What to pack for The Galápagos in November

16 rain days a month finds every seam. A real shell, not a windbreaker.

UV index of 8.0 burns skin in under 15 minutes.

Glare off water and sand intensifies the equatorial sun.

Warm coastal air brings insects that carry disease here.

Remote islands mean hospitals are far from where cuts happen.

Tap water isn't safe here. A filter bottle beats buying plastic twice a day.

Twelve-hour days limit charging time at remote guesthouses.

Set it up before you land. Signal drops for long stretches outside cities.

Overhead bins are tight on inter-island flights here.

Daylong excursions mean water, sun gear, and snacks travel with you.

Fits the overhead on every airline that matters. Skip the checked-bag line entirely.

For the passport, the chargers, and the one dry pair of socks.

Sweat dries slowly in 82% humidity and heat makes clothes cling.

UV hits 8 here. Long sleeves beat reapplying sunscreen every hour.

Water temperature stays warm enough for swimming year-round here.

Twelve hours of direct sun daily requires head protection.

Treat the clothes once and it lasts weeks.

Heat and humidity dehydrate faster than you notice.

Tap water isn't safe and unfamiliar food causes problems.

One brick charges the laptop, phone, and camera.

Hotel and cafe wifi is shared with everyone else in the building. A VPN keeps your banking and email to yourself.

International travel and cash-only villages need secure carrying.

Boat transfers and island hopping risk losing luggage.

Humidity and salt water ruin unpacked electronics and clothes.

Saltwater spray and rain soak bags during boat rides.

High humidity grows mold in dirty clothes within days.

Highs near 75°F mean legs stay exposed most days.

Sixteen rainy days monthly will soak anything not treated.

Lips crack fast in wind and intense UV exposure.

Frequent rain and humidity breed bacteria on hands quickly.

Sunburned skin swells and insect bites itch worse together.

One outlet per room means devices wait in line.

A few phrases go a long way. Ten minutes a day before you leave is plenty.

Frequent border crossings between islands require passport access.

Shared accommodations and boat transfers attract casual theft.

Toiletries leak in luggage during rough boat transfers.