Here you will find answers to our most frequently asked questions. If you still can’t find what you’re looking for, please feel free to contact us.
Things to know
What is the “best time” to visit and dive the Galapagos Islands?
Our most popular question! Truly, Galapagos offers phenomenal year-round diving. The Galapagos Sky offers liveaboard cruising all twelve months of the year and visits the unbelievable islands of Wolf and Darwin on every trip. There are two “seasons” for Galapagos diving:
From June to November, characterized by cooler water temperatures and stronger currents, attracting large pelagic sharks to the area—an unforgettable experience for any shark diving enthusiast in the Galapagos.
The water temperature is around 60-75°F, 15-24°C.
From December through May, the sea is calmer, the water is warmer, and visibility is better. This period is ideal for spotting manta rays, sea lions, and a wider variety of reef fish.
The water temperature is around 68-82°F, 18-28°C
Regardless of the season, you can enjoy constant sightings of this iconic marine life year-round.
Check out our month-by-month diving guide to plan your dive adventure.
Rules of the Galapagos National Park
- Visitors to any protected areas within the Galapagos National Park must be accompanied by a naturalist guide authorized by the GNPD.
- Travel only with tour operators and/or boats authorized to work in the protected areas of Galapagos.
- Remain on marked trails at visitor sites and respect signs at all times for the protection of wildlife, and for your safety.
- Maintain a distance of at least six feet (two meters) from wildlife to avoid disturbing them, even if they approach you.
- Never feed wildlife, as this can cause health problems.
- Flash photography is not permitted when taking photos of wildlife. Professional photography and videos recorded for commercial purposes must be authorized by the GNPD.
- Camping is only allowed in a few authorized areas in the Islands. Request authorization to camp at the Galapagos National Park’s offices at least 48 hours in advance.
- It is your responsibility not to introduce food, animals, or plants into the Archipelago. Cooperate fully with all environmental inspection and quarantine officials during your visit.
- Do not take or buy any products or souvenirs made from banned substances, including black coral, shells, lava rock, animal parts, or any native wood or vegetation prior to leaving Galapagos. This is illegal and must be reported.
- Practice “leave-no-trace” principals in order to maintain the beauty of the environment.
- Pack out all trash and dispose of or recycle it in the populated areas or on your tour boat.
- Smoking and/or campfires are strictly prohibited within the Galapagos National Park, as fires poses a serious risk to the flora and fauna of Galapagos.
- Fishing is only permitted on recreational tour boats authorized by the GNPD.
- Motorized aquatic sports, mini-subs, and aerial tourism activities are not permitted in the Galapagos National Park or Marine Reserve.
- Visiting hours to areas of the Galapagos National Park are as established in the Management Plan, from 6:00 to 18:00, with diving activities ending at 17:00, excluding permitted night diving.
- The use of sound players such as radios, cellphones, speakers is only allowed through headphones.
- The use of sunscreen containing the chemicals oxybenzone, octinoxate, and others harmful to marine ecosystems is regulated and restricted to sustain and protect the coral reefs.
Drone Use Prohibited
The use of drones is strictly prohibited in the Galapagos Islands without a permit from the Galapagos National Park. Please note that if a guest brings a drone on board Galapagos Sky without a proper permit, they will not be allowed to use it.
We are unable to assist with obtaining drone permits.
Sunscreen – Reef Safe Sunscreens only
The use of sunscreen containing the chemicals oxybenzone, octinoxate, and others harmful to marine ecosystems is regulated and restricted to sustain and protect the coral reefs.
Nitrox/Enriched Air vs. Air
Nitrox/Enriched Air Certification by a recognized certification/training agency is required to dive with Nitrox on board Galápagos Sky. Without proof of Nitrox certification, divers will be provided with air fills. Without Nitrox certification, all dives cannot be completed on Days 3, 4 & 5 at Wolf & Darwin due to recreational Non-Decompression Limits. Nitrox classes are not offered on board. Our membrane system generally produces 32%. Certified Nitrox divers must analyze and log Nitrox mixes and MODs prior to each dive. Nitrox Analyzers are provided on board.
Nitrox Certification Cards must be presented to Dive Guides at check-in on board.
Divers without Nitrox Certification will be required to hire a Private Dive Guide.
Local Currency
The US Dollar USD – The country of Ecuador uses the US Dollar. Many small shops and vendors in Galápagos only take cash. If credit cards are accepted, there is usually a surcharge. Personal bank checks and Traveler’s Checks are not accepted on board or in the islands.
Time Zone
Ecuador is in the Eastern Time zone (GMT-5 in the mainland). Daylight savings time is not observed in Ecuador. Galápagos is one hour behind mainland Ecuador. On board, we observe mainland Ecuador time.
No Fly Time
For time out of the water before flying, Divers Alert Network (DAN) and the Undersea Hyperbaric Medical Society (UHMS) offer the following guidelines:
- A single dive within the no-decompression limits: 12 hours
- Repetitive dives of multiple days of diving: 18 hours
Our last dive on the itinerary is Saturday morning which allows for a full 24 hours out of the water prior to flights back to Ecuador on Sunday.
WiFi Cellular Service and Communication
As of August 01, 2023, Galapagos Sky provides free WiFi on board for our guests. Guests can message, make Whatsapp calls and receive/send e-mails.
Please download the Whatsapp App before boarding.
Cellular Phone Connection
Cell Phones with International plans will work on San Cristóbal and Santa Cruz.
Cell phones with WiFi plans will work on San Cristóbal and on Santa Cruz.
Please check with your cell phone carrier to ensure an International WiFi plan. Guests may also bring their own personal or rented Satellite Phone with or without a WiFi plan which will work from the upstairs sundeck outside.
Cruise Information Document
View and download our Cruise Information Guide here.
Reservations
How do I make a Reservation?
You can contact our US Sales and Reservation office, where one of our team members will be happy to assist you.
Tel. +1 (305) 262-DIVE (3483)
Email: info@galapagossky.com
Passport/Visa
A valid passport, with at least six months remaining before expiration, is required to enter Ecuador. It is the passenger’s responsibility to check with local immigration offices or the Ecuadorian Consulate prior to traveling to determine if a visa is necessary.
Dive Accident Insurance
Each diver is required to have Dive Accident insurance. Divers must note the company and policy number on the Application. The Hyperbaric Chamber donation fee does not cover any medical expenses if needed. Traditional Health Insurance and Travel Insurance policies do not cover hyperbaric treatment or emergency evacuation caused by the activity of scuba diving.
A Dive Accident policy or rider to a Travel Insurance policy is required. DAN.og and DiveAssure.com are common Dive Accident Insurance companies that also offer Travel Insurance. There are many other Dive Accident and Travel Insurance companies offered around the world. Best to research what is available in your home country.
Health Insurance Coverage
Please be aware that due to a new regulation of the Ministry of Health of Ecuador, starting May 1, 2018, all passengers are required to present upon arrival in the country, an ID card from their medical insurance proving they have an international health insurance policy with coverage during their stay in the country. Migration personnel will be checking this document.
Private Dive Guide Services
For divers who wish to have a Private Dive Guide, an extra guide can be made available for $1,950 per week. Private Dive Guide services must be made well in advance and are contingent to Dive Guide availability.
Divers must have a minimum of 50-100 dives and recent dive experience within 6 months of the departure date. No divers under the age 15. If a diver, agent or trip leader books an under qualified diver or a diver without Nitrox Certification, we can require a Private Dive Guide to be hired at their expense.
Divers with a Private Dive Guide dive with the main group and not separately for logistics and safety reasons. Separate drops are not permitted. The fee is added to the reservation invoice and payment is made in advance.
Where can I find the Application and Waiver Document?
To be cleared for boarding, this form must be completed and returned to our office prior to travel.
PLEASE NOTE: So not to delay processing of these forms, please make sure to complete the form and have your waiver witnessed on the bottom right-hand side.
Download here.
Rental Gear Information
It is highly recommended that divers bring their own gear. Advanced diving conditions that are common in Galapagos truly call for divers to be in their own, known and proper fitting gear. If a diver must rent gear, please understand that sizes, selection and quantities are extremely limited. Guests should note items to be rented and specific size(s) on the Application. You can find more information here.
Diver Medical Form
For divers with a known medical history, condition, or physical impairment or are currently taking any prescription or other medication that may affect you directly or indirectly (via side effects) while participating in activities aboard or based from Galapagos Sky.
Download Diver Medical Form.
Arrivals & Departures
Domestic flights on Avianca from Quito UIO or Guayaquil GYE, Ecuador to San Cristobal SCY
Airfares in LOW Season
January 1 - June 30 & September 1 - December 31
| ROUTE | ADULT FARE |
|---|---|
| Quito – Galapagos – Quito | $ 500,00 |
| Quito – Galapagos – Guayaquil | $ 476,00 |
| Guayaquil – Galapagos – Quito | $ 468,00 |
| Guayaquil – Galapagos – Guayaquil | $ 445,00 |
Airfares - High Season
July 1 - August 31
| ROUTE | ADULT FARE |
|---|---|
| Quito – Galapagos – Quito | $ 553,00 |
| Quito – Galapagos – Guayaquil | $ 525,00 |
| Guayaquil – Galapagos – Quito | $ 518,00 |
| Guayaquil – Galapagos – Guayaquil | $ 490,00 |
Notes:
Airfares include all airport taxes and airline surcharges.
Rates are subject to change at any time, up until the day of departure and even after tickets have been paid in full.
Avianca Airlines has introduced a small onboard menu offering snacks and drinks available for purchase at an additional cost (as of December 2022).
Baggage Allowance for Avianca Airlines
Avianca Airlines Baggage Allowance:
1 checked bag 23kg/50pd max
1 carry-on bag 10kg/22pd max + personal article (laptop case, backpack, purse).
An additional checked bag may be pre-paid through our Reservations Office, the cost is $33 USD per 23kg/50pd bag each way. If a bag is overweight up to 45k/99pd the cost is an additional $30 USD each way or $60 USD roundtrip.
Additional bag rates at the Avianca check-in counter fluctuate. Please see Avianca’s website for details.
Please note that the flights to and from the Galapagos Islands are on larger planes (AIRBUS A320) with very adequate cargo-holds. We do not see issues of bags being left behind on the Avianca flights due to planes being overweight like some dive destinations sometimes do.
Taxi Service on San Cristóbal and Santa Cruz
Taxi service in the Galapagos islands is very inexpensive. From the airport or hotels to the Main Municipal dock, the charge will be just a few dollars (USD cash only). Taxis do not take credit cards.
Disembarkation (Sunday) after the cruise on San Cristobal
On the day of disembarkation on San Cristobal, Galapagos Sky is in the harbor at Shipwreck Bay before the sun rises. After breakfast on board, we typically disembark around 9:00am to visit the Gianni Arismendy Interpretation Center located in Cerro Tijeretas.
While guests are discovering more about the human history of the Galapagos Islands, the crew will take their luggage to the airport. After visiting the Interpretation Center, the crew will transfer guests to the SCY San Cristobal Airport for flights back to mainland Ecuador. If guests will be staying in San Cristobal, our crew can assist them with getting a taxi to their hotel, although most hotels are within walking distance of the dock area.
If a guest needs to be on shore earlier that morning, our crew can certainly arrange that too.
Departure Day Instructions for Guests traveling on AV1630 on Sunday UIO
For guests with pre-paid and prearranged TCT and Park fees flying to San Cristobal on their departure day from Quito UIO Airport. View here for the full instructions from Quito UIO Airport.
Departure Day Instructions for Guests traveling on AV1630 on Sunday GYE
For guests with pre-paid and prearranged TCT and Park fees flying to San Cristobal on their departure day from Guayaquil GYE Airport. View here for the full instructions from Guayaquil GYE Airport.
Flight Schedule
Sundays to/from Galapagos (SCY)
| ROUTING | FLIGHT | DEPART | ARRIVE |
|---|---|---|---|
| QUITO – GUAYAQUIL | AVIANCA 1630 | 8:05AM | 9:01AM |
| GUAYAQUIL – CRISTOBAL | AVIANCA 1630 | 9:47AM | 10:36AM |
| CRISTOBAL – GUAYAQUIL | AVIANCA 1631 | 11:23AM | 2:14PM |
| GUAYAQUIL – QUITO | AVIANCA 1631 | 2:58PM | 3:51PM |
Online Sworn Declaration Form
The Sworn Declaration Form is a required online document for all travelers to the Galapagos Islands. It is designed to help protect the delicate ecosystem by declaring any items being brought to the islands that could pose a risk.
Starting December 1, 2024, all travelers aged 18 or older must complete the online Sworn Declaration Form digitally up to 48 hours before their flight.
Items to Declare:
-
Processed, fresh, or cooked food
-
Plants, flowers, seeds, or biological products
-
Live animals, wood, handicrafts, or minerals
-
Camping equipment (e.g., tents, sleeping bags, hiking boots)
You will also need to indicate if you have visited places with domestic or wild animals—such as farms, zoos, or protected areas—within the 72 hours prior to your trip.
After filling out the form, you’ll receive a QR code directly in your email, which you must show to the biosecurity agents at either San Cristobal or Baltra airport.
On Board
What languages are spoken on board?
English and Spanish are spoken on board by Dive Guides and Captains.
Electricity on Galapagos Sky
110/AC 60 cycle Type B (the same as in North and Central America) with some 220 outlets on the dive deck. The main lounge area and all cabins have Type B outlets.
Bar, Liquor, Water, Juices, Soda
Your cruise rate includes a wide selection of beverages: wine, beer, liquor, spirits, coffee, tea, water, juice, and sodas. Enjoy our full bar, with premium wines and liquors available for purchase. Please note that your first drink of the day marks the end of your diving for that day. A tab for premium drinks will be kept and settled on the final day of the cruise.
We offer filtered water to refill reusable bottles and encourage guests to bring their own to help reduce single-use plastics.
Coffee, Espresso, Americano, Cappuccino, Tea
Espresso, Americano and cappuccino coffees are available and included. We use ground Ecuadorian coffee that is brewed and available in the dining area throughout the day. If a guest requests on their Application or in advance, we can have almond milk, soy milk, coconut milk or Coffee Mate available.
We have iced tea (lemon and peach), hot fruit and herbal teas on the yacht (Black, Green, Chamomile, Mint, Red Berries, Prince of Wales, Earl Grey, English breakfast)
All these services are available throughout the day. Learn more about our onboard dining.
Emergency Contact to Reach a Guest On Board Galapagos Sky
For friends and family of traveling guests who wish to get an urgent message to a passenger on board the Galápagos Sky, please call our Miami Sales office Monday thru Friday 9am – 5 pm EST, during regular business hours at (305) 262-3483. If after hours Monday – Friday or on weekends, please email info@Galapagossky.com or help@ecoventura.com and your message will be forwarded to the boat and guest as soon as possible.