Galapagos Packing List

Galapagos Packing List: Travel Documents & Essentials

Without the right documents you will not be allowed to board your flight to the islands, so check this section first.

• Passport (with sufficient validity)
• Galapagos Transit Control Card (TCT), purchased at the airport before departure
• Cash for the Galapagos National Park entry fee (USD, cash only)
• Travel insurance documents
• Flight confirmations and accommodation details
• Digital and printed copies of important documents

Galapagos Packing List: Money, Currency & Payments

The islands use the US dollar, but getting cash and paying by card can be harder than at home, especially outside the main towns. Plan this before you arrive.

Currency in the Galapagos

The official currency is the US dollar (USD), and foreign currencies are not accepted. Coins and small bills are used every day, so bring plenty.

• US Dollars (USD)
• $1, $5, and $10 bills
• US coins for small purchases

Cash: How Much to Bring

Cash matters for fees, local transport and small businesses. ATMs exist but can be out of service, especially on smaller islands, so do not rely only on them.

On my trips I usually paid for tours and food by card, and some places charged less when I paid in cash. The ATMs were usually working. I carried little cash and withdrew what I needed when I went to book tours. Something like $300 to $400 in your wallet is a good amount for tour reservations, in case ATMs are offline or a company does not accept cards.

• Cash for the National Park entry fee
• Cash for the Transit Control Card
• Extra cash for taxis, boat taxis, small restaurants, and shops
• Emergency cash in case ATMs don’t work

Credit & Debit Cards

Cards are accepted in more places now, but not everywhere. Even when they are accepted, extra fees or a minimum spend are common.

• Visa cards (most widely accepted)
• Mastercard (accepted in some places)
• Debit cards for ATM withdrawals
• Backup card in case of issues

Tips & Gratuities

Tipping is not mandatory but is appreciated in tourism services. Keep small bills for tips.

• Small bills for naturalist guides
• Cash tips for boat crews
• Optional tips for drivers and hotel staff

Galapagos Packing List: Clothing for the Islands

The Galapagos is warm all year, but the wind, strong sun and occasional rain mean that versatile clothing works best. Bring light layers rather than heavy or bulky items.

Everyday Clothing

Comfortable, breathable clothing covers most days in town, on beaches and on guided tours.

• Lightweight, breathable tops
• Shorts and comfortable travel pants
• Long-sleeve shirts for sun and insect protection
• Light rain jacket or windbreaker
• Sleepwear

Footwear

You will walk on everything from sandy beaches to lava rock, so the right footwear matters.

• Comfortable walking shoes or trail sneakers
• Sandals or flip-flops
• Water shoes for rocky beaches and wet landings

I did not use water shoes on my trips.

Galapagos Packing List: Swimwear & Snorkeling Gear

Snorkeling is one of the highlights of the Galapagos, even if you are not on a cruise. Your own gear is more comfortable and saves time on daily excursions.

• Swimwear (bring at least two)
• Rash guard or lycra for snorkeling (sun protection and warmth)
• Snorkeling mask and snorkel (often provided, but personal gear fits better)
• Fins (optional)
• Quick-dry or microfiber towel
• Dry bag to protect electronics on boat trips

On my tours that included snorkeling, the gear came with the tour: a mask, a snorkel and, I believe, fins, with no wetsuits. If you want to save money, bring your own.

One thing I wish I had packed is a lycra top for snorkeling. It keeps your back from burning at the surface.

Galapagos Packing List: Sun & Weather Protection

The Galapagos is on the equator, so the sun is strong all year, even on cloudy days. Sun protection matters every day.

• Reef-safe sunscreen
• Sunglasses (polarized recommended)
• Hat or cap
• SPF lip balm
• Aloe vera or after-sun lotion

I always wore SPF 100 sunscreen. It was very sunny and hot whenever I was out of the shade.

Galapagos Packing List: Personal Items & Toiletries

Basic toiletries are sold on the islands, but the choice is small and prices are higher than on the mainland. Bring the items you normally use.

• Toothbrush, toothpaste, and deodorant
• Shampoo and shower gel
• Razor and personal grooming items
• Feminine hygiene products
• Contact lenses and solution
• Small laundry soap or detergent sheets (optional)

Galapagos Packing List: Medications & First-Aid

Pharmacies exist on the main islands, but the selection is limited, especially for specific medications. Bring what you might need.

• Prescription medication (with copies of prescriptions)
• Motion sickness tablets (strongly recommended)
• Mosquito repellent with DEET
• Painkillers or anti-inflammatory medication
• Anti-diarrheal medicine
• Antihistamines
• Blister treatment or band-aids
• Insect bite cream or roll-on

The sea was sometimes rough on my trips, especially on the big tours to Española and Bartolomé. That is why motion sickness tablets are on the list.

Galapagos Packing List: Electronics & Travel Gear

Bring what you need to photograph wildlife and stay connected. Charging options are limited and days out are long.

• Smartphone
• Camera or action camera (GoPro-style)
• Extra batteries and memory cards
• Power bank
• Headphones or earbuds
• Laptop or tablet (optional, mainly for longer stays)

Galapagos Packing List: Power Adapters & Charging

The Galapagos uses the same electrical system as the United States, so bring the right adapters and chargers.

• Power adapter (Type A/B)
• Multi-USB charger
• Extension cable (useful in hotels and on cruises)

My universal adapter plug was not reliable, and once it fried my official iPhone charger when I plugged it into the wall. I bought a new Ecuador-to-USA plug and some repellent on the trip.

Galapagos Packing List: SIM Cards & Connectivity

Wi-Fi can be slow and unreliable, especially outside hotels. Mobile data makes navigation, messages and bookings easier.

• Ecuador SIM card (Claro or Movistar)
• eSIM (if your phone supports it)
• Offline maps (Google Maps or Maps.me)
• Downloaded boarding passes, reservations, and guides

I used a physical Ecuador SIM card that I bought in Quito with my passport. If I did not have time to buy one, I would get an Airalo or Holafly eSIM.

Galapagos Packing List: Day Tours & Wildlife Excursions

Day tours and island hopping mean long days outdoors, so a few practical items help you stay comfortable and organized.

• Small backpack or daypack
• Reusable water bottle
• Snacks (sealed and approved)
• Binoculars for bird and wildlife watching
• Notebook or travel journal

Most days I wore shorts, a T-shirt and flip-flops. In my daily tote bag or backpack I carried a thermos with water, sunscreen, a cap, sunglasses, my wallet, a beach towel, some cash, repellent for the horseflies if I was going to a beach, and probably a banana or some snacks.

What NOT to Pack for the Galapagos

To protect the ecosystem and follow the national park rules, leave these at home:

• Single-use plastics
• Non-reef-safe sunscreen
• Fresh food, seeds, or plants
• Drones (not allowed for tourists in the park)

Galapagos Packing List: Cruise vs Land-Based Travel

What you pack depends on whether you stay on land or take a cruise. Pack light in both cases.

• Cruise travelers can usually skip towels and snorkeling gear
• Land-based travelers should bring more personal gear and a daypack
• Domestic flights have strict weight limits, so pack carefully

Accommodation Options for your Galapagos Trip

You can stay on a cruise, which is also your hotel, or on land on Santa Cruz, San Cristobal or Isabela, from guesthouses to hotels with ocean views.

I like staying on the islands and waking up to the sound of the waves, then walking to a nearby beach or town before a day tour. Book early, especially in high season.

Final Tips for Your Galapagos Packing List

Packing well makes the trip easier, especially in a place with limited supplies and strict rules.

• Pack light and choose versatile items
• Buy essentials before flying to the islands
• Respect wildlife and national park regulations
• When in doubt, prioritize sun protection and snorkeling gear