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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q1: What should I pack for the trip?
Q2: Are there any suggested readings to bring or to prepare for the trip?
Q3: What is the climate like in Galapagos?
Q4: What language is spoken in the Galapagos?
Q5: What time zone is Galapagos in?
Q6: What type of currency should I bring?
Q7: How do I get there?
Life aboard all vessels cruising the Galapagos is relaxed. Dress is casual - shorts, tee shirts, swim suits; jeans and a light jacket or sweater. Be sure to bring comfortable shoes, ample protection from the sun (including a hat or visor); we strongly suggest that you bring a lightweight backpack to carry your camera, extra film and a towel (for drying off after wet landings). Do not over pack due to the weight restrictions on the flights (30 pounds per passenger) and you need only a minimum of casual clothing. Your extra baggage may be left at your hotel in Quito or Guayaquil with the concierge.
Suggested items to pack:
- Light pants and shorts
- Natural- fiber shirts and T-shirts
- Light jacket (water-resistant material would be prudent) or a sweater
- Good walking shoes (light and comfortable)
- Hiking boots, if you plan on trekkin
- Rubber-soled shoes or sandals
- Compact daypack or backpack
- Camera with film, extra batteries and for digital cameras extra memory cards and your charging device
- Underwater camera
- Bathing suits (it is always good to bring at least 2)
- Sunscreen (spf 30 at least is recommended)
- Snorkeling equipment (mask, snorkel, fins, etc.)
- A full brim hat, ball cap, or visor
- Sunglasses/strap
- Sea/motion sickness medication
- Wet suit (July-November)
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Field Guides:
- Darwin's Islands, A Natural History of the Galapagos, by Ian Thornton
- Galapagos, A Natural History Guide, by M.H. Jackson
- A Field Guide to the Fishes of Galapagos, by Godfrey Merlen
- Plants of the Galapagos Islands, by Eileen K. Schfield
- A Field Guide to the Birds of Galapagos, by Michael Harris
Highly Recommended:
- Galapagos, Islands Lost In Time, by Tui de Roy
- Galapagos, Discovery on Darwin's Islands, by Steadman and Zousmer
- Galapagos, a Terrestrial and Marine Phenomenon, by Paul Human
- Key Environments, Galapagos, by R. Perry
- The Voyage of the Beagle, by Charles Darwin
Visit the Galapagos Islands book section at: 
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The Galapagos Archipelago is located on the Equator and its climate is sub-tropical, allowing cruises to operate on a year round basis. Temperatures are determined almost entirely by the ocean currents that are influenced by the trade winds. Generally, December to May is warm and sunny; June to November is cool and breezy. Most birds nest year round, so you can see courtship, mating, chicks hatching and rearing almost any time of the year.
Temperatures are shown in Fahrenheit:
Temperature |
JAN |
FEB |
MAR |
APR |
MAY |
JUN |
JUL |
AUG |
SEP |
OCT |
NOV |
DEC |
Max. Air Temp. |
84 |
86 |
88 |
86 |
82 |
78 |
76 |
74 |
76 |
77 |
78 |
80 |
Min. Air Temp. |
70 |
74 |
74 |
72 |
72 |
68 |
66 |
64 |
62 |
64 |
66 |
68 |
Avg Sea Temp. |
74 |
76 |
76 |
76 |
74 |
74 |
72 |
66 |
68 |
70 |
72 |
74 |
Avg Rainfall (in.) |
1 |
1 |
2 |
1.5 |
0.75 |
0.25 |
0.5 |
0.25 |
0.5 |
0.25 |
0.5 |
0.5 |
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Aboard the vessels most guides and officers multi-lingual, as well as having a very good understanding of English and Spanish.
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Ecuador does not observe Daylight Savings Time. GMT-6 in the islands and GMT-5 on the mainland.
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The US Dollar is the main monetary unit of Ecuador.
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There are worldwide connecting flights to Quito and Guayaquil, on the Ecuadorian mainland. Specially arranged flights from the Ecuadorian mainland serve the archipelago's two airports. The airport in Baltra is served by TAME Ecuadorian Airlines. Passengers fly from the mainland on the morning of their cruise.
The flights to and from Baltra in the Galapagos, are automatically confirmed when the cruise arrangements are booked and confirmed. All passengers must arrive on the mainland at least one day prior to the departure date of the cruise.
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