• Required Documents
• Upon Arrival
• Customs
• Time Zone
• Language
• Currency
• Electricity
• Bank Hours
• Shopping Hours
• Air Transportation
• Land Services
• Health
• Recommendations
• Insurance
• Climate
• Marine Currents
• Water Temperature
• Galapagos National Park

• Health/Medical/Diet
• Baggage
• Flights to and from Galapagos
• Entrance Fee
• What is not included
• What to Bring
• Accommodations
• Snorkeling Regulations
• Payments on Board
• Smoking Policy
• Communications Facilities
• Additional Recommendations
• Special Excursions
• What to bring to the Excursion
• Recommended Reading
• Friends of the Galapagos
• Terms and Conditions

According to new Ecuadorian Immigration regulations, every foreign passenger entering the Country must have a passport with a time validity of at least 6 months from the day of arrival to Ecuador. Note: Please make sure your passport is in order to avoid problems when you check for your international flight that will bring you to Ecuador. No visa is necessary for U.S. citizens or citizens of most other countries. There are exceptions for some Asian, Central American and European countries. Please check your individual situation with your travel agent, tour operator or local Consulate.
We advise you make copies of all your important documents (visa, passport, credit cards, air tickets, etc.). In case they are lost, it will make replacement much easier.

 

Upon arrival you must go through customs and immigration. Be sure your entrance papers are officially stamped showing the number of days allowed for your stay in the country. You will be given a copy of these papers. Keep them in a safe place, preferably with your passport and other important documents, as you will need them to leave the country.
If they are lost you must phone our office immediately. At least 72 hours notice prior to your departure from the country is needed to process the necessary replacement paperwork.
If you require assistance with your luggage at the airport, there are porters who can help you. Standard gratuity is US$1 per bag. If you are taking a taxi to your hotel, we suggest you to make sure that it has a taximeter running. If the taxi does not have a taximeter, you should arrange the price before getting in the vehicle. Most of the hotels in Quito and Guayaquil are located in the city, so the price should not be more than 5 US dollars. The rate also depends on the hour.
Normally, if you are arriving on a flight late at night and do not feel comfortable in a foreign country by yourself, we suggest a private transfer which can be arranged through your travel agent, tour operator or directly with us.
We recommend eating lightly the first day (if arrival city is Quito). Due to altitude you might suffer some digestive problems, as well as light dizziness.

 

According to Ecuadorian laws, any person that enters the country temporarily is exempt from the payment of any customs duty. This means that you should not pay any taxes or duties for your luggage, new or used articles that you will use during your trip, and portable items such as photo cameras, video cameras, laptops, radios and CD players.
Aside from the limitations set by each airline, there are no specific customs restrictions concerning the number of pieces of luggage or maximum weight you are allowed to bring into the country. However, we strongly recommend that, if possible you do not bring more than two pieces of luggage (excluding handbag) with a total combined weight of no more than 50 Kg (110 pounds). This will help you avoid any trouble. We recommend passengers (specially divers) to try to fit all their equipment into one bag and to put clothes in the second one.

 

Ecuador is in the Eastern Standard Time zone. Daylight savings time is not observed. Galapagos is one hour behind Ecuador's continental time. GMT-5 in the Galapagos Islands. GMT-6 in mainland Ecuador.

 

The official language is Spanish, English is spoken by most personnel with whom you will deal if you have contracted services through an agency or operator. Even so, English is widely understood in hotels, restaurants and shops you will visit. It is advisable, if you are the adventurous type, to carry a small Spanish phrase book with you.

 

The currency is the US Dollar.

 

110 volts, 60 cycles AC

 

Banks are open to the public from 9:00 hrs to 17:00 hrs

 

Shops are open from 9:00 hrs. to 13:00 hrs. and from 15:00 hrs to 19:00 hrs. Few shops stay open at lunch time. Malls are opened from 10:00 hrs to 20:00 hours. We strongly recommend that you buy jewelry, antiques or artwork at specialist stores to guarantee authenticity.
 

Please be sure to reconfirm your international flight 48 hours before departure.

 

We will be glad to offer you our services through our sister company Amerindia. If you need further information about Ecuador's Mainland, please click on the Amerindia link.

 

As for every trip you take abroad, general good health is required. If you are under medication, be sure to bring enough for the entire length of your trip. If you should become ill during your stay, we can provide for you names of English speaking physicians or telephone of your Consulate or Embassy for advice. No immunizations are required for your trip to Ecuador, however, prevention against malaria & yellow fever are currently recommended for travel to the rain forest.

 

1. Do not drink tap water
2. Avoid ice in your beverages while traveling in Ecuador (Consult with your guide).
3. You can use ice on board the yachts in Galapagos and in main hotels & restaurants.
4. Always drink bottled water and soft drinks.
5. Try to avoid eating raw vegetables and salads or any raw foods while traveling in the continent. Always prefer cooked food.
6. If you wear prescription glasses, it is advisable to bring an extra pair.
7. Always use sunscreen lotion even in cloudy days.

We strongly recommend you get full trip cancellation insurance. Quasar Nautica understands the changeable nature of individual or group bookings, however, in case of unexpected changes in your plans, the purchase of a short term cancellation insurance will keep you covered. We also recommend accident, medical, diving and baggage insurance.

The Galapagos Islands have a subtropical climate regulated by the cold Humboldt current and the warm El Nino current. Weather varies during the year. From December until May temperatures range from low 80°s to low 90°s (with possibilities of rain). From June to September temperatures vary from low 60°'s to high 70°'s. This is the garua season (mist in the mornings). From October until December temperatures range from 70°s to 80°' (dry season).

The Galapagos Islands waters have the Humboldt Current's influence that brings cold waters especially during the mist rainy season (cool weather) from July to December. The warm season is during the months of January to June. The southeast trade winds become weaker and the water from the Panama Basin remains warm. During this season there is more of a tropical climate with some occasional rains. "El Niño" current may cause a much greater flow of warm waters, making the surface warmer and rainfall increase.
 

January - June: 70°F - 80°F (20C - 26C)
July - December: 65°F - 75°F (18C- 23C)

 

Galapagos National Park rules are very strict and a way to keep the Islands intact for your enjoyment and that of future generations. You might think some of those rules excessive, but have in mind, that only in this way this unique archipelago will last for years to come. As one of the rules of the National Park, a naturalist guide will be with you at all times. He or she will tell you what you can and what you cannot do while visiting the islands. Please obey their instructions on this respect. The most important rules are the following:

1. Always follow the marked trail and never leave it.
2. Do not touch the animals.
3. Do not take souvenirs from the islands.
4. Do not get too close to animals.
5. Do not litter.
6. Do not smoke on the islands.
7. Do not take food to the islands.
8. Clean your shoes' soles before disembarking in the islands. You may have carried some seeds endemic to one island and would not want to introduce them to another.
9. Always stay together with your group.

Good general health is required for your travel to Galapagos. You will take long walks in hot weather. We advise you to start to get into shape by bicycling, walking or swimming as this will help you to enjoy your trip. If you take medication regularly, we advise you to take enough for the length of your trip. Please advise us if you have any medical condition, which may require attention, so we can be prepared should an emergency arise. No immunizations are necessary to travel to the Galapagos. If you are vegetarian, allergic to any food or under a special diet, please let your travel agent, tour operator or us know in advance, so we can comply with your requirements.
 

We recommend you take a small duffel bag to the Galapagos. You will only need the essentials in clothing and personal items. Space is limited on board small yachts. A duffel works best as it can be stored into a small drawer or closet. On flights to Galapagos you are allowed a maximum of 20 Kg (44 pounds) of luggage (excluding your hand-bag). If you exceed the weight limit, the overweight charge is approximately US$ 2 per Kg.
 

Please note that Alta and Parranda operate from Sunday to Sunday. Lammer Law, Mistral, Diamante, Nortada and Eclipse operate from Saturday to Saturday. Flight hours to and from Galapagos are the same regardless if you are traveling on Saturday or Sunday, as follows:
 

The Galapagos National Park of US$ 100 (US$ 50 for children under 12) is paid at Baltra airport. Please be sure to carry the above amounts in cash. No credit cards are accepted.
 

1. USD $100 Galapagos National Park tax.
2. Alcoholic beverages consumed on board.
3. Any expense of a personal nature.
4. Air tickets to and from the Islands.
5. Gratuities for crew members and guides.

Note: Taxes, entrance fee and air tickets prices can be subject to change without prior notice.

1. Cotton pants
2. Shorts
3. T-shirts
4. A windbreaker or light sweater for evening
5. Hat
6. Lots of sunscreen lotion
7. Hiking boots/shoes
8. Sneakers
9. Tevas/sandals with security straps
10. Sunglasses (with strap)
11. An extra pair of prescription glasses (if needed)
12. Small water bottle
13. Small backpack (for your camera, film etc)
14. Plastic bag to keep your camera or photographic equipment dry
15. Plenty of film
16. Snorkeling gear (not essential)*
17. Duffel bag with a lock
18. Medications (anything you might be using while your cruise)
19. Trasderm scoop or tablets (if you are prone to sea sickness) Inquire
20. with your physician.
21. Books to read while on the yacht.
22. Wet suit or skin for snorkeling
23. Binoculars
24. Insect repellent

* On board all our yachts we have available snorkeling gear for all passengers. If you use a fin size smaller than 6-7 or bigger than 10-11, please inquire with us for availability on board each yacht.

Accommodation is based on double occupancy unless you have chartered the entire yacht. If you are traveling alone, you will have to share your cabin with another passenger of your same sex. If you do not wish to share, a single supplement fee will be added to your cost.

1. Obey the guide's instructions
2. Always stay together with the group of snorkelers
3. Do not make drastic movements while in the water. The dinghy might be following you, or helping someone else on your side and you could hit the dinghy's outboard motor.
4. When getting off the dinghy, always keep away from the outboard motor.
5. Put all your equipment on before getting off the dinghy.
6. Do not take your equipment off, except for the fins, before you are on board the dinghy.
7. Never approach the dinghy by the stern, where the outboard motor is located.
8. Always approach the dinghy by either of its sides.
9. Every few minutes look up to reassure the rest of snorkelers are nearby. -- When you are interested in looking at something, be aware that you may be separated from the group by currents or by your normal movement.
10. If you do not feel comfortable in the water, always wear a life vest for your safety and enjoyment.
11. If you like skin diving, and decide to go down while snorkeling be sure to look up when surfacing because the dinghy can be on top as you could hit it
12. Never go on your own

Warning: All water sports convey a certain risk. Passengers participating in these activities do so under their own responsibility.

Note: Quasar Nautica is not responsible for personal items that may be lost or damaged while swimming, snorkeling or kayaking.

 

On board all our fleet, major credit cards; travelers cheques and US dollars are accepted.

 

Smoking is not permitted inside the yachts, only on designated areas.

 

During your Galapagos Cruise, you can call home the day that you visit Puerto Ayora.
Only on board Eclipse, there is a satellite phone available for our guests and email service.

 

As the sun in the equatorial latitude is quite strong, we suggest you wear sunscreen at all times. Make sure you protect your head, face, arms and legs while you are on the sun deck or during the visits to the islands. The guides will tell you when and where it is possible to swim and/or do snorkeling. The passengers should wear their bathing suits during the visits, as there are no places to change on the islands.

 

Sierra Negra Excursion

Sierra Negra Volcano is located on the southern part of Isabela Island, between Volcano Cerro Azul and Volcano Alcedo. It has the second largest caldera in the world (6 x 5 miles) after the Ngorongoro in Africa. By walking along the edge of the immense caldera to the North, a place called Volcan Chico is reached.

Here a series of active fumaroles can be found inside small craters. Following the caldera to the other side, there is a trail to the Sulphur Mine, where sulphur deposits are constantly being spat out by the fumaroles. This visit is spectacular in terms of geology and scenery.

 

Pair of long cotton pants
A light windbreaker
Wide brimmed-hat
Water bottle
Sunscreen lotion
Sunglasses (with strap)
A small backpack for your personal belongings while horseback riding.
Good walking shoes / boots
Binoculars
Camera & film

Option 1

On this excursion, you will take a 45 minute bus ride from Puerto Villamil to Santo Tomás. From here you will hike for about 2 hours (9 Km or 6 miles) on steep terrain to the rim of volcano Sierra Negra, which has the second largest caldera in the world. From this point you will have a spectacular view of the 6 x 5 mile caldera and Perry Isthmus.
The trip back to the oat will take up to two hours (bus ride back included), so the total duration of this excursion is approximately 4-5 hours.

Option 2

The same as option 1 up to the caldera only. In this excursion you continue to walk following the edge of the caldera for another 2 hours (8 Km or 5 miles) to a volcanic fissure known as Volcano Chico. An additional walk will take you to the fumaroles. The whole excursion, from the time you leave the boat from the time you return to it, will last from 8 to 10 hours depending on your physical condition.

This excursion is recommended for physically fit people only.

This excursion is subject to previous approval of the Galapagos National Park Service.

 

Guides

Galapagos, A Natural History Guide, by Michael M. Jackson
A Field Guide to the Birds of Galapagos, by Micheal Harris
A Field Guide to the Fishes of Galapagos, by Godfrey Merlen.
Reef Fish Identification, by Paul Humann
Marine Life of the Galapagos, by Pierre Constant
Subdital Galapagos, by James Cribb
Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands, by Rob Rachowiecki (Lonely Planet
Publications).

Photography

Galapagos, Islands Lost in Time, by Tui de Roy
Galapagos, A Terrestrial and Marine Phenomenon, by Paul Humann
Galapagos, Discovery on Darwin's Islands, by Steadman and Zousmer
Galapagos, Back to Nature, by Steve Lu
Galapagos, by Nathan Farb

Other Bibliography

The Voyage of the Beagle, by Charles Darwin
Charles Darwin, A Biography, by Janet Browne
Floreana, by Margaret Wittmer
The Beak of the Finch, by Jonathan Weiner
The Encantadas, by Herman Melville
The Galapagos Affair, by John Treherne
My Father's Islands, A Galapagos Quest, by Johanna Angermeyer

 

1. A deposit equal to 50% of gross charter price is required to confirm your booking. A second deposit of 25% of gross charter price must be received 180 days before departure. Balance is required 60 days prior departure.

1. Prices are based on double occupancy: two persons sharing a cabin. If a person does not want to share, a 50% single supplement will be charged.
2. FIT (For Individual Travellers) : A deposit of 25% - minimum of US$450 per person is required to confirm your booking. Full payment must be received 60 days prior departure. If payment is not received on time, space(s) will be automatically released.