Galapagos Islands What to Expect
Ecuador in general is not well equipped for handicapped travellers, and the Galapagos is no exception. Visitors will be need to embark and disembark from cruise ships and many paths on the island are not paved. It is not a recommended destination for individuals not comfortable with managing several flights of stairs a day.
Last edited Mar 5, 10 12:03 AM. Contributors:
The majority of positions available to foreigners in the Galapagos are volunteer positions.
Last edited Mar 5, 10 12:00 AM. Contributors:
While the Galapagos are much safer than mainland Ecuador, it is still prudent to keep your valuables in a safe place.
When swimming or snorkelling, be aware of rip currents.
Many parts of the Galapagos can still be quite isolated, so stay on well marked trails.
As the Galapagos is located close to the equator, the region gets lots of sun, so be sure to wear adequate sun protection and reapply frequently.
Most travellers will be staying aboard cruise boats, so it may be wise to bring motion sickness pills.
Smoking is prohibited on all uninhabited islands, and typically on most boats as well.
Last edited Mar 4, 10 11:56 PM. Contributors:
Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
After landing in Baltra (Airport) you can take the free shuttle to the canal - takes about 5 min.
Cross the canal by ferry (50 cents) and take there a bus to Puerto Ayora - about 45-60 min. (1.80 USD)
Cross the canal by ferry (50 cents) and take there a bus to Puerto Ayora - about 45-60 min. (1.80 USD)
Good tip?
(+1)
Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
The Angelique is highly recommended for 4 or 8 day cruises. Lovely refurbished wooden sailing boat with great food and comfy ensuite cabins.
Good tip?
(+1)
Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
We had a wonderful 8-day trip around the islands.
But at the end we were told by our guide how much we should tip the crew (and it was a lot!!!) They put for each of us envelopes with our names on our beds.
That was too much, so we decided to tip all in only one envelop without names. That way everybody could tip anonymusly.
But at the end we were told by our guide how much we should tip the crew (and it was a lot!!!) They put for each of us envelopes with our names on our beds.
That was too much, so we decided to tip all in only one envelop without names. That way everybody could tip anonymusly.
Good tip?
(0)
Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
Another day trip could be a walk to the Tortuga Bay.
A one hour walk (5km) west from Puerto Ayora on a marked and cobbled path trough a forest of the Prickly Pear Cactus. Start at the west end of Charles Binford; further on there is a gate where you must register, open 06.00-18.30 daily. Take drinking water and something to eat and do not go alone though there are many joggers. Also take care of the very strong undertow at the main beach. There is also a small sheltered bay without any major waves to the west hidden behind Red Mangroves, this is the swimming area and a nice spot for relaxing.
A one hour walk (5km) west from Puerto Ayora on a marked and cobbled path trough a forest of the Prickly Pear Cactus. Start at the west end of Charles Binford; further on there is a gate where you must register, open 06.00-18.30 daily. Take drinking water and something to eat and do not go alone though there are many joggers. Also take care of the very strong undertow at the main beach. There is also a small sheltered bay without any major waves to the west hidden behind Red Mangroves, this is the swimming area and a nice spot for relaxing.
Good tip?
(0)
Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
In Puerto Ayora I can suggest a trip to "Las Grietas". A hidden place to swim.
After a short ride with the water taxi to Playa Estrella you pass the Finch Bay Hotel in the front on the beach and walk then around 3 km over igneous rocks.
Las Grietas is a appr. 50 meters long and 20 meters deep hole with very clear water and fantastic color. It is fed with both salt and fresh water.
After a short ride with the water taxi to Playa Estrella you pass the Finch Bay Hotel in the front on the beach and walk then around 3 km over igneous rocks.
Las Grietas is a appr. 50 meters long and 20 meters deep hole with very clear water and fantastic color. It is fed with both salt and fresh water.
Good tip?
(0)
The most common health issues to be aware of are motion sickness, dehydration and sun or heat stroke. Be sure to use sun protection, stay hydrated and bring motion sickness pills. Ginger ale may also help to upset stomachs.
Diseases such as Malaria, dengue are not in the Galapagos, and Hepatitis A is very rare.
Last edited Mar 4, 10 11:59 PM. Contributors:
Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
If you can choice between boat and hotel for your accommodation go for the boat!!!Bring or buy the most highest grad of sun (UV)protection sun protection and avoid to spend time between 11.00-14.00 outside under direct sunshine.
If you need T-Shirts etc for souvenirs visit the supermarket at the main square close to the post office, or if you are going to Quito on your way back home better wait until you see the Indian-Market in Quito ;)
If you need T-Shirts etc for souvenirs visit the supermarket at the main square close to the post office, or if you are going to Quito on your way back home better wait until you see the Indian-Market in Quito ;)
Good tip?
(0)
Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
After landing in Baltra (Airport) you can take the free shuttle to the canal - takes about 5 min.
Cross the canal by ferry (50 cents) and take there a bus to Puerto Ayora - about 45-60 min. (1.80 USD)
Cross the canal by ferry (50 cents) and take there a bus to Puerto Ayora - about 45-60 min. (1.80 USD)
Good tip?
(+1)
Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
The Angelique is highly recommended for 4 or 8 day cruises. Lovely refurbished wooden sailing boat with great food and comfy ensuite cabins.
Good tip?
(+1)
Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
We had a wonderful 8-day trip around the islands.
But at the end we were told by our guide how much we should tip the crew (and it was a lot!!!) They put for each of us envelopes with our names on our beds.
That was too much, so we decided to tip all in only one envelop without names. That way everybody could tip anonymusly.
But at the end we were told by our guide how much we should tip the crew (and it was a lot!!!) They put for each of us envelopes with our names on our beds.
That was too much, so we decided to tip all in only one envelop without names. That way everybody could tip anonymusly.
Good tip?
(0)
Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
Another day trip could be a walk to the Tortuga Bay.
A one hour walk (5km) west from Puerto Ayora on a marked and cobbled path trough a forest of the Prickly Pear Cactus. Start at the west end of Charles Binford; further on there is a gate where you must register, open 06.00-18.30 daily. Take drinking water and something to eat and do not go alone though there are many joggers. Also take care of the very strong undertow at the main beach. There is also a small sheltered bay without any major waves to the west hidden behind Red Mangroves, this is the swimming area and a nice spot for relaxing.
A one hour walk (5km) west from Puerto Ayora on a marked and cobbled path trough a forest of the Prickly Pear Cactus. Start at the west end of Charles Binford; further on there is a gate where you must register, open 06.00-18.30 daily. Take drinking water and something to eat and do not go alone though there are many joggers. Also take care of the very strong undertow at the main beach. There is also a small sheltered bay without any major waves to the west hidden behind Red Mangroves, this is the swimming area and a nice spot for relaxing.
Good tip?
(0)
Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
In Puerto Ayora I can suggest a trip to "Las Grietas". A hidden place to swim.
After a short ride with the water taxi to Playa Estrella you pass the Finch Bay Hotel in the front on the beach and walk then around 3 km over igneous rocks.
Las Grietas is a appr. 50 meters long and 20 meters deep hole with very clear water and fantastic color. It is fed with both salt and fresh water.
After a short ride with the water taxi to Playa Estrella you pass the Finch Bay Hotel in the front on the beach and walk then around 3 km over igneous rocks.
Las Grietas is a appr. 50 meters long and 20 meters deep hole with very clear water and fantastic color. It is fed with both salt and fresh water.
Good tip?
(0)
