Cover photo credit: Rob Leahy
Every day in the Galapagos brings a new adventure, with activities like walks and hikes, snorkeling, zodiac rides, sea kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding—all part of our luxury expedition cruises. Packing the right clothing and gear for each activity will give you peace of mind and help you make the most of your journey.
To make things easier, we’ve created this guide to help you pack efficiently for your Galapagos adventure, ensuring that everything you bring is functional and practical. While being well-prepared is important, we also recommend packing light for a smoother journey through Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands.
Dressing for Comfort and Functionality
Life aboard Origin, Theory and Evolve is casual and relaxed. The dress code prioritizes comfort, and there’s no need for formal attire—even for dinner. However, many guests opt for slightly dressier outfits during evening meals in the dining room.
When exploring the Galapagos Islands, lightweight, breathable, and functional clothing in neutral tones is best. These colors help you blend into the environment, minimizing disturbance to wildlife while keeping you comfortable on long walks.
Photo credit: Renato Granieri
Personal Items to bring:
Biodegradable toiletries and personal medications
Insect repellent if you’re sensitive to bites
Motion sickness medication if needed
Earplugs for light sleepers
Daytime Attire:
Long pants and shorts (or zip-off convertible pants)
Short-sleeve and long-sleeve T-shirts (avoid bright colors)
Lightweight windbreaker or fleece jacket (especially from July to October)
Comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots
Sandals or flip-flops for relaxing onboard
Evening Attire:
Casual dresses or blouses for women
Polo shirts or lightweight shirts for men
Flat shoes or sandals
Photo credit: Sebastian Davila
Footwear for Dry and Wet Landings
One of the most unique aspects of exploring the Galapagos is the two types of landings:
Dry Landings: Step directly from your zodiac or panga onto dry land. For these, comfortable walking shoes or lightweight hiking boots are essential.
Wet Landings: Disembark into shallow water and wade to the beach. For these, rubber sport sandals with a secure strap (like Tevas or Keens) are ideal.
Photo 1 & 2 credit: Dana Bjarner
Having both types of footwear ensures you’re ready for any adventure.
Accessories for Excursions
Enhance your island explorations with these essentials:
A small backpack for daily hikes
Wide-brimmed hat, bandana, or gaiter for sun protection
Sunglasses with a strap and UV protection
Waterproof bags for cameras and electronics
An underwater camera to capture the incredible Galapagos’ marine life
Snorkeling Must-Haves
Snorkeling is a highlight of any Galapagos cruise, with daily opportunities to explore the vibrant underwater world. The unique mix of warm and cold currents means water temperatures can vary, so preparation is key.
Ecoventura provides 3mm wetsuits, masks, snorkels, and fins at no extra cost. For added warmth and sun protection, consider packing:
A rash guard (both top and bottom)
Biodegradable, reef-safe sunscreen
What’s provided onboard Origin, Theory and Evolve
On board our luxury yachts we take care of many essentials to lighten your packing load:
Waffle weave bathrobes and slippers (one size fits most)
Hairdryer, plush bath towels, and beach towels
Vanity Kit (shower cap, loofah, sewing kit, Q-tips, cotton, file)
Biodegradable shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, and moisturizer
Pair of Binoculars (one per cabin)
Walking sticks (metal poles)
Wet suits (3mm full with back zip) in a variety of sizes including children
Mask and snorkel for snorkeling in various models and sizes
Flippers (full foot fins) for snorkeling, masks, and snorkels
Refillable metal water bottle (that you can take home)
Staterooms also feature ample storage, including space beneath the beds for standard-sized suitcases.
Photo credit: Mackina Studio
Sustainability Guidelines
Protecting the Galapagos Islands is a shared responsibility. Please avoid packing bright-colored clothing that may disturb wildlife. Use only reef-safe sunscreen to safeguard marine ecosystems, and refrain from bringing items like selfie sticks that could disrupt the animals’ natural behaviors.
Additionally, help us reduce waste by removing packaging materials before arriving or taking them to the mainland.
With the right preparation, your luxury expedition yacht in the Galapagos will be an unforgettable adventure. For more tips and detailed packing advice, be sure to explore our Travel Essentials Guide. It’s packed with everything you need to know to make your journey seamless, sustainable, and stress-free!
