If you are planning a trip to the Galapagos Islands you are in for a real treat. There are so many outdoor activities no mater what your fitness level. From hiking and kayaking to scuba diving and mountain biking, you will definitely not run out of fun ways to explore these amazing islands. But first, you’ll need a Galapagos packing list.
There are basically two ways to do the Galápagos Islands: staying in a hotel on one (or more) of the islands, or going the live-aboard option. Either way, you’ll need a variety of gear.
I’ve bucketed the Galapagos packing list into four categories: electronics, water adventure gear, land adventure gear, and clothes.
Electronics
At the highest level, you’ll need cameras and camera accoutrements, chargers, lenses, etc. You do not need any power adapters or converters in Ecuador, as they use 120 V and standard flat prong outlets, just like the US. Here are my recommendations for electronics gear:
- Go Pro Camera & Go Pro harness / body mounts. Everyone who I tell this to comes back so thankful they took a GoPro.
- Your regular Camera
- Wide angle and telephoto lenses if you have them
- Several high capacity memory cards – (We had a snorkel ranger who shared all of his underwater photos with us – only if we have memory cards. There were too many.for airdrop)
- Backup charger. The power bank I’m using is the BRYDGE 1500 Portable Charger .
- Cell phone – you’ll really only use this in the airports, as service is spotty at the very best.
Water Adventure Gear
At the top of any Galapagos packing list will be the gear for water sports. The options on the water seem endless in the Galapagos: snorkeling, scuba, kayaking, swimming, boating, surfing….. If you are a ocean lover you will not be disappointed.
- Your personal goggles /scuba mask. While most outfitters do rent these, you can’t be sure of the quality. Goggles are small and pack easily, so it’s nice to have a pair you know will fit your own face. The Aqua Spehere swim goggles fit my small face really well.
- Waterproof housing for Your Go Pro. For deep water.
- Underwater light for your Go Pro. We found that some of the still waters were protected for the penguins, and we had to snorkel in some water that had some churn. To get the best photos, the more light you can throw on your subject the better.
- Water shoes, like Keens. I prefer the Keens over shoes like the Teva, for the protected toe.
- A few sizes of dry bags. I had one 7” x 12” for my electronics (used this every day) and a slightly larger one for kayaking.
- A few extra sandwich baggies and gallon size Zip bags – the sandwich bags are really handy for your phone, wallet or cash.
- Reef safe sunscreen. ALWAYS buy reef safe sunscreen
- Motion sickness pills. Even if you are immune to seasickness, its a good idea to have some on hand. One of our 2-hour sea taxis from one island to the other was so rough, about a third of the passengers got sick. If you don’t use them, you can share them with your neighbor.
Land Adventure Gear
You will almost surely visit the Darwin research station, and do some hiking. You could also opt for mountain biking, horseback riding, bird watching, caving, and some other on-land experiences, some of which may not be listed in your official itinerary.
- Hiking shoes – lightweight hiking shoes are sufficient for most hikes on the islands.
- Walking shoes – for walking around town, shopping, and dining.
- Flip flops for the hotel and the beach
- Binoculars. While the animals are completely unafraid and do not shy away, its still nice to have a pair of binoculars for birds or when you’re on the boat. These Bushnells are waterproof, small, and easily packed, and their prism technology allows much more light, increasing the clarity for such a small package.
- Camelback or other handy water bottle. You can’t drink water on the islands except bottled water. Most hotels will have large bottles from which you can refill your small water bottle or camelback.
- Rain jacket – try Helly Hanson – best wet proof gear available!
- sun hat ( Try something fun ) with cap retainer & sunglasses with security strap. The wind on the boat can be fierce!
- Small packable daypack
Clothes
- I used packing cubes to keep everything ultra compact. In fact, I fit ALL of the clothes on this list in ONE of these Travel Packing Cubes
- Tank tops. I LOVE the Symphony Tank by Pearl Izumi
- Shorts
- Skorts – this one from Columbia is stretchy and really comfy.
- Leggings
- Long sleeve wicking shirt
- Socks and undies
- Bathing suits (2)
- Fleece for cool evenings.
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