FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How do I know if Galapagos is the right destination for me?

Galapagos is a great destination for almost everyone. Nature lovers will appreciate a transformative experience with wildlife and a first-hand view of how islands form. It is a great place for honeymooners or families to escape from everyday life and find quality time. If you’re looking for a conventional beach destination, top shopping, and traditional entertainment options, this is probably not for you.

The Galapagos Islands are a perfect destination for everyone who wants to be amazed. Even if wildlife watching is not your main reason for coming, you will still be impressed by the incredible landscapes, savoury Ecuadorian cuisine, local hospitality and wide range of activities.

Yes. The Galapagos is an awesome learning experience for all age groups, though age restrictions do apply on some cruise vessels.

It really depends on the type of disability and the extent to which this disability would affect the person’s visit. People with serious mobility issues will find that Galapagos has incredibly rugged terrain with no access ramps at visitor sites. Wheelchairs would be subjected to regular exposure to salt water, which could damage them. The only tour operator currently offering specialized services for wheelchair-bound guests is Ecuador for All.

During the hot season, warmer water currents will make it possible to swim without a wetsuit. If you are planning to go for a long swim or snorkelling you might want to consider wearing one because you will be moving less. During the dry season, the water gets cooler due to colder currents and some guests prefer to wear a wetsuit more often.

When requested in advance, most special dietary requirements can be arranged. Multi-guided ships tend to have a larger kitchen staff than single-guided ships as a result of which they are more likely to be able to accommodate special requests.

No ship in Galapagos offers a religious service of any denomination. In land-based options, there is almost always a town nearby with a church, but only Christian denominations are present. Please contact your destination expert to inquire about specific requirements.

Children below the age of 6 need special permission from their parents or guardians to board a Galapagos cruise. Children under the age of 18 that are travelling that come accompanied by just one parent/legal guardian must have a minor consent form signed by the other parent or, in the case of a legal guardian, both parents. The drinking age in Ecuador is 18 years old.

The best option would be to go with a multi-guided cruise vessel or a land-based tour. On either of these two options, multiple activities will be available simultaneously, which means the more active in the group can be out and about while those who prefer a more relaxed journey can take in the views calmly.

Our Le Cordon Bleu-certified gastronomic director has carefully designed the buffets and menus on board all of our cruise ships. These are inspired by both local and international flavours. Varied meals comprised of all the food groups will be served through the day. This also includes fresh produce, fruits and proteins that are acquired from the best providers available.

  • Hat
  •  Sunglasses
  •  Sandals
  •  Sneakers
  •  Swimsuit
  •  Umbrella (for sun protection during island hikes)
  •  Waterproof Sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher)
  •  Binoculars
  •  Flashlight/head lamp
  •  Water bottle
  •  Dry bags (to keep things from getting wet)
  •  Snorkel and mask (if you wish to use your own instead of the boats’)
  •  Windbreaker jacket
  •  Light sweater
  •  Extra memory cards
  •  Extra batteries

LOur naturalist guides always have a pair of binoculars that they will pass around when there is something interesting to see. Do feel free to bring your own if you are really into wildlife viewing.

A good pair of walking shoes, ideally with a good level of traction and grip on the bottom.

Batteries, weatherproof camera bags, and extra memory cards will come in handy. Waterproof housings will be necessary if you wish to take your camera underwater. Tripods are handy too if you want to take pictures of the night sky.

Flash photography is not permitted when taking photos of wildlife. Professional photography and videos recorded for commercial purposes must be authorized by the Galapagos National Park. Drones can only be used with a special permit.

Galapagos is considered one of the world’s top SCUBA diving destinations. However, guests should be aware of National Park Rules that define two different options for diving: live-aboard or land-based day cruises. As of 2017, there are only 9 live-aboard ships exclusively dedicated to SCUBA in the archipelago. Other types of cruise ships cannot, by regulation, provide this service. There are diving outfitters in San Cristobal, Santa Cruz and Isabela islands. Galapagos is a great place to get your certification or upgrade your current license level, but check which outfitters offer this service. This could also make for a fabulous extension to your cruise.

Snorkelling gear will be provided to you on board all of our cruises so that you can enjoy the aquatic beauty throughout the Galapagos. If you have your own snorkelling gear however, definitely feel free to bring it along.

No. Sports fishing is prohibited inside the Marine Reserve. Local fishermen are allowed to fish, however.

Of course! Check out this blog on our Top 7 Galapagos Books.

Yes. We sell these on our ships and you can find them on the inhabited islands.

Comfortable and casual is all that’s expected aboard our cruise ships. All that we kindly request is that guests wear dry clothes and either shoes or sandals when entering the restaurant.
  • Vessel size:

Massive cruise ships that can carry up to 6,000 passengers can’t sail in Galapagos. The largest expedition vessel in Galapagos can only carry 100 passengers.

  • Sustainable tourism:

Mass tourism doesn’t exist in the Galapagos Islands. The total number of tourists entering the Galapagos during all of 2019 was 271,238 (source). That’s, on average, 743 per day. Plus, they arrive at two different domestic airports.

  • Local itinerary:

Unlike large cruise ships sail between one port in one country to another port in another, and shore visits take place in populated areas. Galapagos expedition vessels follow fixed itineraries within the archipelago and, 90% of the time, visit completely uninhabited islands.

  • Regulated arrival and departure:

There are no international to/from the Galapagos. Travelers are first screened on arrival in Ecuador’s cities of Quito and Guayaquil, and then screened again before boarding flights to the islands’ two domestic airports.

  • Local crew members:

Staff who work on Galapagos expedition vessels are strictly controlled by the Galapagos Special Law (1998) and other legislation, which limits crew members to either Galapagos residents or staff with special work permits.

  • Galapagos National Park Controls:

The Galapagos Islands are among the most highly-controlled ecosystems in the world. These controls, established in 1990, help authorities know exactly what and who is entering the Galapagos at any time to preserve its fragile ecosystem.

What are our procedures in case of an emergency?​

Our registered company, ETICA, has a Safety Management System in place which is audited and complies with the provisions of the ISM Code (an international standard for the safe management and operation of ships and for pollution prevention), which is part of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS)

  • Our Safety Management System ensures that we can act effectively in relation to hazards, accidents, and emergency situations that could affect our vessels.
  • The company has identified potential emergency shipboard situations — including fires, collision, running aground, contamination, flood, technical fault, abandonment, man overboard, etc. — and has established procedures to respond to them effectively and immediately.

In the case of a health emergency involving a guest onboard, the MEDEVAC (medical evacuation) procedure in place is as follows:

  • It is the responsibility of the Captain of the vessel to inform the Designated Person Ashore (DPA) of the need to evacuate a guest when his or her state of health so warrants.
  • The Medical Officer onboard will determine if the evacuation to be performed is of an “important” or “urgent” nature.

What does this mean?

“Important”: when the condition of the guest allows him or her to wait for the vessel to anchor at a port, with a change of itinerary if the situation warrants it. Subsequently, an ambulance will be requested at the port of arrival by calling 911, so that the guest can be cared for in the health centers on land.

“Urgent”: when the condition of the guest warrants immediate evacuation. In this case, the DPA will determine the best evacuation option available: either by helicopter or by speedboat. According to the care required by the guest, the health authorities will determine whether or not the patient needs to be transferred to mainland Ecuador (either the cities of Quito or Guayaquil). To carry out the evacuation by air, the Captain must proceed according to the “Air MEDEVAC” procedure within the company’s Safety Management Manual.

You will always be able to get in touch with your Destination Expert, who will always be up to date on your itinerary and location. You can share their contact details with your friends and family. Once your journey has started, we will share our Welcome Kit information with you, which includes our Operations Department phone numbers.

Our three vessels are among the few in the Galapagos Islands with medical officers onboard throughout all cruises.

  • Our Medical Officers are specially trained in travel and nautical medicine, certified by the Ministry of Public Health, the National Merchant Marine, and the Maritime Authority of Ecuador.
  • They can offer medical care in situations of respiratory, cardiac, gastrointestinal, and traumatological natures, among others.
  • The medical officers’ infirmaries are stocked with pain relievers, antibiotics, and anti-inflammatories. Their equipment includes items such as ophthalmoscope, defibrillator, laryngoscope, AMBU (Airway Mask Bag Unit), infrared thermometer, medicinal oxygen, plaster in case of fractures or for immobilizations, boots for dislocations, tensiometer (sphygmomanometer), and parenteral serums.

Additionally, our naturalist guides carry first-aid kits with basic first aid equipment during all excursions and have been trained in first-aid by relevant organizations. In the case of requiring further medical treatment, the ship will contact Emergency Services and request assistance.

Prohibited items for the Galapagos Islands: The Ecuadorian Animal and Plant Health Service and the Quarantine and Inspection System of Galápagos (SICGAL) have developed a program to prevent exotic species from arriving in the islands. To minimize the entry of such species, you will be given a declaration form to fill out on your flight to the islands. It’s best not to take any fresh fruit in your luggage. View the full list of items (in Spanish) here.

 

Metropolitan Touring’s general list of Onboard Prohibited Items:

  • Firearms and ammunition, including realistic replicas.
  • Sharp objects, including all knives and scissors. (Note: scissors with blade length less than 4 inches are allowed.)
  • Illegal drugs and substances
  • Candles, incense, coffee makers, clothes irons, travel steamers & hot plates. (items that may create a fire hazard)
  • Martial arts, self-defense, and sports gear, including handcuffs, pepper spray, nightsticks.
  • Flammable liquids and explosives, including lighter fluid and fireworks.
  • HAM radios
  • Baby monitors
  • Electrical extension cords
  • Dangerous chemicals, including bleach and paint.
  • Vessel size:

Massive cruise ships that can carry up to 6,000 passengers can’t sail in Galapagos. The largest expedition vessel in Galapagos can only carry 100 passengers.

  • Sustainable tourism:

Mass tourism doesn’t exist in the Galapagos Islands. The total number of tourists entering the Galapagos during all of 2019 was 271,238 (source). That’s, on average, 743 per day. Plus, they arrive at two different domestic airports.

  • Local itinerary:

Unlike large cruise ships sail between one port in one country to another port in another, and shore visits take place in populated areas. Galapagos expedition vessels follow fixed itineraries within the archipelago and, 90% of the time, visit completely uninhabited islands.

  • Regulated arrival and departure:

There are no international to/from the Galapagos. Travelers are first screened on arrival in Ecuador’s cities of Quito and Guayaquil, and then screened again before boarding flights to the islands’ two domestic airports.

  • Local crew members:

Staff who work on Galapagos expedition vessels are strictly controlled by the Galapagos Special Law (1998) and other legislation, which limits crew members to either Galapagos residents or staff with special work permits.

  • Galapagos National Park Controls:

The Galapagos Islands are among the most highly-controlled ecosystems in the world. These controls, established in 1990, help authorities know exactly what and who is entering the Galapagos at any time to preserve its fragile ecosystem.

TALK TO AN EXPERT THAT'S SAILED ABOARD!

Questions? Need help deciding?

Have a chat with our Destination Experts that have enjoyed our itineraries!

Preferred travel date
Are you a direct customer?*
Check - in
Check - out
At Metropolitan Touring we process the information you provide us with in order to respond to the request made by you in relation to the services we provide and the products we supply. You can exercise the rights of access, rectification and updating of inaccurate data or, where appropriate, request the deletion or elimination, limitation or suspension of the processing of your data or oppose the processing of your data. You can contact us at [email protected]


Get inspired and start planning!

Galapagos Peguin Footer