Packing for a Galapagos family trip isn't complicated, but it is different depending on when you go. The archipelago has two distinct seasons -- warm/wet (December to May) and cool/dry (June to November) -- and what your family needs in February is noticeably different from what you'll want in August. Get the basics right and you'll be comfortable on every hike, snorkel, and zodiac ride.
We've put this list together from years of sending families to the islands and hearing what they wished they'd packed (and what they wished they'd left behind). For a broader overview of seasonal conditions, check out our guide to the best time to visit the Galapagos with families. And for general packing advice, Galapagos Insiders has a helpful packing list on our blog.
Universal Essentials (Every Month, Every Trip)
These items go in your bag regardless of season:
Sun Protection
Reef-safe sunscreen (SPF 50+): This is non-negotiable. The Galapagos sits on the equator, and the UV is fierce -- even on overcast days. Bring more than you think you need. Choose reef-safe formulas (mineral-based, zinc oxide or titanium dioxide) to protect the marine environment. Apply on the boat before you get to the landing site, not once you're already burning.
Sun hats with chin straps: Wide-brimmed for parents, bucket style for younger kids. The chin strap matters -- zodiac rides are windy and hats blow off constantly. We've watched more hats fly into the Pacific than we can count.
UV-protective clothing: Long-sleeve rash guards for snorkeling and water activities. These protect better than sunscreen in the water and don't wash off. One per child, minimum. Two is better.
Polarised sunglasses with a retainer strap: Polarised lenses cut the water glare beautifully, and your kids will actually be able to spot marine life from the zodiac. A retainer strap (Croakies-style) keeps them from ending up at the bottom of the ocean.
Footwear
Closed-toe water shoes or sport sandals: You'll do wet landings (stepping from the zodiac into shallow water) on most excursions. Regular trainers get soaked and take hours to dry. Closed-toe water shoes protect feet on rocky volcanic shorelines while draining quickly. Keens, Tevas with toe protection, or similar. This is the single most important item on the list.
Light hiking shoes or trainers: For dry landings and longer hikes across lava fields. Nothing heavy-duty needed -- trails are short, usually under 2 kilometers. Breathable and broken-in is what matters.
Flip-flops or slides: For the boat deck and beach time. Boats have "no shoes on deck" policies on some vessels, so easy on-off footwear is handy.
Clothing Basics
Quick-dry shorts and T-shirts: Cotton stays damp and uncomfortable. Synthetic or merino blend fabrics dry fast after splashes, sweat, and unexpected rain. Pack 3-4 sets per person.
Lightweight long trousers: For brushy trail sections and evening insect protection. One pair per person is enough.
Swimwear: Two sets per child. You'll be in and out of the water multiple times a day, and a wet swimsuit from the morning snorkel is miserable for the afternoon session.
A light layer for evenings: Even in the warm season, the boat deck can feel cool after sunset. A thin fleece or hoodie is sufficient December through May.
Insect repellent: Mosquitoes are present on some islands, particularly in the warm/wet season. DEET-based or picaridin-based repellent is most effective.
Basic first aid kit: Plasters, antiseptic wipes, antihistamine cream (for insect bites), any prescription medications. Remember that the small expedition yachts we recommend do not carry onboard doctors. See our medical safety guide for more.
Reusable water bottles: Most vessels have filtered water stations for refilling. Single-use plastic bottles are restricted in the Galapagos National Park.
Dry Bags and Day Packs
Waterproof dry bag (10-20L per person): For zodiac transfers and wet landings. Phones, cameras, and spare clothes stay dry. This is essential, not optional.
Light daypack: For carrying water, sunscreen, camera, and snacks during shore excursions. One per adult is usually enough -- younger kids won't want to carry one.
Warm/Wet Season Additions (December to May)
The warm season brings air temperatures of 27-30°C (80-86°F), warmer water (around 24-26°C / 75-79°F), occasional heavy rain showers, and stronger sun. It's the green season -- lusher vegetation, more nesting birds, and calmer seas overall.
Lightweight rain jacket: Showers come fast and pass quickly. A packable waterproof layer is enough -- no need for heavy rain gear. Kids' ponchos work well and pack small.
Extra sunscreen: The combination of equatorial sun and wet skin (from rain and swimming) means you'll reapply constantly. Bring at least one full bottle per family member for a week-long trip.
Thin rashguard or swim shirt: Water is warm enough for extended snorkeling in just a rashguard. No wetsuit needed for most children December through May.
Insect repellent (extra): Mosquitoes are more active in the warm, wet months. Bring enough for twice-daily application.
Waterproof phone pouch: The combination of spray, rain, and wet landings makes this season particularly hard on electronics. A simple sealed pouch protects your phone without limiting use.
Cool/Dry Season Additions (June to November)
The cool season brings air temperatures of 20-25°C (68-77°F), cooler water (around 18-22°C / 64-72°F), the garua mist (a persistent light drizzle, especially in the highlands), and choppier seas from the southeast trade winds. This is the season for whale watching and albatross nesting on Espanola.
Wetsuit or thick rashguard for kids: The water temperature drops noticeably in the cool season. Children feel the cold more than adults, and they'll be in the water for 30-60 minutes at a time during snorkeling sessions. A 3mm shorty wetsuit makes a huge difference. Some vessels provide wetsuits, but children's sizes aren't always available -- check with us when you book.
Warmer layering: A medium-weight fleece or softshell jacket for morning excursions and evening deck time. The garua mist can make 22°C feel much cooler than it sounds. Layering is key -- mornings can be chilly but midday warms up.
Warm beanie or headband: For early morning zodiac rides in July-September. It sounds excessive for the tropics, but the wind chill on an open zodiac at 6:30 AM in August is real.
Long-sleeve thermal or base layer: One per person, for wearing under a fleece on particularly cool mornings or for extra warmth in the water.
Closed shoes for wet highland trails: The garua keeps highland trails on Santa Cruz and San Cristobal consistently muddy in the cool season. Your hiking shoes will get muddy -- this is unavoidable.
Kids-Specific Gear by Age
Ages 6 to 10
Binoculars (kid-sized): Lightweight, rubber-armoured binoculars designed for small hands. These transform the experience for younger children. Spotting a frigate bird before the guide points it out is a genuine thrill. 8x21 compact models are ideal.
Wildlife identification card or field guide: A laminated waterproof species card is more practical than a book. Let them check off each species as they spot it.
Small waterproof notebook and pencil: For nature journaling. Younger kids love sketching the animals they see, and the guides often encourage this.
Comfort item: A small stuffed animal or familiar blanket for the cabin. New environments, unfamiliar beds, engine noise at night -- having something familiar helps younger children settle in.
Waterproof camera or old phone in waterproof case: Giving a younger child their own camera keeps them engaged and creates wonderful memories. Underwater disposables still exist and work well.
Ages 11 to 15
GoPro or waterproof action camera: Teenagers produce genuinely impressive snorkeling footage. If they don't already have one, this is the trip to invest. A head or chest mount leaves hands free for swimming.
Portable battery pack (10,000+ mAh): For phones, cameras, and other devices. Cabins have charging points, but your teen will want to charge on the go. A single good battery pack lasts 2-3 full phone charges.
Headphones: For music, audiobooks, and podcasts during downtime and overnight crossings. Noise-cancelling helps with engine noise at night.
Card games or compact board games: Internet is available on most vessels (more on that in our WiFi guide for teens), but after-dinner card games on the sun deck have a way of becoming the highlight of the trip.
Their own daypack: Teenagers prefer carrying their own gear. A small, lightweight pack with a water bottle pocket.
Mother and daughter hiking at Los Tuneles, Galapagos islands, Ecuador
Snorkeling Gear: What's Provided vs. What to Bring
All Galapagos cruise vessels provide snorkeling equipment -- mask, snorkel, and fins -- as part of the trip. However, we strongly recommend bringing your own mask for each family member, especially for children. Here's why:
Fit matters enormously. A poorly fitting mask leaks constantly, which ruins the experience and can panic younger snorkellers. Vessel-provided masks come in limited sizes and may not fit small faces well.
Hygiene. Shared snorkels are cleaned between uses, but many families prefer their own.
Familiarity. If your child has practiced with their own mask in a pool at home, they'll be immediately comfortable in the Galapagos.
Our recommendation: Bring your own masks and snorkels. Use the vessel's fins (they're bulky to pack and the vessel will have sizes to fit). If your child is a confident swimmer, consider bringing their own fins too -- a well-fitted fin makes snorkeling much easier.
Wetsuits are provided on some vessels for cool-season trips, but children's sizes are hit-or-miss. If you're traveling June to November, bring a shorty wetsuit for each child.
Electronics and Photography
Waterproof camera or phone housing: You will be in and around water every single day. Some of the most memorable encounters -- sea lion pups, marine iguanas swimming, sea turtles gliding past -- happen underwater. If you don't have a waterproof camera, at minimum get a waterproof phone case rated to 10+ meters.
Zoom lens or binoculars (not both): Birds are often at a distance. A 200mm+ zoom on a camera or a good pair of binoculars (10x42 is the sweet spot for wildlife) will let you appreciate the details. But don't overpack -- carrying a heavy camera bag on hikes gets old fast.
Memory cards and backup storage: You will take vastly more photos than you expect. Bring at least 128GB of total storage across cards, and consider a small portable hard drive for evening backups.
Universal power adapter: Ecuador uses Type A and B plugs (same as the US and Canada). If you're traveling from elsewhere, bring an adapter. Vessels usually have limited power outlets per cabin -- a multi-port USB charger is invaluable.
Portable battery pack: At least one per family. 20,000 mAh if you're carrying cameras, phones, and a teenager's devices.
What NOT to Bring (National Park Rules and Common Sense)
The Galapagos National Park has strict rules about what can enter the islands. Some of these are also just good packing sense:
Drones: Prohibited in the Galapagos National Park. Don't bring one -- it will be confiscated at the airport.
Non-reef-safe sunscreen: Products containing oxybenzone or octinoxate damage coral and marine life. Use mineral-based (zinc oxide / titanium dioxide) formulas only.
Fresh food, seeds, or plant material: Biosecurity is taken very seriously. All bags are inspected on arrival. Snacks from mainland Ecuador are fine if they're packaged -- no fresh fruit, vegetables, or unpackaged seeds.
White-soled shoes: Dark-soled shoes can track seeds and organisms between islands. Some vessels specifically request dark soles. It's a minor point but worth checking.
Excessive luggage: If you're flying to the Galapagos from Quito or Guayaquil, domestic airlines typically allow 23kg checked luggage. Internal island-hopper flights (small planes) may have lower limits. Pack light -- you'll wear the same few items on rotation.
Formal clothing: Galapagos cruises are informal. Nobody dresses up for dinner. Leave the smart clothes in Quito.
Thick towels: Vessels provide towels for cabins and for excursions. Towels eat luggage space. Leave yours at home.
Airline Baggage Tips for Families
Getting your family's gear from home to the Galapagos involves at least two flights (international to Quito or Guayaquil, then domestic to Baltra or San Cristobal). Here's how to make it smooth:
Split essentials across bags. If one suitcase goes missing, you don't want all the sunscreen, medication, and snorkel gear in that one bag. Spread critical items across family members' luggage.
Carry-on the irreplaceables. Prescription medication, passports, snorkel masks, camera gear, and one change of clothes per person. If your checked bag arrives a day late (it happens), you can still enjoy the first excursion.
Pack a collapsible duffel. Useful for separating dirty clothes and for any souvenirs on the return trip.
Check weight limits for the domestic flight. LATAM and Avianca typically allow 23kg for the Galapagos route. Confirm with your airline. Excess baggage fees apply and the domestic terminals enforce them.
Galapagos National Park entry fee: Not a packing item, but worth noting here -- you'll need cash (US dollars, which is Ecuador's currency) to pay the park entry fee on arrival. Currently $100 per adult and $50 per child under 12. There's also a $20 transit control card. ATMs exist on Santa Cruz and San Cristobal but aren't always reliable.
"From our experience, park fees do change periodically and we always confirm the exact amounts with families before departure. We recommend budgeting for the current published rates and bringing extra cash as a buffer, since the payment is cash-only on arrival."
Your Packing Checklist at a Glance
Pack smart and you'll travel light. The Galapagos rewards families who focus on comfort and practicality over fashion. If you're unsure about anything -- especially wetsuit sizing for your kids or whether your vessel provides specific gear -- ask us. We check with each vessel before every departure and can give you exact answers.
With more than 18 years of experience in luxury and tailor-made travel, Marcelo combines deep operational expertise with firsthand knowledge of Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands. His extensive travels across 30+ countries help shape journeys that balance authenticity, comfort, and seamless execution.
