Urbina Bay Western Explorer

Frequently Asked Questions

• When is the best time to visit the Galápagos?

  The Galápagos is a year-round destination. December to May is the warm season, with sunny days, occasional tropical showers and calmer seas. June to November is cooler and drier, with cloudier skies, livelier seas and richer marine life. Christmas, New Year, Easter and July–August are the busiest times and sell out first, so we recommend booking 9–12 months ahead for those dates.

• How long should my cruise be?

  Cruises run from 4 to 15 days. Four or five days covers one region of the islands well. Seven or eight days lets you reach more remote islands and see a wider range of wildlife. For the ultimate Galápagos experience, cruises of up to 15 days complete a full loop of the archipelago, visiting its central, southern, western and northern islands. We recommend at least five days if you can!

• How do I get to the Galápagos Islands?

  Fly into Quito or Guayaquil on mainland Ecuador, then take a short domestic flight to Baltra or San Cristóbal, where your cruise begins. We recommend arriving in Ecuador at least a day before your cruise. We can book your domestic flights and time them to your ship’s departure.

• Are there any entry fees?

  Yes. Every visitor pays a Galápagos National Park fee of US$200 per adult (US$100 for children under 12, free for under-2s), plus a US$20 Transit Control Card. Normally the park fee is paid in cash on arrival and the card is bought at Quito or Guayaquil airport before your flight. To save you the hassle, we can pre-book both for you, so they’re ready when you travel.

• What’s included in the price?

  Cruise prices usually include your cabin, all meals and snacks on board, soft drinks and juices, and all listed excursions and activities. You’ll be accompanied by dedicated bilingual naturalist guides, certified by the Galápagos National Park. Snorkelling equipment is also provided.

• Should I choose a cruise or a land-based trip?

  A cruise lets you reach remote islands and visitor sites that can’t be visited on day trips, and you travel between islands while you sleep. A land-based trip suits travellers who prefer staying on dry land, want more flexibility or are travelling on a tighter budget. We can also combine the two.

• Which itinerary is best for seeing specific wildlife?

  Each itinerary visits different islands, and some species only live in certain areas. For example, waved albatrosses nest on Española, penguins and flightless cormorants are found in the west, and Genovesa is famous for red-footed boobies. Tell us what you most want to see and we’ll match you to the right route.

• Is a Galápagos cruise suitable for children?

  Yes, all our ships welcome families. Most ships have a minimum age of 7, but a few especially family-friendly ships have no minimum age at all. We can recommend the best options and cabins for your family.

• Can you cater for dietary requirements?

  Yes. Most ships can cater for vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and other dietary needs, as well as allergies. Just let us know when you book and we’ll pass the details to the ship in advance.

• Is there Wi-Fi on board?

  Some luxury ships offer free Wi-Fi, while others charge extra for it. Connection is usually via satellite and can be limited, so expect to be largely offline while at sea. Most guests find it part of the magic.

• Can I combine my cruise with mainland Ecuador or Peru?

  Absolutely. Many guests add a few nights in the Andes, the Amazon rainforest or Quito’s historic centre, or extend to Machu Picchu in Peru. We’ll build your whole trip around your cruise dates.

• I’m travelling solo - can I join a cruise?

  Absolutely. Many travellers cruise the Galápagos on their own. Some ships offer shared cabins with another guest of the same gender, some have single cabins with no supplement, and others charge a single supplement for a private cabin. We’ll find the best option for you.

• Can I go scuba diving on a cruise?

  Most cruises focus on snorkelling rather than diving. Some ships offer diving as an optional extra, and there are also dedicated liveaboard dive cruises for certified divers. Let us know if diving is a priority and we’ll recommend the right ship.

• How much luggage can I bring?

  Domestic flights to the Galápagos usually allow one checked bag of up to 23 kg and one carry-on. Soft-sided bags are easier to store on board. All luggage is checked at the airport to stop non-native plants, seeds and animals reaching the islands.

• Will I get seasick?

  Some crossings can be choppy, especially from June to November. Catamarans and larger ships tend to be the most stable. Bring seasickness tablets or patches just in case, and let us know if you’re worried. We can suggest itineraries with shorter crossings.

• What should I pack?

  Pack light, breathable clothing, plus a warm layer and a waterproof jacket. You’ll also want a hat, sunglasses, reef-safe sun cream, swimwear, comfortable walking shoes and sandals for wet landings. Don’t forget binoculars and a camera.

• What currency is used, and should I bring cash?

  Ecuador uses the US dollar. Bring cash for park fees, tips and small purchases, as ATMs are limited on the islands and some places don’t accept cards.

• Do I need travel insurance?

  Travel insurance isn’t mandatory, but we highly recommend it. Choose a policy that covers medical treatment, emergency evacuation and cancellation for your whole trip.