In short
- Wear walking shoes for the 400-step summit hike.
- Bring seasickness pills for the 2-hour yacht ride.
- Pack a windbreaker and UPF layers for sun and wind.
In this article
- What to pack for the boat ride to Bartolome?
- What gear do I need for the Bartolome summit hike?
- What should I pack for snorkeling at Bartolome Island?
- Do I need a wetsuit for Galapagos day tours?
- What clothing is best for a full-day Galapagos tour?
- Are there packing restrictions for Galapagos National Park?
Tours to Bartolome Island last 8 to 10 hours. You will spend time on a bus, a yacht, a wooden trail, and in the ocean. Packing the right layers and protective gear keeps you comfortable across all these environments.
What to pack for the boat ride to Bartolome?
You need seasickness medication and layers for wind protection.
The yacht ride from the Itabaca Channel takes about two hours each way. The open water can get choppy. Take seasickness pills before you board. Bring a light windbreaker jacket. The afternoon ride back is often breezy.
What gear do I need for the Bartolome summit hike?
Bring comfortable walking shoes, a reusable water bottle, and heavy sun protection.
You will climb nearly 400 steps on a wooden boardwalk to reach the 114-meter summit. The trail has no shade. Wear sturdy walking shoes or hiking sandals. A sun hat with a chin strap is essential to block the equatorial sun and resist strong winds. Carry a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated.
What should I pack for snorkeling at Bartolome Island?
Wear your swimwear under your clothes and bring reef-safe sunscreen.
Wearing your swimsuit under your clothes makes it easy to transition to the water at Golden Beach. You also need reef-safe, biodegradable sunscreen to protect the marine ecosystem. Pack an underwater camera or a waterproof phone case to photograph Galapagos penguins and sea turtles.
Do I need a wetsuit for Galapagos day tours?
You will likely need a wetsuit if you visit between June and November.
During the dry season, the water gets cooler. Rent or request a wetsuit from your tour operator if you travel during these months. The warm season from January to May offers warmer water, so a standard swimsuit is usually enough.
What clothing is best for a full-day Galapagos tour?
Wear lightweight, protective layers that block the sun.
A lightweight, long-sleeved UPF sun shirt is highly recommended. It protects your skin without causing you to overheat. Combine this with quick-dry shorts or pants. Layers allow you to adjust easily between the hot hike and the cool boat ride.
Are there packing restrictions for Galapagos National Park?
Yes, single-use plastics are discouraged and you must pack out all trash.
You cannot leave any waste on Bartolome Island. Bring a reusable water bottle instead of disposable plastic bottles. Never pack natural materials like shells, sand, or lava rocks to take home. Smoking and vaping materials are strictly prohibited.
Questions travellers ask
Do day tours provide snorkeling gear?
Most guided tours include basic snorkeling equipment like masks and fins. Check with your specific operator to confirm if wetsuits are included or if they cost extra to rent.
Can I bring food to Bartolome Island?
Day tours generally provide lunch and snacks on the yacht. You must pack out any trash you generate. Do not feed the wildlife under any circumstances.
What kind of camera should I bring?
Bring a standard camera with a wide-angle lens for the summit views. An underwater camera is highly recommended for snorkeling. Flash photography of wildlife is prohibited.
