Clothing | Specification |
Comfortable hiking shoes/ boots | Good traction; ankle support is recommended |
Teva-style sandals/ water shoes | Security strap is recommended |
Thin and breathable hiking socks | Materials such as cool-max are recommended |
Hiking shorts/ light full-length hiking pants | Synthetic or cotton; lighter colors are recommended |
T-shirt/ safari shirt/ long-sleeve shirt | Lighter colors are recommended |
Light fleece/ wind shell | |
Sunglasses | Dark glasses are recommended; security strap |
Sun hat/ cap & bandana | Chinstraps are recommended |
Swimming gear | |
UV swimming shirt | |
Ultra-light rain jacket | |
Light back pack/ fanny bag | |
Other recommended items | Specification |
Sunscreen SPF 45 or higher | Water resistant; reef safe sunscreen; biodegradable |
Aloe-Vera gel/ after sun | |
Sports bottle | Nalgene or aluminum are recommended materials |
Snorkel mask and fins | (supplied on boat excursions) |
Anti-fog spray | |
Towel | (small towel for extra use) |
Dry bag | To keep your bag dry in case a wave hits the boat |
Pills for motion sickness | |
Binoculars | |
Waterproof Go Pro or camera | |
Extra camera batteries | |
Extra memory card | |
American Dollars | (There are no ATMs on Isabela Island!)) |
Money pouch | |
Chargers and US-style plug (110v)) | |
Small day backpack | Enough to hold towel, water, sunscreen etc |
These are our suggestions and recommendations to consider packing for your visit to the Galapagos Islands. The climate is generally warm to hot. However there are times when you will need an extra layer. For example at higher elevations it is cooler and more moist, so you will need a sweater or light jacket or rain poncho for any excursion that takes you inland.
Also, when you come out of the water onto the boat after swimming and snorkeling you can feel quite cold, so it is good to have a warm fleece to put on then, especially when the boat starts to move and the wind picks up.
Another thing to consider when you do any walking or hiking on the smaller islands is that the volcanic pumice and fine dirt will kick up into your sandals and be quite uncomfortable. So it is wise to have closed shoes with socks on for those occasions, to make walking much easier.