Making the decision to travel to the Galápagos Islands can be daunting. Many people will never have the opportunity to see this diverse archipelago of islands in the South Pacific, just off the coast of Ecuador. But you are one of the lucky ones! With your next adventure on the horizon, you’re going to have to start packing soon. Here is the definitive list of the top 10 things to pack for an expedition to the Galápagos Islands!

1) Good Shoes

When travelling through the Galápagos Islands, you’re going to explore terrains of all kinds. Forests, beaches, loose-gravel trails; you name it! It is highly recommended to pack a comfortable and sturdy pair of shoes, whether that is runners or hiking boots. If you aren’t as experienced in trail hiking, or perhaps are prone to losing your balance, you should go even further and get a pair of taller shoes that will provide ankle support in order to prevent injury. In the Galápagos, you will have plenty of opportunities to go swimming or participating in other water activities, such as river rafting. It is also a smart idea to bring some water-proof shoes to protect your feet from rocks, shells and other sharp objects under the water.

2) Sun Protection

The Galápagos Islands are in the South Pacific, distributed on either side of the equator, and see hot temperatures for almost the entire year. When visiting the Galápagos: sunscreen is essential. Even if you don’t normally burn, putting on sunscreen that’s at least SPF 30 or higher will protect your skin in the blazing sun from potential skin conditions. With all of the wildlife and marine life, try to bring sunscreen that is chemical-free and as close to natural as possible. If you need suggestions, here is a list of chemical-free sunscreens! In addition to this, you should always wear a sun hat when you’re outside. This will keep your head shaded and help to avoid heat exhaustion.

3) Breathable Clothing

In the climate of the Galápagos, having light, and breathable clothing is super important. Not only is it going to keep you cool in the heat, it will also protect your skin from the sun. Avoiding dark shades and colours, such as black, also comes highly recommended. Darker colours absorb more light, which will make you even warmer. Having at least one pair of light-weight hiking pants is a good idea because it will keep your legs protected when exploring the highlands. 

4) Light Fleece Jacket or Wind Shell Jacket

Although the temperature on the Galápagos will be fairly warm, it does tend to cool off at night. From sunset to the early morning, if you plan on being outside or doing some exploring, having a light fleece jacket or a shell jacket to shield from the wind is a very good idea. In addition to this, if you ever decide to take a boat trip off the coast of the islands, the wind can get extremely cold. You will be happy to bundle up in these after a fun day of snorkeling for the ride back in!

5) Quick-Dry Travel Towel

If you decide to spend a day at one of the beaches or go on a day trip snorkeling, the chances are pretty high that your accommodation or company you’re traveling with won’t have any swimming towels to provide for you. Bringing your own is a very smart idea. There are plenty of outdoor stores that sell small quick-dry travel towels that come in a bag that easily fits into a backpack or duffel. This will keep your other belongings dry, and will definitely come in handy on a trip to the Galápagos Islands!

6) Light-Weight Backpack

Speaking of bags, having a light-weight backpack will be so helpful while on an expedition through the Galápagos! It doesn’t need to be a massive hiking pack, just something light that you can fit your essentials in, and isn’t going to weigh you down with all the walking you’re bound to do!

7) Reusable Water Bottle with Filter

The Galápagos Islands has recently put out a ban on single-use plastics! This means that you won’t be finding water bottles in any shops. The tap water in Ecuador has been deemed unsafe to drink. You will need to bring a reusable water bottle as well as a water filter so you can drink. A good water filter is the SteriPen Ultra Water Purifier which uses UV light to kill bacteria. There are tons of options, but a filter is an absolute must when travelling through the Galápagos.

8) Shampoo, Conditioner, and Leave-in Conditioner

Specifically, if you’re planning on staying in hotels, many people don’t think about packing shampoo or conditioner. But I would highly suggest packing it in your suitcase. Hair care has very little selection in parts of South America, and many accommodations won’t offer it in the room. In addition to this, those with long hair should also consider bringing a leave-in conditioner to keep their hair healthy and moisturized after spending time in the saltwater.

9) Travel Journal

Whenever I am travelling, I always like to bring a journal with me! At the end of a busy day, it’s so relaxing to sit back, relay your day, and reflect on it. As a bonus, once you’re back home, it’s a lot of fun to look back at your journal entries and relive all of the amazing memories you made. When exploring the Galápagos Islands, you’re bound to see some amazing sights, and writing things down, or even drawing them, will help to preserve those images for you forever.

10) Camera

This may be the final item, but I think it’s the most important. The Galápagos Islands are filled with amazing plants, wildlife, and marine life. You should definitely bring a camera, whether it’s a fancy DSLR, or a cell phone camera. Having something to capture all the amazing things you will see will be super important. Plus, once you return, your friends and family will be so happy to see all the pictures you took! For more information on wildlife in the Galápagos: Click Here!

Need some help planning your expedition to the Galápagos Islands? Acanela can take some of the stress away! Embarking on a trip to the Galápagos would include animal watching, a highlands tour, snorkeling, and hiking! Sign up for an adventure to the Galápagos Islands today!

Post written by Demitria Rounis