FAQs about Galapagos: Should I charter?

On a general basis, unless included on the given price for the confirmed cruise, passenger needs to bring enough cash on board to cover costs like Galapagos entrance fee ($100 p.p. in cash on arrival to Islands), mandatory Transit Control Card ($20 p.p. paid before check-in in cash), snorkeling equipment & wet suit rental (in cash on board), personal expenses, extras, soft & alcoholic drinks, tips for guide& crew and other expenses not specified in the itinerary.

Some Luxury and First accept Credit Card payments on board for on board consumption but Midrange and Economy require payments in cash only. It is imperative that you bring enough cash (U.S. Dollars) in all cases to cover your expenses while cruising the Galapagos.

During a Naturalist cruise on board a Luxury or First Class cruise (yacht or vessel), besides hiking, snorkeling and swimming you will have single and/or double sea-kayaks on board to enjoy this wonderful sport in the Pacific Ocean while enjoying the breathtaking volcanic landscapes of the Islands, the pristine Ocean waters, and of course, the company of playful Sea lions, Sea Turtles and Birdlife and much more! Truly an experience that you don’t want to miss when available during your cruise.

Different cruises offer different departures and itineraries in the Galapagos, you can choose from 4, 5, 8 up to 15 days itineraries on almost every category; the more days you spend on the islands, the more incredible sites you will be able to visit! No itinerary visits the same spot twice!

Land visits are a recommended alternative if not taking a sailing cruise in the Galapagos; you spend the nights at a comfortable Hotel and every day you have day-trips whether on the same Island or take a yacht to a nearby Island where you will enjoy different activities like hiking, snorkeling, kayaking, swimming always surrounded by amazing and untamed Wildlife and breathtaking scenarios, accompanied by a certified Bilingual professional Guide to make your experience on each site more enjoyable each day.

During your cruise, you will have magnificent opportunities to enjoy snorkeling in the most fantastic underwater scenarios within the Galapagos National Park and Marine Reserve as well as other wonderful activities to complement your experience in the Archipelago.

On Luxury and First class cruises snorkeling equipment (snorkel, mask & fins) are included and on Midrange and Economy class cruises they are available for rent. Some Luxury class cruises also include Wet suits while on First, Midrange and Economy class, Wert suits are available for rent.

There are no established tipping guidelines for all cruises, you should decide the amount to tip your guide and crew based on your level of satisfaction with the services provided on board and while on excursions.

On Luxury and First class cruises it is recommended to tip $15-$20 p.p. for the guide per day and the same amount per day for the whole crew. On Midrange and Economy class cruises it is recommended to tip $10-$13 p.p. for the guide per day and the same amount per day for the whole crew.