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Galapagos FAQ’s


When should I arrive to Ecuador?

We recommend that all passengers arrive to Quito or Guayaquil two days before the beginning of their cruise or hotel stay – 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 or tour Guayaquil, and prepare for the Galápagos experience.

What will the weather be like?

Located on the equator, the Galápagos Islands do not cycle through the traditional four seasons, and daylight hours are almost the same year-round. The weather is dry, pleasant and spring-like all year, but there are warmer and cooler periods that are influenced by oceanic currents and trade winds.

Cooler weather (known as the “garua” season) lasts from June to October, 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).

The warmer season is from November through May. 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.

Weather can also vary by region in the Galápagos. In the highlands of Santa Cruz Island, for example, conditions are more cloudy and humid.
See more on Galápagos weather.

galapagos weather Temperatures are given in degrees Fahrenheit and rainfall is inches.

Who books the local flights to the islands?

These are arranged by Southwind through our local operator or boat owner, budget approximately $550 per person for the Quito-Galápagos-Quito flights.

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 a light jacket wtih long 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. Keep in mind, however, that there is NO Wi-Fi or internet access on most of the ships or at the visitor sites. In the highlands, plan to dress in layers to adapt to changing weather.

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. There is usually a rental fee of $25 to $45 for the use of a boat’s wetsuit for the entire length of the cruise.

Who will be my guide?

During your cruise you will be escorted by one or more 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 friendly. For mainland tours, you will be with one of our knowledgeable, experienced and caring resident guides. See our list of Southwind guides in Ecuador.

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 main towns on Santa Cruz and San Cristobal Islands, 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).

Please refer to the Ecuador FAQ’s for the mainland portion of your trip.
If participating on the Galápagos & Machu Picchu Trip, continue to Peru FAQ’s.