Memory Cards for Digital Camera: Bring plenty of memory cards and film, both are expensive in Ecuador.