Complete Galápagos - Yolita - 17 Days

Frequently asked questions

• Is travel insurance required for my trip?

  Travel insurance is compulsory. You will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of medical coverage (minimum USD 200,000 for repatriation and emergency rescue) is sighted by your CEO. We strongly recommend coverage for personal liability, cancellation, curtailment, and loss of luggage and personal effects. If using credit card insurance, proof of trip purchase with a credit card in your name is required. Contact your bank for policy details.

• Is there an extra cost for travelling solo?

  Our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement for solo travellers, who are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex. Some independent trips may have different arrangements and require a single trip price.

• What important notes should I be aware of for landings and life on board?

  For landings in Galápagos, we use zodiacs/pangas for 'wet' or 'dry' landings, which may require wading ashore in shallow water and navigating uneven ground. Good mobility is important. The yacht does not have an elevator, so staircases must be used between decks. Some snorkeling activities in open water require using small ladders from the panga. Also, the tour operator requires your passport number, full name, and date of birth at the time of booking. Provide international flight details and advise of any allergies or special diets after booking. Rooming on Galapagos yachts is first-come, first-serve, and specific cabins cannot be guaranteed; window sizes and noise levels (near the engine room) may vary. This tour combines with other tours, so staff and some travel companions may change.

• Are there any fees to enter the Galápagos Islands?

  Yes, the Ecuadorian government levies a Galápagos Islands Park entry fee of $200 USD per person ($100 USD for children under 12), payable in CASH at the airport upon arrival in the park. Additionally, a Transit Control Card fee of $20 USD per person must be purchased in CASH at a counter in Quito airport before boarding the flight to the Galápagos. This card must be retained and presented upon arrival.

• What is the minimum age to join this trip?

  You must be 18 to travel unaccompanied. For minors travelling with a guardian over 21 years old, the minimum age is 12.

• How much spending money do I need for my trip?

  Spending money requirements vary by traveller. Onboard our vessels in the Galápagos, only cash is accepted, as credit card machines are not available. ATM machines are extremely limited and unreliable in the islands, so it's important to withdraw enough cash for the duration of your trip. Consider your habits for drinks, shopping, and tipping. We also recommend contacting your local bank about international withdrawals.

• How much emergency money should I bring on this trip?

  Please ensure you have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an 'emergency' fund, for circumstances outside our control, such as a natural disaster requiring a route change. This is a rare occurrence.

• How large will the group be?

  The maximum group size is 16, with an average of 12 travellers.

• Are there any health considerations I should know before travelling?

  Inoculations may be required, and it's your responsibility to consult your travel doctor for up-to-date medical travel information. We recommend carrying a First Aid kit, hand sanitizers, and personal medical requirements. The tour travels to high altitude in Quito (over 8,000 feet / 2,440 meters), which can affect some individuals regardless of fitness or age. Consult your physician for preparation and in case of altitude sickness. Our leaders are prohibited from administering drugs for legal reasons.

• Who will be leading the group?

  Your trip will be led by a CEO (Chief Experience Officer)/Naturalist Guide certified by the Galápagos National Park Authority while in the Galápagos Islands, and a local tour operator Representative in Quito. We also use local guides for specific knowledge.

• What are the main highlights of this trip?

  Highlights include 14 nights cruising the Galápagos Islands aboard the Yolita, exploring lesser-visited islands like Isabela and Genovesa for massive bird colonies and impressive volcanoes, relaxing on white-sand beaches, hiking to the Sierra Negra volcano, and snorkeling with sea lions, turtles, and rays.

• What are the modes of transportation on my trip?

  Transportation includes plane, motorized yacht (Yolita), van, panga (small boat), and private bus.

• Who should I contact in case of an emergency?

  In an emergency, first call the tour operator Representative (if listed) or our local office. If no immediate answer, leave a detailed message. For airport transfers, if you have pre-purchased one and are not met within 30 minutes of clearing customs, take a taxi to your starting hotel and apply for a refund upon return. Emergency contact numbers are available for different regions (Lima, Ecuador, North America, UK, Germany, Australia, New Zealand, and outside these regions).

• What kind of accommodation can I expect on this trip?

  Accommodation includes hotels for 2 nights and twin-share cabins aboard the Yolita for 14 nights. Cabins on the Yolita can be converted into a double bed if requested prior to the tour.

• What meals are included in this trip?

  The tour includes 15 breakfasts, 14 lunches, and 14 dinners.

• What rules should I know before joining this trip?

  Illegal drugs are not tolerated and will result in expulsion from the group. Exploitation of prostitutes is also against our philosophy and will lead to expulsion. Respect for local people and laws is paramount.

• Are local flights included in the cost of the trip?

  Yes, all local flights to and from the Galápagos are included. Passport information is required at booking for ticketing. Internal flight tickets are issued locally. Flights to Galápagos depart early on Day 2, and return flights to the mainland depart between 10:00 am and 1:30 pm. All flights to and from Galápagos make a 1-hour refueling stop in Guayaquil. Baggage allowance for domestic flights is one piece of luggage (max 23 kg/50 lbs) and one carry-on (max 10 kg/22 lbs).

• What should I know about currency, credit cards, and exchanging money while on this tour?

  Credit and debit cards (Visa widely accepted) are useful for cash advances, though ATM availability and acceptance of international cards can vary. Always check with your bank before departure. A 5-10% fee usually applies for credit card purchases. Do not rely solely on cards; a combination of US dollar cash (denominations smaller than $100 are best, as larger bills, especially certain series, can be hard to exchange) and cards is recommended. Bring notes in good condition. Check www.xe.com for daily exchange rates.

• Are international flights included in this trip?

  No, international flights are generally not included in the price of your tour, unless specified for certain combo tours between two countries. Check-in times and baggage allowances vary by airline, so contact your airline for the most up-to-date information and consider online check-in.

• Where can I read detailed notes about this trip?

  Onboard the yacht, the daily schedule typically includes a shore excursion after breakfast, lunch aboard, a siesta, and an afternoon shore excursion. After dinner, your naturalist guide will brief you on the next day's islands. Landings are via small boats (pangas) and can be 'dry' or 'wet'. The Galápagos climate is tempered by the Humboldt Current. December to June is warmest (22-33°C/72-90°F water mid-20s°C/mid-70s°F), and July to November is cooler (18-24°C/60s-75°F water rarely reaches 21°C/70°F).

• Will I get my own room?

  If you have booked the 'My Own Room' option, you will receive your own single room for all night stops.

• What's included in the tour?

  The tour includes arrival transfer, a Certified Galápagos National Park Service Guide, 14 nights cruising the Galápagos Islands aboard the Yolita, all meals aboard the Yolita, various excursions (e.g., to see red-footed boobies, hike Bartolomé Island viewpoint, Sierra Negra volcano, spot flightless cormorants and penguins, frigatebirds and blue-footed boobies), snorkeling at Corona del Diablo, Isla Lobos, and Gardner Bay, an excursion to see giant tortoises in the wild (Santa Cruz Island), a visit to Post Office Bay (Floreana Island), onboard snorkeling equipment and wetsuits, internal flights, and all transport between destinations and to/from included activities.

• When can I do my laundry on this trip?

  Laundry facilities are available at the start and end hotel at a charge. Full laundry facilities are not available onboard our yachts in the Galápagos. If you wish to do your own laundry, we suggest bringing non-polluting/biodegradable soap.

• What activities are optional on this trip?

  Optional activities include: In Quito: Quito City Tour & Equator Line, Teleférico (9 USD per person). In Cotopaxi: Cotopaxi Volcano - Full Day.

• What happens if I experience problems when arriving?

  If you are unable to commence your trip as scheduled, contact your starting point hotel to speak to or leave a message for your CEO. If you cannot reach your leader, use our emergency contact details. If you have a pre-booked airport transfer and haven't met our representative within 30 minutes of clearing customs, take a taxi to the Starting Point hotel. You may apply to your travel agent for a refund of the transfer cost.

• What instructions should I follow at the finishing point?

  If you would like to book an airport Departure transfer for your tour, please contact our Sales Team or your Travel Agent in advance of travel.

• What safety and security information should I know for my trip?

  We recommend checking your government's travel advice before departure and using a neck wallet or money belt for valuables. Leave expensive jewellery at home. Many hotels have safety deposit boxes. A lock is recommended for luggage. Your CEO can amend the itinerary for safety concerns. During free time, use good judgment for optional activities and avoid wandering alone at night in cities; take taxis in groups. Be aware of protests and demonstrations and leave such areas immediately. Water-based activities carry inherent risks; participate with a guide, and swimming/snorkeling is at your own risk. For more personal safety tips, visit www.gadventures.com/travel-resources/safety/.

• What should LGBTQ+ travellers know about safety and travel considerations on this trip?

  The safety and well-being of all travellers, including the LGBTQ+ community, is a priority. We encourage you to visit our LGBTQ+ page for useful resources to ensure comfort and safety throughout your trip. The Equaldex tool linked there can help when planning your visit.

• What are the visa and entry requirements for my trip?

  All countries require a valid passport with a minimum of 6 months validity. Contact your local embassy or consulate for up-to-date visa requirements or consult your travel agent. It is your responsibility to have correct travel documentation. As of February 2nd, 2018, proof of insurance (covering medical, accident, death) for your entire stay is mandatory for entry into Ecuador; without it, entrance may be denied. Visa information specific to your destination and nationality can be found on our Important Pre-Departure Information page.

• Should I be tipping on my trip?

  Tipping is an expected, though not compulsory, part of your tour and acknowledges good service. At the end of each trip, if you felt your CEO and crew did an outstanding job, tipping is appreciated. As a guideline, a tip of 7-10 USD per day for your CEO and 10-15 USD per day for the crew per traveller is suggested, with amounts being a personal preference. Two envelopes will be left in your cabin on the final night for this purpose.

• Are there any itinerary notes regarding specific island closures?

  From January 8, 2019 to February 8, 2019, North Seymour and Mosquera Island were closed to visitors for species eradication. For departures during that period, a visit to Bartolomé Island was substituted.