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General FAQ

What money is used is Ecuador?

Ecuador’s main and only currency is US dollar; recommend to bring small nomination bills and loose change for personal expenses prior to boarding. 

What is the electrical current in Ecuador?

The standard current in Ecuador is 110 volts, same as the US. On board YACHT LETTY, both 110V and 220V outlets are available.

What is the weather like in the Galapagos?

From December to May is considered warm season with more sunshine and higher air/water temperatures.  Average air temperature ranges from 80-87 F / 26-31 C.  February and March are considered the warmest months.  From June to November is the cooler season. “Garua” is a light-mist that is often present, creating overcast days. Winds during this time of year can create choppier seas.  Average air temperatures range: 67-78 F / 20 -26C. 

What time zone is Galapagos in?

  Time zone: -6 GMT with no daylight savings time. Half the year, Ecuador is the same as Chicago, IL (CST), the other half of the year it is the same as New York City (EST). Galapagos Islands are 1 hour behind mainland Ecuador. 

Travel FAQ

Do I need a Visa to enter Ecuador?

No visa is necessary from most countries, but if you come from one of these Countries, you will need to consult with your Consulate Office to confirm whether you need a Visa to visit Ecuador or not: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Cuba, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Nepal, Nigeria, North Korea, Pakistan, Senegal and Somalia.

IMPORTANT: Your passport must have a validity of at least 6 months prior to expiration at the time you enter Ecuador; also, as a tourist, you must have a round trip or onward ticket bought. Also you require a Travel/Health Insurance coverage for the time of your stay in Ecuador

Are there any travel advisories?

As travel advisories are always subject to change, please refer to any travel advisories issued by your own country’s authorities for updated information on Ecuador.

Do I need any vaccinations to enter Ecuador?

There are no vaccinations needed to visit Galapagos nor Continental Ecuador (Andean/Coastal regions). However, if your travel plans include a tour to the Amazon Jungle, Yellow Fever Vaccination may be required. 

HEALTH RISKS: While Galapagos, Quito and Guayaquil tend to be relatively disease free, dengue can be a risk on land. There is no vaccination against dengue, however, wearing long sleeves and using a DEET based repellent are good preventative measures.

While cruising on board YACHT LETTY, there will be no health risks by consuming food or water but we recommend not to drink tap water and that you brush your teeth with purified water. 

 

Should I arrive early to Ecuador?

Your flight to the Islands departs early: from Quito around 06h30 – 07h30 and from Guayaquil around 08h30 – 09h30 so it is important that you arrive to Ecuador at least 48 hours before your cruise dates to one of these two major cities. If you cannot arrive 48 hours prior to cruise dates, make sure that you arrive no earlier than 24 hours just in case your international flight connections suffer delays or even cancellations.

Also if you plan to leave Ecuador on the last day of your cruise, make sure to book the latest possible flight (past 22h00) as most flights from Galapagos may suffer delays to Quito or Guayaquil.

Where do I fly into?

Ecuador has 2 international airports: Quito (airport code UIO) and Guayaquil (airport code GYE). Most international flights arrive in the evening, so an overnight hotel is in order upon arrival. Quito is the newer airport, located approximately 70 minutes outside the city.  Quito is at an altitude of 2850 m / 9350 ft, so if you suffer from altitude sickness, you may want to consider only airlines that fly into Guayaquil, which is at sea level. You fly from mainland Ecuador into San Cristobal airport in Galapagos (airport code SCY) on the morning of your departure. 

Yacht FAQ

What safety equipment do you have onboard?

  • ABC Fire Extinguishers

  • ACR radio

  • All required navigation equipment

  • Depth sounders

  • FURUNO Radar

  • GPS

  • Lifeguard vest

  • VHF - DSS radio

What are the yacht specs?
What is food like onboard YACHT LETTY?

You will not go hungry onboard. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served as Buffett with international and Ecuadorian dishes prepared with fresh local produce and seafood; snacks and soft-beverages are served after each excursion. Also Al-fresco BBQ dinner will be served at least once every cruise.

Can you accommodate dietary restrictions?

We can accommodate virtually any dietary requests: vegetarian, vegan, gluten free, etcetera; we will need to be informed in detail of your diet by the time of confirmation.

Is alcohol included in the price?

Cruises include natural-fresh juice, soft-drinks, fresh drinking water (and drinking bottle), tea & coffee. Wine, beer, cocktails and liquor/spirits are available at the bar at extra cost payable with your credit card.

Is there Wi-Fi onboard?

Yes, our Yacht will offer Satellite Wi-Fi on board with no extra cost for guests; signal will be stronger on the Sun Deck and at the Lounge.

How many crew do you have onboard?

There are 11 crew members: Captain, first mate, sailor, chef, chef’s assistant, engineer, machinist/electrician, cabin boy, waiter/bar man and 2 dive guides.

How much of a tip do you recommend?

Tipping is completely up to your level of satisfaction with the service provided on board. We may recommend considering $15 per person per day for your Guide and the same amount to be divided among the rest of the Crew on board.

What do I need to bring for my cruise with Yacht Letty?

On board our First Class cruise you can expect that everything will be set and ready for you to enjoy every excursion and activity on board like: complete snorkeling equipment, wet-suits, sea-kayaks, customized water-bottle, soft-drinks, drinking-water, juices, coffee and snacks. However, we recommend to bring from your side some elemental personal items that will surely help you enjoy your adventure even more:

 

  • A must: your original passport & travel/cruise documents or vouchers

  • Cash money for expenses like alcoholic drinks on board, tips for guide & crew and others; it is recommended to withdraw money from ATM's before your flight to the Islands in Quito or Guayaquil).

  • Sun hat / cap with straps and also sunglasses with straps

  • One pair of sandals, one pair of sneakers or good trekking shoes and maybe one pair of Teva-style sandals for wet landings and beach-time

  • 2 Swim suits; you can bring your own wet-suit if you like as well

  • High factor, waterproof sunscreen as most hikes are in open terrain; also moskito repelant & moisturizing cream

  • Pills for dizziness in case you need them or recommended by your doctor

  • Light-weight wind resistant jacket or wind-breaker, best if water-repelant or waterproof

  • Short & Long-sleeve shirts, light trekking pants, shorts

  • Extra camera batteries and memory cards. If you like, bring your underwater camera for marine exploration when snorkeling.

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