Galapagos island-hopping is a great alternative to a cruise when it comes to experiencing the near-pristine Ecuadorian archipelago. Compared to cruising, land-based Galapagos travel is relatively new and can be a somewhat rustic affair. What you take and wear requires careful consideration – but don’t worry, the following Galapagos packing list will ensure your comfort and safety throughout your adventure. For more on planning your trip to the Islands, see – How to Travel to the Galapagos Islands.
Disclosure: I may earn compensation from the purchase of any product or service linked on this website, at no extra cost to you. I only link to products I use and love, therefore feel comfortable recommending.
IMPORTANT NOTES:
We visited Galapagos during April, which brings some of the warmest sea temperatures throughout the year, with clear skies and tapering rainfall. Check the yearly averages below and adjust your packing according to the time of your visit.
Pack light, neutral colours. Light colours, because mosquitos are attracted to dark tones; neutral, because wildlife is alerted to danger partially by colours that do not belong in the landscape. If you want to get close to the animals, make yourself look as unthreatening as possible.
Consider the challenges of disposing of rubbish on the Islands, particularly as they are a National Park. Don’t take anything to Galapagos, that you aren’t prepared to take home again. Try to minimize packaging and disposables as much as possible. This guide will help: 8 Essential Eco-Friendly Travel Products.
Furthermore, consider the environmental impact of the toiletries you take to the Galapagos and opt for as many natural products as you can to minimize chemicals in wastewater. Most hotels treat wastewater and recirculate it through toilets or use it to water crops etc.
If you plan to take your own snacks, there are restrictions on the types of organic materials that can be taken to the Galapagos Islands. Check the official list here.
Accommodation is varied, with hotels being small, boutique properties that provide for basic comfort. Don’t go expecting Hilton-esque establishment levels of amenities (we heard other tourists complaining about this while we were there). Do your research and temper your expectations. If you’re looking for a tropical resort it’s best to stick to more established, less eco-centric tourist destinations.
Weather
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
NOV
DEC
Avg Temp High °F
84
86
88
86
82
78
76
74
76
77
78
80
Av Temp High °C
29
30
31
30
28
26
24
23
24
25
26
27
Avg Temp Low °F
70
74
74
72
72
68
66
64
62
64
66
68
Avg Temp Low °C
21
23
23
22
22
20
19
18
17
18
19
20
Avg Sea Temp °F
74
76
76
76
74
74
72
66
68
70
72
74
Avg Sea Temp °C
23
24
24
24
23
23
22
19
20
21
22
23
Avg Rainfall (inches)
1
1
2
1.5
.75
.25
.50
.25
.50
.25
.50
.50
Avg Rainfall (cm)
2.5
2.5
5
3.8
1.9
.635
1.27
.635
1.27
.635
1.27
1.27
Galapagos Packing List
Basics
Underwear
Socks
Sleepwear
Shirts – one for each day, as between the sweltering heat, sunscreen, and salty water, you will probably prefer not to recycle shirts as you might in other, cooler destinations. A mix of t-shirts and light, long-sleeved shirts with collars, will allow you to adjust your clothing to the activity and sun intensity. If you have very pale skin like myself, long-sleeve is the way to go, as there is not enough sunscreen in the world to keep the burn at bay.
Several pairs of shorts and/or light pants that will be cool, provide sun protection, and be comfortable for light hiking. At least one pair of zip-off style cargo/khaki pants are ideal, particularly if you are doing longer treks such as the Volcan Sierra Negra walk.
One pair of light, long pants or maxi skirt/dress for evening activities when mosquitos and other biting insects are on the hunt. I recommend packing one pair of light pants that will cover your legs while walking about town in the evenings. They can be re-worn night-to-night as they won’t be exposed to sweat and sunscreen in the way your day pants will.
A light jumper (sweater) is a safe plan B for cooler, rainy evenings. I didn’t wear a jumper my entire time in the Galapagos from getting off the plane to boarding it again. However, as I have a tendency to freeze during air travel, I did have a jumper in my bag, which was a suitable warm layer if I had needed it.
Rain jacket or poncho
Toiletries
Deodorant
Toothpaste and toothbrush
Shampoo and conditioner
Aloe vera – doubles as sunburn relief and body moisturizer
Vitamin E – I use pure vitamin E gel at night only (because it’s photosensitive) layered over aloe vera to prevent sun damage on my face and chest. I’ve found it very effective for fighting hyperpigmentation from sun exposure. Warning: it’s thick and sticky, another good reason to put it on at night only, right before bed.
Face wash
Body wash
Moisturizer
Hair accessories (ties and pins)
Menstrual cup/ tampons
Light makeup and perfume – I didn’t use either of these, but I had a small travel-sized mineral face powder and brush in my bag as a just-in-case, with my usual sample-size vial of perfume.
Laundry soap – I pack a cake of laundry soap as a standard for all travel, so I can wash underwear and socks in the hotel basin if need be.
Wet
A swimsuit, or two. In the humidity, everything takes a long time to dry out, so if you prefer to put on a dry suit in the morning, alternate a couple.
Snorkel, mask and flippers aren’t essential. Most day tours provide them where appropriate. We found the gear ranged in quality and condition so preferred to take our own.
A wetsuit is another non-essential depending on the time of year and the tour provider. We took our own to wear purely for sun protection.
Any hat is better than none, but a snug-fitting wide-brimmed hat (maybe with a chin strap), is the most practical. You need the all-round protection of a wide brim and a fit that won’t blow off with a breeze or movement of a boat.
Sarong or cover-up to keep you sun protected and modest between and after snorkelling sessions.
Sunglasses, preferably UV rated to protect your eyes and polarized to cut glare and help you spot wildlife in the water.
Galapagos day trip boatHiking Volcan Sierra NegraGalapagos Islands view from North SeymourGalápagos tortoise on Santa CruzMarine Iguana sunbathing
Day bag/ backpack
Refillable water bottle
Waterless handwash (aka hand sanitiser)
Bandana/cloth napkin
Toilet paper in a ziplock bag to keep it dry
Headphones
Binoculars
Sunscreen
Lip balm with SPF 15+ minimum
First aid kit
Medications and prescriptions
Seasickness medication is a must if a sometimes rolling, pitching boat makes you queasy. I can’t shake the experience of motion sickness tablets sending me to sleep for a good 3-5hrs when I was a kid and missing the journey. Therefore, I opt for keeping my face in the breeze, staring at the horizon and chewing on crystallized ginger as a natural alternative.
Dry bag for keeping your camera, phone and other water sensitive valuables dry, particularly during wet landings.
Gadgets
An international adapter, ideally with a USB socket, and chargers for your camera and other electronics. Too Many Adapters is great for finding reviews and recommendations on anything travel technology related.
A camera and accessories including charger, spare batteries, SD cards, and tripod. Polarizing and neutral density filters for your DSLR would also be helpful for the harsh Galapagos light.
A waterproof camera is a must for diving, snorkelling, kayaking etc.
Tori Burch polarised sunglasses (gifted by a friend, no longer available)
You may also find it useful to read 5 Steps to More Sustainable Travel for tips and products that will reduce your environmental impact while exploring the Galapagos Islands. Enjoy your Island adventure and remember to take only photos, leave only footprints.
