Good Things to Know:

Are you getting excited yet? Here are some things to know before getting on plane to your Galapagos Island tour.

Time Zone: Mainland Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands are on two different time zones. Time on the mainland is (GMT-5). Time in the Galapagos Islands (GMT-6). Ecuador does not adjust for daylight savings time.

Electricity: 110v60hz. Standard American plug

Money: Ecuador uses the US dollar, including change. Red Mangrove accepts Travelers checks, Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Diner's Club.

Documentation: You will need a valid Passport with at least six months remaining before expiration. We recommend that you make a copy of your passport, including the photo page and Ecuador entry stamp to carry, rather than risk losing or damaging your original. No Visas are required to visit Ecuador, however, when you check in for your Galapagos flight from either Quito or Guayaquil, you will be required to purchase a 'Control Visitor Card' ($10) before being assigned your seat. This will serve as an ID card for you in the Galapagos. You will be presented with a Migratory Control form that you will fill out on your flight to present upon arrival in the Galapagos. In Baltra, you will pay a $100 Galapagos National Park Fee. Keep the part of this form that is returned to you in a safe place as you will need to present it on departure.

Seasickness: Because the sea is rougher at certain times of the year, if you are prone to seasickness, please bring along and take medication one-half hour prior to departures.

Sun Protection: The sun is very strong in the Galapagos. Please take proper precautions and don't let sunburn ruin your holiday.

Galapagos Wildlife: Please do not feed or disturb the wildlife nor remove anything from the Island. If you are traveling with children, please monitor their behavior so we may preserve the natural beauty of the Galapagos for generations to come.

Park Rules: The Park Rules are available to read online before your trip. It is very important that we all follow the rules as they are set forth by the Galapagos National Park Service. Conservation: Please do not litter. Please do recycle. All of our lodges offer a voluntary sheet and towel re-use program. We do our best to conserve energy and water and encourage out guests to do the same.

Tipping: Recommended tips are as follows: 1) Your Naturalist Guide 2) Your Tour Escort 3) Your Boat Captain and his assistant (as a team) 4) Individual Lodge Housekeeping and any helpful staff members 5) Individual Lodge Kitchen and Wait Staff (as a team)

Flexibility: All tour schedules are subject to variations due to tide, weather or sightings of interest.

Packing List:

Below is a typical packing list for one of our Galapagos Islands land tours.  If you'd like to get a packing list for a dive adventure, please contact us:

1. 1. Sun Hat with wide brim
   2. Sunscreen
   3. Sunglasses with strap
   4. Small backpack
   5. Dry Bag or Ziplocs
   6. Shorts
   7. T-shirts or Tank Tops
   8. Light Pants, preferably quick dry
   9. Sweater or Fleece Jacket
   10. Windbreaker, Rain Jacket or Poncho
   11. Tevas or Sports Sandals
   12. Hiking Shoes or sturdy sneakers
   13. Bathing Suits
   14. Camera, spare batteries, underwater housing
   15. Binoculars
   16. Some prefer their own mask, fins, and wet suits
   17. iPod, CDs, Books
   18. Any medications you may require; Dramamine if you're prone to seasickness

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