Galapagos Packing List
The most important Galapagos packing list consideration is weight. Always keep in mind to pack light because all flights to the island have a luggage limit of 20kg (44lbs) and most of the cabins on the cruise boats aren't very spacious.
But it's not such a difficult task because the climate encourages casual clothes like shorts and t-shirts which means you can limit the amount of bulky warm clothing that you take with. The following Galapagos packing list is compiled from tips and advice obtained from Galapagos island tours trip reports and reviews by past visitors and is designed to be used on an eight day yacht cruise. Clothes- Trousers: Three pairs of shorts and two pairs of lightweight longs or dress/skirt.
- Footwear: A pair of waterproof sandals is ideal for the wet island landings when you are ankle or knee deep in water and you can wear them comfortably on the boat too. One pair of walking shoes that you can use once you are on the island with four pairs of light socks.
- Swim and rain wear: One or maybe two swim suits as you will be spending a lot of time in the water. A raincoat or umbrella to deal with the tropical downpours.
- Shirts: Four pairs of t-shirts and one sweater just in case there is a cold snap (not very likely but better safe than sorry).
Motion Sickness MedicationThis is an essential item in the Galapagos packing list especially for those people prone to getting seasick which is unpleasant at the best of times but especially so when there is so much to do and see. The yachts generally move to different island locations during the night and the seas can get rough at certain times of the year so make sure you are prepared. Find out here how to prevent sea sickness on your cruise. Sun ShieldingThe sun can be fierce here especially on a boat where it gets reflected back from the waters surface so you need to protect yourself from getting sunburnt... - Lotion: Waterproof sun block for the face and nose and at least a factor 12 for the rest of the body.
- Hat: A wide brim that protects the back of the neck area is ideal.
- Sunglasses: Not just to look cool but for glare which there is a lot of in this sun drenched location.
SnorkelingIt is possible to hire snorkeling gear in Quito, Porta Ayorta and on most of the cruise yachts if you don't have or want to bring your own mask and fins. The water can be cold even during the summer months so a 2 mm "shorty" wet suit will be enough to keep you comfortable for long periods in the water.Camera and Optical Equipment- Underwater camera: Many of your photo opportunities here will be underwater so either get an underwater camera or a waterproof housing for your current camera.
- Camera memory or film: Whatever you use to record your images, bring a lot of it because you will be taking a lot of photographs here.
- Batteries: Not all of the yachts make it possible to recharge your camera batteries so check before you go and add some spares to your Galapagos packing list just in case.
- Binoculars: If you are an avid bird watcher then it is worthwhile to bring a pair of these along but due to the fact that many of the animals here don't fear man you can get pretty close to them.
- Glasses: If you wear them, an extra pair of spectacles is a good bet because you are going to be reasonably active and if you break or lose your current pair it will be very disappointing to experience the rest of your trip through a blurry haze.
First Aid Kit- Upset stomach: There have been some reports in the trip reviews of stomach bugs that sweep through the boats and affect passengers and crew alike so include some Pepto Bismo, Immodium or Lomotil in your Galapagos packing list.
- Pain relief medication: Snorkeling and hiking can lead to some mild injuries which might need pain relief.
- Band aids and Antibiotic cream
- Nasal decongestant, cough drops and muscle reliever
Miscellaneous Gear- Daypack: To carry all the gear you want to take with on an island landing.
- Insect repellent: There are mosquitoes in the Galapagos but they fortunately don't carry Malaria or Dengue fever.
- Water bottle and flashlight or headlamp
| 
