FAQs about Galapagos: How can I pay for souvenirs?

On some luxury class cruises you can buy wonderful souvenirs and pay with your preferred Credit Card as major ones are accepted: MasterCard, Visa, Amex, among others; also you can pay for souvenirs at local shops in Puerto Ayora or San Cristobal with your Credit Card, but some of them will only accept cash payments. On board other category of cruises, payments must be done in cash (U.S. Dollars) for souvenirs and consumption.

Other related frequently asked questions

What is the smoking policy on board the boats?

Cruises have strict policy on smoking on board: is prohibited in almost all social areas, dining rooms and cabins in cruises, but most of them do allow to smoke on designated areas in the sundeck prior request from passengers to the guide or cruise director. Smoking is strictly prohibited on inhabited islands and visitor sites during a cruise.

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How to pay the Galapagos Park tax?

Upon arrival to Baltra or San Cristobal Islands as per your tour’s itinerary, you will be prompted to pay US$200 per person in Cash at the established booth to get your visitor pass to the Galapagos National Park.

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When do we have to pay?

For cruises and tours, we have flexible payment policies:

Tours booked from 91 days or more, small 30% deposit is requested to pre-confirm, 70% balance is needed 90 days before tour dates.
Tours booked 90 days or less, complete payment is needed to confirm your trip.

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Should I organize the flights separately from the Galapagos trip?

If you are taking a Galapagos Cruise or package, it is best if you book your domestic flights to/from Galapagos from Quito, Guayaquil or mixed route along with your cruise. This because cruises/tours must follow a pre-approved itinerary by the National Park’s Authorities, and all start their itinerary with specific arriving flights to the Islands, and cannot wait for stragglers arriving on different flights other than the one used by the rest of the group.

Catching a cruise when arriving on different flights that are delayed or arrive on different timings can be very expensive and in some cases, impossible, causing distress and unwanted non-refundable trip cancelations.

For this reason, all operators recommend booking your domestic flights along with your cruise or tour to align with the operation and avoid any issues. Get full details on logistics and traveling to the Galapagos.

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Which type of boat?

It depends especially on the level of comfort and facilities on board you are looking for:

On board Luxury class yachts & vessels you can expect large cabin or suites with panoramic windows, suites with balconies, large lower beds, high-end amenities, exceptional cuisine, personalized services, VIP services, cruise director, spacious social areas, sun deck with Jacuzzi plus special treats to complement your trip.
On board First class yachts services are also quite personalized, large cabins with lower beds and large windows (some yachts have cabins with balcony), excellent cuisine, ample social areas, ample sun deck (some with Jacuzzi) plus complete amenities.
On board Midrange or Economy class yachts you can still expect good quality service from the crew and your guide, good meals (mostly small buffet), cabins regularly have bunk-beds and port-holes (upper decks offer cabins with windows), cozy and comfortable social areas and sun deck.

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What is the electric current on board?

In Ecuador and the Galapagos you will find 110v. outlets to charge/connect your devices. Some cruises have 220v. at Administration Office; you can also bring your converter if required for your devices.

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