L  A   D  A  T  C  O     T  O  U  R   S
	HOME	South America	Falkland Islands	Antarctica	Unique Destinations	Unique Experiences	Newsstand	e-mail

TRAVELING: The Little Details

FLEXIBILITY
Part of the success of any journey depends on you. Your visit to the Galapagos takes you to one of the most unspoiled areas on earth, but you will have to accept conditions as they exist, respect your fellow travelers and the "local inhabitants" of the islands. Walks can be challenging, with little or no shade cover; trails can be narrow, restricting ability to move at your own pace. If you are able to accept conditions as they are and not expend energies on wishing they were different, you will assure yourself of the best possible experience.

PACKING & CLOTHING
Whether you are on a yacht or one of the larger 90-100 passenger ships, dress is entirely casual. Pack swim suit, shorts, t-shirts, lightweight pants and shirts with long sleeves. A small backpack or fanny pack for carrying gear ashore is highly recommended. Be sure to bring a hat, plenty of strong sun protection, insect repellent (just in case), and good walking shoes. There are opportunities to snorkel, and gear is generally available for rent on board, but in limited supply and sizes. Do not overpack - cabins are not large, and storage space is limited. And be sure to leave all valuables at home - they are not necessary in the islands. There are no dressy parties or evening entertainment. Think, plan, pack and go casual!

LUGGAGE ALLOWANCE
In general, 44 pounds per person plus carry-on and reasonable camera equipment. Because this can change, always check before packing. If you are going in and out of either Guayaquil or Quito, you may leave large luggage behind at the hotel in a locked storage room, allowing you to take only what is necessary to the islands.

GETTING ASHORE
In all cases, going ashore is by "panga", - either a rubberized craft or a small motor boat. Debarkation is from the mother ship by ladder to the "panga". Always wear shoes, and have both hands free for balance as both the mother ship and the "panga" will be moving. From the "panga" to shore you may have either a "wet" landing, wherein you crawl overboard into the surf and walk ashore, or "dry" landing, wherein existing rocks or natural promontories are used. There are no piers or platforms. Crew members and guides will assist with all debarkations and embarkations.

Taking your time, having hands free and utilizing the assistance of the crew will assure that no mishaps will take place. For wet landings, take off your shoes while in the boat. Bring a small towel, and once ashore, dry off and put back on your shoes. Walking around in wet shoes is no fun! Most wet landings take place on sandy beaches. A small backpack or fanny pack affords you the ability to take extra film, sun protection, your towel, etc, and leave your hands totally free for getting on/off the pangas, and are an essential piece of going ashore gear.

VISITING THE ISLANDS
Once ashore, stay on the marked paths and stay with your group. If animals are on the path, you may walk around them. Do not try to make them move from the path. Do not talk loudly, feed or harass the animals in any way. And respect your fellow travelers; they too want to get that perfect photo and hear what the naturalist guide is saying.

Little natural protection from the sun is available so make sure you have plenty of sun block. You will make morning and afternoon excursions, generally at different sites.

SOME COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS
General questions with generalized answers which may vary depending on the ship.

HOW DO I PAY FOR ON-BOARD PURCHASES?
In most cases you will not pay for each item as you purchase it. The ship will run a tab and you will settle up on the last day. Generally personal checks are not accepted. Traditionally all purchases had to be paid for in cash (either U.S. Dollars or Sucres) BUT today many yachts and ships are accepting credit cards so be sure to check with your specific ship as to acceptance of credit cards.

WHAT ABOUT TIPPING?
The crew and your Naturalist Guide depend on tips as part of their remuneration and as an incentive to continue to do the best job possible. Specific guidelines are generally explained on board, but you can expect to tip the crew as a whole (putting your tip money into a general box which is split among all crew members), tip the barman based upon his service to you, and tip your guide directly. A good guideline is $10 per person per day for the crew, $5 per person per day for the guide, and barman depending upon your use of his service.

IS SNORKELING EQUIPMENT PROVIDED?
Masks, fins and snorkels in average sizes are available on most of the ships and yachts. If you have an unusual size foot or need special gear, bring your own.

CAN I SCUBA DIVE?
Certain ships offer "occasional diving" where local outfitters pick you up and take you to dive sights for the day. You miss the naturalist shore visits. There are permits and releases to complete and sign, so you need to make advance arrangements.   Not all ships and yachts provide this service. If the focus of your visit to the Galapagos is diving, then you need to book one of the dedicated dive ships. Galapagos is recommended for advanced divers only due to currents, cold water, thermoclines and large marine life. Best diving months are November to June when water temperatures are warmer and visibility the best.

WHAT DAILY ACTIVITIES CAN I EXPECT?
The day begins with breakfast followed by the morning ashore. Return to the ship for lunch and a siesta while the ship navigates to the next site. Mid-afternoon shore excursion, dinner and evening briefing on the next day's activities.

WHAT HAPPENS DURING SHORE EXCURSIONS?
On the islands you will follow marked trails set by the National Park service; walking is generally at a leisurely pace. The guides will interpret and explain the flora and fauna. You'll spend 3 to 4 hours at each site with plenty of time to photograph the abundant wildlife. Afterwards they may be an opportunity to snorkel or swim.

HOW STRENUOUS ARE THE WALKS?
Passengers able to walk a few hours a day unassisted will be able to fully enjoy the islands. Some of the excursions require more physical activity than others, though most require only moderate activity. Entering and exiting the pangas for transport between the ship and shore does require hands-free agility and balance. Walks will be outlined at the nightly briefing, allowing ample time for you to check with the guides on any specific concerns you may have.

WILL I ENCOUNTER ROUGH SEAS?
Due to the strong currents in the area of the Galapagos there may be moderate movement of the vessel while navigating. Most passengers are not affected. However if you are prone to sea sickness, bring motion sickness prevention medication with you.