Galápagos FAQ's
When should I arrive to Ecuador?
We recommend that all passengers arrive to Quito two days before the beginning of their cruise - especially those traveling June through February or over a holiday period (Christmas, New Year, Spring break, etc.) as weather delays or flight cancellations are likely during these periods. This will assure that you do not miss the flight to the islands and have time to visit the Otavalo market in the highlands, and prepare for the Galápagos experience.
We recommend that all passengers arrive to Quito two days before the beginning of their cruise - especially those traveling June through February or over a holiday period (Christmas, New Year, Spring break, etc.) as weather delays or flight cancellations are likely during these periods. This will assure that you do not miss the flight to the islands and have time to visit the Otavalo market in the highlands, and prepare for the Galápagos experience.
What will the weather be
like?
Cool Cool from May through November with the
coolest period in August/September. The seas tend to be rougher (particularly
noticeable on the long overnight navigation to Tower, Isabela or Fernandina
Islands). Hot from December through April. The seas are the calmest and
February, March and April tend to have the highest precipitation levels
(between 1-2" per month) with the rest of year having less than 1" per month.
Visit (http://weather.yahoo.com/regional/SOUTHAM.htm) for current
temperatures and forecasts.
| TEMPERATURES |
JAN |
FEB |
MAR |
APR |
MAY |
JUN |
JUL |
AUG |
SEP |
OCT |
NOV |
DEC |
| MAX AIR TEMP |
84 |
86 |
88 |
86 |
82 |
78 |
76 |
74 |
76 |
77 |
78 |
80 |
| MIN AIR TEMP |
70 |
74 |
74 |
72 |
72 |
68 |
66 |
64 |
62 |
64 |
66 |
68 |
| AVE SEA TEMP |
74 |
76 |
76 |
76 |
74 |
74 |
72 |
66 |
68 |
70 |
72 |
74 |
| AVE RAINFALL |
1 |
1 |
2 |
1.5 |
0.75 |
0.25 |
0.5 |
0.25 |
0.5 |
0.25 |
0.5 |
0.5 |
Temperatures are given in degrees Fahrenheit and
rainfall amounts are in inches.
Who books the local flights to the islands?
These are arranged by Southwind through our local operator, budget approximately $400 per person.
These are arranged by Southwind through our local operator, budget approximately $400 per person.
What should I bring?
You will receive a packing list with your pre-departure manual for suggestions, but remember that life aboard the ship is relaxed, informal and more active than a traditional "cruise" (ties and dresses are not necessary). Bring comfortable clothing and good walking shoes. Passengers tend to wear button down shirts and pants for dinner but shorts and t-shirts are acceptable for lunch. The ships have 110 volt electricity (as do most hotels on the mainland) so you can use your electric razor or travel iron without any problem. In the highlands, plan to dress in layers to adapt to changing weather conditions.
You will receive a packing list with your pre-departure manual for suggestions, but remember that life aboard the ship is relaxed, informal and more active than a traditional "cruise" (ties and dresses are not necessary). Bring comfortable clothing and good walking shoes. Passengers tend to wear button down shirts and pants for dinner but shorts and t-shirts are acceptable for lunch. The ships have 110 volt electricity (as do most hotels on the mainland) so you can use your electric razor or travel iron without any problem. In the highlands, plan to dress in layers to adapt to changing weather conditions.
Do I need a wetsuit?
Anyone wanting to take full advantage of the snorkeling opportunities will want to have a light wetsuit or dive skin - particularly when traveling between May and December. Some boats have a few wetsuits available for use by guests but fit and quality cannot be assured.
Anyone wanting to take full advantage of the snorkeling opportunities will want to have a light wetsuit or dive skin - particularly when traveling between May and December. Some boats have a few wetsuits available for use by guests but fit and quality cannot be assured.
Who will be my guide?
During your cruise you will be escorted by one or two resident naturalists with training and certification from the Charles Darwin Research Station and National Park Service. All speak fluent English and are knowledgeable, patient and fun to be around. For mainland tours, you will be with Roberto Aguilar or Carlos Ordoñez, both outstanding, caring guides, each with almost two decades of experience.
During your cruise you will be escorted by one or two resident naturalists with training and certification from the Charles Darwin Research Station and National Park Service. All speak fluent English and are knowledgeable, patient and fun to be around. For mainland tours, you will be with Roberto Aguilar or Carlos Ordoñez, both outstanding, caring guides, each with almost two decades of experience.
What about an emergency while traveling?
Southwind has never had a life-threatening emergency in Galápagos. However, should an emergency arise, most larger vessels have an English-speaking physician on board. The smaller vessels can rendezvous with a larger vessel, if necessary. There are clinics in the permanent settlements on Santa Cruz and San Cristobal, and should evacuation be necessary, air transportation may be obtained to take an injured or ill person to a medical facility in a mainland city (Quito or Guayaquil).
Southwind has never had a life-threatening emergency in Galápagos. However, should an emergency arise, most larger vessels have an English-speaking physician on board. The smaller vessels can rendezvous with a larger vessel, if necessary. There are clinics in the permanent settlements on Santa Cruz and San Cristobal, and should evacuation be necessary, air transportation may be obtained to take an injured or ill person to a medical facility in a mainland city (Quito or Guayaquil).
If participating on the Galápagos & Machu Picchu
Trip,
Continue to Peru FAQ's
Continue to Peru FAQ's
