Packing List for the Galapagos Islands in April

Need help planning your Galapagos vacation ?

For the most part, inclement weather in the Galapagos Islands means rain and overcast parts of the day. During April the rains of the wet season have withered, leaving a green landscape in its midst. Keep reading for some guidelines and a packing list for the Galapagos in April.

Exploring the islands is an active adventure, boat and land excursions include hikes, snorkeling, and swimming- most of the day is spent outside. In April the sun can get hot, prepare for this with effective sunscreen, a fun hat, and sunglasses.

By Land

The sun is both a blessing and something to prepare for when going to the Galapagos in April. Many land tours plan excursions to the beaches of the islands for the morning to avoid in inevitable heat that comes at midday. The other side of the coin is rain and the muddy conditions that it creates on hikes, make sure to bring lightweight, waterproof gear. The humidity in the islands means that quick drying clothes are the way to go. Here are a few essentials to add to your packing list for the Galapagos Islands before hopping on the plane.

tourists step past galapagos sea lions on the legend cruise ship

• Lightweight pants or shorts and a waterproof jacket

• Hiking stick

• A good pair of walking or hiking shoes

• Insect repellant

• Refillable water bottle

• Day Pack

• Flashlight

happy gringo water bottles and straw hat on the sand

By Sea

The waters of the Galapagos are warmer in April than in other months when the Humboldt Current is in full force. April is the tail end of one of two optimal surf seasons in the islands. Northern swells that hit Hawaii a few days before appearing on the shores of Santa Cruz, San Cristobal, and Isabela islands that bring international surfers to Ecuador in search of good waves and warm water. Here are a few things to bring that will help make your time on or in the water a blast.

snorkeling with kids at los tuneles galapagos islands

• Deck Shoes

• Sandals or water shoes for wet landings

• Swimsuit

• Rash Guard

• Day Pack

• Dry Bag

• Snorkel Mask

flip flops and sunglasses on a galapagos islands beach

Medical

Medical services in the islands are basic, and bringing prescription medicines with you is the way to go instead of trying to find the Latin American equivalent in the local pharmacies. Here are a few medical considerations to include on your packing list for the Galapagos Islands.

• Prescription medicines

• Seasickness medicine

• List of allergies

• Copy of insurance policies

• Small first aid kit

sea sickness pills and travel medication

Technology

As far as travel gear including cameras, batteries, computers, GoPros, phones, and finding internet goes-the Galapagos isn´t moving at a pace that mirrors the rest of the world. While ultimately the natural beauty and the wildlife take center stage, here are a few pointers for adding the right gear to your packing list for the Galapagos Islands.

• Extra Batteries, chargers, cables, and SD cards

• A waterproof, handheld camera

• Telephoto lens

• Adapters-110 – 127 V

• External hard disk or USB for storage (internet crawls at a tortoise pace at times.)

tourist with camera gear at the galapagos

Formalities and Money

• Reservations for the entire time in the islands

• Valid passport

• Return ticket

• Cash for INGALA Control Card and Galapagos National Park entree fee

• Back up credit cards

how to get to Galapagos - image of Transit Control Card bought at ingala counter in quito airport

For more information about visiting the Galapagos Islands in the coming months, check back or sign up for our email alerts and contact a member of our team for your options for a thrilling time exploring the islands.

Need help planning your Galapagos vacation ?

Jon Jared

Jon Jared first experienced the itch for travel during summer trips with his grandparents to England, Scotland, and Wales. After visiting Zambia and traversing the mountain towns of Colorado, he moved to Ecuador in search of a new understanding of the world around him. In Ecuador, Jon has worked at hotels, restaurants, and bars; served as a local guide, and a freelance writer and editor. His work in print includes Delta Sky Magazine and the 2015 Moon Ecuador and the Galapagos guidebook.