r/GalapagosCruises

I was recently on an 8-day active cruise with CNH Tours, which meant snorkeling or kayaking, and hikes everyday. The sun is no joke out there, so I’m sharing this in hopes you’ll arrive better prepared. Take this with a grain of salt since I may have forgotten a thing or two!

Clothing:

• Loose-fitting long sleeve shirt/hoodie with UPF protection. Bonus points if it has thumb holes and extends over the tops of your hands. Bring 2 to rotate
• Long sleeve vented button-up over a tank seemed like a smart move for extra mosquito protection without overheating. I didn't bring this but it could be nice.
• REI Sahara convertible pants: perfect mosquito + sun protection and vented in all the right places.
• Boat-Wear: Loose wide-leg pants, like the kind you’d wear in Thailand. The humidity makes everything feel hotter than you expect. A sundress or flowy things are nice to lounge in.
• Quick-dry airy shorts for options.
• Sports bra/bralette. Great for under shirts because you will sweat a ton.

Shoes / Water Gear:

• I brought Keen Whisper closed-toe sandals and they were perfect for both wet and dry landings. You can wear socks with them for hikes.
• Water socks that go above your ankles are great with flippers and help prevent rubbing/blisters.
• Dry bag to hold your things for dinghy rides was useful
• Swim leggings were clutch for snorkeling since the wetsuits they provided were shorties. Don't forget a long sleeve rash guard too!

Sun + Bug Protection:

• Brimmed hat that covers your neck. You’ll want one with a little structure because floppy hats don’t photograph as well. Reverse split brims are nice too.
• Fingerless sun gloves: I didn’t bring these and regretted it. My hands are dramatically tanner than the rest of my body now.
• Polarized sunglasses made for water were especially useful on the dinghies for spotting eagle rays and turtles in the water, past the glare
• Sunscreen: We brought two 3 oz bottles of sensitive skin Blue Lizard. Mineral, reef-safe, and the perfect amount for me + my husband for 8 days.
• Bug repellent: DO NOT forget this. Picaridin spray/lotion worked well.
• Chapstick with sunscreen - I have sensitive lips! Protect your skin barrier.

Misc:

• Binoculars: Borrow from family or friends if you have to. I wouldn't have seen half the animals I did if I didn't bring one.
• Small handheld fan was surprisingly clutch.
• Electrolyte packets.
• Extra swimsuit so you’re not constantly putting on a damp one.
• Motion sickness meds. I used Bonine and took it the night before the cruise and then 1x every evening. It was perf
• Bring a book. The onboard WiFi was ok and honestly it was nice to digitally detox a bit.
• Small exfoliating wash cloth. This would've been nice to get all the sunscreen off in the shower at the end of the day. Mineral white cast really clings on.
• Small backpack for the hikes to hold all the extra things
• Water bottle

It has become easier to make one's own flight arrangements from continental Ecuador to Galapagos. Before considering doing so, it is very important to note that cruise ships have rigid schedules.  They sail at a set time, from one of three places in Galapagos, and drop off passengers for flights back to the continent at set times, again in one of three places in Galapagos.  Ship owners have access to guaranteed spaces aboard specific flights that ensure a seamless trip from the continent, to Galapagos, to the ship.  It is strongly recommended that you have the ship book your flights to avoid any problems.   Anyone booking flights independently assumes the consequences of being on the wrong flight and arriving after the ship has sailed, flying to the wrong airport in the islands.  This might mean missing your cruise, or having to hire a private transport to your ship at a cost of $1,000 or more.