Galapagos Islands Packing List

Packing List

The Galápagos are all about being outdoors and in the water, so pack casual, practical clothing you can move in — there’s no need for anything formal. The islands are warm and sunny year-round, with a cooler, mistier season from roughly June to November and a warmer, wetter one from December to May. Most visitors travel by cruise or island-hop with day excursions, so lightweight, quick-dry gear is ideal.

A swimsuit is a must — you’ll want it every day for snorkeling with sea lions, turtles, and rays. If you wear glasses, consider a snorkel mask with corrective lenses, which is far more comfortable than fumbling with contacts on the water and is inexpensive to buy before you go.

Here are the essentials worth having in your bag for the Galápagos.

• Your passport plus the Galápagos transit control card and park documents (your guide will advise)
• Cash in US dollars for the park entry fee, tips, and souvenirs — ATMs are limited on the islands
• Swimwear, a quick-dry towel, and a light rash guard for sun and cool water
• Reef-safe, high-SPF sunscreen, a sun hat, and sunglasses — the equatorial sun is fierce
• Good walking shoes for volcanic terrain, plus sandals or water shoes for wet landings
• A light rain jacket and a warm layer for cooler-season evenings and breezy boat decks
• A dry bag or waterproof case for your phone and camera on Zodiac transfers
• Binoculars for birdlife and a camera with spare memory and batteries
• Any personal medications, plus seasickness remedies if you’re prone to it on cruises
• Your smartphone, set to airplane mode to avoid roaming charges

Please note strict biosecurity rules: you cannot carry fresh food, seeds, or organic material between islands. Planning your island adventure? Our specialists arrange private, tailor-made Galápagos tours and can advise exactly what to pack for your cruise or land-based trip.