What to pack for your Galapagos cruise!!!

A Galapagos expedition cruise is a true bucket list experience, taking you to incredible islands where humans are outnumbered by the weird and wonderful wildlife.
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This is one of those destinations that travellers dream about visiting for years, and most people will only ever be here once. With that in mind, it's important to pack the right gear and ensure that you make the most of your time on the Galapagos. Although a cruise makes it easy to travel between the islands, there are a number of factors to consider, from the strong equatorial sun to the fact that you'll be going ashore in small zodiac boats. With that in mind, we've put together our ultimate Galapagos packing list:

Water bottle
The Galapagos authorities announced a ban on single-use plastics in April 2018, as part of the global drive to remove plastic from our oceans. You will no longer find plastic bottles, straws or cups on board cruise ships in the Galapagos, so we recommend taking a reusable water bottle - an insulated bottle is best, as this will keep your water cool. Many cruise lines now provide guests with a reusable bottle, which you can keep as a souvenir and use on your next expedition.
Polarised sunglassesThe Galapagos is often swathed in a low carpet of cloud and mist known as garúa, but when the equatorial sun breaks through it can be dazzling, so sunglasses are a must. Polarised lenses are the way to go, as they will cut out the glare from the surface of the water, making it easier to spot marine life such as turtles, sharks and rays.
Dry bag
You'll be spending a lot of time bouncing along the waves on a zodiac (a type of rigid inflatable boat) as you cruise along coastlines and head ashore to the various landing sites, so it's worth taking some dry bags to protect your camera equipment from getting splashed. These are also handy if you're making wet landings, where you disembark on a beach by hopping out of the zodiac into the shallows.
Hiking shoes or boots
At some landing sites you'll be hiking up rocky and relatively steep trails, while at others you'll be walking over jagged and uneven lava rock. It's possible to get by wearing trainers, but you'll be more comfortable in a pair of sturdy hiking shoes or boots with good grip, teamed with hiking socks made from a breathable, moisture-wicking material such as Merino wool.
Lightweight breathable clothes
​The climate in the Galapagos does not vary hugely over the course of the year: average daily minimum temperatures range from 19°C in August and September to 24°C in February through to April, and daily maximums range from 26°C to 31°C. When you're planning your holiday wardrobe, make sure you pack plenty of lightweight breathable clothes: T-shirts or safari-style shirts are best for daytime exploring, along with shorts or hiking trousers. It's best to go for light colours to avoid unwanted attention from wasps.
Light jacket or fleeceIt
can be cooler in the evenings, especially if you're out on deck, so it's worth packing a lightweight jacket or fleece. A light rain jacket is also recommended for rainy days and excursions to areas with a wetter climate, such as the giant tortoise reserve in the highlands of Santa Cruz.
Day pack
You'll want a day pack or rucksack for your water bottle, sun cream and other essentials. There's no need to go overboard - a 15 litre pack is plenty big enough. It's also worth bearing in mind that some expedition cruise lines will provide you with a complimentary day pack, so you may not need to bring your own - ask your Mundy Adventures cruise consultant if you're not sure.
Sun protection
The Galapagos islands are located pretty much slap bang on the Equator, so the sun can be fierce. Make sure you pack a sun hat and some water-resistant sun cream, and re-apply regularly. Experts recommend an SPF of at least 30, and it's better to use a cream that's fragrance-free to avoid attracting wasps.
Insect repellent
Despite their equatorial latitude, you won't actually find a lot of mosquitoes or biting bugs on the Galapagos. Nevertheless, it's still worth packing some repellent, as some of the islands do have a few critters flying around. If you're combining your Galapagos cruise with a land tour on the South American mainland then insect repellent is essential for many destinations, 
Seasickness medication
The Galapagos islands are situated way out in the Pacific Ocean, meaning that the seas here are more exposed to currents, particularly around the outer islands.
Water shoes or sandals
Landings in the Galapagos can be both 'dry', when you disembark at a jetty or pier, and 'wet', when you jump out of the zodiac and wade a short distance through the (normally shallow) water. On sandy beaches it's fine to hop out in bare feet, but your feet will need protection on rockier shores. Make sure you pack some water shoes or waterproof sandals that won't slip off, ideally something suitable for a short hike ashore; Crocs or Teva-style sandals are a popular choice.
Something nice to wear
on the shipExpedition cruising is all about the destination, and you'll likely be spending most of your time during the day going ashore on the zodiacs, kayaking along the coast or snorkelling amongst the amazing marine life. The atmosphere on board is laid back and casual, a far cry from the traditional image of cruising, with no requirement to dress up for dinner and certainly nothing resembling a formal night. Nevertheless, you might want to pack something a bit nicer to wear to dinner after an action-packed day of exploring, and certain cruise lines will have a loose dress code in the evening: no trainers, no shorts or jeans, that sort of thing. Also don't forget to take some comfortable shoes to wear in the daytime in between excursions - think flip flops, sandals or deck shoes.

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