Galápagos Adventure: Snorkelling & Sea Lions - 9 Days

Frequently asked questions

• What are the main highlights of this trip?

  Island-hop the Galapagos islands by public speedboats, visit Charles Darwin Research Station, hike the Sierra Negra volcano on Isabela Island, and go snorkelling to spot marine life.

• What's Included in this trip?

  Your Big Night Out Moment: San Cristóbal Island. Interpretation Centre Visit (San Cristóbal Island). Snorkelling equipment and activity at Tijeretas (San Cristóbal). Concha de Perla snorkelling excursion. Hike to Sierra Negra volcano (Isabela Island). Charles Darwin Research Station (Santa Cruz Island). Opportunities for snorkelling, swimming, and incredible wildlife encounters. Internal flights. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.

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

  All local flights are included in the cost of your tour unless otherwise noted. It is important that we have your passport information at the time of booking in order to process these tickets. Internal flight tickets are issued locally and will be given to you prior to the flight departure. BAGGAGE ALLOWANCE FOR DOMESTIC FLIGHTS TO/FROM THE GALAPAGOS: Maximum one piece of luggage per person weighing a maximum of 23 kilograms (50 pounds), plus one carry-on piece weighing a maximum of 10 kilograms (22 pounds).

• Are international flights included in this trip?

  No, international flights are generally not included in the price of your tour. However, on some combo tours travelling between two different countries, international flights are included as part of the itinerary and price of the tour. Please speak to your GCO or booking agent for further details. In addition, check-in times and baggage allowances/restrictions vary by airline and can change at any time. For the most up-to-date information for your flight, please contact your airline. We recommend checking in online in advance to avoid potential delays at the airport.

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

  Simple hotels (8 nts). Twin accommodations are used for the duration of this trip. Please contact your travel agent to request private accommodation. If you have booked the "My Own Room" option for this tour, you will receive your own single room for all night stops.

• Will I get my own room if traveling solo?

  We believe solo travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining this group trip will be placed in either twin-share accommodation with someone of the same sex, or single if you book My Own Room for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and solo travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price. If you have booked the "My Own Room" option for this tour, you will receive your own single room for all night stops.

• What are the modes of transportation on this trip?

  Transportation includes plane, public speedboat, van, and public bus. We will travel via both public and private speedboats between the islands. This is a fun way to travel but those who experience motion sickness may want to ensure they bring any medications or use preventative measures against an upset stomach.

• What meals are included in this trip?

  8 breakfasts are included. Generally, other meals are not included in the trip price when there is a choice of eating options, to give you maximum flexibility. Our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company, though there is no obligation to do this. Your leader will be able to suggest favourite restaurants during your trip.

• What activities are optional on this trip and what are their costs?

  Optional activities include: Quito City Tour & Equator Line; Cotopaxi Volcano - Full Day; Isabela Island activities like Wall of Tears Bike Visit (20USD per person), Los Tuneles Snorkelling (140-150USD per person), Islote Tintoreras Snorkelling (45-50USD per person), Giant Tortoise Breeding Centre Visit, Flamingo Lagoon Visit; Puerto Ayora Surfing Lesson (120USD per person); San Cristóbal Island Puerto Chino Beach Visit; Puerto Baquerizo Moreno La Lobería Beach Visit (8USD per person); Playa Mann Visit; Isla Lobos Snorkelling (90-110USD per person); Kicker Rock Snorkelling (140-160USD per person).

• How large will the group be?

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

• Who will be leading the group?

  You will be accompanied by a CEO (Chief Experience Officer)/Naturalist Guide while in the Galápagos Islands (certified by the Galápagos National Park Authority), and a local tour operator Representative in Quito. The CEO's aim is to take the hassle out of your travels, provide information on places, suggest activities, recommend local eating venues, and introduce you to local friends. They have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited, including historical, cultural, religious, and social aspects.

• How old must I be to join this trip?

  The minimum age for this trip is 18 years.

• Is travel insurance required for my trip?

  Travel insurance is compulsory to participate. A minimum coverage of USD200,000 for medical expenses including emergency evacuation and repatriation is required. We strongly recommend coverage for personal liability, cancellation, curtailment, and loss of luggage. Some adventure activities may require extra coverage; review your itinerary to ensure all included activities are covered. As of February 2nd, 2018, proof of insurance covering medical, accident, and death for your entire stay in Ecuador is mandatory upon entry.

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

  US Dollar cash and cards are recommended. Credit cards and debit cards are useful for cash advances, with Visa being widely accepted. ATMs are available on Puerto Ayora but are limited and unreliable elsewhere in Galápagos. A 5-10% fee usually applies for credit card purchases. Bring USD banknotes smaller than 100, as larger or damaged bills can be hard to exchange. An additional USD $200 (or equivalent) emergency fund is recommended. Please be advised that slightly torn notes, notes that have been heavily marked or are faded may be difficult to exchange.

• Should I be tipping on my trip?

  Tipping is an expected, though not compulsory, component of your tour program, signifying satisfaction with those who assisted you. A guideline for tipping your CEO is 5-10 USD per traveler per day.

• What rules should I know before joining this trip?

  Illegal drugs are not tolerated on any trips. Possessing or using drugs contravenes local laws and puts the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium, while part of local culture elsewhere, is not acceptable. The exploitation of people in the sex trade is completely contrary to the tour operator's philosophy. Our CEOs have the right to expel any group member for drug possession or utilizing paid sex workers.

• What do I need to know about safety and security on my trip?

  Check your government's travel advice before departure. Use a neck wallet or money belt for valuables (passport, tickets, cash). Leave valuable jewelry at home. Hotels often have safety deposit boxes. A lock is recommended for luggage. The group leader can amend the itinerary for safety concerns. During free time, exercise good judgment for optional activities as the tour operator makes no representations about their safety or operator standards. For water-based activities, only participate if accompanied by a guide(s). Swimming, including snorkeling, is at your own risk. Generally, cities are safe during the day, but at night, stay in small groups and use taxis.

• What medical information should I be aware of?

  Inoculations may be required; consult your travel doctor for up-to-date medical travel information before departure. Carry a First Aid kit, hand sanitizers/antibacterial wipes, and personal medical requirements. Leaders cannot administer drugs. An average level of fitness and mobility is required (walk unaided, climb 3-4 flights of stairs, step on/off small boats, carry own luggage). Travellers with pre-existing medical conditions must complete a medical questionnaire, signed by a physician, to ensure they can comfortably complete the trip without undue risk to themselves or the group.

• What happens if I experience problems when arriving?

  If you cannot commence your trip as scheduled, contact the provided emergency numbers as soon as possible. If a pre-booked transfer representative is not met within 30 minutes of clearing customs, we recommend proceeding to the starting hotel via taxi and applying to your travel agent for a refund of the transfer cost upon your return.

• Who should I contact in case of an emergency?

  For dire needs, first call either the tour operator Representative or Local Office. If no immediate answer, leave a detailed message. For airport transfers, if advised of a flight schedule change within 48 hours, call the emergency contact number to update your new arrival flight information, otherwise, you may need to make your own way to the hotel at your expense. Emergency contact numbers include: The tour operator Office Lima, Peru (During office hours: +51 1 241 1650, After hours Emergency: +51 99 758 2712 - WhatsApp Available), and toll-free numbers for North America, UK, Germany, Australia, New Zealand, and a general international number: +1 416 260 0999.

• When can I do my laundry on this trip?

  Laundry availability is dependent on the location you're in or the amount of time spent in that location. We suggest packing enough clothing in case laundry is not available and/or packing laundry soap so you can wash things if needed.

• Does the tour operator have an email newsletter I can subscribe to?

  Our adventure travel e-newsletter is full of travel news, trip information, interesting stories, and contests. To avoid missing out on special offers and updates, subscribe at www.gadventures.com/newsletters/. Stay current on how our company invests in our global community through our foundation – Planeterra. Sign up for Planeterra's monthly news to learn more about how to give back and support the people and places we love to visit.

• What is Planeterra?

  Planeterra International Foundation is a non-profit organization committed to turning travel into impact by helping local communities earn an income from tourism. Planeterra connects underserved local communities to the benefits of tourism by developing and supporting small community-owned businesses. These businesses support Indigenous people, empower women, grant youth access to employment opportunities, and protect the environment. Planeterra also works to ensure these businesses have a thriving customer base by integrating their projects into the tour operator’s itineraries globally. The tour operator is Planeterra’s largest corporate donor, covering all operating costs, so 100% of your donation will bring opportunity to people in need. The tour operator Dollar-a-day Program - Make Every Day Count - Turn your travel into impact with Planeterra Foundation. Most communities around the world do not benefit from tourism; this program aims to give back by creating opportunities for local people and protecting the environment.

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

  The safety and well-being of all of our travelers is a priority, including those who identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community. We recognize there are specific concerns about safety and security. We encourage you to visit our LGBTQ+ page for useful resources to ensure you feel safe and comfortable throughout your trip. The Equaldex tool linked on this page can be of particular help when deciding where to visit next.

• Are there any important itinerary notes or airport closures to be aware of?

  The itinerary is subject to further changes dependent upon new regulations made by the Galápagos National Park or seasonal points of interest. Please note that the Quito international airport (UIO, Mariscal Sucre) will be closed on specific dates in 2026 (April 11; May 9, 16 & 30; June 6; September 5, 12 & 26; October 3 between 2am and 2pm; and October 17 between 6am and 6pm) for preventative maintenance. For passengers flying in or out of Quito on these dates, please double check flight schedules with your airline. Internal flights within Ecuador and Galapagos will be adjusted accordingly and any changes to schedules will be communicated at the welcome briefing. This tour combines with other tours, so staff and some travel companions may have previously been traveling together or may continue on another tour after this one concludes.

• What are the entry fees for the Galápagos Islands?

  The Ecuadorian government currently levies a Galapagos Islands Park entry fee of $200 USD per person ($100 USD for children under 12 years old). This is payable in CASH at the airport upon arrival in the park and is not included in the cost of the tour. This fee funds Park maintenance and supervision, as well as ecological study, conservation, and infrastructure development.

• What is the cost of the Transit Control Card for the Galápagos Islands?

  The Consejo de Gobierno (local government council) has implemented a system of Transit Control Cards at a fee of $20 USD per person. This card is to be purchased in CASH at the welcome meeting. You must retain this card with your passport and present it upon arrival to the Galapagos Islands.

• Can this tour be combined with other trips?

  This trip can be booked on its own or as an add-on to many of our Galápagos Islands yacht based adventures. Please speak to your sales GCO about how you can mix and match with other programs. Please note that this tour combines with other tour operator tours, so staff and some travel companions may have previously been traveling together or may continue on another tour after this one concludes.