The Galapagos Islands have become an increasing popular tourist destination.  For this reason, cruises in the archipelago book out months in advance (particularly onboard reasonably-priced cruise yachts).

We recommend booking your cruise as early as possible, particularly for high season (May through to September; December and January) cruises.  Leaving it until the last minute will result in limit or no cruise options. Reservations made less than a month in advance cannot be guaranteed. Full payment for Galapagos cruises and flights must be made no later than 60 days before the cruise.

There are a wide variety of yachts currently operating in the Galapagos Islands. These yachts operate strictly within the Galapagos archipelago and do not extend their voyages outside this region. Visitors are required to purchase a return airline ticket in order to reach the Galapagos Islands.

There are four types of cruise vessels (motor, sail, catamaran and cruise ship) that are categorized into four classes (Tourist, Tourist Superior, First and Deluxe class). Generally, as one moves up the classes the yachts increase in size and capacity, and offer a greater selection of onboard amenities that include air conditioning and private bathrooms.

There are three basic costs involved with a cruise in the Galapagos Islands:

1. Return Airline Ticket
   

What to bring?

Items

Reason(s)

Bathing suit

For those interested in snorkeling, swimming or diving during your cruise.

Binoculars

Get a more detailed look at the rare and unusual creatures.

Day pack

For easy and comfortable storage of personal items while on island tours.

Hat or cap

The sun can be intense, particularly in the late morning and early afternoon.

Camera

To capture your personal memories of the unique sights of the Galapagos.

Sandals

Most islands visits involve ‘wet landings’ (water reaching up to one’s calfs)

Shorts

The late morning/early afternoon heat is more pleasant with light clothing.

Sun cream
sun block

Adequate protection from direct sunlight & reflected sun from the water is essential.

Sun glasses

It is often very sunny; & the sun’s reflection off the water can be strong.

Sweatshirt
light jacket

The early morning/late evenings can get cool, often with a breeze.

T-shirts

The late morning/early afternoon heat is more pleasant with light clothing.

Water bottle

Avoid dehydration and thirst in the heat and sunshine of the Islands.

What is onboard?

What is a typical cruise like?

About the naturalist guides.

Difference between a 4 & 7 night cruise.

Payment

GENERAL TERMS & CONDITIONS

SANGAY TOURING / GUIDE2GALAPAGOS – Privacy Policy

1.  GENERAL TERMS & CONDITIONS

Terms and conditions described here are applicable to all the services, including cruises, flights, accommodation, transportation and programs contracted with SANGAY TOURING and/or GUIDE2GALAPAGOS, herein after called ST/G2G. These terms and conditions apply to any service(s) or third party service(s) sold by ST/G2G.  The client(s) of ST/G2G services is (are) deemed to have read and understood these policies and agree(s) to be bound by these terms and conditions - no signature(s) is (are) necessary.
 
2.  RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE CLIENT(S) OF ST SERVICES

• [2.1]  The client(s) of ST/G2G services has/have the responsibility to select a trip appropriate to their abilities and interests - ST/G2G will not pay for any expenses incurred for medical or unforeseen reasons.  The client(s) of ST/G2G service(s) is/are held responsible for being in sufficient good health to undertake the trip.  ST/G2G and its affiliates take no responsibility for incidental costs for special arrangements or problems incurred by passengers unable to participate in the planned activities.
• [2.2]  No refund will be forthcoming for missed sightseeing, meals, and early/late departures and disliked visits.
• [2.3]  Any complaint(s) the passenger(s) have regarding Galapagos cruises must be brought directly to the attention of the specific Galapagos yacht operator directly in Galapagos.  Requests for refunds must be handled directly in Galapagos with the specific yacht operator prior to departing the Galapagos Islands.  ST/G2G will act as an intermediary to assist the client(s) in receiving an official response from the yacht operator in question but is not responsible for the yacht operator’s final decision(s) on the complaints and/or claims.
• [2.4]  Any complaints or claims on non-Galapagos tours must be brought to the attention of ST in writing within 48-hours of the incident.   ST/G2G will act as an intermediary to assist the client(s) in receiving an official response from third party providers but is not responsible for the services or the decisions on the complaints and/or claims of the third party provider.
• [2.5] ST strongly recommends that all the passengers using ST/G2G services have travel insurance for trip delay, trip cancellation, baggage, accident and sickness before coming to Ecuador - this type of insurance is not included on ST/G2G tours, cruises and other third party services.
• [2.6] The client(s) must be available to be contacted by a ST/G2G Representative once in Ecuador (i.e., by means email or telephone) in the case of emergency.   The client(s) must provide ST/G2G with local contact details in the case that ST/G2G needs to communicate with the client(s) for last minute changes or alterations in travel arrangements (within 24 to 48 hours prior to the scheduled activity).
  

3.  ST RESERVED RIGHTS

• [3.1]  Third party services, including but not restricted to Galapagos yacht operators, reserve the right to alter or change their itineraries without prior notice where deemed necessary, including but not restricted to substitution with comparable hotel, yacht, vessel or vehicle, guide, attractions or sightseeing.  Extra costs due to unexpected changes in your itinerary for reasons beyond our control are the responsibility of the client(s);
• [3.2]  ST/G2G will not be held responsible for missed or delayed tours if the client(s) do not provide ST/G2G with a means of communicating with the client(s) at least 24 hours prior to the scheduled commencement of services (in the case that ST/G2G needs to communicate with the client(s) regarding last minute changes in travel arrangements);
• [3.3]  ST/G2G reserves the right to change prices without prior notice in the event of any price increases beyond the control of ST/G2G including but not restricted to the price of the fuel and/or fluctuations on Government taxes;
• [3.3]  ST/G2G will not be held responsible for client(s) that do not check-in at the designated time for flights (90 minutes prior to flight departure);
• [3.4]  ST/G2G will not be held responsible for client(s) that do not follow the instructions for the specific tour(s), including but not limited to appropriate required documentation(s),  pick up times & locations;
• [3.5] For client(s) picking up travel documents from the TAME CARGO office of the Guayaquil airport, ST/G2G will not be held responsible for missed flights or tours if the client(s) do not present themselves at the TAME CARGO office of the Guayaquil airport least 120 minutes prior to flight departure.

4.  RESERVATIONS AND PAYMENTS

• [4.1]  All reservations must be made in writing to ST/G2G by filling out the booking form at www.sangay.com/bookingform.html.
• [4.2]  All services are booked and confirmed only upon receipt of at least a 30% deposit payment (for reservations made more than 60 days prior to the commencement of services, or 100% for reservations made less than 60 days prior to the commencement of services).  This deposit payment must be received within five (5) days of confirming the arrangements in writing (or by the timelimit specified) to ensure your reservations are secured. There shall be no binding contract until the deposit payment has been received by ST/G2G. Failure to remit your deposit payment on time will result in an automatic change of status of any confirmed space to a provisional basis and the possible inability to reinstate your reservation.
• [4.3]  Reciept of your deposit payment (or full payment) is deemed to constitute acceptance by the client(s) of all ST/G2G terms and conditions, including but not limited to the cancellations policies and terms.
• [4.4]  Any reservation made within sixty (60) to thirty-one (31) days of commencement of services will be accepted provided space(s) is(are) available, and payment in full is received within five (5) days by wire transfer or by credit card through PayPal. Payment for reservations less than thirty (30) days in advance must be made in full within five (5) days by bank wire transfer or by credit card through PayPal. We do not accept payment by check(s) for reservations made less than sixty (60) days prior to commencement of our services.
• [4.5]  For reservations made more than sixty one (61) days prior to the commencement of our services, the total balance is due no later than sixty (60) days prior to commencement of the program. If the balance has not been received by that date, your reservation will be cancelled, and the client(s) is (are) not entitled to any refunds. Payments made by check must be received at least ninety (90) days prior to the commencement of our services.
• [4.6]  ST/G2G will not provide tickets, coupons, vouchers or documents until full payment has been received and in the case of checks, until the check has been cashed.
• [4.7]  ST/G2G will not accept responsibility for wire transfer and/or courier charges or errors.
• [4.8]  For child discounts, the client(s) must provide ST/G2G with a copy of the child’s passport.  Failure to do so will not entitle the client(s) to the respective child discounts.
• [4.9]  Service voucher(s) and/or airline ticket (or electronic tickets) are provided to the client(s) at least 72 to 24 hours prior to the commencement of the service(s).  Clients are responsible to either pick-up their travel documents directly from the ST/G2G office (Monday to Friday from 09h00 to 18h30) at least 24 hours prior to the commencement of services or arrange directly with a ST/G2G representative to have the travel documents delivered to a designated hotel in Quito (or in the case of client(s) departing from Guayaquil, from the TAME CARGO office at least 120 minutes prior to the flight departure).  For passengers picking up their documents in the TAME CARGO office of the Guayaquil airport, a tracking (guia) number will be provided to the client(s).   TAME CARGO office hours are: Monday to Friday from 05h00 to 20h00, Saturdays from 05h00 to 18h00 and Sundays/holidays from 07h00 to 18h00).

PASSENGER'S PERSONAL INFORMATION

To issue final confirmation of services, ST/G2G requires:

• Passengers complete names (as they appear in the passengers’ passport)
• Passport number & passport copy in case of children
• Dietary requirements. ST will do its best effort to satisfy dietary needs, but in certain cases this may not be possible.
• Nationality
• Date of birth (please use dd/mm/yyyy)
• Language spoken and mother language
• In special cases (i.e., scuba diving, climbing) ST will need further information such as: height, weight, physical condition, etc.
• Local (Ecuador) contact information (i.e., telephone number of hotel) in the case that an ST representative needs to communicate with the client(s) to notify of a change.

5.  CANCELLATIONS AND REFUNDS

[5.1]  Any cancellation of a booking must be received by ST/G2G in writing and shall only be effective upon its acknowledged receipt by ST/G2G. If written notification is received at least ninety (90) days prior to departure, your deposit will be refunded, minus a US $100 service charge per person. If your cancellation is made 89 to 60 days prior to departure, 50% of your payment will be refunded, minus a US $100 service charge per person. If your cancellation is made 59 days or less prior to departure, full payment is forfeited.
[5.2]  If you are a "no show," your reservation will be deemed as cancelled without having given ST/G2G any notice, and the provision 1 above shall apply.
[5.3]  Any request to amend or change a booking once it has been confirmed is subject to space availability. If ST/G2G is able to modify your reservation, an administrative fee of $50 per change will be assessed. This fee(s) will be added to your final invoice.
[5.4]  No refunds are given:

1. for lost travel time or substitution of facilities;
2. for itineraries amended after departure;
3. for circumstances arising beyond ST/G2G's control, necessitating alternative arrangements being made to ensure the safety and/or further participation and enjoyment of your program;
4. if you do not arrive for any accommodation, service, sightseeing or trip segment without notifying ST/G2G;
5. if you leave your program after it has begun, or miss any scheduled sightseeing, activities, meals or accommodations;
6. if you suffer loss of services or inconvenience as a result of travelling without the correct documentation, including passports, visas and inoculations certificates.

These policies do not apply to bookings made on the following yachts: Alta¸ Eclipse¸ Evolution; Lammer Law; Parranda; Galapagos Legend; Galapagos Explorer II; Xpedition; Coral I and II; Diamante; Guantanamera; Seaman & Seaman II.  Please ask us directly for cancellation policies on these yachts.
 
6.  PAYMENT OPTIONS

2.  PAYMENT BY BANK (WIRE) TRANSFER

Thank you
 

Robin Slater
President
SANGAY TOURING / GUIDE2GALAPAGOS
Luis Cordero E4-358 y Amazonas (Edif. FLOPEC; p.b.)
Quito, Ecuador
South America