We present this information in hopes of answering all your questions about travel to the Galapagos Islands. Should your questions not be answered by our FAQ's section, please do not hesitate to chat live with one of our representatives by clicking on the Live Help button located on the right hand menu.

THE GALAPAGOS & ITS PEOPLE [Back to top]

Time Zone
Galapagos is 6 hours behind GMT (equivalent to USA Central Standard Time)

Climate
The Galapagos Islands have a subtropical climate regulated by the cold Humboldt current and the warm El Nino current. Weather varies during the year. From December until May temperatures range from low 80°s to low 90°s (with possibilities of rain). From June to September temperatures vary from low 60°'s to high 70°'s. This is the garua season (mist in the mornings). From October until December temperatures range from 70°s to 80°' (dry season).

Best time to visit Galapagos
The Galapagos Islands can be visited during any time of the year. The warmest season is from December to May when you get the most hours of clear skies. Clear skies however, do not guarantee the best wildlife viewing on the islands due to the intensity of the sun. If you are a diver, the best time to visit Galapagos is from June - November. During these months, the water temperature is the coldest but there are much better chances to see larger schools of hammerheads and even whale sharks.

Language
Spanish is the official language in Ecuador, English is spoken in the main tourist centers but not by the general population. All our guides speak English.. Other languages knowledge is very limited. If you require a guide in a language other than English you should let us know well in advance, an extra fee may apply.

The people
People in Galapagos are very friendly but very protective of their privacy. Follow your guide's recommendations as to your conduct when relating to the local population, i.e.: some people enjoy being photographed while others are quite offended by it; prepared food should not be photographed at public markets, and so on.

Entrance Fee
The Galapagos National Park charges an entrance fee of US$ 100 for adults and US$ 50 for children under 12 to be paid at the airport upon arrival. You can choose to pay this fee through Quasar Expeditions or you can pay yourself at the airport. Please be sure to carry the above amounts in cash. No credit cards are accepted.  

The Galapagos National Park
Galapagos National Park rules are very strict and a way to keep the Islands intact for your enjoyment and that of future generations. You might think some of those rules excessive, but have in mind, that only in this way this unique archipelago will last for years to come. As one of the rules of the National Park, a naturalist guide will be with you at all times. He or she will tell you what you can and what you cannot do while visiting the islands. Please obey their instructions on this respect. The most important rules are the following:

1. Always follow the marked trail and never leave it.
2. Do not touch the animals.
3. Do not take souvenirs from the islands.
4. Do not get too close to animals.
5. Do not litter.
6. Do not smoke on the islands.
7. Do not take food to the islands.
8. Clean your shoes' soles before disembarking in the islands. You may have carried some seeds endemic to one island and would not want to introduce them to another.
9. Always stay together with your group.

Marine Currents
The Galapagos Islands waters have the Humboldt Current's influence that brings cold waters especially during the mist rainy season (cool weather) from July to December. The warm season is during the months of January to June. The southeast trade winds become weaker and the water from the Panama Basin remains warm. During this season there is more of a tropical climate with some occasional rains. "El Niño" current may cause a much greater flow of warm waters, making the surface warmer and rainfall increase.

Water Temperatures
Average water temperatures in Galapagos:
January - June: 70°F - 80°F (20°C - 26°C)
July - December: 65°F - 75°F (18°C- 23°C)

Snorkeling
Snorkel equipment is available onboard all of our yachts and is an activity on all of our Active, Naturalist and Family Cruises. All water sports convey a certain risk. Passengers participating in these activities do so under their own responsibility.

Note: Quasar Expeditions is not responsible for personal items that may be lost or damaged while swimming, snorkeling or kayaking

MONEY & SHOPPING [Back to top]

Currency
The currency in Ecuador and Galapagos is the US Dollar. Small denominations should be brought when shopping. Avoid bringing $100 dollar bills as these will not be easily accepted except at banks.

Banks and Bank Hours
Banks are open to the public from 9:00 hrs to 17:00 hrs. Monday to Friday. Most banks in Galapagos will allow you to make a transaction with your National bank.

ATM's
Automated Teller Machines can only be found on San Cristobal Island and on Santa Cruz Island. You will have access to an ATM only at the beginning and end of your cruise and once more during your cruise. Most ATM's accept international ATM cards.

Shopping
Shopping hours in San Cristobal and Santa Cruz Islands are from 10:00 (AM) to 19:00 (7PM), Monday to Saturday. Some stores are open on Sundays.

HEALTH & SERVICES [Back to top]

Health
Good general health is required for your travel to Galapagos. You will take long walks in hot weather if traveling from Dec - June. If you take medication regularly, we advise you to take enough for the length of your trip. Please advise us if you have any medical condition, which may require attention, so we can be prepared should an emergency arise. No immunizations are necessary to travel to the Galapagos. If you are vegetarian, allergic to any food or under a special diet, please let your travel agent, tour operator or us know in advance, so we can comply with your requirements. 

Modern hospital facilities are not available in Galapagos. The towns of Puerto Ayora and Puerto Baquerizo have small hospitals and drug stores.  We recommend to bring your own medicine as brands may change from one country to another, or a specific medicine may not be available either in the small towns.

Diet
We cater all special diet requirements, except for Kosher food (which should be requested in advance). 

NOTE on Diet
As a general recommendation, use only bottled water (except when onboard), avoid clams (which are served uncooked) and any uncooked or unpeeled products. Do not eat in any place not recommended directly by us. Food at restaurants that we use is carefully prepared to avoid any stomach complications.

Special Needs
Ecuador is just beginning to apply mandatory facilities for special needs i.e.: wheelchair ramps, wide doors, etc. BEFORE you book a particular tour you should inquire about the possibility of attending your particular disabilities, you will receive accurate information about each one of the facilities, and alternatives if necessary.

Communication Facilities
During your Galapagos Cruise, you can call home the day that you visit the port of Puerto Ayora or you can call from the satellite phone onboard at a cost of $4 per minute. Please check your boat's itinerary to see on what day you will visit the port.

Electricity
Electricity on all ships is 110W, 60 cycles, AC, 2 flat prongs.  Travelers coming from Europe should bring their own converters as it is not easy to find them in Galapagos.

TRIP INFORMATION & EXCURSIONS [Back to top]

Booking and Pricing Information
Our booking and pricing information allows you to see our rates as well as our booking and cancellation policies. Click here to open a PDF version of our Booking & Pricing policy.

Documents Required
According to Ecuadorian Immigration regulations, every foreign passenger entering the Galapagos must have a passport.  

Insurance
All passengers should have full medical insurance and trip-cancellation insurance. Your Insurance company should be able to assist you with the best options for your particular trip. We can also recommend a proper insurance policy for you.

Emergency phone number
The most important recommendation is: always carry with you the tour operator local emergency phone number; in case of an emergency this should be your priority contact in order to receive immediate assistance. You will be given our emergency phone numbers when you book any trip with us.

What to Bring to your Trip
Camera equipment, film, insect repellent, sun lotion (high factor), sunglasses, hat/baseball cap, binoculars, small back pack, personal medication, personal toiletteries, rain jacket/poncho, lightweight cotton pants, shorts, t-shirt, swimming suit, waterproof sandals, thick sole tennis shoes, regular underwear and cotton socks and a sweatshirt for breezy nights.

What to Bring to Excursions
Small back pack, camera, extra film and batteries, swimming suits, waterproof sandals, insect repellent, sun lotion, sunglasses, hat, binoculars, rain jacket (depending on the season). A re-sealable bag in the likes of a zip-lock bag is recommended to keep cameras and film dry.

Baggage
We recommend you take a soft sided bag to the Galapagos. You will only need the essentials in clothing and personal items and space is limited on board yachts. A duffel works best as it can be stored into a small drawer or closet. On flights to Galapagos you are allowed a maximum of 20 Kg (44 pounds) of luggage (excluding your hand-bag and carry on). 

Customs
The Galapagos Islands does not have customs since there are no international airports. In the airport your personal luggage will receive a slight inspection for things like fruits or seeds that might be introduced to the islands.

Air Transportation
National flights are handled by Quasar Expeditions. You will receive your flight itinerary when you book your trip.

Airport Greeting
Due to security reasons guides are not allowed at luggage retrieval with domestic flights. All passengers must go through these proceedings on their own; Our guides will meet passengers outside the restricted area holding a sign for their ship.

Duration of Trip
All our Galapagos Cruises are 7 nights / 8 days, from Saturday to Saturday. The trip can be extended with hotel stays in Santa Cruz and San Cristobal Islands. Please inquire with us about extending your Galapagos stay..

Special Excursions
Special excursions may be organized after your cruise. These include hikes to volcanoes on Isabella, diving around dives sites close to inhabited islands, kayaking, horseback riding and snorkeling. Please inquire with us about special excursions after your cruise.

Tipping / Gratuities
Tipping is always up to passengers and is a very delicate matter for us.  Throughout the years we have been often asked what gratuity would be appropriate to leave for the guide and the crew.

It is our recommendation that the quality of service should determine the extent of any gratuity.  For example; if the service received has been excellent, a suggestion of USD$40 per person for the guide for one week and USD$120 per person for the crew is considered appropriate.

Please understand that this is a suggestion only: tipping and gratuities are a very personal matter.

What is not Included in the cruise price
Meals not mentioned in the specific itinerary, alcoholic beverages, tips, laundry service, phone calls, spa treatments, international departure taxes and other expenses of a personal nature.