The Ultimate Galápagos Packing List

The Galápagos has two seasons: the warm, rainy season from December to June, and the cool, dry season from June to December. In both, however, the weather can be variable, so it’s best to be prepared with layers.

Generally speaking, you’ll want to pack quick-drying clothing “so if you get wet from a wave or from sweat, you will dry quickly,” says Mórtola. “Also, if you wash your own clothing, it will be ready for reuse quicker.” She also advises wearing neutral colors, as bright colors can attract wasps on some islands.

Best Short-sleeved Shirt for Men

L.L.Bean Tee Short-Sleeve

$40 at L.L.Bean

Though the Galápagos is on the equator, it’s not necessarily as hot as you might think. In the warm season, it’s usually in the 80s Fahrenheit and occasionally in the low 90s. Though you might be tempted to wear a tank top, you’re going to want to cover your shoulders; the sun is extremely strong here, and you can burn fast. This tee provides UPF 50+ sun protection and is moisture-wicking and quick-drying to evaporate away your sweat.

Best Short-sleeved Shirt for Women

REI Co-op Sahara T-Shirt

$9 at REI

With a UPF 30 rating, this moisture-wicking shirt provides adequate sun protection — though you should always be sure to put sunscreen on any exposed skin. It also has an antimicrobial treatment that slows the growth of odor-causing bacteria, which is ideal for light packers who want to wear their clothes more than once on a trip. That said, this shirt is quick-drying so it’s easy to hand wash when necessary, too.

Best Long-sleeved Shirt for Men

Columbia Long Sleeve Shirt

View on Columbia.com

Even in hot weather, a long-sleeved shirt is a good idea for sun protection. This one has a UPF 40 rating, with plenty of cooling measures to keep you comfortable, from a mesh-lined vent in the back to moisture-wicking technology. And, if you’re visiting the Galápagos during the cooler months, you’ll probably appreciate the touch of warmth (or at least wind protection) that the sleeves might provide you.

Best Long-sleeved Shirt for Women

Eddie Bauer UPF Guide Long-Sleeve Shirt

$41 at Amazon View on Eddiebauer.com View on Belk.com

You don't have to sacrifice style or comfort when choosing women's sun-protective clothing. If you run a bit hot, the fabric of this long-sleeved shirt has a texture designed to feel lighter on your skin. And that’s in addition to all the standard elements of a good outdoor shirt: it’s also moisture-wicking and quick-drying. As for sun protection, you’re looking at a UPF rating of 50+, with asymmetrical sun cuffs providing even more coverage.

Best Hiking Shorts for Men

Patagonia Shorts

View on Patagonia.com

Hiking shorts are not only a smart idea because of the heat, but because many landings on the islands are wet landings — that is, you’ll step from a panga into shallow water to get ashore. This pair is lightweight, stretchy, and water repellent, and it has a 40+ UPF sun protection rating. It also has a zipped pocket to keep some valuables safe while you’re on a trail or getting into or out of the inflatable dinghy.

Best Hiking Shorts for Women

Kühl Cargo Shorts

$26 at REI View on Kuhl.com

When it comes to hiking shorts for women, cargo shorts are a solid idea for practical reasons as their many pockets are helpful for stashing gear while you’re on the go in the Galápagos. While we all know women’s clothing frequently lacks pockets, this pair has six: two front pockets, two rear snap-closure pockets, and two side pockets. It’s also made of moisture-wicking, quick-drying synthetic fabric with a UPF 50+ sun protection rating.

Best Travel Pants for Men

Coalatree Trailhead Pant

$99 at Coalatree.com

These stylish travel pants work just as well as they do on a hike as they do out on the town. (And we found them comfortable enough to wear on a long flight during our tests!) Made from a ripstop nylon, these pants have enough structure to keep them fitting perfectly after hours of wear, but also enough stretch to allow for plenty of activity. They’re also water-resistant, stain-proof, and antimicrobial.

Best Travel Pants for Women

Wondery Isabel 2.0 Outdoor Pants

View on Wonderybrand.com View on Activethreads.com

Again, for the ladies, it’s all about the pockets. These cargo pants have six of them — two front, two back, and two side. But what we love most about these pants is that they have a more fashion-forward profile than other cargos, thanks to a high waist and tapered leg. Just keep in mind that these aren’t water-resistant, though they are moisture-wicking.

Best Dress Shorts for Men

Bonobos Stretch Chino Shorts

View on Bonobos.com

The Galápagos are laid-back islands, so there’s no need to dress up when you’re visiting — unless your cruise ship has a dress code. If you need a nicer pair of shorts, these stretchy yet tailored chinos come in a variety of colors and patterns, as well as three different cuts and three different lengths. You can essentially customize these shorts to suit your style with ease.

Best Casual Dress

Athleta Printed Dress

View on Gap.com

A little black dress is a must, no matter where you’re going. In keeping with the Galápagos Islands’ casual vibe, we love this midi dress that can be worn night or day. If you feel like jazzing it up, a little jewelry and a heel can go a long way. Or, if you want to wear the dress with Tevas or Birkenstocks, that works just fine, too.

Best Trunks

Vuori Banks Short

$47 at REI $68 at Nordstrom $68 at Vuoriclothing.com

You can spend hours snorkeling in the Galápagos — on some trips every single day — so you’ll need the proper gear for a swim. We especially adore these swim trunks for their ultra-soft fabric that feels more like shorts than a bathing suit. They’re unlined and dry quickly, so they’re the perfect shorts to go from the hiking trail to a swimming spot. We also love that they come in 12 colors — and they have a zipped pocket for keys or other valuables. And did we mention that they have a sun protection rating of UPF 30+?

Best One-piece

Andie The Amalfi

View on Amazon $112 at Nordstrom $98 at Andieswim.com

A women's swimsuit is a must on this kind of trip, and many active travelers love one-piece swimsuits. This bathing suit stands out for its customization options, which include fabric texture, bottom coverage, and torso length. It also gets high marks for its lightweight compressive fabric, which strikes the perfect level of snugness — i.e., it’s not too restrictive, but it does provide solid support. The swimsuit comes with a built-in bra shelf with removable padded cups.

Best Rain Jacket for Men

Outdoor Research Foray Super Stretch Jacket

$300 at REI $300 at Backcountry.com $300 at Outdoorresearch.com

“Even though Galápagos is surprisingly dry for tropical latitudes, you could experience mist, locally known as garua, or even short periods of rain,” says Darrel Schoeling, Lindblad Expeditions’ director of expedition development in the Galápagos. “A rain jacket will service you well if you go to Quito in the Andes,” he adds. Our tester loved this rain jacket for its stretch material in the back that provides extra mobility.

Best Rain Jacket for Women

Outdoor Research Aspire Super Stretch Jacket

$300 at Amazon $300 at REI $300 at Backcountry.com

The Gore-tex membrane of this rain jacket certainly does its job well — we did not get wet at all through it during our extensive tests. Despite being impervious to water, the jacket is surprisingly breathable, and it even has ventilation beneath your arms running from your armpit to the hem. It’s also easily packable, thanks to how thin its material is.

Best Fleece for Men

The North Face Canyonlands Men’s Hoodie

$100 at Nordstrom View on Nordstrom $70 at Zappos

“The Galápagos is surprisingly cool given its position smack on the Equator. Penguins and fur seals live in these waters,” says Schoeling. As such, he recommends you pack a fleece to keep warm at night, particularly if it’s a blustery evening. This lightweight jacket is made out of smooth-face stretch fleece that compresses easily for packability.

Best Fleece for Women

Kühl Aero Fleece Hoody

View on Kuhl.com

You can't go wrong with a versatile women's fleece jacket and this one is made from a lightweight fleece that’s water-resistant, wind-resistant, and even dog-hair–resistant! It comes in three styles: a pullover, a zipped jacket, and a full-zip hoodie. Though you probably won’t need this feature in the Galápagos, there is a pocket within the pockets for hand warmers, which we think is a clever addition.

You don’t need to bring too many shoes in the Galápagos. All you really need is a pair of shoes that can get wet and a pair of shoes for easy hikes — and that can even be the same shoe if you opt for a hiking sandal. If you’re staying on a ship that allows guests to wear shoes onboard (sometimes smaller boats ask you to go barefoot!), you’ll also want to pack a pair of shoes with decent traction, like a true boat shoe. Each pair we’ve selected here comes in both men’s and women’s versions.

Best Water Shoes for Women and Men

Dlgjpa Women’s Quick-drying Water Shoes

$30 at Amazon

For wet landings, you’ll want to wear shoes that can, well, handle getting wet. You can always change into dry shoes once you’re on shore. Or you can opt for a pair that’s perfect for sea-to-land adventures. These shoes may look like sneakers, but they’re specially designed to dry quickly. The uppers are made from hydrophobic mesh, while the RB/EVA foam outsole has tiny drainage holes.

We found them perfect for both swimming and walking on sand and concrete, offering just as much support as running sneakers — and they come in both women’s and men’s sizing. We also love the quick-pull laces that make the shoes easy to put on and take off.

Best Hiking Sandals for Women and Men

Keen Newport H2 Closed-toe Water Sandals

$80 at Amazon $130 at Backcountry.com $125 at Zappos

As tempted as you might be to wear flip-flops, you should opt for sandals with much more support, like those specifically labeled hiking sandals for men and women. “Water-resistant sport sandals are better for getting in or out of the skiffs during wet landings,” says Niceto Yalan, adventure director for Natural Habitat Adventures’ Peru and Ecuador trips. They’re also better for hiking over uneven terrain — and you’ll find lots of that in the Galápagos. These water-resistant closed-toe hiking sandals (also available in men’s sizing) provide your feet with both the protection and the support they’ll need on any excursion. Just remember that it’s easy for rocks and sand to get inside these sandals.

Best Hiking Boots for Men and Women

Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid Gore-tex Hiking Boots

$175 at REI $175 at Backcountry.com $165 at Zappos

The terrain isn’t typically too challenging in the Galápagos, and hikes are only a few miles at most, so it’s fine to wear sneakers with good traction most of the time. But if you need a little more support to feel comfortable on uneven terrain, consider bringing hiking boots like this pair also offered in women’s sizes.

“Although some people are completely comfortable with tennis shoes at all times, lightweight hiking shoes with good ankle support are recommended on the islands where we may be walking over lava rocks,” says Yalan. This pair is extremely lightweight and doesn’t require a break-in period, according to our tests. And they’re waterproof, though they’re too short for a wet landing — you’ll want to wear a pair of water shoes or sandals for that. Keep in mind that if you’re hiking over young lava flows, your shoes will get torn up by their jagged edges. As such, it’s often recommended that you wear an older pair of hikers or sneakers.

Best Boat Shoes for Men and Women

Sperry Authentic Original Boat Shoe

$95 at Nordstrom View on Nordstrom $69 at Zappos

They’re called boat shoes for a reason. These classic slip-on shoes are designed to grip onto a slippery boat deck. And while your Galápagos cruise might not encounter rough seas that soak the deck, it’s not a bad idea to be prepared, just in case. Plus, this Sperry boat shoe is iconic on land just as much as (if not more than) it is at sea for both men and women.

A trip to the Galápagos and a safari have a lot in common when it comes to packing, particularly when it comes to your bags and accessories. You’ll want some kind of daypack to take ashore, plus plenty of sun-protection accessories like hats and sunglasses. When it comes to packing all these things, consider bringing a soft bag like a duffel instead of a hardshell suitcase. “There is usually not a lot of space in the cabins, so if you take a soft bag, it will be easier to store,” says Mórtola.

Best Daypack

Osprey Daylite Plus Daypack

$75 at Amazon $75 at REI $75 at Backcountry.com

Most Galápagos excursions are a few hours long, so it’s crucial to bring a daypack for hiking or another bag to carry essential gear, such as a water bottle and sunscreen. This multi-use daypack has an interchangeable sleeve that can be used for either a laptop or a hydration bladder (though it’s not included) — and this makes it great for both flying and hiking. There’s a non-padded hip belt for additional support as well.

Best Fanny Pack

Nathan Hydration Waist Pack

$33 at Amazon $40 at REI View on Nathansports.com

One thing to consider about daypacks is that you’ll have to take them off while wearing your life jacket in the pangas. That means they just become another item to worry about in the boat — and that’s why a fanny pack might be a better option for heading ashore. “Embarking and disembarking on the pangas is always better hands-free,” says Mórtola. This bag has a bottle holder for easy access to your water.

Best Dry Bag

Sea to Summit Dry Bag

$38 at Amazon $65 at REI View on Seatosummit.com

If you plan on taking a camera ashore, we highly recommend stowing it in a dry bag for your panga transfers, since saltwater and cameras don’t mix. This roll-top dry bag comes in seven sizes, from three liters to 65 liters, so there’s space for as much or as little as you want to carry. The bag doesn’t come with a strap though, so you’ll either have to stash it in your day pack or use the lash points to connect it to another bag. Sea to Summit does make a sling compatible with the 2023 model of this dry bag, but you have to purchase it separately.

Best Hat

Solbari Wanderer Sun Hat

$55 at Amazon View on Solbari.com

Have we mentioned that sun protection is key in the Galápagos? A packable sun hat, preferably with a wide brim, can protect your scalp, your face, and your neck from the harsh sun (though you should still apply sunscreen anyway!). This one has a UPF 50+ sun protection rating, mesh ventilation to keep your head cool, and a removable chin strap; it can get windy in the Galápagos, so we recommend keeping that strap in place.

Best Polarized Sunglasses for Men

Raen Aren Polarized Sunglasses

$135 at Amazon

Polarized sunglasses not only protect your eyes from the sun’s glare and sea spray, but they also help you see things below the surface of the water — and there’s a lot to see down there in the Galápagos. We especially love this pair, which has a flattering frame shape and a fun golden hue. After wearing them for six months, they showed no signs of wear and tear either.

Best Polarized Sunglasses for Women

Indy Nolita Sunglasses

View on Indysunglasses.com View on Tillys.com $79 at Freepeople.com

Polarized lenses are often associated with sports sunglasses, but this pair proves that they can be stylish, too. They have a distinctive curved cat-eye frame that’s both flexible and durable, making them capable of handling all sorts of travels. Just be sure to keep them in a protective sleeve or case when not in use as they can be prone to scratches otherwise.

Best Tall Socks

Darn Tough Crew Socks with Cushion

$25 at Amazon $25 at REI View on Darntough.com

Almost every trip to the Galápagos includes a visit to Rancho El Manzanillo, a local farm where giant tortoises roam freely. There, you’ll be given a pair of muck boots to borrow to trek through the mud — and you’ll definitely want to wear tall socks for hiking with them! We love this pair for their extra cushioning and moisture-wicking properties. Just note that they tend to run on the smaller side.

Many tour operators and cruise lines provide a plethora of gear to guests, from wetsuits to snorkel equipment, so you don’t always need to pack your own. But, just in case you do, we’ve assembled a list of recommended items to pack for the Galápagos. It’s by no means exhaustive (photographers, for instance, will want to bring cameras and lenses), but it’s a good launch point for enhancing your trip.

Best Travel Towel

PackTowl Camping and Travel Towel

$35 at Amazon

Towels are frequently provided by tour operators, particularly on snorkeling excursions, but keeping an extra one on hand could prove useful at other times. They’re key for drying off your feet after wet landings if you plan on changing shoes, and they can also be helpful if you get splashed on your panga ride. We recommend taking a lightweight travel towel like this one, which comes in four sizes. You probably won’t need a full beach towel in the Galápagos, but a hand or body towel can be easily stashed in your day pack.

Best Snorkel Set

Cressi Travel Snorkel Set

$75 at Amazon

Snorkel sets are almost always provided by your tour operator, but the quality and fit aren’t ever guaranteed. You might want to buy your own set ahead of time, like this one by Cressi, to ensure the gear works best for you. “If you wear glasses, consider a prescription mask — and for contact lens wearers, extra lenses just in case,” says Schoeling. “Snorkeling here is out of this world.”

Best Underwater Camera

GoPro Hero11

$249 at Amazon $350 at Gopro.com $250 at Best Buy

An iPhone might do for photography on land, but if you want to capture your underwater experience, you’ll need an underwater camera. This GoPro is easy to take with you on a snorkeling adventure, and it captures both high-quality photos and video, the latter of which will be stabilized for a better shot. Just keep in mind it’s only waterproof-rated to a depth of 33 feet, so it’s not ideal for scuba diving.

Best Reef-safe Sunscreen

Maui Naturals Surfer Honey All Natural Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30

View on Mauirain.com

If you plan on using sunscreen in the Galápagos — and we highly recommend that you do — make sure it’s a reef-safe sunscreen to ensure you don’t harm the aquatic environment. There isn’t much coral here, but it’s a delicate ecosystem nonetheless! This all-natural formula feels hydrating, but not greasy, and it has a pleasant sweet scent. It does leave a bit of a white cast, though it disappears within a few minutes. Remember to reapply frequently!

Best Reusable Water Bottle

Thermoflask Stainless Steel Water Bottle

$23 at Amazon $30 at Target View on Mythermoflask.com

Staying hydrated is key no matter where you travel, so it’s important to carry a reusable water bottle wherever you go. We love this one for its durability, top-notch insulation, and dual options for a lid (a straw top and chug cap). It comes in five sizes — we recommend picking one that will fit into your day pack or fanny pack.

Best Binoculars

Maven C2 10x28 Compact Binocular

$250 at Amazon

In the Galápagos, you can get so close to wildlife that you probably won’t even need binoculars the majority of the time. “The challenge is not stepping on the animals going about their business directly in front of you,” says Schoeling. “But if you want to admire the finches or scan the horizon, binoculars are a nice tool.” We love these compact binoculars for petite size — they’re easy to carry in your pack since they don’t add too much weight.

Best Insect Repellent

Murphy's Naturals Mosquito Repellent Balm

$15 at Amazon

Fortunately bugs aren’t a major concern in the Galápagos. “Usually, bugs only bother us during the wet and hot season,” says Mórtola. “Some ships offer insect repellent, but it is not a bad idea to take your own bug spray with you just in case.” This repellent comes in a balm form, so it’s easy to only use a little bit at a time as necessary (and take with you in your carry-on bag!). It’s made with all-natural ingredients and even has moisturizing qualities,too.

Best Wetsuit

O'Neill Full Wetsuit

View on Amazon $266 at REI $390 at Zappos

During the cool season, the water can be very cold — sometimes as low as 60 degrees Fahrenheit — so a wetsuit is essential to enjoy longer snorkeling sessions. Most cruise ships provide guests with wetsuits, so if that’s the case, there’s no need to pack your own. But be sure to check before you leave this item behind! And if you’re wondering whether or not it’s worth getting into the cold water, it absolutely is. The cold water is filled with more nutrients, so wildlife comes out to feast in spectacular numbers. This full-body wetsuit by O’Neill will keep you well-insulated on your snorkeling excursion, wrapping your body in a highly flexible neoprene.