ARRIVAL TO ECUADOR

Guests must arrive in Ecuador one day prior to the yachts’ departure to meet the flight schedule to Galapagos from the mainland. Your travel arrangements should include a one-night stay-over in Guayaquil prior to the yacht’s departure. We recommend flying into Guayaquil, rather than Quito, prior to your
charter due to the airline’s schedule. A one-night stay-over, in either Guayaquil or Quito, is also required after the charter. Quito offers many touring opportunities after your charter.

The Galapagos Buddy Dive boats operate out of San Cristobal year round. On the day of departure to the Galapagos, guests should be at the airport in Guayaquil or Quito 1 1/2 hours prior to departure. Passengers who are not at the airport 1 1/2 hours prior to the flight departure will be considered a “No Show” and will incur additional penalties and possibly lose their seat.

ECUADOR AIRLINE DEPARTURE
On the local flight to San Cristobal on AeroGal, passengers are allowed a carryon bag of 22 lbs and 75 lbs of checked luggage. Any luggage over 75 lbs is subject to an excess baggage fee. It can be inconsistent whether you are charged or not. Continental only allows 2 checked bags on return flights to the US.

For the San Cristobal charter, AeroGal flight departure time in Quito is 9:45 a.m., while Guayaquil departures to Galapagos are at 11:15 a.m. (please
confirm prior to leaving for your trip as times are subject to change without notice from the airline). Prior to check-in at the airline ticket counter at the Quito or Guayaquil Airport, you are required to pay $10 (cash) for the Control Visitors Card to INGALA (Galapagos National Institute). Once you arrive at the Galapagos Airport, you will be asked to pay the $100 USD National Park fee. Please keep the Park fee receipt.

A uniformed Buddy Dive Guide will be waiting at the San Cristobal airport to welcome you, take care of your luggage, and transport you to the yacht. Please complete the Quick and Easy Booking Form below and return it to Kids Sea Camp so that Buddy Dive can arrange your flights and/or any hotel stays you may require. 

Quick and Easy Booking Form

GALAPAGOS DIVING CONDITIONS
The water of the Galapagos Islands are a unique mixture of warm and cold water, ranging between 65° and 85°F, with thermoclines about 65°F. We recommend a 5-7mm wetsuit with hood, booties and gloves year round. The cruises to some of the islands may be rough, particularly the northern route. We recommend you take precautions against motion sickness.  The best diving around the Galapagos Islands is made possible through the use of dinghies (or
inflatables). There is very little diving from the mothership.

PASSPORTS & DOCUMENTATION                                                                                                                                                                       Visitors must have a current passport for a minimum of 6 months, adequate funds to support themselves and a return airline ticket to travel to Galapagos. It is the travelers’ responsibility to ensure they have the proper documentation to travel to the destination and return to their country. Please check with the appropriate consulate to ensure you have the proper documentation. Always check your passport and visa requirements. US citizens may go to the US Department of State website at www.travel.state.gov for more information. Remember to bring your C-card or proof of certification.The divemaster requires proof of certification before the first dive.

WAIVER & INSURANCE
Each family will need to complete the Kids Sea Camp family application and the terms & conditions form. You will also need to complete the Buddy Dive  waiver forms and the PADI Liability Release for each person traveling to the Galapagos. These can be found on the forms page of our website.

We highly recommend each guest purchase comprehensive dive, accident, medical, baggage and trip cancellation insurance when your reservation is made. Trip insurance will protect you from financial disappointment if you are prevented from making your scheduled trip. Insurance companies sell different layers of insurance which you should fully research and decide what is right for you. Kids Sea Camp highly recommends DAN.

FEES & TAXES
The following fees and taxes are not included in your price: $100.00 Galapagos Park Entry fee (cash only); $10.00 Control Visitors Card (Paid prior to airline
check-in at the Quito or Guayaquil Airport);$42.00 International Departure Tax Guayaquil (due at check-in to flights out of the country) and12% Ecuadorian sales tax on onboard services.*Taxes and fees are subject to change without notice and they are not included in the charter price.

TIPS ONBOARD
Gratuities are voluntary and based upon the quality of service the crew has provided. When settling your account on the final day of the trip, the Captain will have an envelope for gratuities that will be divided equally among the crew. These are not included in your price.

CHECKOUT
Checkout time is Saturday morning. The crew will transfer the group and their luggage to the local airport and assist you with check-in. 

REMINDER: ALL US PASSPORTS MUST BE VALID FOR UP 6 SIX MONTHS PRIOR TO EXPIRATION DATE TO LEAVE THE COUNTRY. AIRLINES ARE ENFORCING THIS

All schedules, itineraries and package inclusions are subject to changes

Please contact us directly for up-to date information and current regulations