Galapagos: Family Volunteer Vacation‎ > ‎

The climate in the Galapagos Islands is equatorial, cooled by the Humboldt Current, and is characterized by two main seasons: the warm, wet season (January to April) and the cool, dry season (May to December). Keep in mind that between June to November, the weather can be cool and the water quite cold despite its proximity to the Equator.

Important: Baggage restrictions on the domestic flight to the Galapagos

You can check-in 1 bag of 50 pounds per person and have one carry-on of 17 pounds per person to Galapagos . There is also luggage storage in the airport that is open 24/7 where it would be best to leave any extra bags,  with the following rates:

Small carry-on bag        $8/24 hours

Medium                          $11/ 24 hours

Large                              $15/ 24 hours

If you have more than 5 bags you will receive a 20% discount.

Suggested Packing List: 

Must - Haves:

•   One refillable water bottle (fill up before you leave each day)

•   Day bag ( important for carrying sunblock, water bottle, snacks, and change of shoes) 

•   Work Gloves. This will come into use when pulling plants for the service project. 

•   Passport. Must be valid for up to 6 months after your scheduled departure date from Ecuador.

Clothing:

•   Short-sleeved shirts  

•   Rain coat (light weight, water resistant)

•   A warm sweatshirt / fleece (it can get cool at night especially during the Southern Hemisphere winter)

•   Gym / sportswear (for nature walks / service)

•   Long pants that dry well (not jeans – for the volunteer project)

•   Undergarments & socks

•   Bathing suits (we recommend at least two so one is always dry)

•   Shorts

•   Hat & handkerchief / bandana (lots of sun!)

•   One pair of flip flops / closed-toed shoes that can get wet (ideally with a sturdy bottom for disembarking boats on slippery surfaces)

•   One pair of tennis shoes (these are for hiking/day-to-day activities)

Bath / Personal:

•   Personal medication

•   Prescription sea sickness pills or patch (“sea bands” are recommended) if necessary

•   Dramamine (we spend lots of time on the sea)

•   Personal toiletries

•   Sunscreen 

•   Bug spray

Other:

• Please note: Snorkel gear is provided during time on boats. If you want to snorkel outside of the scheduled times in the itinerary, you can bring your own gear to snorkel off the beach.  For children, an “easy snorkel” may be a good idea to bring.

• Wetsuits are available for rent if needed. $10 per day, in cash. Also, if you are traveling with young children keep we would recommend bringing a wetsuit that fits them well. 

•   Binoculars (especially for Amazon Extension)

•   Books and/or magazines 

•   Light day bag or pack (small backpack would be ideal)

•   Sunglasses, particularly if you’re sensitive to sunlight

•   Personal snacks that you may need or crave (such as granola bars or power bars). 

•   Disposable camera, film camera or digital camera - and film or memory card(s) for digital camera

•   Beach towel (hotel has them if needed)

*We advise that you should bring enough lightweight clothes to avoid having to do laundry during the trip.

*You will not need a power adapter in Ecuador. Plugs are the same as in the U.S. with 120V.