Packing for an overseas trip is always fun, especially if you are heading off on a once-in-a-lifetime holiday adventure, but when it comes to packing for a trip to the Galapagos Islands, you need to plan your wardrobe carefully if you are to look your best, remain comfortable whatever the weather throws at you… and not scare the wildlife away!

Image courtesy of Neotropic Expeditions

The Galapagos Islands may be remote, and you may even feel like an adventurer if you’ve booked one of the many great activity holidays available, but that doesn’t mean that you have to dress like Indiana Jones.  Outdoor gear is essential, but you really don’t need big heavy hiking boots, combat trousers, or a heavy jacket. Keep it light, keep it simple, and your trip will be much more enjoyable.

Galapagos Luggage Allowance

If you are flying in to your chosen Galapagos Island from Quito, your luggage allowance will be restricted, in most instances to just 15kg, and so it is important that you find this out before you leave home as it may be significantly less than that of your international flight. Once you know what you’ve got to play with, you can start planning your holiday wardrobe.

What to Pack for the Galapagos Islands

As the Galapagos Islands are close to the equator, the climate is subtropical all year round.  December to May are classed as the warmer, wetter months, while June to November are considered the cooler, drier months, but the temperatures rarely drop below 19°C, and so you need to pack accordingly.

Lightweight layers are most definitely the way to go in the Galapagos Islands, so you can dress up or down to suit the weather conditions. Here’s a basic list of what you need:

Clothing List for Galapagos

• T-shirts (made from breathable fabrics)
• Long-sleeve cotton shirts
• Shorts
• Lightweight hiking trousers
• Swimwear
• Sleepwear
• Light pullover or sweatshirt
• Sunhat or cap
• Sunglasses
• A pair of trainers or hiking shoes
• A pair of flip-flops or sandals
• A pair of water shoes (if you plan on doing lots of water based activities)
• Underwear / socks
• Sunscreen / insect repellent / toiletries
• Lightweight fleece or jacket for cooler evenings
• Rain poncho

Accessories for the Galapagos

• Small daypack
• Camera / underwater camera / Go Pro
• Spare batteries and memory cards
• Phone charger / power bank
• Plug adapter
• Binoculars
• Waterproof bag to protect electrical goods

Optional Extras

• Evening attire (dresses, trousers, shirts, blouses etc.) if you would like to dress up for dinner
• Headlamp with batteries – If you want to explore at night
• Reusable water bottle
• Travel guide

Most reputable companies provide gear for water based activities such as snorkelling, kayaking and diving, so you don’t need to worry about carrying any gear with you.

Life is very much laid back and relaxed on the islands, so you can go with smart-casual all day, and spend more time focusing on the magnificent landscapes and awe-inspiring wildlife, and less time thinking about what to wear!