Galapagos Expedition Checklist

 Galapagos Islands 7 Day Summer Cruise – May/June

These are the items we recommend for your 7 day Galapagos Islands Cruise, if you plan to partake in many of the daily excursions!

• 1 Pair Hiking Shoes - Many of the Galapagos islands are rocky and sandy. Hiking shoes will provide stability and cushion. Bulky hiking boots are not needed because trails are not that long, but sturdy hiking shoes are recommended: Merrell Moab 3 (Mens) or Merrell 3 (Women's).

• 1 Pair Comfortable Water Shoes – I recommend one with a closed toe: Keen, Merrell Barefoot, Teva Churn.

• 4 Pair Hiking Socks – Smartwool socks are great for foot support and moisture control.

• 3-4 Pair Quick Dry Underwear (Dry Overnight) - ExOfficio and Saxx offer great options! 

• 3-4 Long Sleeve Sun Shirts – For afternoon excursions. The sun is so hot that these long sleeve shirts provide a barrier! Orvis and Simms have great SPF styles.

• 1-2 Short Sleeve Sun Shirts, Moisture Wicking (For layering or morning excursions before the heat of the day)

• 1-2 Pair Quick Dry Pants 

• 1-2 Pair Quick Dry Shorts 

• 1 Rain Jacket (For the garua – misty rain) – Patagonia's Torrentshell is light weight and packable to easily fit in a day pack!

• 1 or 2 Bathing suits – For snorkeling opportunities! The ship may also have sun chairs or a hot tub!

• 3-4 interchangeable/reversible travel outfits – For the evening activities aboard the boat. Some dinners/cocktail parties are more formal (not excursion wear).

• 1 or 2 Pairs of Jeans

• 1 or 2 Pairs of Boat Shoes to wear on the ship 

  If your trip begins in Quito, Ecuador be sure to also bring:

• 1 warm jacket – Patagonia's Nano Puff jacket and vest line is a great option.

• 1 Pair good walking shoes for the city tour of historic Quito

 Keep in mind that Quito is at a high elevation (Year-round highs in the 60’s, lows in the 40’s)! Layers of clothing will be your friend. 

• 1 Daypack (A must!) – Ameribag and Patagonia have great options!
• 1 Pair Travel Binoculars – The Carson 8 x 26 is compact and great to have in your daypack!
• 1 Sun Hat (A must!) – Tilly Hat or Simms Solar Sombrero will provide the protection you need!
• Sunscreen (30+) – I can not stress the importance enough. But be sure to put it in your checked luggage!
• Insect Spray – Coleman Deet or Deet Free
• Passport & Photo ID Holder – Osprey Security Belt
  • Be sure to take some cash – Currency is the USD. Credit card machines are found in higher end hotels, but don’t rely on that. Take cash!
• Sunglasses – Polarized sunglasses are a must if you want to truly take in the beautiful colors of the Galapagos Islands - and protect your eyes from the harsh UV rays of the sun. 
• Camera – If an experienced photographer, you may want a filter…so much sun and water means a lot of GLARE!
• Motion Eaze – If prone to motion sickness (plane or boat)
• SPF Chapstick is a must!