F.A.Q's Galapagos

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1. What kind of weather can we find in the Galapagos Islands?

The warmest months are from December to June. January to March can be hot and humid, but also mostly green at this time. July to November are cooler. The average year-round temperature is 24°C. (76F)

2. What time zone is used in Galapagos?

Local time in Galapagos is GMT – 6 (one our less than in Ecuador’s main land). In our yachts and vessels we work with Ecuador’s main land time.

3. What is the check-in procedure at Quito or Guayaquil’s airport?

Check in at the airport of Quito or Guayaquil is as follows:
If you have a transfer service included, the day before departure, our Operations Department will call you to reconfirm your pick-up time at your hotel or the meeting time at the AEROGAL counter.

Check-in time is usually TWO HOURS before departure.
If you come by yourself or with a guide, the first thing you must do as soon as you arrive at the airport, is pass the luggage control with SICGAL, which is located outside before the national departure area. For environmental reasons, your luggage will be checked for animals, seeds, plants, fruits, vegetables or anything that is forbidden on the Galapagos Islands.

After this, go to the counter of AEROGAL, where there will be a Kleintours representative with your boarding pass, air tickets, taxes and all your travel documents in a KT ticket jacket ; this representative will also help you check your luggage with the airline.

You will be given an identification tag for the cruise. Please wear it so you can be easily identified when you arrive at the airport in Galapagos.

Please do NOT get in line for the INGALA Transit Control Card; Kleintours already has your card.

4. What’s the procedure if I prepaid the Galapagos National Park Tax?

Upon arrival at the airport, you will have to pass control and show your passport. Control has a list of the passengers who have already paid the Galapagos National Park tax; if there’s a sticker on your Kleintours’ ticket jacket, means that you have prepaid this tax, otherwise you will need to pay it that moment.

5. Who will meet me at the Airport in Galapagos?

Upon the arrival to the airport, our guides are waiting for you with a placard of the ship or yacht. They will receive the passengers, check them in the list to see nobody is left behind and transport them in the airlines’ bus to the dock where the vessel anchored.

6. Are there any luggage’s restrictions?

The airline that operates to Galapagos, allows one piece of luggage per person no more than 20 kilos (approximately 44 pounds), and a carry-on bag of 7kg p/p. We recommend you to take a soft sided bag as it will be easier to store into your cabin. Please lock your luggage during the flight.

7. What should I bring in my trip?

We advise you to bring comfortable breathable clothes; shorts, T-shirts, swimsuits and good hiking shoes are required to walk over the lava rock paths, personal medication, a good camera and plenty of memory sticks or film, sun block, sunglasses, binoculars, and a wide brim hat.

8. What do you mean with Dry Landings and Wet Landings?

On a dry landing, passengers step directly from a dinghy to rocks or onto a dock. We recommend: walking shoes, sunscreen, hat, water, insect repellent and a light jacket.
Wet Landing means that the dinghy edges up onto a beach, where you step into knee-deep water assisted by crew members and guides. We recommend: swimming suit or shorts, walking shoes or slippers, towel that will be provided by the crew while disembarking, sunscreen, hat, insect repellent, plastic bag, well insulated cameras and a windbreaker.

9. What is the electrical outlets and service?

110 / 220 volts. European and American outlets are available on our cruise fleet.

10. What is the smoking policy on board the ship?

It is forbidden to smoke inside the yachts or the vessel. Smoking is allowed ONLY on the sun decks.

11. Is there any physical requirement for the cruise?

We recommend that passengers be in reasonably good physical condition as some trails are difficult therefore elderly or disabled people may find them too hard. The passengers with difficulties must notify to Kleintours about their physical condition in order to make the necessary arrangements.
Kleintours reserve the right to refuse a passenger if someone failed to inform of any physical disability, or who in the opinion of the company, constitutes a danger to themselves, other guest, members of the crew, or the smooth operation of the vessel.

12. What type of clothing should I wear on board?

Galapagos means nature, moving, enjoying and relaxation, therefore you don’t have to worry about dressing up. Casual and light clothing is recommended on board the ship.
For dinning: you will need a semiformal wear and a sweater or jacket for windy nights.

13. What can I pack for the excursions?

For shore excursions comfortable clothing is a must, preferably shorts, bathing suits, head covering, walking shoes, tennis shoes, windbreaker type jacket, binoculars, camera and plenty of film. Sun rays are very strong in the Galapagos Islands. Do not forget to take with you enough high grade sun block. Also, put your cameras in self-sealing plastic bags to protect them from the water, especially during landfalls.

14. How can I pay my expenses on board?

Upon arrival, a bill will be opened for you. If you wish to pay with your credit card, we ask you to come to reception to sign a voucher and to make copies of your passport and credit card. Authorizations take about 48 hours, so please do this on your first cruise day. We accept all main credit cards: Diners, Visa, Mastercard , American Express. Travellers Checks, Euros and US Dollars are also accepted.

15. Is Internet access available aboard our cruise fleet?

Satellite Internet is available on our fleet, its cost is:
$32 for 10 minutes, $96 for 30 minutes, $192 for 60 minutes, for text only. If you need videos or photographs you will be charged by mega (each mega $16)

16. What would happen if I get seasick?

We hardly get a seasick passenger on board. However, we have seasick medication on board all our ships, but if you are particularly sensitive you can bring your own medication.

17. Is the water safe to drink?

On board our yachts you will find bottled water in your room. Ice used onboard the yachts is generally made with purified water as well.

18. Do you provide biodegradable shampoo and soap on board?

Yes, we supply all travelers with these items as part of our conservation policy, but if you want to bring your own please make sure they are biodegradable. Thank you.

19. Do we need to bring our own towels?

No you don’t. For your convenience we provide bath and beach towels during your cruise.