Galapagos Islands Packing List Guide: Everything You Need to Pack
We've created this ultimate Galapagos Islands Packing List to help you prepare for the trip of your lifetime. No matter if you will be spending a week or more on a cruise ship or planning on exploring the islands when based on land, our guide will help you figure out what to pack and what to leave behind.
Before we start talking more closely about the Galapagos Islands packing list and about things you should undoubtedly have in your backpack, we feel this destination needs a bit of an introduction.
The Galapagos Islands, located only a couple of hours flight from Ecuador's coastline in South America, is one of the most sought-after destinations.
Because of higher prices, many travelers often put their dreams away and decide to visit more South American countries rather than spend their full budget solely on the Galapagos Islands.
The good news is that you don't need to spend thousands of dollars on an expensive cruise, but you can also visit the Galapagos Islands independently, be land-based, and make only one-day boat trips from one of the four inhabited islands.
You can read our post on Where to Stay on the Galapagos Islands for Every Budget to find the best tips.
No matter what is your preferred travel style, we hope that when reading this post, you've already decided to travel to the Galapagos Islands.
And if you are still hesitating, you can read our post 10 Reasons to Visit the Galapagos Islands. At this point, we can promise you one thing.
You will have the time of your life.
No words can truly describe the beauty of the Galapagos and the feelings of joy when observing the unique volcanic landscape, abundant wildlife, and the opportunity to be in the same place that stood as a base for Charles Darwin's theory of evolution.
When deciding on what to pack for the Galapagos Islands, you need to consider a couple of facts.
First, geography differs from island to island, and you can experience sandy beaches and hard volcanic landscape in one day. Also, the Galapagos Islands are not exactly a tropical paradise.
Although the Galapagos is an all-year-round destination, you should know that there are two distinctive seasons.
From June to November, you can experience the dry and cooler season when the sea is colder and rougher, the weather is sunny but not extremely hot, and it almost doesn't rain, but during this time you can see a phenomenon called garua alias fog or mist which usually hang above the mainland.
December to May is the wet and warm season, but no worry, it usually does rain only late in the afternoon, and you will enjoy hot and sunny weather and warmer and calmer sea throughout the day.
No matter which season you choose for your travels, the packing list will be almost the same.
WHAT TO PACK FOR THE GALAPAGOS ISLANDS
When finalizing your packing list for the Galapagos Islands, you need to take into account three information.
The sun is very strong here on the equator, you will spend a lot of time on or in the water and the third rule, it can rain any time of the year.
And lastly, depending on your Ecuador travel itinerary, make sure to pack some extra warm layers if you want to explore Ecuador's mainland as well.
We spent 7-days Cruising the Galapagos Islands and here's our tried and tested packing list for the Galapagos Islands which will help you figure out what to pack and what to leave behind.
PHOTO GEAR
If there is one thing we would not have wanted to forget when traveling to the Galapagos Islands, it would have been our camera.
We took thousands of pictures here as nature and animals are so incredible - above water and underwater - that we wanted to capture it all.
Think about this equipment before you start packing. It is not only about the best camera; it is also about your experience and what you are used to using in everyday life.
Canon R6 | There are many cameras out there, but if you want to take perfect photos, this mirrorless camera is a superb choice.
One of this camera's best features is an Animal Eye AF, which identifies and tracks the wildlife's bodies, eyes, and faces.
Canon RF 15-35 | Landscape in the Galapagos is out of this world. This ultra-wide lens is perfect for capturing the beauty of the archipelago.
Canon RF 100-500 | Wildlife is everywhere in the Galapagos, and if you are an avid photographer, you will need a good telephoto lens to get that extra reach.
GoPro | If you want to capture every single memory from the Galapagos Islands, having an underwater camera is essential. We made a mistake and bought a second-hand underwater camera in Quito, which was very unreliable (understand it did not work).
Chargers | When packing all the electronics, do not forget to make sure you have chargers for all of your devices. It does not matter if you are staying on a boat or land; there is no electricity problem on the Galapagos Islands.
Memory Cards | Do not underestimate the number of memory cards and bring some spare ones with you. It is hard to resist taking the thousandth picture of cute sea lions or extraordinary blue-footed boobies even though they are everywhere around.
WATER ACTIVITIES
When traveling to the Galapagos Islands, you can be sure about one thing. You will be spending a lot of time in the water, so you should better come well prepared.
In case you don't swim or snorkel, do not worry; there are still plenty of things to do on the Galapagos!
You can usually rent water gear such as wetsuits or snorkel mask on the islands, or they are available (sometimes for a fee, sometimes for free) on a boat.
Still, we always prefer having our own equipment - it fits better, and you can be sure that no one else was using it before.
Here's what you need to pack for the Galapagos water activities.
Swimsuit | To have a good and comfortable swimsuit is essential in a destination like the Galapagos.
You can swim only in your swimsuit or when the water is colder, or when you want to protect your skin better, you can use them as a base layer under a wetsuit.
Wetsuit | Honestly, as we traveled to the Galapagos Islands when the ocean was cold, we cannot imagine our time in the water without a wetsuit as it would have been too uncomfortable (we were sometimes cold even when wearing it).
We would say that packing a wetsuit from June to November is a must.
If you do not want to have your body fully covered, you can purchase shortsleeved wetsuit.
Sunscreen | Sun so close to the equator is incredibly strong, especially when you are in the water, so do not forget to apply it at least fifteen minutes before you jump into the water.
You can use your favorite sunscreen or have a look on this reef safe sunscreen.
Snorkel Mask | It is impossible to enjoy the underwater world of the Galapagos without a snorkel mask. They are not expensive, and it is clearly much better (and more hygienic) to have your own.
Fins | Not sure if you are used to swimming with fins, but we are big fans as thanks to it we were much faster in the water, swimming was not that challenging, and it was also much easier to keep up in the water with playful sea lions.
Anti-Fog Spray | If you don’t want to be like Martin, who still prefers spitting on his snorkel mask, there is a more intelligent way to make sure your mask won't get foggy.
Water Shoes | It depends on you if you want to pack water shoes - it is more comfortable to wear them in the water so you can step more confidently on rocks, or they are also great for wet landing.
Waterproof Dry Bag | When going outside, we always took our dry backpack to keep our valuables and camera safe. It is better to buy a bigger one so you can pack your towel, sunscreen, and water as well.
Dry Bags | Even when using a water-resistant bag, we still use light dry bags to keep our technical equipment well, dry, and to minimize the possibilities of damaging it.
Travel Towel | Light and foldable travel towel is something we pack for every trip no matter where, but you can be sure you will use it on the Galapagos.
CLOTHES
The weather on the Galapagos Islands is not tropical as you might have expected but is generally warm. You can experience colder evenings and rain at times, same as sunshine and walks on soft sandy beaches or hard lava soil.
That's why you need to pack a bit of everything to enjoy your time to the fullest.
Really, Galapagos Islands is a tricky destination when it comes to packing. Do not forget that you also have to meet the airline's weight requirements.
Short Sleeved T-Shirt | Generally, it was hot during our time on the Galapagos Islands, and we wore a t-shirt with short sleeves during all daily activities.
Long Sleeved T-Shirt | We prefer wool products when it comes to layers. These long-sleeved t-shirts are simply amazing and will keep you warm when the sun goes down.
Tank Top | When it gets too hot, you can wear tank tops, but carefully because of the sun. Rather than during the day, we preferred wearing sleeveless t-shirts at night instead of pajamas.
Shorts | You do not have to be afraid of mosquitoes on the Galapagos, so do not forget to pack shorts for hot afternoons.
Leggings | When it gets colder, I always prefer wearing leggings over hiking trousers, Martin uses them as another layer when too cold (it was not necessary having them on the Galapagos, but you never know.
Hiking Trousers | The Galapagos is not only about swimming, but there is also plenty to see and do on the mainland. That's why you will need hiking trousers when exploring one of the volcanic islands.
Rain Jacket | During wet season you can expect rainy periods in the afternoons, while dry season can surprise you with garua alias mist. In both cases, you will need a rain jacket.
Rain Poncho | Wherever we travel, we think it is a smart idea to pack rain poncho - it will protect your clothes and valuables as well.
Fleece Jacket | Fleece jacket is not good only for hiking on the islands, but also for chilly evenings.
Socks | When not in the water, you'll be wearing your hiking boots, so pack quality socks to prevent blisters.
Underwear | We prefer functional underwear, especially when traveling to warm countries such as Ecuador when we also know that we will spend our time actively.
Hiking Boots | Walking on the islands is for sure doable in sneakers, but the volcanic surface is sharp from time to time. That's why we preferred to wear regular hiking shoes with good soles.
Flipflops | For all water activities or when on the boat or in your accommodation, it is comfortable to wear flipflops.
Sneakers | You do not need to pack sneakers when you plan on walking in your hiking boots, but still, we find them more comfortable for a leisure stroll around the town.
Sun Hat | If there is one thing you should not forget to pack, it is a sun hat. Sun in Ecuador is so strong that you will be grateful for every way to cover your head during the day.
Sunglasses | You also should not underestimate your sight protection, so pack your sunglasses!
Casual Wear | It depends on how you plan to spend your time on the Galapagos, but when doing the cruise or staying in a nicer hotel, the chances are that you will also need presentable clothes for one or two occasions.
TRAVEL GEAR
Galapagos Islands are all about wonderful views and the chance of being close to some of the world's most iconic animals.
What travel gear should you then pack?
Binoculars | Although your guide (you need a guide even when traveling independently) should have binoculars, if you do not want to wait until the whole group takes a look at that bird or penguin that can be by that time long gone, bring your own binoculars.
Daypack | When exploring inland, you only need a good day backpack to pack water, sunscreen, towels, and a snack.
Waterproof Phone Case | Most travelers use only phone to take pictures, which is completely fine - if you are one of them, do not forget to pack a waterproof phone case with you to keep your device dry and safe.
Travel Adapter | Chances are that in order to keep your electronic devices charged in South America, you will need a travel adapter. We use a universal world travel adapter with multi-plugs, which covers all plug options, and we don't need to buy a new one when traveling to a new country.
FREE TIME
It does not matter if you travel independently or with an organized tour; you will, for sure, have some free time to enjoy the unique environment around you.
The Galapagos is all about fun, so make sure you have something in your backpack that accompanies you on the journey.
Galapagos: Islands Born of Fire | Visiting the Galapagos will change your perception about nature. You will learn a lot during your time in the archipelago.
Every day, after our program ended, we enjoyed reading about the islands, about the history and discoveries.
Also, having this book about Galapagos wildlife is great to review what you see every day.
Lonely Planet Travel Guide | When traveling independently, you will surely appreciate having a travel guide with you all the time.
No matter how we enjoy reading up to date travel blogs about destinations we are going to visit, we always prefer to have a paper guide book. Nostalgia I guess.
Headphones | To enjoy music when relaxing on board!
Kindle | When cruising the archipelago, we always enjoyed our time off with a book on a deck - you will have spare time after a meal or in the evening, so having a portable library is a great option.
TOILETRIES
When traveling to the Galapagos Islands, do not overpack your toiletries unless you plan on staying somewhere fancy.
Bring only what you use and need daily, and think rather about the quality of stuff than about quantity.
Motion Sickness Pills & Anti-Emetic Device & Ginger Gum & Wrist Band & Motion Sickness Patch | But first things first. We won't lie to you that spending that much time on the water is only fun.
We were seasick during our first two days on the Galapagos Islands as we traveled during the season when the sea is rougher than usual, and motion sickness pills were our lifesavers.
If you are prone to be motion sick, we recommend you not forget to pack those guys.
Hygiene | Toothpaste | Toothbrush | Toilet Tissue | Wet Wipes | Hand Sanitizer | Manicure Set | Travel Comb
Soap & Shampoo | The Galapagos are such a fragile environment, and you can help protect it by bringing biodegradable soap and shampoo.
It doesn't cost much extra, and you will have a much better feeling after your shower.
Lip Balm with Sunscreen | The sun is extremely harsh on the equator; protect your lips the same way you are protecting your skin.
First-Aid Kit | No matter where we travel, a first-aid kit is something we never leave behind. Make sure yours will contain blister plasters, diarrhea, and headache pills.
Pills | Pack any personal medication you require daily.
Glasses | Contact Lenses | Multi-Purpose Solution
WATER
To protect our environment, it is essential to travel sustainably.
Even though the water on the Galapagos Islands and overall in Ecuador is not drinkable, there are ways to avoid buying everyday water in plastic.
Purification Filtered Bottle or Purification Drops | Tap water on the Galapagos Islands and overall in Ecuador is not suitable for drinking, so you need to either buy water in plastic bottles.
But if you want to reduce your plastic footprint, packing a purification filtered bottle or purification drops is a good idea.
Durable Water Bottle | When spending your time on a boat, the company should provide you with drinking water for the whole time of the tour, so pack only this bottle for staying hydrated.
FOOD & SNACKS
Because you must travel to the Galapagos Islands by air, it comes without saying that you cannot take any food and snacks with you.
The archipelago is strict when it comes to protecting the environment, and every bag arriving on the Galapagos is checked, and you need to get a tag that you successfully went through that control.
But no worries that you will be hungry or thirsty on the islands.
You can find small shops on each of the four inhabited islands, as well as restaurants and pubs for every budget.
Travel Insurance
We never leave home without travel insurance that was designed to cover our expenses if something goes wrong during the trip.
Travel insurance protects against theft, flight delays, injury, illness, cancellations, and much more.
World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers to cover their trip essentials, including sports and adventure activities.
SafetyWing is affordable travel insurance for backpackers, long-term travelers, and digital nomads.
Travel smarter and safer!
MONEY
It does not matter if you are traveling independently or on a cruise with all services prepaid; it is very likely that you will need cash during your time on the Galapagos Islands.
Some hostels, especially the cheaper ones, often do not take credit cards.
We recommend you bring cash (the official currency in Ecuador is USD), as much as you think you will need, with you when traveling from Quito or Guayaquil.
There are several ATMs on two islands - in Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island and in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno on San Cristobal Island.
But the withdrawal limit is low (often between $200 - $300), they can run out of money, and ATMs sometimes do not work on weekends, so it is better not to rely completely on it.
Travel Resources
Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday.
Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld.
Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour.
We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. Another great alternative is Viator.
Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance.
Flight Tickets: When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to find the best price.
Travel Insurance: World Nomads and SafetyWing cover against risks of travel.
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