Galapagos
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Anonymous
| Getting ready to pack for 2 weeks in Ecuador including 8 days on a small boat in the Galapagos. Any packing tips? A friend suggested bringing 2 rash guards so one can dry while I’m wearing the other. Other must brings? |
Anonymous
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Definitely yes on the rash guards. Also a pair of panty hose, in case of jellyfish. It's not full prevention, but it helps.
The sun is intense at the equator; plan for extra sun protection. Make sure to get the seasickness patch. That was a lifesaver on the small boat I took-- the overnight crossings can be choppy. Also baby wipes, since the fresh water on boats is often limited, and you'll want to be able to clean up without showering. |
Anonymous
| We were given a small duffel bag and transferred anything from larger luggage into that. They had lockers to leave the luggage. The rooms on the boat (about 25 passengers including crew) were tiny so the duffel bag lived on the small bunk bed. So don't over pack! The body wipe suggestion is a good one - we were limited to 3 minute showers. |
Anonymous
| Yes to the rash guards. I also was glad I had keens for exploring the islands, and for wet landings. The sun is so strong, so cover up all the time. |
Anonymous
| Plenty of cash to buy stuff from the locals. Some tummy pills. And tons of sun protection. |
Anonymous
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Keens (water shoes with toe protection), reef safe sunscreen, rash guard and a camera. We also brought wide brim hats
You'll have an amazing time |
Anonymous
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Oh if you have time to get a legit underwater phone case, do it! Don't bother with the glorified ziplock bags you can get there. You'll be in and out of the water all the time and dropping your phone is a daily risk. But also, half the cool stuff you're going to see will be underwater. You definitely want to be able to get video of the young sea lions trying to get you to play with them. They're like puppies.
I know iphones are waterproof(ish) now, but personally I'd feel much better about actually using mine underwater in a good protective case. Good call on the reef safe/ biodegradable products. I don't remember, but I assume you can buy them on site... for a hefty premium. Check the boat's requirements for your soap/ shampoo. If you have space, a battery-powered handheld/ clip fan might be nice. The boat I was on didn't have AC, and the cabins are small and potentially stuffy. I would have loved a fan at night. |
Anonymous
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The sun is so strong there that the guides (who all have pretty dark skin to start) wear long sleeve pants and rash guards, big hats, and even those stretchy things that cover most of their face plus sunglasses.
So agree 2 rash guards,” consider long sleeved or hooded, big wide brimmed hat with neck string, sun glasses with polarization. Water keens are helpful but probably could have managed without. |
Anonymous
They also wear gloves while snorkeling. Getting sunburned on the back of your hands is not fun. |
Anonymous
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Lightweight fleece and lightweight rain jacket/windbreaker. I travel there frequently and these are my most-worn items of clothing. Also, closed-toed shoes for walking (lava islands are sharp and rugged) as well as water shoes (e.g., Tevas) as already mentioned.
Definitely non-drowsy Dramamine, and don't hesitate to take it--start with it the first day and, if you find you don't need it, taper down as needed. |
Anonymous
| Dry bag, Dramamine, lots of sunscreen |
Anonymous
| FYI, the water is really cold this time of year, so you will be wearing a wetsuit while in the water |
Anonymous
NP, when is the best time to do Galapagos in terms of weather and seeing the animals? |
Anonymous
It’s very seasonal, so it depends what you want to see. |
Anonymous
We had warm water in March/april. |