My solo trip to the Galápagos Islands was one of the most incredible experiences of my life. With the help of social media and blogs I was able to prepare as best I knew how, but still learned a LOT along the way to share with you. Here are items that I found were ESSENTIAL to having a successful trip on the islands – staying safe from the hot sun and taking home the memories that I will cherish for the rest of my lifetime!
1. Snorkel Gear
The last thing you need on vacation is to get someone else’s germs. One of the easiest ways to prevent that is to carry your own gear. Having a set also assures you can head to any public beach to have your own snorkel adventure at no cost! This is particularly helpful at La Lobería on San Cristóbal Island when swimming with all the playful sea lions.
I have owned this set for 5 years and they continue to be one of my trustiest beach accessories.
2. Plus-Size Wet Suit
I could not have afforded to pay hundreds of dollars for these tours and the companies not have a wet suit that fits me. It made me feel 1000% more confident having my own 3X suit that fit and things went perfectly! And I wasn’t the only one who brought my own. It was such a win – I stayed warm in the chilled water, had the time of my life, and will 100% bring my own every other trip that calls for a wetsuit.
Note: On my final tour, the day before I left the islands, I took a tour with an office that had a 3X wet suit that I was able to use so that mine could dry out before packing in my suitcase. So, it’s possible that you could find companies with extended sizes. They are out there. As I was touring different (smaller) islands, I just wasn’t sure and wanted to curb my anxiety.
3. Rash Guard Swimsuit
Having rash guards are a real savior for this fair-skinned girl who burns better than she tans! The sun in the Galápagos is INTENSE so be prepared to protect yourself in multiple ways.
Option 1: I used these daily because they kept my shoulders from burning while staying super comfortable. These are also moderately plus size friendly, available up to 3X with stretch.
Option 2: This top has stood the test of time for me for over 5 years (the bottoms I threw out). The arms are a bit long but it works fine for me and I love the thumb holes that I use to attach my underwater filming accessories.
Option 3: Since the top I purchased is currently unavailable, I found the same product here. Currently, plus sizes aren’t offered.
Option 4 and Option 5: These options offer sizes up to 4X with a majority of good reviews.
4. Gaiter (Neck Protection)
One of the first lessons I learned while snorkeling for hours is to protect the back of your neck! Unfortunately, I learned this the hard way. After snorkeling for hours my ears and the back of my neck were SO sunburnt and painfully so. After a long, active day, you just want your head to hit the pillow and it’s not as fun with a burnt neck! I hadn’t thought about wearing a gaiter before all of the tour guides and experienced tourists did. So, if you’re going on multiple snorkeling tours in the Galapagos, you will definitely want one of these in your gear pack.
5. Sleeveless Hoodie
One of the best clothing pieces I brought! Living in Houston I am used to living in heat so sleeveless workout gear is a must. I randomly bought a few of these tanks with me and I didn’t realize how they’d save me. This protected the back of my neck and stayed over my hats during open-air boat travels and hiking/land tours. For only $15-$20 a piece, it’s such a cheaper add-on that will save you from that HOT equatorial sun.
Option 2: Ignore the ridiculous dude pro pictures. These tanks fit over your rash guards and are a lightweight
6. Waterproof Boat & Beach Bag
DON’T BE LIKE ME bringing a cloth beach bag onto a busy boat full of snorkelers. LOL everything was wet – my towel, my electronics, my glasses, my wallet. So, when I went on my next water exploration up in Western Canada, I got this EarthPak and it was the perfect accessory that kept my items dry when constantly traveling on the water. Be sure to get the right size for you and your items. I wanted a little bigger for my snorkeling gear, towel, and other necessities, but you may not have the same needs.
I have used this bag for a couple of trips now and it’s perfect for boat travel. Throughout the Galápagos you’re going to be in water taxis and on fun water tours, and having a waterproof backpack really helps keep you organized and your items dry. It works great as a carry-on for your air travel too with great durability.
7. Waterproof Underwater Phone Case
Swimming among the underwater world of the Galápagos is one of the best experiences of my whole life and it was important to me to capture some of those moments in a safe way (since I had just bought my new iPhone 15). Having clear videos of sea turtles, hammerhead sharks, sea lions, and more is something I treasure. Now, this case takes some practice, and multiple steady steps, but the videos on my iPhone 15 were more clear than my older GoPro and no salt water damage was done to my cell phone after a week of snorkel adventures.
8. GoPro with Underwater Case
If the thought of submerging your phone into the Pacific Ocean terrifies you and would cause you too much anxiety, then I suggest getting a GoPro with the water case. If you plan to be underwater as much as I wanted to be, then this might be your easiest and most stress-free option. GoPro’s are meant to be active and can be a great way to capture those frisky sea lions swimming around you.
9. Phone Adapter
On your guided underwater tours many of the guides will get some really great videos and underwater photographs of the animals around you and even photos of YOU with the animals! I had some amazing guides grab shots of me with the giant underwater turtles and with one of the Galápagos penguins! You can easily transfer from their GoPro or other device to your phone with one of these adapters. I make sure to get the USB port and the mini SD card adapter and make sure to put in a sealed water-proof baggie when putting it in your bag.
10. Phone Power Bank
Some of the day tours in the Galápagos span 9+ hours so you might need an additional charge on your device.
Option 2: I personally use these for the size, but my friend had hers in her back pocket last year at Disneyland and forgot about it, sat down, and the small connector broke off into her phone. If you think you might be forgetful in the Galápagos or a bit clumsy, you may try the one above instead.
Option 3: If you’re traveling with a group of friends or family, you may also consider one with many different connections.
11. Protective Sun Hat
When in the Galápagos you’re practically ON the equator and it gets HOT. More than hot, the sun is strong. So while on land tours or on the beach you will want to protect your face and head. Though baseball hats are cute, they will also allow for burnt red ears, so when in the Galápagos I needed more of a safari sun hat. This one is for my long-haired friends, because it has a ponytail hole! When it’s hot AND when I’m snorkeling for hours on end, my hair is up and out of my way. This accessory is one of my favs to keep my skin safe and sun-wrinkle free.
12. Mineral-Based Sunscreen
If you’re heading out for snorkeling or beach adventures in the Galápagos you’re going to want to pick up a strong, mineral-based sunscreen that’s safe for the marine wildlife you’re observing. As someone with sensitive skin, this is my favorite brand. It’s strong enough to endure the strong, equatorial sun but also friendly to skin types and your favorite sea-life.
13. Beach Towel
While spending two weeks in the Galápagos, not one of my 6 tours or 3 hotels offered a beach towel. The catch is, you want to pack light if you’re planning on traveling around the islands, so you don’t want to pack a big, thick towel. So, consider a microfiber towel that will get the job done but take up minimal space in your waterproof backpack and luggage.
14. Cheap Sunglasses
You’re going to want to pick up some CHEAP sunglasses that you won’t miss if they get left on a boat or misplaced on all the FUN adventures you’re going to have.
15. Reusable Thermal Water Bottle
It’s essential that you stay hydrated to enjoy your time in the Galápagos! This is going to be important as you explore the islands, especially on land tours, when spending time at the beaches, and when on the boats for your snorkeling tours. The water on the islands is safe to drink, so I filled up at my hotel each morning and I never returned with water leftover. On the full-day tours they offered some juice at the meal time but rarely had water, so you’re going to want to bring your own.
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