What Airline do I have
to book for my cruise? All international connections
are from mainland Ecuador. Galapagos Explorer's passengers
are automatically confirmed on the flight to the Galapagos
islands, once their cruise has been confirmed. We will take
of your local flight reservation to Galapagos, please consult
your travel agent for additional information. «top»
Is the cruise itinerary subject
to change? On occasions, the ship’s captain may
find it necessary to vary the itinerary due to Galapagos
National Park regulations or for safety reasons. Canodros
S.A. reserves the right at its sole option and discretion
and that of the Captain of the vessel without liability
for damages or refund of any kind to deviate from the vessels
advertised or ordinary itinerary providing equally equivalent
substitutions.«top»
What does my cruise rate include?
All shore excursions and activities throughout
the voyage by Zodiacs and trials. Program of lectures by
noted naturalists and leadership provided by experienced
expedition staff. All meals, on board the ship. Pre-departure
informative material like the “Galapagos Explorer Guide”.
Ground transportation in the islands and baggage handling
between the island airports and the ship. «top»
What is not included?
Any airfare, whether on scheduled or chartered flights;
government departure tax; excess baggage charges and all
items of a personal nature such us laundry, consumption
from the mini-bar located in suites, telephone calls bar
and alcoholic and non beverages, wine, champagne, boutique
purchases; and the customary gratuity at the end of the
voyage for the crew who have served you on board (guidelines
will be provided). «top»
How to pay the Galapagos National
Park fee? You will need to have your passport in
hand, and the payment for the Galapagos National fee in
cash. The Park authorities upon your arrival will receive
your payment and provide you with receipt certificate. «top»
What are the conditions to make
cruise reservations? A nonrefundable deposit of
US $200.00 per person is required within five days of a
reservation request. Final payment is due 60 days prior
to departure. All rates are subject to change.«top»
What happens if I cancel my cruise?
Cancellations: Up to 60 days prior to departure:
total amount paid will be refunded in full, except for the
$200 per person service charge. 59-26 days prior to departure:
50% of the total cruise rate will be forfeited. 25 days
to the day of departure: the total tour rate is forfeited.
If cancellation is due to medical reasons of the passenger,
a 50% refund will be made upon receipt of authentic medical
documentation. «top»
How much should I tip?
A suggested $12.00 per passenger per night, that will be
distributed between the following departments Lounge, Bar
Service, Kitchen and Restaurant Service, and $6.00 per passengers
per night for the Naturalist Guides.«top»
How can I pay my expenses on board?
How can I pay my expenses on board? Incidental
expenses on board can be paid in US Dollars. American Express,
Visa, Master Card, Dinners Club are accepted on board.«top»
When is the best time of the year
to visit Galapagos? Galapagos is a sub-tropical
destination. Most of the seabirds and reptiles nest year
round, so you can see courtship, mating, clicks hatching
and rearing at any time of the year.«top»
How many visitors travel to Galapagos
annually? Currently 80,000 to 100,000 people from
all over the world visit the islands each year. «top»
When should I make my reservation?
We recommend that you book your trip at least 6 months prior
to your intended date of departure and 12 months prior to
booking for holiday seasons.«top»
Could my cruise be cancelled? Canodros
may for some reason cancel any sailing at any time before
departure including the event of a full ship charter. In
such event, Canodros will offer the best possible alternative.
Canodros’ only liability will be to refund the passenger
the amount it has received for the cruise ticket.«top»
Are the transfers included in the
cruise rate? No, there are not included. We can
provide them but they have an extra charge. «top»
Is the air ticket fare included?
No, it is not included, but we can issue the tickets.
The airfare is subject to change; we will provide you with
the rate the moment you book. «top»
How is the payment for the cruise?
You can make a wire transfer to our Bank.«top»
Is there a special discount for
persons older than 60? No, we do not have any discounts.«top»
Do I need a passport or visa to
go to Galapagos? A passport is required. Your travel
agency can advise you of any visa requirements when traveling
to Ecuador. «top»
When do I receive my travel documents?
You will be met at the airport upon your departure from
Quito or Guayaquil and be given cruise documents and final
information. Our staff will be situated next to the counter
of local departures, 1h45 minutes before the flight departs.
«top»
What type of clothing should I
wear on board? Comfortable, casual clothing is
recommended aboard the ship. We prefer that Jeans, shorts,
T-shirts, or tennis shoes are not worn for dinner.«top»
What can I pack for the excursions?
For shore excursions comfortable clothing is a must, preferably
shorts, bathing suits, head covering, sun screen, walking
shoes, tennis shoes, windbreaker type jacket, binoculars,
camera and plenty of film.«top»
Are there any luggage restrictions?
The local that Airlines operates the flight to San Cristobal
and allows one piece of luggage per person not exceeding
20 kilos (approximately 44 pounds). It is recommended that
your entire luggage needs to be securely locked all the
time. «top»
Who will meet me at the airport
in Galapagos? Upon arrival at Puerto Baquerizo
Moreno in the Airport of San Cristobal passengers are met
by our guides (look for the logo on the T-shirts) and transported
in our private bus to the vessel anchored nearby. Once on
board you will receive an orientation and safety drill.«top»
How do we get from the ship to
the shore? The vessel anchors offshore on two sites
or islands per day. Passengers are ferried to the landing
point in zodiacs and small boats or dinghy (locally called
“Pangas”)«top»
How are the landings in the Islands?
The landings are either wet where one must step into water
anywhere from your ankles to your knees and wade to shore
or dry where one-steps from the panga directly to the volcanic
rock. Your guide and “panga” motorist will assist you with
a steady hand. «top»
What else I should know?
The terms and conditions of the Transportation Contract,
contained in the passenger cruise ticket govern the transportation
of passenger and baggage. The passengers acceptance of the
passenger ticket contract and acceptance of passage on the
vessel constitutes acceptance of the terms, conditions and
information contained in this brochure and the passenger
ticket contract. It is recommended that you read the terms
carefully.«top»
What time zone is used in Galapagos?
Ecuador is in the Eastern Time Zone (GMT-5 in the mainland).
Galapagos is one hour behind mainland Ecuador. On board,
we use the mainland time.«top»
How long does the flight from Quito
or Guayaquil take to San Cristobal? The flight
from Quito to Guayaquil takes thirty minutes, from Guayaquil
to San Cristobal takes an hour and thirty minutes«top»
Does the cruise begin in Guayaquil?
No. You have to take the flight from Guayaquil to San Cristobal
and your cruise begins there. «top»
Are children allowed to travel?
Children under 7 years of age are not allowed on
board, an adult must accompany children under 18. «top»
Are single and triple suites available?
The fare for exclusive (single) occupancy and third person
occupancy at Renaissance, Deluxe, Premium or Classic Suites
can be requested through Canodros S.A. Reservations Department.
Space is limited; single/third person occupancy is based
on capacity controls at the discretion of the company.«top»
What is the physical condition required
the cruise? Elderly or disabled people may have
problems in the difficult trails. We especially recommend
that passengers be in reasonably good physical condition
as some trails are difficult to traverse. Canodros S.A.
reserves the right to refuse passengers to anyone who has
failed to notify us of any physical disability, or who in
the opinion of the company, constitutes a danger to themselves,
other guests, members of the crew, or the smooth operation
of the vessel.«top»
What is your passenger profile?
Our passengers tend to be well educated, well traveled and
from a variety of age groups and nationalities. They have
a keen interest in learning about new aspects of nature,
ecology and are concerned about environmental issues.«top»
What type of weather can I expect?
Located on the equator,
the Galapagos Islands have a surprisingly cool, sub-tropical
climate. The larger islands with volcanic peaks have a variety
of climatic zones. The coastal areas are quite arid covered
with plants adapted to desert conditions. The highland areas
receive moisture almost all year round, which supports lush
vegetation. Temperatures are determined almost entirely
by the ocean currents, which are influenced by the trade
winds. There are two seasons, both of which have some precipitation.
The Galapagos only get an average of ten inches of rain
per year, so it is never considered “rainy”. During the
months of December to May the cooling currents subside,
temperatures rise and the climate is warm and sunny with
occasional showers. In June, the trend begins toward cooler
temperatures and moderate breezes, which continue through
November. This period is also referred to as the “garua”
season, which means mist in Spanish.«top»
Will I encounter rough seas or
bad weather? Due to strong currents, there will
be moderate movement of the vessel while navigating. Most
passengers are not affected, however, if you are prone to
seasickness we urge you to bring some type of medication
to prevent motion sickness. «top»
Dress code. Semiformal
dress is requested during dinner. «top»
What is the distance (in miles)
between Quito or Guayaquil and the Galapagos Islands?
The distance from Guayaquil to San Cristobal is 572 miles.
«top»
What are the departure dates?
We operate on Wednesday and Saturday. Cruise A operates
from Wednesday to Saturday. Cruise B operates from Saturday
to Wednesday. Cruise C operates from Wednesday to Wednesday
and Cruise D from Saturday to Saturday. «top»
What is the best season to take
the cruise? The best season is from December to
April. «top»
What is the difference between
the suites? All of them are luxury suites; the
only difference is the dimension and the deck they are located
on. «top»
Are the suites all exteriors?
Yes, all of them are outside suites. «top»
Do the suites have windows or portholes?
On the Magellan deck, the suites have portholes; the other
decks, suites have pictures windows. «top»
What is the bed dimension?
The single and queen bed is 2,10 x 3,00 meters and the twin
bed is 2,10 x 1,50 meters.«top»
Are there special packages for
honeymoon? No. However, we can offer a bottle of
wine or a basket of fruits.«top»
