We have created this list of common questions with responses from our former clients.
How do I book a ferry? |
It is easy to book. Please follow these steps:
- Choose the route and click "Book Now".
- Choose and click the date you wish to travel
- Choose and click the time you wish to travel
- Choose the rate/tariff of your preference, quantity of people/tickets and click "Add to cart"
- If you wish to book more routes, click in "Continue shopping" and repeat this process.
- You can checkout at any time by clicking in the cart button located in the bottom right of our website
*All reservations are booking requests until you have received the confirmation and tickets. |
What are your policies? |
This varies depending on your rate/tariff chosen.
Cancellation Policy:
Cancellation Policies varies between FARE TYPES. Cancellations must be submitted in writing and shall be effective only when received by the Company.
ECONOMY FARE: 100% cancellation penalty fee and no refund.
FLEXI FARE: 50% cancellation penalty fee and 50% refund, as travel credit or to original payment method less fees up to 48 hours prior departure time.
PLUS FARE: 0% cancellation penalty fee and full refund, as travel credit or to original payment method less fees up to 24 hours prior departure time.
If the Client fails to arrive at the scheduled time and place, or is unable to do so for any reason whatsoever, including the lack of valid travel documents, he/she shall not be eligible for any refunds.
Amendment Policy:
Amendment Policies varies between FARE TYPES. Amendments must be submitted in writing and shall be effective only when received by the Company.
ECONOMY FARE: $15.00 USD per ride/way fee + difference in fare to change/amend booking.
FLEXI FARE: $10.00 USD per ride/way fee + difference in fare to change/amend booking.
PLUS FARE: $0.00 (FREE) and no difference in fare to change/amend your booking.
Services Cancellations/Modifications by the Company:
In the event of unforeseeable events and circumstances beyond control of the Company such as war, epidemics, natural disasters, Galapagos National Park modification, Ecuadorian Government dictation, etc., the effects and consequences of which cannot be commercially reasonably mitigated or prevented, as well as delays and deviations caused by weather conditions (heavy rains, thunderstorms, fires, etc.), the Company reserves the right to cancel any service; or make changes to the travel arrangements as follows:
If the service is cancelled prior to the service date, the Company shall notify the Client at the earliest possible date those cancellations/modifications.
If unforeseeable events and dangerous occurrences, which could put the lives of the guest/participants at risk, occur during any service,
then the Company reserves an exclusive right to change any travel arrangements either directly from its headquarters or indirectly by the
decision of its staff in location. In such a case, all travel dates and destinations shall be altered without the Client being entitled to any
refund and/or The Client shall not be entitled to any other compensation whatsoever. If the Client fails to arrive at the scheduled time and place, or is unable to do so for any reason whatsoever, including the lack of valid travel documents, he/she shall not be eligible for any refunds. |
What are the city taxes or fees? |
These are taxes that each city (island) may apply for the use of the main pier. Below the taxes/fees:
- Santa Cruz Island — Puerto Ayora: City Pier Tax/Fee $1.00 per person
- Isabela Island — Puerto Villamil: City Pier Tax/Fee $10.00 per person
- San Cristobal Island — Puerto Baquerizo Moreno: City Pier Tax/Fee $0.00 per person
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How much are the aquatic/water taxi fares? |
In each island you will have to use an aquatic/water taxi to board and disembark your speedboat ferry. Each time you use is $1.00 per person. |
When is the best time to travel to the islands? |
All year long, Galapagos have tropical weather because the privileged location in the Equator. Although please find this link useful to see temperature and weather here. |
What is the luggage size and weight limit? |
One (1) personal item (purse or backpack) per person. One (1) carry-on of 10 kg per person. One (1) luggage of 23 kg per person. |
I have not received a reply to my e-mails? |
Some internet providers and servers can mark general booking e-mails such as those sent from Galapagos a la Carte as "spam", please check your spam folder for previous e-mail replies. If you have your spam filter set on the highest ranking, only e-mails from senders in your address box will go into your inbox. These e-mails can sit in this folder for up to 7 days and then your e-mail system will automatically delete them.
Also remember that our reply time is 48 hours. |
How far in advance do I need to book a ferry? |
We recommend booking at least with two weeks in advance your speedboat ferry. |
I have not yet received a confirmation or tickets, what we can do? |
This may be because we are still searching for availability in your chosen route. Please be patient. If you did not receive your confirmation within 24 hours, please Contact Us. We remind you that all reservation through our website is a booking request, your speedboat ferry will be confirmed once you have received your confirmation e-mail with your tickets. |
What are the inclusions and exclusions? |
You can find that information by clicking in this icon .
Inclusions
Speedboat ride in the route chosen for the number of people booked and confirmed. One (1) personal item (purse or backpack) per person. One (1) carry-on of 10 kg per person. One (1) luggage of 23 kg per person.
Exclusions
City taxes/fees. Aquatic/water taxis. Personal expenses. Extra luggage. |
What is the ticket used for? |
The ticket acts as your receipt and proof of the services acquired through Galapagos Seaways. Always carry your voucher/ticket (printed or digital) with you, it could be asked to proof veracity together with valid photo ID for verification. This ticket may be asked at the port to check-in. |
Can I book more than one route or ferry? |
Yes you can book more than one route in on purchase. Please follow these steps:
- Choose the route and click "Book Now".
- Choose and click the date you wish to travel
- Choose and click the time you wish to travel
- Choose the rate/tariff of your preference, quantity of people/tickets and click "Add to cart"
- If you wish to book more routes, click in "Continue shopping" and repeat this process.
- You can checkout at any time by clicking in the cart button located in the bottom right of our website
*All reservations are booking requests until you have received the confirmation and tickets. |
There is an error/mistake ticket, what can I do? |
Please contact us regarding this matter so we can change it for you Contact Us. |
What time does my ferry depart? |
This information can be found in your ticket in the above section labeled as "Departure Time". |
How do I board the ferry and where is? |
The boarding is in each island/port main pier and must be at least 45 minutes before the departure time.
The boarding step/process can be found in your in your ticket. |
How do I change or amend a booking? |
Depending your rate/tariff you can must Contact Us to make the changes. Fees and other may apply depending on your chosen rate/tariff.
You can find more information your ticket. |
How can I cancel a confirmed a booking? |
Depending your rate/tariff you can must Contact Us to make cancel your booking. Fees and penalties may apply depending on your chosen rate/tariff.
You can find more information your ticket. |
What is the boarding process or how do I get to the ferry? |
- Be at the designated time and place above located in "Meeting Point Location".
- Check-in at the counter of your Speedboat Name. The staff of the speedboat will check your name and give you boarding badge, hang in it your neck.
- Make the line to go through security check.
- Your bags and luggage will go through x-ray or manual check by ABG officials.
- After security check, depending on the port or island, you will have to pay a City Tax/Fee in cash only which varies and can be found in your ticket or above.
- In the pier make the line of your speedboat to prepare to board and wait for an official calls your speedboat name to start boarding.
- You will board a small aquatic taxi, which you will have to pay for the ride in cash only, fares can be found above.
- After the ride of the aquatic taxi, you will board your speedboat, after the boarding process, you will head to your destination.
- Upon arrival to your destination, you will disembark with an aquatic taxi. Depending of the port/island you will have to pay a City Tax/Fee.
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What are your fares types? |
Our fare types are:
- ECONOMY FARE
- FLEXI FARE
- PLUS FARE
*All fares are per person of any age. All passengers uses one sit per person of any age. For infant fares please Contact Us first before making a booking request.
To see more information about our fares, please check our Policies. |
What payment methods do you accept? |
We accept credit cards only. There are no transactions fees for using your credit card. We accept these credit cards: Visa, Mastercard, Diners, Discover, Amex and American Express. Currency exchange fees may apply and be charged to your card and bank, these are not fees charged by Galapagos Seaways. All transactions are in US Dollars. |
The payment was not accepted, what can I do? |
This may be because of your bank blocked or flagged the transaction. Contact your bank to resolve this issue. |
Where can I find my tickets? |
Your tickets are automatically sent to your e-mail upon confirmation by Galapagos Seaways.
There is no need to print your tickets. Digital tickets are accepted. |
What are the requirements to travel to The Galapagos Islands? |
The requirements are:
- Valid passport or ID for Ecuadorian residents
- Purchase the Transit Control Card (TCC) in the Consejo de Gobierno Kiosk in Quito or Guayaquil respective airport
- Pay The Galapagos National Park entrance fee upon arrival to the islands
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How much are the entrances fees to enter to The Galapagos Islands? |
There are two fees or payments you must made to travel to The Galapagos Islands:
Transit Control Card (TCC):
- Where?: At the Consejo de Gobierno kiosk located in each airport in Quito or Guayaquil.
- How much?: $20.00 per person
- Payment methods?: Cash only
Galapagos National Park entrance fee:
- Where?: Immigration counter upon arrival in Seymour Airport in Baltra Island or San Cristobal Airport in San Cristobal Island
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How much?:
- Non-resident of Ecuador over 12 years old: $100.00 per person
- Non-resident of Ecuador under 12 years old: $50.00 per person
- Resident of Ecuador over 12 years old: $6.00 per person
- Resident of Ecuador under 12 years old: $3.00 per person
- Payment methods?: Cash only
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Do I need to bring cash for personal expenses? |
The official currency in Ecuador and in The Galapagos Islands is the US Dollar.
There is no need to bring big amounts of cash to the islands, we have several ATMs located in town and airports that accept all major credit and debit cards. Although, it is our recommendation to bring some cash for the first days and pay fees when traveling in $20 notes.
Credit and debit cards are also broadly accepted in most shops, restaurants and hotels.
You can learn more here. |
What time does the boarding starts? |
The boarding starts 20 minutes before the departure time. Please be at least 45 minutes before the departure time to check-in and luggage security check. |
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