FACTS AND TIPS FOR GALAPAGOS CRUISES

What Airline do I have to book for my cruise?
All international connections are from mainland Ecuador. Galapagos Explorer's passengers are automatically confirmed on the flight to the Galapagos islands, once their cruise has been confirmed. We will take of your local flight reservation to Galapagos, please consult for additional information.

Is the cruise itinerary subject to change?
On occasions, the ship’s captain may find it necessary to vary the itinerary due to Galapagos National Park regulations or for safety reasons. The company reserves the right at its sole option and discretion and that of the Captain of the vessel without liability for damages or refund of any kind to deviate from the vessels advertised or ordinary itinerary providing equally equivalent substitutions.

What does my cruise rate include?
All shore excursions and activities throughout the voyage by Zodiacs and trails. Program of lectures by noted naturalists and leadership provided by experienced expedition staff. All meals, and soft beverages on board the ship. Pre-departure informative material like the “Galapagos Explorer Guide”. Ground transportation in the islands and baggage handling between the island airports and the ship.

What is not included?
Any airfare, whether on scheduled or chartered flights; government departure tax; excess baggage charges and all items of a personal nature such us laundry, consumption from the mini-bar located in suites, telephone calls bar and alcoholic beverage, wine, champagne, boutique purchases; and the customary gratuity at the end of the voyage for the crew who have served you on board (guidelines will be provided).

Who is going to pay the Galapagos National Park fee?
You will need to have the amount to be paid in cash upon your arrival in Galapagos. Please have your passport in hand it will be requested by the proper authorities.

What are the conditions to make cruise reservations?
A nonrefundable deposit of US $200.00 per person is required within five days of a reservation request. Final payment is due 60 days prior to departure. All rates are subject to change.

What happens if I cancel my cruise?
Cancellations: Up to 60 days prior to departure: total amount paid will be refunded in full, except for the $200 per person service charge. 59-26 days prior to departure: 50% of the total cruise rate will be forfeited. 25 days to the day of departure: the total tour rate is forfeited. If cancellation is due to medical reasons of the passenger, a 50% refund will be made upon receipt of authentic medical documentation.

How much should I tip?
A suggested $10.00 per passenger per night, that will be distributed between the following departments Lounge, Bar Service, Kitchen and Restaurant Service, and Naturalist Guides.

How can I pay my expenses on board? I
Incidental expenses on board can be paid in US Dollars. Personal checks will not be accepted and it is recommended that passengers use traveler’s checks, which may be cashed or exchanged at the purses Office. American Express, Visa, Master Card, Dinners Club are accepted on board.

When is the best time of the year to visit Galapagos?
Galapagos is a sub-tropical destination. Most of the seabirds and reptiles nest year round, so you can see courtship, mating, clicks hatching and rearing at any time of the year. «top»

How many visitors travel to Galapagos annually?
Currently 45,000 to 60,000 passengers from all over the world visit the islands each year.

When should I make my reservation?
We recommend that you book your trip at least 6 months prior to your intended date of departure and 12 months prior to booking for holiday seasons.

Could my cruise be cancelled?
If we may for some reason cancel any sailing at any time before departure including the event of a full ship charter. In such event, we will offer the best possible alternative. Our only liability will be to refund the passenger the amount received for the cruise ticket.

Are the transfers included in the cruise rate?
No, there are not included. We can provide them but they have an extra charge.

Is the air ticket fare included?
No, it is not included, but we can issue the tickets. The airfare is subject to change; we will provide you with the rate the moment you book.

How is the payment for the cruise?
You can make a transfer to our Bank or use a major credit card

Is there a special discount for persons older than 60? No, we do not have any discounts.

Do I need a passport or visa to go to Galapagos?
A passport is required. A few countries require Visa when traveling to Ecuador.

When do I receive my travel documents?
You will be met at the airport upon your departure from Quito or Guayaquil and be given cruise documents and final information. Our staff will be situated next to the counter of local departures, 1h45 minutes before the flight departs.

What type of clothing should I wear on board?
Comfortable, casual clothing is recommended aboard the ship. We prefer that Jeans, shorts, T-shirts, or tennis shoes are not worn for dinner.

What can I pack for the excursions? For shore excursions comfortable clothing is a must, preferably shorts, bathing suits, head covering, sun screen, walking shoes, tennis shoes, windbreaker type jacket, binoculars, camera and plenty of film. «top»

Are there any luggage restrictions?
The local that Airlines operates the flight to San Cristobal and allows one piece of luggage per person not exceeding 20 kilos (approximately 40 pounds). It is recommended that your entire luggage needs to be securely locked all the time.

Who will meet me at the airport in Galapagos?
Upon arrival at Puerto Baquerizo Moreno in the Airport of San Cristobal passengers are met by our guides (look for the logo on the T-shirts) and transported in our private bus to the vessel anchored nearby. Once on board you will receive an orientation and safety drill.

How do we get from the ship to the shore?
The vessel anchors offshore on two sites or islands per day. Passengers are ferried to the landing point in zodiacs and small boats or dinghy (locally called “Pangas”).

How are the landings in the Islands?
The landings are either wet where one must step into water anywhere from your ankles to your knees and wade to shore or dry where one-steps from the panga directly to the volcanic rock. Your guide and “panga” motorist will assist you with a steady hand.

What else I should know?
The terms and conditions of the Transportation Contract, contained in the passenger cruise ticket govern the transportation of passenger and baggage. The passengers acceptance of the passenger ticket contract and acceptance of passage on the vessel constitutes acceptance of the terms, conditions and information contained in this brochure and the passenger ticket contract. It is recommended that you read the terms carefully.

What time zone is used in Galapagos?
Ecuador is in the Eastern Time Zone (GMT-5 in the mainland). Galapagos is one hour behind mainland Ecuador. On board, we use the mainland time.

How long does the flight from Quito or Guayaquil take to San Cristobal?
The flight from Quito to Guayaquil takes thirty minutes, from Guayaquil to San Cristobal takes an hour and thirty minutes.

Does the cruise begin in Guayaquil?
No. You have to take the flight from Guayaquil to San Cristobal and your cruise begins there.

Are children allowed to travel?
Children under 7 years of age are not allowed on board, an adult must accompany children under 18.

Are single and triple suites available?
The fare for exclusive (single) occupancy and third person occupancy at Renaissance, Deluxe, Premium or Classic Suites can be requested. Space is limited; single/third person occupancy is based on capacity controls at the discretion of the company.

What is the physical condition required the cruise?
Elderly or disabled people may have problems in the difficult trails. We especially recommend that passengers be in reasonably good physical condition as some trails are difficult to traverse. The company reserves the right to refuse passengers to anyone who has failed to notify us of any physical disability, or who in the opinion of the company, constitutes a danger to themselves, other guests, members of the crew, or the smooth operation of the vessel.

What is your passenger profile?
Our passengers tend to be well educated, well traveled and from a variety of age groups and nationalities. They have a keen interest in learning about new aspects of nature, ecology and are concerned about environmental issues.

What type of weather can I expect?
Located on the equator, the Galapagos Islands have a surprisingly cool, sub-tropical climate. The larger islands with volcanic peaks have a variety of climatic zones. The coastal areas are quite arid covered with plants adapted to desert conditions. The highland areas receive moisture almost all year round, which supports lush vegetation. Temperatures are determined almost entirely by the ocean currents, which are influenced by the trade winds. There are two seasons, both of which have some precipitation. The Galapagos only get an average of ten inches of rain per year, so it is never considered “rainy”. During the months of December to May the cooling currents subside, temperatures rise and the climate is warm and sunny with occasional showers. In June, the trend begins toward cooler temperatures and moderate breezes, which continue through November. This period is also referred to as the “garua” season, which means mist in Spanish.

Will I encounter rough seas or bad weather?
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 urge you to bring some type of medication to prevent motion sickness.

What is the distance (in miles) between Quito or Guayaquil and the Galapagos Islands?
The distance from Guayaquil to San Cristobal is 572 miles.

What are the departure dates?
We operate on Wednesday and Saturday. Cruise A operates from Wednesday to Saturday. Cruise B operates from Saturday to Wednesday. Cruise C operates from Wednesday to Wednesday and Cruise D from Saturday to Saturday.

What is the best season to take the cruise?
The best season is from December to April.The water temperature is warmer

What is the difference between the suites?
All of them are luxury suites; the only difference is the dimension and the deck they are located on.

Do the suites have windows or holes?
On the Magellan deck, the suites have portholes; on the other decks, they have rectangular windows.

What is the bed dimension?
The single and queen bed is 2,10 x 3,00 meters and the twin bed is 2,10 x 1,50 meters.

Are there special packages for honeymoon?
No. However, we can offer a bottle of wine or a basket of fruits.