Galapagos Packing List

SUGGESTED PACKING LIST: THE GALAPAGOS ISLANDS ADVENTURE

One checked bag not to exceed 50 pounds+ one carry 22 pounds + personal item if you purchase the “Flex Option” on Avianca Airlines (Quito to Baltras, Galapagos)
You may vary from our list as long as your checked bag is 50 pounds or less. For example, some people never wear shorts and prefer skirts or long pants, not a problem! More Details on clothing, luggage and laundry at: More Info

___ Passport
___ Rain gear (durable, not a flimsy thin plastic style–bring both a top and bottom )  may also be used as a windbreaker
___ 1-2  Bathing suits, more if you wish, lightweight and easy to pack
___ 4-5 T-Shirts
___ 1-2 Long-sleeved shirt (quick dry and light weight; one cotton is ok)
___ 2-3 Pairs of shorts (quick dry and light weight)
___ 1-2 Pair of long pants lightweight cotton pants or quick dry nylon,  jeans are heavy, add weight and are not recommended,
___ Pajamas– Light weight Pajamas or sweatpants are nice but optional
___ Lightweight boxers or equivalent for sleeping on warm nights
___ 1 Medium fleece sweater that keeps the body warm even when wet
___ Light weight synthetic jacket such as the Patagonia Nano Puff
___ I Pair of light weight hiking or tennis shoes   See More Info for updated suggestions on foot wear
___ 1 Pair of water shoes:  surf bootys and/or sandals with a back strap for support and good tread — any style is fine but they will get wet;
we don’t recommend Crocs as they offer little support; Some  clients like  Keens (such as the Newport H2) that provide toe protection.
___ 2 Pairs of socks (for hiking and to use with fins depending upon the type of fin you wear, fins with a strap need a sock or booty, Neoprene wet socks are an option to consider
___ Bandana or a Buff headwear–great for sun protection and flare! You will be given our Blue Water version of a Buff, our “blue rag”
___ Clothes worn on your travel days
___ Toiletries (toothbrush, paste, lotions, aloe, etc–think small and lightweight, may purchase on Isabela Island)
___ Sunscreen ( 20 or higher strength) & lip balm with sunscreen, please review Coral Safe  and  Coral Safe Sunscreen Guide our favorite  new reef safe brand is Blue Lizard Sport  Sensitive mineral sunscreen spray  
___ Electrical Plugs  same as used in the USA  see  Electrical Outlets at More Info
___ Hat with visor or wide rim
___ Ski Cap or beanie for warmth will help warm  you up if  you get chilled on boat trips
___ Insect repellent–we like Lemon Eucalyptus by Repel , an effective non toxic alternative to DEET,  others prefer the use of DEET. Avon Skin so Soft Bug Guard if we encounter no see ums /sand gnats.
___ Anti-Itch Cream (small amount 3oz, Anti- itch cream (i.e. benadryl) – for insect bites see recommendations at More Info
___ Personal medicines ( anti diarrhea, band aids, blister aids, neosporin, pain reliever; keep prescriptions in their original bottle with RX number labeled)
___ Electrical tablets or powder
___ Sea sickness prevention medicine – if you are prone to sea sickness; enough to last for 8 boat excursions  at More Info
___ Day pack or small dry bag to protect personal gear such as camera, extra clothing, binoculars while boating; line the inside of a day pack with non disposable dry bags  or heavy style compressor bags for waterproofing
___ Quart size non disposable water bottle
___ 1-2  lightweight Carabiners for attaching items onto kayaks or daypacks
___ Personal Snacks that pack easily to supplement the  meals provided; we have limited space so we will not be bringing our usual supply of  snacks but will buy some along the way
___ Wetsuit – 3mm long sleeve full body wetsuit for comfort while snorkeling see more details at Wetsuits at  More Info ,  you may rent a wetsuit on Isabela Island $60-70 for week
___ Duffel bag for your clothing and other personal gear — lined on the inside  with non disposable dry bags or nylon cubes nylon cubes  to waterproof and/or organize,  Luggage with wheels are acceptable. Review  luggage suggestions  at More Info
___ Mask fins & snorkel – check with a local dive shop for proper fit, some fins require booties and a dive shop can help with that. Review details at More Info may rent for $30-40 for week
___ Wetsuit Cap such as a Neoprene Hood  are nice to have for warmth and protection from biting flies while snorkeling
___ a Garbage bag for organizing wet items or better yet a lightweight  non disposable dry bag
___ Flashlight or head lamp and extra batteries

OPTIONAL GEAR

___ Cameras– we like the Olympus Tough Underwater Camera and  GoPro cameras work great for wildlife encounters  while snorkeling,  Review at More Info
___ Extra Camera Battery and memory card; camera battery charger
___ Camera Extension Pole, Go Pro  has several designs including poles that float if dropped.  Poles may be attached to  Olympus or other waterproof cameras too.
___ Binoculars
___ Journal and several pens/pencils
___ Mesh dive bag
___ Favorite adult beverage-we may purchase  while on Isabela Island
___ Travel Mug
___ Favorite Tea or instant Starbuck Coffee packages to add additional strength to coffee available  on trip
___ Baby powder--great during travel in the tropics for removing sand and treating heat rash, small amount
___ One small camp towel purchased at outdoor stores to take on boat rides
___ Ear plugs
___ Waterproof flashlight or dive light-we may offer a night walk among the beach or explore intertidal if conditions permit
___ Waterproof watch
___ 1 Pair of flip flops
___ 1-2 Sarongs
___ Paperback book — we will carry a small library of field guides
___ Leggings are great for  sunburn protection, For fun ocean designs where 10%  of proceeds are donated to ocean conservation or  research go to: Waterlust
___1-2  Rash Guards —can be purchased at surf shops, Kayak Connection or REI; provides sun protection and warmth in water;
we like Mysterioso rash guard tops or a thin neoprene top that are lightweight and provide extra warmth
___ Scuba Certification Card for certified divers; scuba trips may be arranged on your own time from Isabela Island.
___ Travel Vest If 22 pounds sounds challenging for a carry on, consider what Blue Water Guide Kim and Nellie have~a Travel Vest with several  interior pockets.  As guides we need to carry extra gear and supplies as many of you know.

CLOTHING AND LAUNDRY: Loose fitting cotton or quick drying nylon work well in the tropics. Jeans add weight, take too long to dry out and are not recommended. Laundry is done by hand as needed by each participant. You may   drop off  items to be laundered while on Isabela Island. However, it may take several days for laundry to be delivered.

LOST LUGGAGE: Just in case your luggage is misplaced during airplane transfers, consider packing in a carry on bag: mask & snorkel, 1 pair of shorts, 1 t-shirt, bathing suit, 1 long sleeve shirt, 1 pair of pants, camera, personal medications.

SEA SICKNESS MEDICATION: If you are prone to sea sickness, we highly recommend bringing some form of prevention. Medications such as Bonine or Dramamine are usually effective although drowsiness or thirst can be a side effect. Many clients have been very happy with Scopalimine patches that requires a prescription. Your local pharmacist or physician can advise you.  Many health food stores will recommend herbal remedies  such as Motionease for sea sick prevention and we have found this brand quite effective. In the past, several clients have successfully used “sea bands” which employ a pressure point on the wrists rather than medication. Sea Bands have no side effects and can be purchased at most dive shops or some drug stores.

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