Do you want to know what to pack for a Galapagos cruise? A Galapagos cruise is one of the most picturesque cruises in the world but can be tricky to pack for given the weather and activities you will be doing alongside specific cruise line dress codes. In this guide, we will tell you EXACTLY what to pack and what to wear for a Galapagos cruise no matter who you are cruising with.
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This includes guidance on how to dress for the weather, cruise line dress codes as well as for certain shore excursions.
What do I need to pack for a Galapagos cruise (non clothing)?
Passport and identification
For any international cruise always pack a passport and identification. And remember that this needs to be in your embarkation day carry on bag as you will be using this at embarkation.
Documentation including Covid 19 related paperwork
Alongside your passport and identification you will also need all other important cruise travel documents which includes but is not limited to:
- Travel insurance
- Covid Related paperwork such as vaccination certificates and PCR/Lateral Flow test results depending on your cruise line and port requirements.
- Vaccation Evidence ( where applicable)
- Cruise Suitcase labels – these are provided by the cruise line but are usually required to be completed and put on your suitcases before you arrive at the cruise terminal.
Lanyard
I would say this is an optional item, however in my experience most cruisers like to have a lanyard. Cruise cabin keys are the most important thing on a cruise as they are used as your form of identification to get back on and off the ship in ports, pay for things on the ship and is used for photographs, dining reservations and more.
Many people find a lanyard the best way to keep their cabin key safe and on them at all times on a cruise. The best ones are waterproof so can be used on shore excursions where you will be spending a lot of time in the water and can also be used to keep small amounts of cash and a government issued id.
Click here to shop the best lanyards for cruise travel.
Waterproof Phone Case
As well as the lanyard for your card we also recommend having a waterproof phone case. If you plan on heading in the sea or just want to keep the phone with you while you are in the hot tub and pool you will need a waterproof phoen case with you.
Universal Travel Adaptor
Depending on where you are from, who you are sailing with and where you may need to take a travel adaptor with you to ensure that all your electronics will work. Newer ships also tend to have USB charging points in the cabins so you may also want to have a USB charging cable with you.
Shop universal travel adaptors here.
Medication
You will also need to pack any medications you need in your carry on and be sure to have prescriptions with you.
As well as prescription medication some other medications you may like to travel with include:
- pain medications such as Advil, paracetamol, Tylenol and Ibuprofen
- Reflux Meds such as Gaviscon, Tums etc.
- Birth Control
- Inhalers
Again as your bags won’t necessarily be delivered to your stateroom until evening on the first day it is important to keep your medications in you carry on bag.
Sea sickness medication or motion sickness bands
I personally have never gotten sea sick on a cruise ship but if you are concerned about seasickness be sure to pack some sea sickness meds and some anti motion sickness bands.
It is much cheaper to take these with you rather than having to buy onbaord.
Click here to shop sea sickness meds.
Toiletries
Although most ships provide toiletries I will always pack some on my own as I think they are better quality than those you get on board
For more information on the best toiletries to bring on a cruise check out this post.
On top of the regular travel toiletry essentials we also recommend packing bug spray, after sun / aloe vera as well as a small first aid kit including blister plasters.
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Although toiletries are usually provided you will need to bring your own tooth brush and toothpaste.
Sunscreen
Sunscreen is really important for long days on the islands. It is better to have a reef safe one and one that is good for water as you are likely to be in the sea on your Galapagos trip.
We recommend getting a reef safe one to be better for the wildlife.
Note: Sunscreen is usually available onboard but will cost you a premium if you wait and buy on board.Therefore you should bring this with you if you can.
Lip balm
The contrast between the nice weather on a warm weather cruise with the cruise ship air conditioning is the perfect recipe for dry lips.
We always recommend packing lip balm that has an SPF so your lips are protected when on beach excursions etc. Again our favorite brand is sun bum.
Backpack
A backpack is another essential for a Galapagos cruise. The variety of activities you will be doing and the items you bring with you means a backpack is an essential.
Camera
The Galapagos are beautiful be sure to have a good quality camera with you. And if you plan on doing some proper wildlife photography be sure to have the appropriate lenses with you.
Also a go pro can be useful too for any underwater photography you may wish to do.
What to Wear on a Galapagos Cruise
So now you know what to pack we will turn our attention to what to wear on a Galapagos Cruise.
Galapagos cruises typically ahve their high season from November to January and then again from May to July. But the good thing about the Galapagos is that you can expect the temperatures to be pretty constant from around 24-30 degrees Celsius.
The only real change in the weather is the rain. Rainy season in the Galapagos typically runs from December to June so waterproof jackets and wear is definitely a good idea.
Best Shoes for Galapagos Cruises
Sneakers
Sneakers are absolutely a must for your Galapagos packing list as they can be used on some shore excursions and on the boat itself. However you will also want
Hiking SAndals Sandals
Of course no Galapagos capsule wardrobe is complete without sandals. Sandals are breathable and are good in the heat. We just recommend you picking one with arch support. We also like to wear these at night too so be sure to pick a pair that can double up.
Some good brands to consider are Teva and Keen.
Click here to shop sandals for Galapagos Cruises.
WAterproof Hiking Shoes
If you are traveling in rany season you may walso want to consider some waterproof hiking shoes too.
Flip Flops
For round the pool only.
What to Wear on a Galapagos Cruise for women
Waterproof Jacket
Although you won’t need thick coats in the Galapagos it is worth having a lightweight packable waterproof jacket with you in case of rain especially in the rainy season.
Layers
Although the temperatures are pretty consistant you may want to consider packing a couple of layers for early starts and on deck. Hoodies are a good choice, but I also like to pack a lightweight fleeces as they are really insulating, layer well but also packaway easily and dry quickly if they get wet.
Trousers / Pants
Trousers and pants are a great versatile pick for Galapagos are way more useful than dresses and skirts especially if you are doing lots of outdoors activities.
Now depending on your itinerary I would consider packing the below pants:
- Convertible Hiking Trousers that can double up as shorts and trousers if you plan on doing hikes
Shorts – for hotter months for hiking
- Athleisure – if you prefer hiking in leggings these can be a good pick.
You could also add linen trousers or chinos to your packing list which could double up for use in the main dining room on board your ship.
Skirts and Dresses
These aren’t essential for day times but are perfect for formal and smart casual evenings in the main dining room.
Depenidng on your cruise line you may want to have a more formal dress if your ship is having a cruise formal night.
For more info on specific cruise line dress codes check out these posts:
T Shirts
T Shirts are perfect base layer for the Galapagos. We recommend sticking to something with a cap sleep for sun protection and considering fabrics such as cotton that are good in warm weather.
Blouses
Loose blouses are perfect for Galapagos cruises. I particularly like them for evenings paired with a waterfall cardigan or blazer or even for hiking.
Swimwear
There are lots of opportunities for a swim in the Galapagos as well as the on ship pool and hot tubs so I definitely recommend having one piece of swimwear with you.
Just remember if you want to use these on embarkation day to put them in your cruise carry on.
If you plan on snorkeling you amy also want a rash vest for added sun protection
Formal Outfit
If you plan on attending formal night on a cruise be sure to have an evening dress or formal dress wiht you.
PJs or Nightie, Underwear and Socks
Goes without saying.
Sunglasses
Be sure to pack a pair of sunglasses with good UVA protection as the sun can be strong in the Galapagos
What to Wear on a Galapagos Cruise for Men
Alongside our regular men’s travel essentials we recommend adding the following items to your men’s packing list for Galapagos in Summer:
Jacket
Again a lightweight waterproof jacket is perfect for summer visitors so long as you have something like a fleece to go underneath.
Pants and Shorts
As with the ladies packing list we recommend packing:
- convertible walking trousers,
- shorts and
- something like chinos for use in the formal dining room.
Shop men’s travel chinos here.
T Shirts and Shirts
T shirts are great for days sightseeing. And on top of t shirts you may also want to pack a button down shirt for use on formal nights.
Layers
A hoodie, jumper and fleece alongside your waterproof are the perfect layers.
Formal Outfit
If you plan on attending formal night on a cruise be sure you have either a tux, suit or blazer tie and chinos with you.
Swimwear
For same reason as the female packing list. Just remember to put them in your carry on bag.
Underwear
Goes without saying.
What else to pack for Galapagos cruise
- Reusable Water bottle – again, important if you plan on hiking.
- Mosquito Spray – if you are by lakes and still water this is absolutely an essential
- Travel First Aid Kit – especially important if you plan on doing lots of hiking.
- Blister plasters
- Binoculars – the Galapagos are beautiful be sure to have some binoculars with you to fully appreciate them.
Have you been to Galapagos Cruise? What did you wear? We would love you to tell us in the comments below