No surprise then that Galapagos Marine reserve is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site and subject to the strictest protection. Most divers who venture to Galapagos are looking to visit the spectacular Darwin and Wolf islands only accessible by liveaboard. On these isolated islands, divers can find huge schools of scalloped hammerheads, silky sharks, manta rays and of course whale sharks.

Galapagos Paradise-Dreams and the six liveaboards are small in number and of a very high standard. Most take no more than 16 guests and have fully catered facilities. They feature purpose built dive decks with charging stations and camera storage areas. An opportunity to dive one of the most unique and breath-taking places in the world in complete comfort.

Trips are year round and it is always a good time to visit Galapagos. Trip itineraries range from 7/10-days to a full 14-night cruises. Longer cruises tend to visit smaller additional sites with most liveaboards making Punta Carrion and Darwin and Wolf a priority. Cruise prices are usually around 450 to 650 usd per night. And Day Trips Dive 245 USD per day, 2 dives.

Warm Season

The time period between December and May is considered the "warm season". During this warmer season, the Galapagos' climate is more tropical with daily rain and cloudier skies. Also, the ocean temperature is warmer for swimming and snorkeling.

During this season tourist may observe a big amount of species around the islands or the sea such as: marine iguanas, sea turtle, land iguanas, flamingos, white-cheeked pintails, masked boobies, marine iguanas, albatross, blue-footed boobies, etc. Due to the water conditions snorkeling is the recommended activity during these months.

Dry Season

From June to December the southern trade winds bring the colder Humbolt current north to the Galapagos. This means that the water is cooler, and a layer of high atmosphere mist pervades the island skies. In effect, the highlands of the larger islands are kept green and lush, while the sea level islands and shorelines have little precipitation. Thus, June to December is generally called the "dry season" known for its blue skies and mid-day showers.

During this season tourist may observe a big amount of species around the islands or the sea such as: giant tortoises, Humpback whales, blue- footed boobies, cormorants, oystercatchers, lava lizards, Galapagos hawks, masked boobies, swallow tailed gulls, sea lions, lava herons, brown noddies, penguins, etc. Due to the water temperature it is the perfect time for diving.

The water temperature varies during the year:

• January to June: from 70°F (21°C) to 80°F (27°C)
• July to December: from 65°F (18°C) to 75°F (23°C)

Luggage

No more than 20 Kgs. (44 pounds) of luggage (one suitcase) may be checked on flights to or from the Galapagos Islands. Additional luggage may be stored at your hotel.
These restrictions do not include small carry-on flight bags or camera cases. Currently there are "no international Airlines" that fly directly to the Galapagos Islands.
You must fly to Ecuador first, either to Quito or Guayaquil and from here take a national flight to the Islands. Find Cheap Galapagos Islands Flights here

Clothes to take

For your Galapagos vacations, clothing ranges from informal to very informal.
Essentials Include: proper footwear, shorts, long- and short-sleeve lightweight shirts, bathing suit, a wide-brimmed hat, long pants, and a wind breaker or light jacket for evenings. Be sure to bring sunblock (SPF 30), sunglasses and lots of film.

Shoes

Most walking ashore is over rocky lava terrain. Therefore tennis shoes, sneakers or walking shoes with rubber soles must be worn. For easy walks like on gravel or sand terrain Tevas or aqua socks are suggested.

Sunburn

Because the country is located right on the equator, sun rays are direct.
Fair-skinned persons should use sun protection at high altitudes and seashore at all times, even if the weather is cloudy, as UV rays penetrate light clouds.
I strongly recommend sun block with SPF30 or higher.

Passports

Guests must travel to the Galapagos with their passports.
Names and passport numbers must be delivered one month prior to arrival.

Galapagos National Park Admission FEE

In your Galapagos vacations US$100 per person must be paid upon arrival at the airport in Galapagos (rate is subject to change without notice) to be able to enter to this national park.
See a Gallery of Stunning Galapagos Pictures

Electric Current

110/AC. Electric shavers and hair dryers can be accommodated.
LOCAL TIME
GMT minus 6 hours in the Galapagos Islands. GMT minus 5 hours on mainland Ecuador.

Purchases on Board

When planning your Galapagos vacations is good to know that... US dollars or traveler checks may be used on most of the cruise ships in the Islands.
Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard and American Express) are also accepted specially aboard Santa Cruz Ship or Isabela II deluxe yacht and the all new Yacht la Pinta

Safety

All safety and fire prevention measures have been implemented on most of the vessels cruising the Islands, for a comfortable and secure Galapagos vacations. MT ships are all ISMC compliant.
See our Recommended Galapagos Land Tours

Meals

Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included on every ship cruising the Galapagos. Wine, beer and soft drinks are extra. Bottled water is supplied in each cabin free of charge.