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The Galapagos Islands have a subtropical climate regulated by the cold Humboldt Current and the warm El Niño Current. December through May is the warmest time of the year, with highs in the upper 80ºs F (31ºC ). Although the islands receive slightly more rainfall during this time, the lower elevations of the islands where you will spend most of your entire trip typically offer blue skies and sunshine with occasional haze. The sea is at its warmest and is usually calmer at this time of the year.

The drier Garua season lasts from June to November. The Garua mist forms in the highlands of the Islands. Ironically, the Garua season provides more moisture at the upper elevations of the islands than the so-called wet season. There is plenty of sunshine during the day, but it is less intense with cloudier skies. Air temperature is lower, with highs in the upper 70's or mid-80's F (25º-30ºC). The strong Antarctic Humboldt Current, coming from the south, affects the climate at this time of year. The water temperature, therefore, is at its coolest, about 68ºF (20ºC). During some years the infrequent El Niño Current may cause a much greater flow of warm waters, making the surface warmer and rainfall increase.

SUN PROTECTION IN THE GALAPAGOS
Galapagos National Park rules require that all visits to the islands happen during daylight hours. Visitors to the Galapagos will have multiple land visits each day as well as panga rides and swimming and snorkeling opportunities. The island's flora provides little shade and visitors will find themselves exposed to the sun for many hours each day.
The FDA has provided a guideline to sun care protection known as SPF levels. The higher the SPF level the more sun protection is offered. In the Galapagos it is important not only to use a product with a minimum SPF 15 level but also to apply the product properly. You should apply sun block to dry skin before exposing your skin to the sun. Apply a liberal amount of lotion and make sure to cover all areas including your nose, ears, back of hands, and feet. Putting on less sun block or missing areas lessens the protection you will receive. Remember it is important to reapply sun block after swimming, showering or extensive perspiration. There is nothing worse than missing part of your trip due to a bad sunburn or sun poisoning.

Diving equipment: Wet Suit (7 mm), Regulators, BCD, fins, mask, etc..
Next to your diving equipment here is a list of things to consider ....

* Comfortable walking or hiking shoes with good traction
* Teva style sandals are good for hiking the island beaches and you don't have to worry if you get your feet wet. Thongs are acceptable but are not good for hiking though they are good on deck. A security strap is a good idea in the surf.
* Note: The shoes you wear during landings are kept in a bin on the boat. If you want to wear them on board the yacht can wash the bottoms but you may want to have a light pair of deck shoes or thongs for the yacht. Bare feet are also acceptable.

OUTERWEAR
* Windbreaker (ideal for the islands) and a Rain Jacket or Poncho with hood
* Medium to light fleece jacket or fleece sweater (wool is fine too)
* Cotton Sweatshirt
The above are frequently needed when it gets cooler in the islands during the evenings, which is the time you will experience more breezes as you cruise to another location. Also remember that Quito can be cool and it can get downright cold if you go higher into the mountains.

TROUSERS OR SKIRTS
* Hiking Shorts
* Lightweight full length pants either synthetic or cotton is fine
* Women may want to bring a casual dress or skirt

ADDITIONAL ITEMS
* Liter Water Bottle
* Flashlight, Torch or Headlamp for Hiking in Lava Tubes
* Binoculars
* Towel
A small towel to dry your feet after a wet landing or snorkeling and carry with you in your daypack can be quite useful. Some of the budget boats and hotels in the Galapagos require visitors to supply their own towels. Most hotels do supply towels for use on the boat or at the hotel.

SWIMMING
Snorkeling in the waters of the Galapagos is a special part of any Galapagos itinerary. The rich and color marine life, easily rivals that of the birds and animals above. Although many boats have some snorkel equipment available, this is one of the things many boat owners tend to ignore or forget when faced with the day-to-day problems of running the boat.
* Two Swimsuits
* Women report getting a lot of mileage out of swimsuit wraps that can be worn as a dress or skirt.
* Lightweight neoprene wetsuit: This is for times when the water is colder and allows you to spend more time in the water. A less expensive substitute is long underwear made of a resistant fiber such as capilene.*
* Many boats do have their own snorkeling equipment for your use (although some of the equipment is not well maintained) but some do not. If you have your own it would be wise to bring it along. You may wish to buy your own mask and snorkel tube, and there is usually a small selection available in Quito's camping stores.
Most months of the year a light skin would be comfortable. Travelers, who are snorkeling, if they are not going to wear a wetsuit, should wear a T-shirt to keep the sun off their back.
During the cooler months a 6mm wetsuit will provide adequate warmth and 4 mm wetsuit is sufficient during the warmer months. Wetsuits are available for rent on the islands along with other diving equipment. Wetsuit booties or Tevas are perfect for going ashore avoiding contact with sea urchins.
You can also inquire with us about renting a wetsuit. Many travelers find it more convenient to bring their own wetsuit that fits than relying on those in the islands.

HEAD GEAR
* Sun Hat or cap. Wide brim hats should have a chin strap in case they blow off your head. Unless you have a really thick head of hair and never burn sun visors are out.
* Bandana to shield your neck
* Sun glasses with security strap (polarized lenses well help you to see more when looking in the water to spot turtles or rays). It's a good idea to bring two pair, especially if you need prescription glasses.

CASUAL OUTFIT
Bring one set of casual city clothes that are a bit dressier. These should be comfortable and are for those times you might want to appear slightly more formal. For women this can mean a causal dress or skirt. Men don't need to bring a jacket unless they wish to be more formal.
If before and after your Galapagos trip you will be staying in the Ecuadorian capital of Quito. This is a beautiful city located high in the Andes Mountains. Considered the city of eternal spring the days are normally warm and nights are chilly. You can pack a separate bag and leave at your hotel for the items you will only need in Quito. Shorts and tank tops that are appropriate in the islands and generally considered unacceptable in Quito.

PHOTOGRAPHY
Photography is a highlight of any trip to the Galapagos. With the transition to digital, the best advice is to brink a camera and a format that you are familiar with and know will give you the results you desire. If you want to try something new, take time to become familiar with your gear before you head out on the trip. A good rule is to always bring more film or more memory than you think you will need. If you are looking for the results of those glossy magazines, look into a high color saturation slide film or more mega pixels. While a good zoom lens can come in handy and render excellent close-up results, you probably don't need anything larger than a hand held lens that does not require a tripod. The Galapagos is an excellent place to bring along a disposable underwater camera as well.
The Galapagos is also an excellent place to make home videos. Keep in mind that facility for recharging is limited, so it is a good idea to invest in some long life batteries available for most cameras. Remember to power down when you are not using your camera.
* Camera
* Extra Batteries
* Polarized Lens
* Telephoto Lens
* Underwater Camera

Currency in Galapagos
The currency in Galapagos is the same as that of mainland Ecuador: the US Dollar

Luggage weight restrictions
There is a weight limit on checked-in luggage for flights to and from Quito and/or Guayaquil to the Galapagos of 44 pounds (20 kilos).
An additional fee of up to US$1.70* per 2.2 pounds (1 kilo) to and from Quito will be charged for luggage over the limit and US$1.50* per 2.2 pounds (1 kilo) to and from Guayaquil.
In addition, passengers are allowed a carry-on bag weighing no more than 17.6 pounds (8 kilos) and a personal item. All additional luggage fees must be paid in cash at flight time.

The M/V Humboldt Explorer comfortably accommodates 16 passengers in 8 air-conditioned rooms, all of which have private bathroom facilities. Most rooms have twin bunks that convert to larger beds for couples, flat screen televisions and all have windows to maximize the view of the Pacific Ocean and Galapagos Archipelago. Cabins are located on the main and lower decks. The air-conditioned salon on the main deck includes dining tables, TV, VCR, CD/DVD, video library and lounge area. Sunning/viewing areas, ample seating and a jacuzzi are located on the top level.



Aboard the Humboldt Explorer, lunch and evening meals usually consist of lots of salad, potatoes, rice, chicken, beef, pork, and fish. Breakfast is the usual fare of eggs, ham, cereal, toast, and fresh fruits. Cookies are available between dives. If you have any dietary restrictions or requests, please indicate so on your application form. Please note that specific brands of soft drinks, dressings and foods are often unavailable in the islands, and that it can be very difficult for us to find low-fat or soy products, fresh fruit, fish, and other items common elsewhere. While we will do our best to accommodate your requests, please be realistic and consider bringing some of your own foods if the lack thereof may constitute a health risk or seriously compromise your enjoyment of your holiday.

This trip includes and can accommodate special dietary requests.

Passports
Passport valid for at least six months required by all nationals referred to in the chart.
Passport Note
Passports must be carried at all times.

Visas
Not required by all nationals referred to in the chart above for stays of up to 90 days.

Note: (a) A measles vaccination certificate is required by all nationals travelling from Germany and Italy and must be shown on arrival. (b) Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements (see Contact Addresses).
Visa Note
Extensions of a further 90 days are available through the local immigration authorities.