Clothing, shoes, & accessories
 

The weather in the Galapagos is hot and humid year-round, with average daytime temperatures in the 80s°F (26°-30°C) during the wet season (December to May) and in the 70s°F (20°-24°C) during the dry season (June to November).

When it comes to your Galapagos packing list, the same recommendations apply whenever you visit. Pack for hot and humid weather, be prepared for occasional showers, and make sure you have sunglasses, a hat, and plenty of sunscreen (yes, this warrants saying twice!).

However, don’t worry about it being too hot. Even in the hottest months, the Pacific Ocean breezes provide relief for hikers and wildlife watchers. As long as you’re prepared, outdoor activities are enjoyable year-round.
 

Clothing
 

Choose light, breathable clothes. Cotton, merino wool, and materials with moisture-wicking properties are all smart choices.​​

• 1-2 pairs of lightweight slacks/trekking pants or similar

• 2-3 pairs of shorts

• 3-4 short-sleeved shirts or t-shirts

It’s recommended to have at least 1 shirt or t-shirt for each day of your trip, but you could save space by choosing light, easy-to-wash fabrics and doing laundry mid-trip.

• 1-2 long-sleeved shirts or t-shirts

The sun is strong in the Galapagos, so packing some long-sleeved shirts will ensure you don’t get burnt while hiking or wildlife watching.

• Light sweater

Bring at least one warm item—winds can pick up out at sea, and nights can be cool.

• 1-2 swimsuits

If you plan to do a lot of water activities, it’s a good idea to bring 2 swimsuits. You can wear one while the other one dries.

• Underwear and socks

• Sleepwear

• Light raincoat or rain poncho and/or umbrella

 

Shoes
 

• 1 x pair hiking boots or sturdy sneakers suitable for hiking

• Trekking sandals or closed water shoes

You are likely to get wet on your Galapagos trip, so it can be a good idea to double up on items such as walking shoes. Consider bringing one ‘dry’ pair for hiking and land activities, and one ‘wet’ pair that you can wear on beaches, boats, and during water activities.

• Flip flops or wet shoes

Handy for beaches, small boat landings (where you might have to get your feet wet)
 

Accessories
 

• Sunglasses

• Sun hat

Choose a wide-brim hat to protect you from the sun, and consider one with a neck strap as it can be windy on the boats.

• Reusable water bottle

Water isn’t safe to drink on the islands, but hotels will have bottled or filtered water available. You’ll need plenty of water to counteract the heat, so make sure you fill it up each you leave your  hotel.
 

Technology
 

• Smartphone and charger

It’s best not to rely on the cell phone service and WiFi in the Galapagos, at least while you are out and about. WiFi connections are available at some hotels and onboard some cruise ships, but you will likely pay a daily or weekly charge, and the connection can be slow. It might be best to wait until later to upload your vacation photos—you’ll be far too busy exploring to want to spend too much time online anyway!

• Voltage converter and plug adapter (if needed)

Galapagos plug sockets are Type A or B, 110V. Travelers from the United States won’t need to worry about bringing a converter, but if you’re arriving from Europe or another international country, be sure to pack the relevant adaptor.

• Flashlight

Opt for a wind-up one or pack spare batteries.

• Camera, lens/filters/batteries/memory cards

Wildlife viewing tours in the Galapagos provide once-in-a-lifetime photo opportunities, and you won’t regret bringing your best camera gear (even if we’ve previously told you to pack light!). Experienced photographers might also want to bring a polarizing filter, camera cleaning kit, and tripod. Whatever kind of camera you’re using, make sure you turn off the flash when shooting wildlife.

• Underwater camera or GoPro with waterproof casing and body-mount

You could spot everything from sea turtles to marine iguanas when snorkeling in the Galapagos, and you won’t regret bringing a waterproof camera if you have one.

• Galapagos guidebooks

Tour guides will be able to answer all your questions, but having your own guidebooks means you’ll be able to learn even more about the fascinating wildlife and ecosystems in the Galapagos. Download them to a waterproof Kindle or another e-reader to save on space.
 

Outdoor activities
 

Whether you’re exploring the Galapagos by land or sea, you will be spending the majority of your time outdoors. As the world’s second-largest marine reserve, snorkeling in the Galapagos is an unmissable experience, but there are also opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, and scuba diving.

These items are optional but worth considering if you’re going to be taking part in lots of activities.

• Personal snorkeling gear

Snorkeling gear is included on cruises and island-hopping tours, but if you’re renting snorkels daily, the costs can add up. More importantly, bringing your own snorkel mask can be more comfortable—there’s nothing worse than an ill-fitting mask that keeps filling up with water or clouding up and spoiling the view. If you wear glasses or contact lenses, you can also get a snorkel mask with a prescription lens.

• Shorty wetsuit or rash guard

Wetsuits will be able to rent, but packing your own short wetsuit could be more comfortable if you have space in your luggage. Water temperatures can be cool during the dry season (between 65°F to 75°F (18°C to 24°C), so scuba divers might want to pack a rash guard.

• Binoculars

Many tours will have binoculars available, but there sometimes aren’t enough for all participants. Bring a small pair that can easily slip into your pocket or fanny pack on hikes, and admire the Galapagos wildlife from a safe distance.

• Waterproof watch

If yours isn’t waterproof, it might be best to leave it at home!