Clothes for Galapagos

[srbeacher]

What do people wear on National Geographic trips to Galapagos?

[ssawjo]

1 hour ago, srbeacher said:

What do people wear on National Geographic trips to Galapagos?

We just returned from the Galapagos and must say it was fabulous.  Regarding what to wear, I would leave the fancy stuff at home and go with very comfortable clothes.  Swimsuits, kevas, flip flops, water shoes, sturdy shoes for hikes, shorts, t-shirts, a light jacket for the evenings (which can be cool), a hat, rain poncho, sun screen, and a camera.  At dinner, some men had a collared polo shirt but most had on a clean t-shirt with shorts or slacks.  The same with women, very casual.  All meals are sit down and plated, including breakfast.

 

Great staff, good food, good drinks and interesting company.  The dinners and lunches were always a choice of a meat (beef or chicken), fish, or a vegan option.  There was a bar-b-que dinner one night.  

 

You are always busy with a little down time.  Lots of choices for activities.  Snorkeling, hiking, etc.

 

Any other questions, let me know.

 

Bill

[loriva]

Thanks, Bill.  We'll be starting our packing this weekend prior to departing next Friday for our trip to the Galapagos.  A true bucket-list trip and so excited.

 

Could you advise on some of the logistics of your trip, please?  When was the COVID-19 testing done?  We're not on the group flights and hoping we do not need to wait until midnight when everyone else arrives.  How was the hotel?  I see Lindblad asks you to stay in your rooms--did the hotel offer room service for meals or was that an exception?  What time were your flights to and from the Galapagos from Guayaquil?  How was check-in and the waits at the airports in Ecuador?  I've read reviews on CC.com that check-in could be very slow.  Is there anything you packed for your trip you found you didn't need?  Or things you wished you had?  Thanks!

  

[ssawjo]

4 hours ago, loriva said:

Thanks, Bill.  We'll be starting our packing this weekend prior to departing next Friday for our trip to the Galapagos.  A true bucket-list trip and so excited.

 

Could you advise on some of the logistics of your trip, please?  When was the COVID-19 testing done?  We're not on the group flights and hoping we do not need to wait until midnight when everyone else arrives.  How was the hotel?  I see Lindblad asks you to stay in your rooms--did the hotel offer room service for meals or was that an exception?  What time were your flights to and from the Galapagos from Guayaquil?  How was check-in and the waits at the airports in Ecuador?  I've read reviews on CC.com that check-in could be very slow.  Is there anything you packed for your trip you found you didn't need?  Or things you wished you had?  Thanks!

  

We took an earlier flight (not the recommended flight) from MIA to Guayaquil and was at the hotel by 4:30 local time.  Our flight from MIA was delayed by about two hours.  You will be picked up by the hotel for a 20 minute ride to the hotel.  Make sure they are expecting you.  You will be greeted by a Lindblad rep in the hotel lobby and your bags sent to your room.  The pre-cruise covid test was fast and easy and was at 6 PM in a room off of the lobby.  We ate in the hotel restaurant and did not venture outside, mainly because it was getting dark and there really is nothing interesting around the hotel.  You do not need to stay sequestered in your room.  The hotel itself was nice and the room was comfortable.  The rep will give all of the instructions you will need for the evening and the following day.  The bus ride to the airport was about 15 minutes (Saturday morning).  Wait time at the airport was short and everything was well coordinated.  You should not have any problems.  It is a small airport.  The flight left at 1040 hours.  The flight to San Cristobal was about 90+ minutes, you gain an hour in flight, and was comfortable.  Claim your bags and go through their checks.  Board a bus for a 10 minute ride to the pier to board a zodiac to the ship.  

 

We probably overpacked but I cannot think of anything we didn't need or wished we had.  It is very casual onboard so don't overthink it.  They provide all snorkeling gear if needed.

 

This also was a bucket list trip for us and we had a fabulous time.  BTW, they will give you instruction on how to board/debark the zodiacs and a snorkeling lesson.

 

Enjoy your trip and safe travels,

 

Bill

[loriva]

3 hours ago, ssawjo said:

We took an earlier flight (not the recommended flight) from MIA to Guayaquil and was at the hotel by 4:30 local time.  Our flight from MIA was delayed by about two hours.  You will be picked up by the hotel for a 20 minute ride to the hotel.  Make sure they are expecting you.  You will be greeted by a Lindblad rep in the hotel lobby and your bags sent to your room.  The pre-cruise covid test was fast and easy and was at 6 PM in a room off of the lobby.  We ate in the hotel restaurant and did not venture outside, mainly because it was getting dark and there really is nothing interesting around the hotel.  You do not need to stay sequestered in your room.  The hotel itself was nice and the room was comfortable.  The rep will give all of the instructions you will need for the evening and the following day.  The bus ride to the airport was about 15 minutes (Saturday morning).  Wait time at the airport was short and everything was well coordinated.  You should not have any problems.  It is a small airport.  The flight left at 1040 hours.  The flight to San Cristobal was about 90+ minutes, you gain an hour in flight, and was comfortable.  Claim your bags and go through their checks.  Board a bus for a 10 minute ride to the pier to board a zodiac to the ship.  

 

We probably overpacked but I cannot think of anything we didn't need or wished we had.  It is very casual onboard so don't overthink it.  They provide all snorkeling gear if needed.

 

This also was a bucket list trip for us and we had a fabulous time.  BTW, they will give you instruction on how to board/debark the zodiacs and a snorkeling lesson.

 

Enjoy your trip and safe travels,

 

Bill

 

Thanks, Bill.  Looks like we are on the same flight that you took from MIA to GYE.  (We had booked with miles before we even received info from NatGeo/Lindblad that there was a recommended flight.)  We have already contacted the hotel to arrange for a shuttle and will do the same for the return.  Glad to hear a rep is waiting at the hotel and there is a testing option in the early evening.  I had expected more information on this and our arrangements in Guayaquil in the final documents from Lindblad, but they were short on those details.  But in these times, things may be changing by the day.

 

Thanks again!