Planning a land-based trip to the Galápagos Islands and wondering what you actually need to pack?
After exploring Santa Cruz, Isabela, and San Cristóbal Islands, snorkeling with sea turtles, hiking volcanic landscapes, taking inter-island ferries, and spending long days in the equatorial sun, I quickly learned there are a few items you absolutely do not want to forget (and some that you can leave behind).
While many travel blogs insist you must travel carry-on only, I found that checking a bag was one of the best decisions I made. Trying to squeeze bulky dry bags, snorkeling gear, underwater cameras, and three pairs of shoes into a tiny roller bag or backpack is incredibly stressful. Plus, checking a bag allows you to pack full-sized bottles of reef-safe sunscreen, which will save you a fortune on the islands.
That’s not to say you can’t pack only in a carry-on, I’m just telling you it’s not as 100% necessary as everyone makes it seem. I was worried about having to load my own luggage onto the water taxis and ferris and having a backpack would be easier. We were never allowed to load our own luggage. It was all done for us. I’m so glad I moved all our belongings out of the backpacks and into checked luggage about an hour before we needed to leave for the airport!
The Galápagos is a casual, active destination. You don’t need fancy clothes or specialized expedition gear, but there are a handful of specific items that make the difference between an amazing adventure and an incredibly uncomfortable one.
Galápagos Packing List
If You Pack Nothing Else, Bring These
If you’re short on time, these are the absolute non-negotiables for a land-based itinerary. Throw these in your bag first:
- Lots of reef-safe sunscreen (Must be mineral-based; chemical sunscreens harm the marine ecosystem) I brought Blue Lizard for everyday, Thrive because it lasts longer in the water and a TiZO Mineral Stick SPF 45 for our faces and it fit well in my bag to reapply to my face, chest and neck while out.
- Polarized sunglasses (Crucial for spotting marine life from boat decks)
- Wide-brimmed sun hat or baseball cap
- Long-sleeve rash guard or swim shirt
- Plenty of U.S. cash
- Reusable water bottle(s)
- 10L to 20L Dry bag (protect cameras and phones from ocean spray)
- Motion sickness medication (for ferries and boat tours)
- Sturdy walking/hiking shoes
- Waterproof dry phone case or pouch
The equatorial sun in the Galápagos is incredibly intense. Even on overcast days, you will get burned while hiking lava fields or sitting on the open deck of a day-tour boat. The UV burns right through the clouds and can be misleading for those of us not used to being so close to the equator.
The Reality of Cash in the Galápagos
The Galápagos Islands use the U.S. dollar, and while some hotels and tourist restaurants accept credit cards, cash is still extremely important for land-based travelers.
ATMs exist on the 3 main islands, but they frequently run out of money, break down, or have long lines. Do not rely on them as your primary source of spending money.