FAQs about Galapagos: What if I need to cancel?

If by any case, force major or personal calamity you are unable to travel, each cruise or tour has specific cancellation policies that vary depending on the time that the cancelation takes place before your traveling dates. We strongly recommend our valued Customers to purchase a complete insurance package that includes cancelation coverage in case you need to cancel your trip; this way, if we need to pay cancelation fees to your cruise, you will be covered by your trusted Insurance Carrier and we will provide the necessary documentation for your claim.

Other related frequently asked questions

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.

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Do I need a passport or visa to go to Galapagos?

All visitors entering Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands are prompted to present original Passport when entering, with at least 6 months of validity; citizens from most Countries do not require a Visa to enter Ecuador and the Galapagos, but do confirm this with your local International Affairs Office to confirm if you require to get a Visa to travel to Ecuador.

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Are any immunizations required?

Visitors entering Ecuador and the Galapagos are not required to present any proof of vaccination, but you will need to present your Travel Insurance document when entering the Galapagos. However, if your doctor recommend taking a vaccination, you can follow the advice at your own discretion.

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How to get there?

First, you must get to Ecuador Mainland. Make sure you arrive to Quito or Guayaquil at least one day before your departure to the Galapagos; there are no direct connections with international flights and flights to Galapagos Islands depart from mainland Ecuador early in the morning from Quito and/or Guayaquil.

Visitors arrive by plane from Mainland (flight takes about 2 ½ hours) with three main Airlines: AVIANCA, LAN and TAME and arrive to Galapagos to one of its two Airports: One in Baltra Island and one in San Cristobal.

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What is the smoking policy on board the boats?

Cruises have strict policy on smoking on board: is prohibited in almost all social areas, dining rooms and cabins in cruises, but most of them do allow to smoke on designated areas in the sundeck prior request from passengers to the guide or cruise director. Smoking is strictly prohibited on inhabited islands and visitor sites during a cruise.

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Are there any luggage Restrictions?

For domestic flights to/from Galapagos, each passenger is allowed to bring one piece of luggage of no more than 20 kilos plus one hand luggage or backpack of no more than 10 kilos. Each passenger can also brink on plane’s cabin 1 small purse, handbag or camera-bag.

If excess on luggage occurs, the fee will be charged and paid directly at airline’s counter at the moment of check-in after checking space on cargo area on the plane to Galapagos.

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