Climate

The warm, arid Galapagos Islands are surrounded by calm Pacific waters teeming with incredible wildlife. The average daytime temperature in the Galapagos is 85°F; nights in the Galapagos are cool (in the 60s) with light breezes from the ocean.

December to June is the warmest time of year, as well as the rainy season. Visitors can expect occasional short but heavy showers but since the islands only receive an annual rainfall of about 10 inches, rains may be infrequent. The sea is generally calm this time of year, and the water temperature is warm. The garua season is from June to November. Garua, the Spanish word for "mist," is just that-a mist that forms in the island uplands and rolls down to the shore. Both the air and water temperatures are a few degreescooler this time of year. However, since the Galapagos are on the Equator, they are an excellent year-round destination. Because of the strong Equatorial sun, a hat and sunscreen are suggested, and a light jacket or sweater is recommended for the evenings, which can be pleasantly breezy.

Health

For the latest health information and vaccine recommendations for Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands, visit the Center for Disease Control website.

Currency and Money Exchange

In 2000, Ecuador adopted the U.S. dollar as the official currency. It is advisable to have plenty of small bills handy for purchases as most merchants can't change bills over $20. Travelers checks are accepted on most ships, but not all ships accept credit cards. The latest exchange rates can be found at http://www.xe.com/

Electricity

The standard voltage on all ships is 110V, the same as in North America. Some of the larger ships also have 220V.

Entry and Exit Regulations

Travelers usually reach the islands aboard flights from Quito or Guayaquil. US Citizens visiting Ecuador as tourists do not need a visa. Your passport should be valid at least six months after your date of arrival. Non-US citizens should contact the Ecuadorian Consulate in their country of residence to check visa requirements.

A National Park Entrance Fee is required from all visitors entering the Galapagos National Park and/or Galapagos Marine Reserve. The park fee payable in US Dollars may be paid at the airport upon arrival in the Galapagos Islands. A remit granting access to the National Park and Marine Reserve is given as a receipt. The cost is $100 or $50 for children under 12 years of age.

As of October, 2007, The Galapagos National Institute (INGALA) requires a Transit Control Card for tourists going to the Galapagos Islands. The cost of this card is US$ 10.00 and it will have to be acquired in cash- at the airport. A yellow card will be issued, allowing the tourist a maximum 90-day stay in the islands. The card will have a code bar, which will be registered upon entering the Galapagos National Park, at the airport in Galapagos when the Galapagos National Park entrance fee is paid.

Upon completion of the Galapagos trip, the card must be presented again to the INGALA personnel at the airport, to register the departure from the Galapagos. It is very important that you do not lose this card, to avoid delays upon departure. The Transit Control Card is a necessary measure to prevent illegal migration to the Galapagos Islands, which has been determined as one of the main problems that the islands are currently facing.

Language

Spanish is the official language of the Galapagos Islands.

Official Time

The Galapagos Islands are one hour behind Ecuador which has the same time as Eastern Standard Time (EST) in the U.S. Ecuador does not observe daylight savings time.

USA Travelers Info

The US Embassy in Ecuador is located at:
Av. Patria and Av. 12 de Octubre
Tel: (593) 2 256-2890
Fax: (593) 2 250 2052
Emergency phone: (593) 2 223 4126
Home page: http://www.usembassy.org.ec

The Embassy is open from 8:00 am - 12:30 pm / 1:30 pm - 5:30 pm from Monday through Thursday and Friday from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm, except during US and some Ecuadorian holidays.

The US Citizens Services is open Tuesday through Friday (except on U.S. and Ecuadorian holidays) from 8:00 am to 12:30 pm and from 1:30 to 4:00 p.m.

The US Consulate in Guayaquil is located at:
9 de Octubre y Garcia Moreno
Tel: (593) 4 2323-570 ext. 227 or 228
Emergencies (24 hours): (593) 04 2321-152

Emergency information concerning Americans traveling abroad may be obtained from the Office of Overseas Citizens Services at (202) 647-5225. For after-hours emergencies, Sundays and holidays, call 202-647-4000.

Discover Galapagos, Tropical Nature Travel guide includes information about boats, cruises and yatch in the Galapagos islands, a nature wonder in Ecuador. All that you need to decide the best Galapagos cruise. Ask for our Napo Wildlife Center tours in the Ecuador rainforest.