The Galapagos Islands present a very exciting and different yacht chartering experience for families and friends, specific needs and requirements. We pay particular attention to safety and comfort while allowing you an opportunity to have an adventurous learning experience together. The archipelago, which is on the equator in the Pacific Ocean and 600-miles west of Ecuador, consists of 15 islands and numerous islets. More than 97% of the land and all the surrounding water are dedicated as the Galapagos National Park and Marine Reserve.

A United Nations heritage site, it is a protected region, ensuring the preservation of its very unique flora and fauna. This uniqueness is the great attraction of the Galapagos Islands. There are only four populated settlements throughout the islands; the largest, which you will visit, is Puerto Ayora on the island of Santa Cruz with a population of approximately 8,000.

The following information is provided to help you prepare for your Galapagos Chartering Adventure:

• Because the Galapagos is a protected national park, no fishing or motorized water sports of any kind are permitted. The Islands are a bio-diversity protected and restricted zone
• Snorkeling equipment is provided onboard the yacht (mask, snorkel and fins)
• Kayaks are provided onboard some yachts. Please confirm at time of booking
• A naturalist guide certified by the National Park will be with you at all times. The guide will accompany you on your land visits (no one is permitted ashore without the naturalist guide) and will provide daily enrichment lectures onboard the yacht
• Each day will offer the opportunity to observe the amazing animals and birds which inhabit these islands such as giant tortoises, marine and land iguanas, sea lions, red and blue footed boobies, frigate birds, Darwin finches, flightless cormorants and penguins
• Each island presents a different landscape to explore and experience
• With the exception of the town of Puerto Ayora, (Santa Cruz Island), your charter itinerary will typically include visits to approximately 8 uninhabited islands of the Galapagos National Park system. This itinerary generally provides for two land visits a day plus swimming and snorkeling opportunities
• Attire is very casual and good walking shoes will be necessary
• While your motor yacht will cruise between different landfalls during the day, most often transits will be made during the evening/night
• TAME or AEROGAL airlines, which are the national carriers that will be taking you to the Galapagos from the mainland, has a strict weight limit for luggage: 44 pounds (20 kilos) per person
• Your charter rate is inclusive of food, fuel and non-alcoholic beverages
• Gratuities to crew and naturalist guide are not included. Suggested amounts: captain and crew; $100 per person per week, naturalist guide; $40 per person per week

Galapagos sailing schedule
Regarding your interest about how visits and excursions are organized during the cruise; You will start very early in the morning, around 7am. After breakfast you will have the first visit to the islands, this can be either a wet or dry landing. Each visit takes lasts around 2 to 3 hours, and then you will have time either to swim, lay on the beach or snorkel. You will have about an hour to wash up and rest before lunch and then about 30 minutes to relax before your second visit to a different location. Once again, it can be a wet or dry landing, usually the second visit is a longer hike (the sun is not hitting as hard as in the morning), after which you will either rest, swim or snorkel depending on the location you are in that particular day. In the evening before or after dinner you will have leisure where the guide will review what you have seen and where you have been that day, and will also give you an explanation of the schedule and visits for the next day. All navigation takes place during the night. The longer it takes from one island to the other is 8 to 10 hours, so when morning comes you are in a different island ready for new visit and excursions.

Flight hours to and from Galapagos
TAME and AEROGAL domestic airlines have a maximum weight limit of 44 lbs (20 kilos) for check in bags. This policy is strictly enforced.
One carry on bag per person will be allowed.

What do I bring?
It is best to pack light for the Galapagos Islands, use soft sided luggage and easy fast dry fabrics:

• Cotton pants
• Shorts ( Bermudas or others)
• T-shirts
• Long sleeved shirt
• Short sleeved shirt
• Swimsuit
• Socks and undergarments
• A windbreaker or light sweater for evenings and early mornings
• Hat: preferably one with a brim to cover your ears
• Lots of sunscreen lotion
• Good walking shoes for visits to the islands
• Teva's or sport sandals with velcro straps
• Sunglasses
• Small backpack for island visits
• Camera with extra film and plastic bag to keep your camera or photographic equipment dry while in the Panga
• Snorkeling gear (Available at some of the yachts)
• Books to read
• Wet suit or wet suit lycra for snorkeling
• If you wear glasses, it is a good idea to bring contact lenses for diving andsnorkeling
• Binoculars
• Sea sickness medication
• Personal medication

• GALAPAGOS, A NATURAL HISTORY, Michael Jackson 1990
• REEF FISH Identification GALAPAGOS, Paul Human, 1993 (Perhaps out of print)
• MARINE LIFE OF THE GALAPAGOS, Pierre Constant, 1992
• THE BEAK OF THE FINCH (Jonathan Weiner)FLOREANA, Margarita Wittmer 1989
• MY FATHER`S ISLAND, A Galapagos Quest, Johanna Angermeyer, 1989
• THE VOYAGE OF THE BEAGLE, Charles Darwin, 1860
• A GUIDE TO THE BIRDS OF THE GALAPAGOS, Castro and Phillips
• Guide books:
• Ecuador and the Galapagos Island, Lonely Planet
• The Galapagos Islands, Odyssey Passport, Pierre Constant

How will the weather be?
Being on the equator, the Galapagos are an excellent year round destination: there is no 'bad' time of the year to visit. Year round early mornings and late evenings can be cool, a light jacket or sweater is suggested.

Mid day can be very hot: it is important to drink lots of fluids, wear a hat and use lots of sunscreen.

December through June is the warmest time of the year. Although the islands receive slightly more rainfall during this time, most of the lower elevations of the islands tend to stay quite arid and there is lots of blue skies and sunshine. The sea is at its warmest and tends to be slightly calmer.


June through November is the garua season. Garua is a mist that forms in the highlands of the islands, providing moisture. The air temperature can be slightly lower during this time of year; but the equator is still a warm place to visit. During this time of year the Antarctic Humboldt coming from the south causes the water temperature to drop slightly: hence the water will be chillier at this time of the year.