Packing for a Galapagos Islands adventure requires smart planning. Even more, the weather is an important factor. This guide is based on my 9-day Galapagos land-based tour (without a cruise) during the warm season to 4 islands. I enjoyed an active trip hiking volcanoes, snorkeling, swimming and kayaking. Overall, I got it mostly right. So, here’s my Galapagos warm season packing guide with lessons learned.
Off the coast of Ecuador, the Galapagos archipelago consists of 21 islands with 18 being major. It’s located on the Nazca plate and is a volcanic hotspot. The Galapagos National Park and Marine Reserve protect the land and water for research and conservation. The islands’ plant life is mostly semi-desert with shrubs, grasslands and dry forests. However, some islands have highlands with more rain and cooler temperatures.
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Related: Epic 9-Day Galapagos Islands Land Based Tour at San Cristobal, Floreana, Isabela & Santa Cruz
Best Time to Visit the Galapagos
There are 2 main climates influenced by the ocean currents: cold/dry season (June – November) and warm/wet season (December – May). The cold Humboldt current flows up from Antarctica influencing the cold season. The Panama current flows through the warm/wet season causing warmer waters.
The best time to visit Galapagos is December to May during the cold/dry season. The Humboldt current from Antarctica flows through the Galapagos from June to November. This creates more winds and rougher seas. Therefore, the snorkeling and diving is murkier. Also, this is something to consider if you are prone to getting sea sickness. However, the off season has less tourists and you are more likely to see penguins this time of year.
Getting to the Galapagos Islands from Quito
As the capital of Ecuador, Quito is the perfect gateway to the Galapagos. Flights go directly to and from the main airports on the Galapagos on San Cristobal and Baltra Islands. My Ecuadorian experience began and ended in Quito, where I stayed for 4 days. We flew on Avianca Airlines to San Cristobal and returned from Baltra Island.
Quito Packing Tip: Due to high elevation, bring warmer clothing and elevation sickness remedies.
If Quito is your gateway, be sure to schedule time to explore Quito while you are here. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and near volcanoes, the Amazon and cloud forests. Overall, Quito is much more than just a gateway to the Galapagos.
Read More: Historic Quito, Ecuador Solo Travel Attractions in 3 Days
Travel Insurance
Intrepid Travel required we show proof of Travel Insurance for our trip.
Safety Wing Travel Insurance is my first choice for traveler’s insurance and digital nomads. It offers a flexible, pay-as-you-go alternative with straightforward pricing. They offer extensive coverage with a large network, one overall deductible ($250/year), long-term coverage if needed. This is the only travel insurance I ever used. It is so easy to sign up for and practical for my budget.
However, if your travels involve high risk for injuries, I recommend Global Rescue with the Safety Wing. This covers all medical emergency evacuations and rescue.
Money Planning
I learned beforehand that in the Galapagos Islands, there can be minimal access to ATM machines. So, I brought a healthy amount of cash along just in case.
Galapagos Packing Guide Warm Season
Luggage and Packing Accessories
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For most people, exploring the Galapagos involves island hopping by plane and boat. So, the last thing you want to do is lug around large, heavy bags. Yet, you need to pack for activities and varied climates. So, you have to plan ahead and pack smart for the Galapagos.
I just took one checked in bag and my camera bag carry on to keep light and portable for this island hopping journey.
North Face Luggage: On my Galapagos tour I discovered this bag from one of my tour mates. After this trip I bought the North Face luggage for my last 2 adventurous trips in Central America and The European Balkans. This sporty and versatile luggage with durable materials and wheels is water repellant. It’s flexible and easy to pack for any outdoor adventure.
Anti-Theft Sling Bag: Galapagos is a journey, in constant motion from international airports, Quito and island hopping. So, I found this reliable, RFID blocking bag a staple for traveling with credit cards and passports.
Travel Clothing for Warm Season
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When packing for the warm / wet season it’s vital to always remember you are near the Equator and often on the water. Both of these bring up important reasons to be cautionary about sun protection. Also, you want to minimize sunscreen topicals because most aren’t good for the marine life or reefs. My links here are for women in warm season.
Wellness Travel Accessories
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Travel Activity Gear (Snorkeling, Kayaking & Hiking)
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Check out my YouTube Video
Recorded with a GoPro!
Travel Tech Gear / Photography & Videos
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Waterproof Binoculars – These are a must-have for the Galapagos, especially if you enjoy birdwatching.
GoPro was the center of my universe in the Galapagos. Because so much of the trip is on the go by land and sea, the waterproof, lightweight GoPro is a must-have to record these adventures for memories.
GoPro Hero 13 Waterproof Action Camera
Floating Hand Grip
Go Pro Dual Battery Charger
GoPro Head Strap
I love the reliable quality of Canon products and the compact, lighter weight of mirrorless cameras for travel.
EOS Canon RP Mirrorless Digital Camera with RF 24-105mm F/4L
SanDisk Memory Card
Portable External Hard Drive
Mount Adaptor
Camera Backpack: My camera backpack is one of my most important parts of packing. This is where I keep all my travel tech, including GoPro, for my journey. It’s my carry-on with all my batteries, which are not allowed for checked-in bags. For my tours and travel days, I always take my camera backpack with important items.
Overall, Packing Lessons Learned!
I researched a lot before my trip, so I took most everything on this list. The biggest takeaway from my trip was discovering my tour mates North Face luggage. It was my luggage of choice for my last 2 adventure trips. So, I feel really complete about this list. However, the list is a work in progress. If anyone has been to the Galapagos and have any packing hacks, please mention below.
Read Next!
2-Day San Cristobal, Galapagos Islands Itinerary Highlights
Half-Day Floreana, Galapagos Islands Tour & Snorkeling
3-Day Isabela, Galapagos Islands Itinerary Highlights
2-Day Santa Cruz, Galapagos Islands Itinerary Highlights
