Last Updated on July 21, 2022
The Galapagos Islands are a wonderful destination to visit, with stunning landscapes, unique nature, and incredible wildlife; it’s a dream-come-true trip for many travelers. Picture yourself at the bay of one of UNESCO’s most treasurable sites and you can get an idea of how unforgettable the trip might be.
The Galapagos National Park is protected so its fauna and flora can survive through the years. Traveling solo, or with a family or friends, it’s a great opportunity to learn more about evolution, nature, and wildlife.
In this article, we’ll mention a couple of useful tips to consider before embarking on the adventure of your lifetime. Galapagos is the place we all want to see, so we must travel responsibly and take care of it.
1 Plan Responsibly
First of all, the Galapagos Islands are a remote destination and probably a different one from those you’ve traveled so far. Thus, specific rules apply here. The famous archipelago is one of the world’s most famous preserved ecosystems, and you must travel responsibly.
Here are some tips to consider when planning your Galapagos trip:
- Whether you will choose Galapagos tours or a cruise, book a ship with an eco-certification
- Avoid packing plastics – separate the waste between glass, plastic and organic
- Carry aluminum bottles for drinks refills
- Keep a 2-meter distance from the animals
As you go through the itinerary, you might notice your contribution to Galapagos’ economy. From taking a cruise, to exploring the remote islands, to buying souvenirs, you can support the local economy in many ways. Plan your budget responsibly and enjoy your stay!
2 Sun Protection
During your stay in Galapagos, it’s important to remember how strong the sun can be. You might forget at the time since you’ll be spending most of it in the water. When you add the refreshing sea breeze, there’s a strong chance you’ll get burnt. To avoid such struggles, use polarized sunglasses, a wide-brimmed hat, and a high SPF cream.
3 Visit As Much As You Can
With many options at your disposal, it’s hard to decide what to visit. When you first started planning the trip, you probably had a boat trip in mind. However, keep in mind that there are many tours available, from land-based itineraries to biking trips, to kayaking. Explore and compare all of your options before you settle.
If you want to visit remote islands, the best option is to take a cabin-based boat to visit the untouched-by-nature corners, and enjoy the marvelous landscapes. A boat trip is convenient to visit uninhabited islands and learn about the archipelago’s geology, flora, wildlife, and culture.
At the end of the day, you can explore the rest on your own, while strolling the streets and drinking a cocktail at sunset on the red-sand beaches.
4 Drink Water…Plenty!
Do not forget to drink water during the adventure of your lifetime! While it might be a trip that’s always on the run and you need to go from one activity to the next, it’s crucial to rehydrate throughout the day.
Whether you go biking, hiking or snorkeling, take an aluminum bottle with you and avoid contributing to the plastic waste on the shores.
5 Pack The Necessary Items
Due to its remoteness, the Galapagos Islands have limited access when it comes to medical care. Even though there might be a team of professionals on the organized cruise or tour, it’s a good idea to pack a first-aid kit just in case. And if you take prescription medicines, make sure you pack enough to last your trip.
Another thing to consider is lightweight packing. Do not carry unnecessary, trendy pieces of clothing just to impress somebody there. Wear comfortable, cozy, and light clothes to facilitate your traveling and enjoy your stay.
A recommended list of items to carry on the Galapagos trip:
- Dresses/shorts
- Hats
- Snorkeling equipment
- A tank top or a comfortable t-shirt, safari shirts or long sleeve shirts
- Footwear – walking sandals/shoes, water shoes, or deck shoes
- A camera
- Sunglasses
- Hiking socks
- Full-length hiking pants
- Wind shell or a light fleece
- A fanny pack or a light backpack
6 Obey The Rules
It can be tempting to do something crazy or lure the wildlife closer to you while visiting the National Park. Remember to keep a safe distance from the sea lions and never feed the wildlife since some of them are famous for being aggressive.
Stay safe, obey the rules and take as many pics as you can!
Book Your Trip Now!
Now that you are familiar with the top tips to consider when traveling to Galapagos, it’s time to book your trip. I recommend to check out the 15 things you should know before you visit the Galapagos Islands.
