GUIDES
What are the onboard Naturalist guides
skills and qualifications?
The
Galapagos National Park with the help of the Charles Darwin Research
Station trains the guides. There are three levels of guides:
Naturalist
Guide I
A level “I” guide is a native of the islands or has been
a resident of the archipelago for many years. He/She will have a high
school diploma and a lot of knowledge about the region. A Naturalist
Guide I speaks English as well. He must pass the course of Naturalist
Guide I, and can lead a group of 10 visitors maximum. This level guide
is usually on the more economic boats in the islands.
Naturalist
Guide II
A level “II” guide is an Ecuadorian by birth or by naturalization.
He/she has achieved a high school diploma or has a university background
in biology, related fields, or in tourism. He has to be fluent in
English, French or German, and pass the course of Naturalist Guide
II. He can lead groups of up to 16 visitors. All Tourist class yachts
carry Class-II guides.
Naturalist
Guide III
Ecuadorian by birth or by naturalization, and, in the case of a foreigner,
must have legal working papers. He has to show proof of a degree in
biology or related fields, or in tourism. He must be fluent in Spanish,
English, then French or German. He must pass the course of Naturalist
Guide III, and may lead a group of 20 visitors. All Tourist Superior,
First and Luxury class yachts carry Class-III guides.
The
guides are responsible for:
1.
Educating visitors about the natural history, geology, flora and fauna
of the island.
2. Monitoring and controlling where the visitors go within the park.
3. Enforcing the rules of the park.
4. Carrying a license and identity papers with him/her at all times.
5. Wearing a uniform.
6. Participating in observation activities like collecting data on
the ecological impact of the islands.
7. Reporting to island authorities whenever necessary.
8. Keeping you and your tour group safe and informed!
*So
much of your enjoyment of the islands depends on your guide. We recommend
researching guides and asking around. It’s a small community,
and people will be able to tell you which guides give better information!
ITINERARIES
Can my tour's itinerary be changed?
A yacht's itinerary can be changed only by the Galapagos National
Park Authorities or by the captain of the yacht under weather-related
circumstances.
TOURS AND MONEY
What is included in the boat tour?
All tours include transportation to and from the airport, accommodation,
food, and guide services. Many boats provide snorkeling gear and some
have kayaks. Look into your tour for more details.
What
is not included?
Galapagos flights, Galapagos Entrance Fee (includes the municipal
tax, currently $100 US payable in cash to the national park authorities
in Baltra), tips (it is customary to tip the guide, chef and crew)
soft drinks, alcoholic beverages, and any other extras not specifically
mentioned. There is also a $25 US departure tax from Ecuador on all
international flights.
Some Tours do not provide snorkeling gear, and you
have to rent it. Others do. Again, check before boarding.
PURCHASES
ON BOARD
What can I purchase onboard and how?
Most
yachts offer a limited bar selection and
souvenirs, which are paid for at the end of the tour
in cash or Travelers Checks (some yachts also accept credit cards).
TIPPING
What are the recommended tipping policies?
We recommend tipping between $5 - $8 per person per day for the ship’s
crew and another $5 - $8 for the guide or guides. If they give exceptional
service, please show them how happy you are!
PASSPORTS / VISA
What documents are needed to enter the
Galapagos?
Always check with your local embassy or consulate to determine whether
or not you need a VISA for Ecuador. A passport is a must, though;
so be sure to get your papers settled before traveling abroad. It's
smart to take photocopies of all important documents (passport, travel
insurance, credit cards etc.) and keep them in a safe place apart
from your originals.
To enter Ecuador only a valid passport is required. No visas are required
for U.S., Canadian, and most European citizens unless you plan to
stay more than ninety days. Check with local immigration offices or
the Ecuadorian consulate prior to sailing to determine if a visa is
necessary. You will also need a return-ticket out of the islands.
PHOTOGRAPHY
What type of film and photographic equipment
are recommended?
A telephoto lens, UV filter and LOADS of film should be brought! To
be safe, we recommend that you triple the amount of film you think
you'll go through. "Just one more shot of that cute little sea
lion," can take up 20 photos! We also recommend buying a couple
of disposable underwater cameras. With all the snorkeling you'll be
doing, you'll be able to take great shots of turtles, penguins, sharks,
brilliantly colored fish, octopus, corals and more!
Just don't find yourself without enough film, and don't forget spare
batteries! Everything on the islands is so expensive. Moreover, once
you're on your cruise, you won't dock again until the end.
RESERVATIONS
When should I make my Galapagos tour
reservation?
If you want a luxury or superior Galapagos
tour, you probably will need to book it from Ecuador’s
mainland or your home. They fill up faster than the economy cruises.
During low season (check out “When to go” section), you
may have more luck booking at the last minute. We recommend making
your reservation as early as possible as late bookings can result
in limited options.
SCUBA DIVING
Can I scuba dive in the Galapagos Islands?
Go to our scuba diving section of the page for more information. (Just
a note: The Galapagos has some of the best diving in the world!)
SEA
KAYAKS
Are sea kayaks available onboard?
Some yachts offer sea kayaks. The Red Mangrove Inn, in Puerto Ayora,
rents sea kayaks for a day as well. It’s a great way to get
around the islands and superb exercise!
SMOKING
Is smoking allowed onboard?
Smoking is allowed on most yachts but only on the outside deck. Smoking
is not allowed during your visits to the islands.
SNORKELING
and EQUIPMENT
Will there be opportunities to go snorkeling?
You will be snorkeling everyday, even twice/day if you wish. So much
of the Galapagos fauna is underwater. You will have a lot of time
to explore both land and sea.
Is
snorkeling equipment included?
Most yachts offer snorkeling equipment. Sometimes the quality is very
poor. We recommend bringing your own for hygienic reasons. Boats will
sometimes rent gear (or you can get it Puerto Ayora as well). A weekly
rental may cost anywhere from $10.00 - $15.00.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
Should I purchase travel insurance?
Yes, we thoroughly recommend taking out travel insurance before departing
on your holiday.
WATER
Is there drinking water onboard?
All yachts offer their passengers drinking water. Bring your own water
bottle for island visits. It’s hot, dry, and you need to keep
hydrated!
WETSUITS
Are wetsuits necessary?
Wet suits are not necessary. If you get cold easily, we recommend
renting one. They will help make your time snorkeling much more enjoyable.
SECURE
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