Faqs

The maximum number of guests on our tours generally depends on the type of tour. For most of our experiences, the group size is 15 or fewer. We prioritize keeping our groups small to offer a more personalized service and foster meaningful connections among travelers. Socializing is often a highlight of the journey—many of our guests find it to be one of the most rewarding aspects of their trip. With shared adventures and common interests, you're likely to form lasting friendships throughout the week.

We recommend booking as early as possible to secure your preferred tour dates, especially if traveling during holiday and summer time. For our standard departure tours, booking at least 6–12 months in advance is ideal to ensure availability.

If you’re planning a custom tour, we recommend reaching out more than 6 months in advance. This allows us ample time to secure all the personalized details and ensure your itinerary is perfectly tailored to your needs.

Last-minute bookings are possible, but availability cannot be guaranteed. If your dates are flexible, we’ll do our best to accommodate you.

Most of our tours fall under what we call "soft adventure," meaning they’re designed for active travelers who enjoy outdoor exploration without requiring intense physical exertion. You don’t need to be an athlete, but a moderate level of fitness is recommended to fully enjoy activities like hiking, kayaking, and snorkeling.

We also offer options within our itineraries to accommodate different fitness levels, so you can choose the pace that suits you best. If you have specific concerns about physical requirements, feel free to reach out—we’re happy to help you determine if a tour is the right fit for you!

No problem! Our tours are designed to accommodate all experience levels, including beginners. If you’ve never snorkeled before, our experienced guides will provide all the necessary equipment and give you a brief introduction to snorkeling techniques. To ensure everyone feels confident and supported, we also include an additional assistant in the water to help anyone who needs extra guidance or reassurance.

Snorkeling in the Galapagos is a truly unique experience. The waters are calm and teeming with incredible marine life, making it an ideal place for first-timers. You'll have the chance to swim alongside playful sea lions, spot colorful fish, glide near graceful sea turtles, and, if you're lucky, even encounter penguins or reef sharks.

Many of our guests snorkel for the first time on our tours and find it to be one of the most unforgettable highlights of their trip. Don’t worry—everyone starts somewhere, and we’ll make sure you feel comfortable and have an amazing time exploring this extraordinary underwater world!

No problem.  All of the activities are completely optional.  During the biking in the highlands of San Cristobal, a support vehicle will be available if you get tired or don't feel comfortable and you can still enjoy the great views from the highlands.

Because this is a land-based trip, there's no need to worry about being stranded on a boat if you don't want to participate in an activity.  You can use your free time to relax in your room, explore the town, or head to beach with a book in hand.

First, we need to be informed in writing as soon as possible.  The date the letter or email is received by GALAKIWI will determine the cancellation charges applicable.  There are three different scenarios.  If you cancel:

1. More than 60 days before departure: We are happy to transfer your deposit to another date. 
2. 60-31 days before departure: lose 50% of tour cost
3. 30 days or fewer before departure: lose 100% of tour cost

We strongly advise taking out cancellation insurance at the time of reservation.

Any time is a good time to visit the Islands.  Different animals breed at different times throughout the year and there is always something to see.  During the warmer months from January to June, the water is warmer and generally calmer meaning more comfortable boat crossings and snorkeling.   However, the cooler waters and nutrient rich currents from July to December bring food and a flourish of activity to the underwater world of Galapagos.  During this period most of the animals, which rely upon the sea for their food, will be breeding.  Nevertheless, this is the wild, there is no off-season, expect to see anything, anywhere, anytime.

Yes! We have tours designed for families, multigenerational groups, and active travelers of all ages.

Absolutely! We specialize in creating personalized itineraries to suit your group's needs and interests. Whether you want to focus on wildlife, adventure, or culture, we can design a tour that fits your preferences. From choosing specific islands to customizing activities, we work with you to create the perfect Galapagos experience. Just let us know what you're looking for, and we'll tailor the tour to make it unforgettable!

We provide a detailed packing list, but essentials include lightweight clothing, sturdy shoes, swimwear, sunscreen, and reusable water bottles.

Yes, travel insurance is mandatory for all of our tours. It provides coverage for unexpected events such as medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost luggage, or travel delays. We suggest ensuring that your insurance policy includes coverage for adventure activities, as some tours may involve hiking, snorkeling, or other outdoor pursuits. Also it should cover evacuation and repatriation coverage as the Galapagos islands are in a very remote location Please check with your insurance provider to ensure your policy meets your needs for travel to the Galapagos.

There are no mandatory vaccinations, but consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice.