THE GALAPAGOS NATIONAL PARK:
Please remember that you are visiting a National Park so you have to follow the established policies and regulations. The instructions you receive from your guide are intended for the preservation and conservation of Galapagos.

ISLAND EXCURSIONS:
Our yacht anchors off shore at two sites per day. The sailors transfer our passengers from the yacht to the landing sites in “pangas” (dinghies). These landings can be “wet” or “dry”. At the dry landings you step directly onto rock. At wet landings you will step from the panga into water and wade to shore. The guide and sailor are there to assist you at all landings.

Once on shore, you will follow marked trails set up by the National Park. Your guide will lead these excursions, interpreting and explaining the natural history as you walk along. The shore visits are done at a leisurely pace, allowing plenty of time to enjoy and photograph the amazing wildlife and scenery. You will spend 2 – 3 hours at each site. There is either before or after the afternoon visit..
Be sure to carry with you:

• hat or cap
• sunglasses with strap
• sunscreen lotion
• Plenty of film / batteries.
• bottled water
• Comfortable and appropriate walking gear
• Before each excursion ask the guide if you will swim or make snorkeling in order to take a towel with you.

SNORKELING:
On board we have masks, snorkels and fins available, without any cost. Please make sure to rinse mask, snorkel and fins in fresh water after each use.
Snorkeling in the islands is a highlight that can be enjoyed almost daily, sometimes twice a day.

SALOON SERVICE:
We have some Galapagos books, music and videos. Feel free to use Ask the guide to show you the list. There will be a replacement fee charged for any Galapagos book not returned by the end of the cruise.

PAYMENT AND PRODUCTS:
We have items to sell onboard, depending on the availability, you may buy t-shirts, caps and Galapagos videos.
Payment for drinks, items or diving, can be made in cash, traveler checks or with credit cards: Visa &Master Card only.

For amounts above Usd 500 we require a copy of the passport.

TIPPING & GRATUITIES
This is a very sensitive matter for al of us. Throughout the years we have often asked what gratuity would be appropriate to leave for guides and crewmembers. With the experience we have had, we may first do some important clarifications.

• Tipping and gratuities depend very much on the cultures and customs, so be aware that some information provided may appear reasonable, exaggerated or diminished.
• Please remember that quality of service should determinate the amount of any tip, you have no obligation at all as all crew members are properly paid an compensated.
• In order to avoid misunderstanding that had happened in the past, we must clarify that all naturalist guides, crew and staff are paid according to Ecuadorian laws and to Galapagos.Special Law and are receiving the benefits they deserve.

Here is a guideline based on the past experiences.

For naturalist cruise:
Guide and crew are tipped separately.
If service has been excellent, the average tip has been Usd 80 – 100 per person for the entire ship crew.(the crew will divide it equally among them) excluding the guide, and Usd 60 - 80 per person for the guide.

COMMENT CARDS
At the end of the cruise you will be given a comment card to fill out. We appreciate the time you take to fill these out. Your comments and suggestion are valuable to us; it is through these that we can improve our service.

CHECK OUT
On your last day, you will have early morning excursion, followed by breakfast. Please bring your luggage to the main saloon as soon as possible.
Make sure that you do not leave anything behind; please check all drawers and closets carefully.
Your guide will take care of the check – in at the airport, and he will handout your baggage tickets; you should have one ticket for every bag.