Cruising the Galapagos Islands: Packing Guide

Like a safari or hiking the Himalayas, packing for a Galapagos Islands cruise requires some extra finesse. There are a few factors that require packing prowess: 1) the rooms are small, 2) they’re short on storage space, and 3) the active daily schedule requires hiking and water gear plus casual dinner wear. Here’s an example of one day’s activities (whew!):

We created this Galapagos Islands packing guide based on what we WISHED we had brought (i.e. learn from our mistakes) for the seven day cruise aboard Ecoventura’s 20-passenger yacht. Here’s a checklist*—broken down by category—of essentials, why you need them, and our specific product recommendations for smooth sailing.

Nutritional Supplements**

Probiotics

Why you need it: Especially when traveling internationally, it’s always a good idea to bring probiotics to show your digestion system a little TLC.

Recommend:Ultimate Flora Probiotic

Oregano Oil

Why you need it: To us, oregano oil is a secret weapon to stay healthy while traveling. It boosts the immune system to avoid colds and flus, kills off food borne bacteria, works as an insecticide, and so much more.

Recommend: Oreganol P73

Calming Essential Oils

Why you need it: Although it’s really a “trip of a lifetime” experience, it can be emotionally taxing (especially getting over the first couple of days of the digital detox!). You’re in tight quarters, physically tired from a non-stop schedule, and then throw in a bout of sea sickness and you’ll need a de-stressor.

Recommend: Aveda Blue Oil

Electrolytes

Why you need it: Not a professional sailor? Chances are, you might hurl, at least once, from the constant rocking motion, i.e. sea sickness. Plus, the equatorial sun is rough and zaps precious fluids.

Recommend: Hammer Endurolytes Fizz are great travel-friendly tablets in a small tube container that you just pop in water.

Sleep Aids

Why you need it: The long navigation time to the next island is typically at night—sometimes ALL night. Depending on where you sleep on the boat, this results in rock n’ rolling if you’re in a top floor cabin (Lanee was tossed out of bed from the waves and Lindsay blurted out some obscenities on more than a few occasions) or a lot of noise if you’re by the engine in a lower level cabin.

Recommend: We prefer the natural kind: Valerian, Melatonin or Traditional Medicinals Nighty-Night Tea. But nighttime Tylenol works too. Also, Dramamine (see below, but don’t get the non-drowsy kind!).

Diuretic

Why you need it: Constipation may occur due to doing your business in tight spaces where there’s no way to avoid your cabin mate (unless you work out a signal for them to leave the room when you have the urge or you’re just not someone who needs privacy for such acts). Also, changing your regular eating habits can cause constipation or just dehydration from the sun and fun during the day.

Recommend: Traditional Medicinals Smooth Move Tea Drink a cup before bed; all should be flowing by morning.

Medicine

In addition to the above, Lindsay packs a small pharmacy with her on trips, especially international trips where pharmacies are not readily available. The above is what she brought to the Galapagos, which includes:

Anti-Nausea Medicine (* if you’re prone to motion sickness, bring Dramamine and consider getting a prescription from your doctor for a patch that you can wear behind your ear that slow releases medication over three days. Lindsay used Scopolomine during the Galapagos Cruise. Just keep in mind that it’s strong medication and can take some adjusting when you stop using it. Again, learned the hard way, but better to adjust at home than be sick on a boat!)
Anti-Diarrhea Medicine (including a prescription for Cipro just in case…)
Pain Relievers
Bandages/Neosporin
Anti-Inflammatories
Allergy meds/anti-histamines (Benedryl pills and Cortisone cream)

Beauty

If you’re the type of lady that needs full makeup before you can even greet the mailman, you should prepare yourself that it will be virtually impossible to do so on this cruise. Get ready to liberate yourself from that and go au naturale instead! In one day’s schedule, you could be hiking a mountain, snorkeling with sharks, swimming with sea lions or sunbathing on the boat deck. And although there is downtime in the middle of the day, seizing the moment for a siesta—rather than a shower—will quickly become the priority.

2-3 Bottles of Waterproof Sunscreen (per person)

Why you need it: Can’t EMPHASIZE this enough. Bring WAY more than you think you’ll need – the Equatorial sun in STRONG. Your present skin (and your older self) will thank you. And hopefully you’ll avoid serious burning, like our poor friend and travel mate endured:

Recommend: Eclipse SPF 50+ Innovative Skincare sunscreen, Neutrogena SPF 100+ cream and a quick hit spray sunscreen for those moments you’re rushing to catch the panga (little motorized boat that takes you to the islands each day). Avoid the stick kind. Because you get pretty friendly with other passengers, they’re likely to ask to borrow yours. On a hygiene level, it just seems kinda too intimate for us–like asking to borrow someone’s deodorant.

Bad-ass Body Lotion or Hand Cream

Why you need it: Under the equatorial sun and swimming in salt water, your skin needs extra TLC. Bring a LARGE bottle. We were astounded how quickly our travel-friendly 3.4 oz bottles ran out (2 days).

Recommend: We love Nubian Heritage Hand Cream or Nubian Shea Butter. Smells delicious and moisturizes like no other we’ve tried.

After Sun Lotion

Why you need it: Even if you’re a freak about reapplying sunscreen, you’ll probably get a little crispy. We didn’t feel burned, but we both peeled after we returned home as we bought some aloe vera gel on the final days of the trip. Best to slather up some healing ointment every night to prevent peeling.

Recommend: Coola After Sun Lotion

Leave-in Conditioner and/or Hair oil

Why you need it: The boat provides conditioner, but it’s very lightweight. Conditioners are especially vital if you have thick, tangle-friendly hair, like we do. There’s not enough time or water to wash your hair daily. Rinse, condition, comb out and go.

Recommend: It’s A 10 Leave-In Conditioner or Moroccan Oil (travel size).

Wide-Tooth Comb

Why you need it: Salt water turns lovely locks loony.

Waterproof Mascara/Eyeliner

Why you need it: You don’t, but if you must wear it—choose waterproof. Sweat and sea water equals raccoon eyes. Cute on animals; horrible on humans.

BB Cream

Why you need it: Leave your expensive foundation behind. A tinted cheapie BB or CC Cream with SPF 20+ is perfect coverage. Plus, it’s going to sweat or wash off anyhow.

Recommend: Neutrogena BB Cream ($) or Marcelle BB Cream (Splurge)

Lip Balm with Sunscreen

Why you need it: Just like your skin, your lips will endure an S&M-like beating in the elements.

Recommend: EOS or Badger SPF 15 Lip Balm

Earplugs/Eye masks – Earplugs are especially handy if you’re sleeping in a below deck cabin. Eye masks are helpful for afternoon siestas.

Clothing

In general, quick-dry material is preferable, especially if you visit during the rainy season. Avoid anything white. You get pretty grimy.

3 T-shirts, 3 Tank tops, and 2 Lightweight long sleeve shirts – Cotton or quick-dry button down shirts are ideal for sun protection during the day (even though it’s hot) and layering at night. We like RailRider’s Oasis shirts with UPF 30+ protection/mosquito repellant.

12 Pairs of underwear – One a day isn’t enough unless you like wearing wet and sweaty undergarments. It’s hot out and just a little hiking will have you dripping. Expect to change your clothes between the morning and afternoon outings.

1 Safari/Photographer Vest – Our co-traveler, news correspondent and founder of NewYorkNatives.com Camilla Webster says they work well around the globe—from Iraq to the Galapagos—in order to store your cameras and keep your hands free.

2 Shorts or athletic skorts – Catch Carri (in photo below) sported the skorts like a rock star. (Yes, we were able to jump off the top deck of the boat in a couple spots for an exhilarating jump and refreshing swim!)

1 Pair of Cargo Pants – If you don’t have a safari vest, lightweight cargo pants with all the bells and whistles like hooks, zip off legs to convert to shorts, pockets, etc, make a great substitute.

2 Board Shorts or Cargo Shorts – There’s a lot of unladylike straddling when exiting or entering the panga. Wearing only a bathing suit wasn’t our style and really shouldn’t be yours (not that we’re judging).

2-3 Lightweight, quick-dry yoga/linen pants

4-5 Pairs of quick-dry socks (noticing a theme here? QUICK-DRY)

Wide-brimmed hat – Baseball hats are fine if it’s a cloudy day, but they don’t cut it for neck protection when the sun is glaring from every direction. Lindsay and I bought Panama Hats (which are actually Ecuadorian) at Oro Verde hotel’s gift shop in Guayquil. They worked perfectly.

1 Swimsuit Cover-up/Sarong

2-3 Bathing Suits or Bikinis (Trust us, you will want more than one, unless you think putting on a wet bathing suit is a good time.) Recommend: We Are Handsome’s one pieces are funky-adorable.

2 Cotton/Linen Scarves – Lanee brought silk scarves. #Fail. She couldn’t wear them as cover-ups for fear of ruining them if they got wet. Luckily, she picked up a cheapie cotton one in Guayquil.

1 Handkerchief/Bandana – Looks cute and serves a very functional purpose. Wet it and tie around your neck to keep cool on those hot temperature hikes.

1 Light Sweater – We went to the Galapagos in January. Sounds strange in balmy Ecuador, but watching the sunsets on the top deck while the boat is on the move gets chilly.

2 Nice Blouses or cotton casual maxi dresses – The Indian-style tunic tops work well too.

Quick dry light jacket/Rain poncho – Layers are a good thing, especially if it’s raining.

1 Pair of hybrid sport/hiking shoes – Lanee found her pink Ahnu’s to be quite practical and suitable for this trip. Some of the islands are quite rocky — not all beaches!

1 Pair of water-friendly flops/sandals – Lanee brought Birkenstocks. Not the best choice as Birkies don’t fair well when they get wet. Lindsay brought Keen sandals and they were perfect for most of the trip. You can also just go barefoot on the panga for the those ‘wet landings’ and pack hiking boots in hand to put on when you reach dry land. Tevas, Keens, or your favorite sturdy flip-flops with a bit of tread works too.

Equipment/Gear/Tech

Wetbag– Handy when kayaking.

Waterproof camera – Lumix is good or a cheapie drugstore waterproof film cam. And a GoPro! This is the place you want one, for both over water and underwater footage.

Waterproof cell phone case – LifeProof iPhone 6

Rash guard – If you go in winter months, it’s good to have this for extra warmth. Although, Ecoventura does provide wetsuits.

Camelbak – Ecoventura provides a small water bottle, but you’ll absolutely need/want more. We each went through at least a 1-liter bottle of water on each outing. Plus, you can multi-task as co-cruiser and travel blogger Cacinda Maloney did here:

Snorkel mask – If you have a great fitting mask, bring it. The boat provides them, but some passengers mentioned that they would rather have had their own from home.

Medium to large backpack – Something that can fit the large beach towel Ecoventura provides. Lanee brought a little cloth knapsack and Lindsay only had a purse. No bueno. Simon Willis’ backpack, pictured below, is an ideal size to carry a towel, water, hat, sunscreen, and camera equipment.

Multi-outlet with surge protector – There is only one outlet in the sleeping quarters of the cabin. If you and your travel companion are techies with more than one device to charge, it would be very handy to have one, but not crucial.

Headlamp – For lava tunnels, you want your hands free as it’s a lot of scrambling over jagged rocks.

Mini Binoculars – So many wonderful animals to spy near and far, you’ll be glad you have them.

2-3 Book/Magazines – Unlike most trips we take, there’s plenty of time to dive into that novel you’ve been meaning to read. Remember? No Wi-Fi! See suggested reading list below.

Journal/Laptop – It’s a great idea to document your digital detox or all the wonderful sights and surprises you encounter each day, so you can always look back and remember what for most, is a once-in-a-lifetime experience in the Galapagos Islands!

3 Camera Memory Cards (32 GB) – It’s impossible to resist taking a zillion photos and video of those adorable baby seal lions, birds, and so so much more, so come prepared with backup camera memory cards— especially if you plan to video.

Food/Drinks

Snacks – All-you-can-eat snacks are provided on the boat, such as chips and cookies and apples. But if have dietary restrictions, such as gluten-free cookies/crackers/bread, stock up before you get to Ecuador as the grocery stores don’t carry gluten-free snacks.

(Not necessary, but…) Booze – There is a bar onboard with basic spirits and the wine served at dinner is good. But, if you have a favorite brand of liquor you can’t live without for a week, bring a small bottle. Lanee brought a bottle of Solbeso (in photo above) since we had just visited the Ecuadorian distillery.

What NOT to Pack on a Galapagos Cruise

Ecuadorian sim card – Lanee thought she could outsmart Wi-Fi withdrawals by unlocking her phone and buying a Ecuador Claro sim card. It didn’t work once; $30 down the drain. Although — HOT TIP — according to our guide Ivan Lopez, the CNT sim card offers the best service on the Galapagos.

Jeans – They serve no functionality on the boat—especially heavier jeans like Levi’s. They take up a lot of precious suitcase space; plus, it’s usually too hot to wear them on outings.

Hair spray – Your hair will be wet most of the time and no one styles their hair—more than a quick comb through or blow-dry— for dinner.

Nice dresses/high heels – We both packed dressy dresses and never used them. Wear something casual nice, like linen pants and button up cotton shirt with a scarf, but short dresses and high heels don’t mix aboard a swaying, windswept boat.

Tennis shoes – We saw many a sole get devoured by lava rock and rough terrain. Consequently, they do have super glue on the boat if your tread gets shredded.

Heavy duty hiking shoes – The hikes aren’t that difficult or long to warrant boots like Reese Witherspoon sported in the movie, “Wild”. Plus, it’s too hot to wear them.

Internet addiction – Best to start wrapping your brain around little to nil connectivity from the rest of the world. Consider it a cool vacation plus a digital detox to boot. Jo Piazza, co-cruiser and Yahoo Travel editor, recounts her six days of withdrawal symptoms (Warning: it’s not pretty) and Lindsay gives sage advice on maintaining a digital detox when you return home.

Tripod – Not really enough time on the islands to justify bringing one.