What to Pack for a Galapagos Islands Cruise

Adventure Guidelines

• We recommend bringing mostly clothing for warm weather; however, we have included a few items on the packing list for cool weather as well. This is because evenings can sometimes be a bit chilly on the boat and also at Nat Hab’s Tortoise Camp. While there is a chance you may end up not needing the extra layers, we still recommend bringing them with you, just to be safe.
• While the Galapagos Islands are a year-round destination, some months tend to be slightly cooler or hotter than others. The hottest months are usually February through April and the coolest are August through October. Please see the When to Go section for more information on weather in the Galapagos.
• Due to the hot and humid conditions found at sea, we highly recommend bringing clothes made of synthetic, quick-drying material. If wet with rain, sea water or sweat, cotton items may not always dry completely.
• It’s best to wear neutral tones and use fragrance-free sunscreen while on the islands to avoid attracting wasps.
• Include rain gear in your carry-on bag.
• You may wish to have some nicer clothes for time spent on the mainland or for dinners on the boat, although this is completely optional.
• Storage space is limited on the boat and some ships cannot accommodate hard-sided suitcases. Please pack your gear in a soft-sided, collapsible bag that can be stored away easily.
• This is a sub-tropical boating journey, and you will be exposed to very strong sun, wind and water. Many guests have lived in their swimsuits with just a light shirt to protect their arms, shoulders and back from sun. Keep in mind that some of what you bring may get sweaty, wet and possibly mildewy due to ocean sailing. You will also encounter dust, sand and salt, and you may feel a little grubby from time to time. You will be able to wash out clothing in the sink and dry them on the line, on deck.
  
  

Clothing

• Lightweight neck gaiter (included in your pre-departure package)
  —Provides sun, wind and/or dust protection.
• Lightweight, breathable, waterproof (not water-resistant) rain jacket, with hood 
  
• 1 warm fleece or thicker layer 
• Tennis shoes or lightweight hikers
  
• Sport sandals, i.e. Tevas, Chacos, Keens, etc. 
  
• Sun hat with brim 

• 2 pairs of comfortable lightweight pants
• 1 pair of nylon, zip-off pants (useful for warm days and cooler mornings and evenings)
• 1 pair of jeans or heavier pants (optional)
  
• 1–2 lightweight long-sleeved shirts 
• 6–8 short-sleeved T-shirts  (we recommend moisture-wicking fabrics, and avoid bold colors that may attract wasps, such as red and black)
• 3 pairs of shorts (you may not need as many pairs of shorts if you are bringing zip-off pants)
• Undergarments
• Lightweight wool/synthetic blend hiking socks or synthetic athletic socks (only needed on our Hiking & Kayaking adventure,  to protect against sunburn when paddling)
• Sleepwear
• 2 swimsuits (for daily snorkeling excursions)
  
• Rash guard (for snorkeling)
  
  

Additional Gear

• Reusable water bottle (included in your pre-trip package)
  —In our continuing effort to operate our adventures with as little impact on the environment as possible, you will receive a reusable water bottle (unless you opted out on your Booking Form) to take with you on your adventure. We will provide drinking water throughout the adventure for you to refill your bottle. By doing this, you will avoid using multiple disposable plastic bottles.
• Carabiner (to attach water bottle to kayak, if you wish to kayak)
• Water-resistant daypack  (to carry camera gear and other equipment during island walks)
  
• Binoculars
  
• Sunglasses with UV filter and secure strap (polarized glasses help you to see through the reflection at the surface of the water and can be very useful while looking for marine life)
• Earplugs (useful for blocking out boat noises)
• Toiletries (shampoo and soap are provided at all of Nat Hab's accommodations)
• Insect repellent
• Sunscreen and lip balm (at least SPF30)
• Motion sickness medication such as Scopolamine patches
• Hand sanitizer
• Prescription glasses/contact lenses
• Battery-operated alarm clock or wristwatch
• Headlamp/flashlight (optional)
• Washcloth
  
• Dry bags or reusable waterproof bags  (Bring several sizes. They are very useful for wet or dirty clothing and for protecting camera equipment.)
• Pocket-size Spanish/English dictionary (optional)
• Snorkel, mask and wetsuit (Snorkeling gear and wetsuits will be provided during Nat Hab's Galapagos adventures.) 
  
• Snorkeling life jacket (optional)
• Paddling gloves (optional; to prevent blisters and protect against sunburn while paddling, if you plan to kayak)
• Swim cap, snorkeling gloves and booties (optional; to protect against sunburn, or provide warmth, while snorkeling)
  
• Extra duffel bag  (optional; to bring home souvenirs on your return trip)
• Collapsible walking stick or hiking poles (optional)