Traveling to the Galápagos Islands is not like visiting just any beach.
Here you don’t come to stay in a hotel: you come to walk on lava, climb into boats, snorkel, get wet, dry off in the wind, and repeat the process several times a day.
That’s why packing correctly is one of the most important decisions of your trip.
This guide was created from the Galápagos, based on what we actually see every day in travelers: what works, what is unnecessary, and what people forget.
Before packing: how excursions really work in the Galápagos
A typical day includes:
Speedboat transportation
Walking on volcanic rock
Snorkeling
Intense sun + strong wind
Constant saltwater exposure
Weather changes in the same day
👉 That’s why you need functional clothing, not city clothing.
Common mistakes tourists make
Most travelers pack for “tropical vacations.”
Galápagos is closer to hiking + ocean.
Frequent mistakes:
Large hard suitcases (difficult on boats)
Only bringing open sandals
Not bringing a windbreaker
Using regular sunscreen
Packing too many elegant outfits
Not bringing cash
Not bringing motion sickness pills
Thinking there is always signal
Local tip: you will repeat outfits, but you will never have too much sun protection.
What the weather in the Galápagos is really like
There is no winter or summer… there are oceanic seasons.
During the same day you may experience:
Cool morning → intense sun → wind → clouds → heat → cold on the boat
👉 Pack in layers
Technical T-shirt
Light layer
Windbreaker
Packing list for the Galápagos
Warm season (January – July)
Warmer water, calmer sea, more sun.
Clothing
Quick-dry T-shirts
Comfortable shorts
Hat or cap
Light windbreaker
Swimsuit (you will use more than one)
Footwear
Sneakers
Closed sandals or water shoes
Essential accessories
Waterproof backpack
Biodegradable sunscreen SPF 50
Lip balm with sun protection
UV sunglasses
Compact towel
Dry bag / waterproof phone case
Useful optionals
Snorkel gear (you can rent it)
Binoculars
Camera or GoPro (can be rented)
Health
Personal medication
Motion sickness pills
Light repellent
Money
Card
Cash in USD (very important)
Cold season (July – December)
More wind, colder water (down to 16°C), better marine visibility.
Clothing
Waterproof windbreaker jacket
UV long sleeve shirt
Light long pants
Light sweater
Buff or scarf
Highly recommended
Wetsuit
(most people rent it here)
Footwear
Trekking shoes
Closed water sandals
Accessories
SPF 50 sunscreen
UV glasses
Quick-dry towel
Waterproof backpack
Extra important
Motion sickness pills
What you DON’T need to bring
You will save space by avoiding:
High heels
Heavy jeans
Hair dryer
Formal clothing
Large towels
Too many outfits
Drone without permit
Money, internet and logistics
There are ATMs but they may run out of cash
Small restaurants prefer cash
Slow internet outside town
Limited signal during tours
👉 Book tours before arriving
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a wetsuit?
In the cold season yes, in the warm season it depends on your tolerance.
Is there signal?
Only in populated areas and vehicles or boats with STARLINK.
Can everything be paid by card?
Not always.
Can snorkel gear be rented?
Yes, all tours include it or rent it for days without tours.
Final local tips
The most common mistake is not forgetting something…
it is bringing too much.
Galápagos is best enjoyed light.
If you bring electronic devices, remember to bring extra batteries since charging opportunities may be limited. It can also be useful to carry extra memory cards or film rolls for your camera.
Keep in mind electrical outlets in Ecuador are type A and B, similar to the United States. If your country uses a different plug type, be sure to bring adapters.