Galapagos info for cruisers.

Don't be put off by cost and hassle, we have had a wonderful time here!

We came to Santa Cruz, Admiralty Bay. Heaps of room to anchor. Most monohulls use a stern anchor, wind drops at night and a slight roll sets in.

You have to use an agent, we used Galapagos Ocean Services, Toumo@gos.ec

He is Finnish, very straight and clear. They provide in addition to the agent services, free use of their dinghy jetty, laundry, shower, wi-fi, and a lot of great advice. They have de-sal water on tap, you can fill containers at the jetty and pay them for what you use. They also provide containers for diesel. Total cost was not as bad as we expected. Navy fees are based on weight, so Ellida shed a few pounds. National Park fees are usually collected at airport, so if you don't try to pay it you save $100 per person. Of course it would be better if your money went to National Parks and not to the Navy… We were visited by only one Navy guy, very sweet. No inspection of fruits and didn't ask about fumigation certificate so that saved another $60 or so. In the end our total cost will be about $250, and we could have stayed 3 weeks if desired. Transport around town is by taxi. All town rides are $1, no matter how many people you pile in the back of the ute. Cheap restaurants are a few streets back and lunch is $3.