FAQs about Galapagos: How much should we tip the guide and crew?

There are no established tipping guidelines for all cruises, you should decide the amount to tip your guide and crew based on your level of satisfaction with the services provided on board and while on excursions.

On Luxury and First class cruises it is recommended to tip $15-$20 p.p. for the guide per day and the same amount per day for the whole crew. On Midrange and Economy class cruises it is recommended to tip $10-$13 p.p. for the guide per day and the same amount per day for the whole crew.

Other related frequently asked questions

Can we make land visits anywhere?

Land visits are, just as cruises, subject to National Park regulations for all departures; this means that all the day-visits are subject to a pre-determined schedule for the day’s activities and visits to one or more sites in one Island and they cannot be modified in any way.

During your free time in one of the populated Islands, you can stroll within the Town and enjoy many local attractions, good restaurants and bars, visit Darwin Research Center (Santa Cruz) or Interpretation Center (San Cristobal) and, of course, feel surrounded by many birds and playful Sea lions, especially at the Town’s Docks

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What length of cruise is best?
Depending on the time you have available for your Galapagos once in a life time adventure, and considering your budget, we recommend taking at least a 6 or 8-days cruise; of course, taking a longer cruise (12-15 days) will definitely give you a complete and very active adventure in the Galapagos paradise.
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Where are the Galapagos islands?
The Galapagos Islands are located in the Pacific Ocean about 1000 kilometers (563 miles) from Ecuador, South America. The 19 Islands are distributed on both sides of the Equator surrounding the Western Hemisphere to the west of Continental Ecuador.
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What is the average cost of a Galapagos Trip?

Traveling to the Galapagos is considered more expensive than taking trips on Mainland; the cost of a trip depends of many factors like taking a cruise or a land-based program. A Cruise is more expensive but definitely a more complete experience in comparison with a land-based program.

Prices vary depending on cruise/tour category: Luxury, first, Midrange and Economy Class and the differences are mainly due to type of cabins (accommodations), level of service, social areas, amenities, cuisine and guide’s experience.

Also, take into consideration the additional expenses for your trip like: domestic flight tickets, Entrance Fees, personal expenses, tips, drinks, equipment rental, etc. Please contact us for guidance on how to choose the right type of trip to Galapagos based on your Budget.

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When do we have to pay?

For cruises and tours, we have flexible payment policies:

  • Tours booked from 91 days or more, small 30% deposit is requested to pre-confirm, 70% balance is needed 90 days before tour dates.
  • Tours booked 90 days or less, complete payment is needed to confirm your trip.
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Can I kayak?
During a Naturalist cruise on board a Luxury or First Class cruise (yacht or vessel), besides hiking, snorkeling and swimming you will have single and/or double sea-kayaks on board to enjoy this wonderful sport in the Pacific Ocean while enjoying the breathtaking volcanic landscapes of the Islands, the pristine Ocean waters, and of course, the company of playful Sea lions, Sea Turtles and Birdlife and much more! Truly an experience that you don’t want to miss when available during your cruise.
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