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Travel Tips

If you are coming over, I recommend printing this page and bring it with you. If you would like tips on Mainland Ecuador Travel, go to "Ecuador for outdoors Dummies". And for Surfers, go to botom of this page " Mainland Surf Travel Tips".

Check "Wreck Bay" Town Map & Waves Map below.

Check this new site of Isla San Cristobal with very good updated information on Lodging, Map, PLaces, etc.
sancristobalgalapagos.com

UPDATE (Feb 10-08) AIRPORT IN PUERTO BAQUERIZO-SAN CRISTOBAL ISLAND IS OPEN FINALLY! AIRLINES (AEROGAL & TAME) ARE LANDING NORMALLY NOW. YOU CAN BOOK OR BUY TICKETS DIRECTLY TO ISLAND WITHOUT HASSLES.

Last update on Airlines ("Continental Airline" as far as we know is one) Baggage Policies coming to Ecuador / Airlines / Surfboards (check News on Main menu for more recent bad news from Continental Airline):

http://www.continental.com/travel/policies/baggage/sports.asp?SID=E90365EDAC804143AE2ED962B13E1E0E http://www.continental.com/travel/policies/baggage/embargo.asp?SID=E90365EDAC804143AE2ED962B13E1E0E

Main things to remember when you travel, to surf or not, to Galapagos:

All hotels, flights, and other services, even food at restaurants, can be very difficult to get during the months of Dec-February (high season). So make reservations well ahead of time. Remember, Galapagos towns, specially San Cristobal, are small and they do not have large Hotels. A big Hotel at Galapagos have usually just 10-20 rooms at most. Reservations on Flights (specially TAME airline) are the most difficult to deal with. We recommend AeroGal airline to flight to Glpgs especially to San Cristobal airport (where waves are) be sure you head there and not to Baltra airport, so you can get to waves much easier, faster and cheaper.

Always make sure (3 times at least) and check your flight ticket(s) and code number reservation, to be sure you have a seat on plane.

"AEROGAL" goes to San Cristobal island from Guayaquil all week except Tuesdays (Flights 030-036). Leaves 11:15 hrs (am) Call for updates
phones # at Guayaquil: (04) 2-310346 (UPDATED AGT-2006)
Quito: (02)2-920495
San Cristobal (Galapagos): (05) 521117, 521118, 521120
email: aerogal@andinanet.net
(Please if you care reffer to my name at Guayaquil Offices #phones)

1. There is only one flight a day, seldom two.Only Tame airline holds (2) flights weekly to SAN CRISTOBAL AIRPORT(Wenesdays and Friday- Agt 2006) -where you want to land for surf(Check News for changes ). So, flights get full anytime, especially December Thru February (SanCristobal Airport). TAME PHONES 2283808 (Arpt), 2310305 rservations commuter. Ask for "Diana" if she is still there...PLEASE CONFIRM ALL THIS AS THESE ITINERARIES VARY FROM MONTH TO MONTH.

2. TAME AIRLINES. Flying to S Cristobal on Wenesday & Fridays, "Flights 191 & 195"(Prices). Leaves around 3pm., (Agt- 2006 update). Other Alternative is to get to Baltra and then get to S Cristobal island by small plane.

EMETEBE INTER ISLAND FLIGHTS( Small plane 6-9 passengers Cessna bimotor) . Call Manager: Jaime Morales at 09-104003. Or at Cristobal Is. office ph# 05-520793. Few boards are allowed on this crafts, so you may need to charter a whole plane $ 599US/ 6-9 passengers capacity plus up to about 4-6 boards. Depending on amount of luggage, etc.

On regular flights (TAME AIRLINE)
BOARDS luggage OK., BUT YOU HAVE TO GO TO CARGO COUNTER AND THEY CHARGE $ 0.50 KILO...
Your luggage and boards will be checked by National Park officers from Agricultural Dpt. for introduction of species, etc.

3. Galapagos and especially Puerto Baquerizo M. has few hotels and rooms. So, make reservations in advance. Best recomended at San Cristobal is the hotel MAR AZUL.

4. You will have to pay the Park Fee at arrival at airport. Take cash only for this.( $ 100 US!)

5. Galapagos & the mainland can get very hot on "hot season" (Jan.-April). Take water with you on walks to surfspots, etc.There is little shade throughout coast of islands. DRINK ONLY BOTTLED WATER!..water in Galapagos can make you really sick as there is shortage of water. EVEN FOR BRUSHING YOUR TEETH!.

6. Exploring through the islands is not possible and prohibited and very easy to get lost especially after sunset(light goes very quick in the equator). People have died by finding themselves out of the trails!.

7. Locals, rationals and irrationals, are first here than anything and anyone. There are very few local surfers so, respect them. They are very easy going and like to remain that way. Surfing and Surfers are very recent. They are very welcome so far.

8. Surfing in Galapagos is new. There is very few people and operators that know about Surfing and surfspots. Check with someone who really knows about services, opinions, etc.I recommend Genoa Bar at S Cristobal for contacts and the Tenorio Bros. and Sergio Bazan a local long haired small guy at Sta Cruz Island.
  • Bring all your possible surfing needs. There is no surfshops at Galapagos, recently I found one at Pto Ayora-Sta Cruz Island, by Hotel Angermeyer and also Bodega Blanca (Warehouse store) may have few things. Mainland Ecuador has few; "Sunbawa"t at main Malls at Guayaquil and Mar Bravo Surfshop at Alborada (quite expensive though all of them Mar Bravo best prices). Hard to get weird Batteries for cameras, videos, etc., at Glpgs. Try to get everything at Mainland. Energy goes at 110-120 volts.
  • AEROGAL (all days except thursdays) TAME (please call for flights a day)airlines lands at Baltra Island (close to Sta. Cruz islands) and also landing in San Cristobal Island Flight 195 Gye-S.Cristobal Is. (where waves are.) There are Low and High fares for tickets. Ask your travel agent about it.
  • High season (Ene 16-Jun 14): Guayaquil(Gye)-Glps-Gye $ 355 USD (new 2007 price updated). If you are from "Pacto Andino" country (Peru, Colombia, Venezuela, Chile, Bolivia), you have a especial discount! ask for especial price and all tickets buyer need to present documents passports-ID valid of citizenship, espcially discounted tickets.
  • Galapagos Airplane Tickets (Tame/Aerogal) are not interchangeable or make sure with your travel agency they are.
  • Expensive drinks onboard a cruise. So get your own case(s) of beer in town, if possible.
  • Hotseason is really HOT! Drink lots of water (potassium) and keep under shade when out of the water. Bring lots of sunblock, hats, etc.
  • Water temps vary from spot to spot, island to island. Internet general temperature reports are no good for surfing Galapagos.
  • Access to serious medical attention is difficult. Just basic stuff. So be as careful as possible, and bring you F.Aid KIT with U!.


  • Take plenty of books, tapes, etc., there not much entertaiment In town.

  • There is only ONE Flight a Day, seldom two, from each airport. Reserve in advance your departure. Anytime flights can be empty or get totally full.
  • Is good to bring a small pen flashlight for onboard use as well as town walking. Anytime, power goes off for a while...especially after 12-1 am. Drunk walking in Galapagos can have serious consequences.
  • If you are vegetarian, bring some especial food with you. Galapagos do not have much especial veggie products.
  • Let me know if you are a vegetarian wanting to go on a surfcharter. To get you an especial menu as possible.
  • Availability of rooms in hotels or pensions is limited. So, reserve ahead, if coming to stay some days in town after or before your cruise. We can help you with that.
  • Hotel rooms are usually basic, clean, quarters. Try to get A/C when on hot season. Cool season is cool mostly everywhere and pleasant to sleep.
  • A good and cheap way to discover surfspots in Galapagos is just to go climb to the top of an island in a clear day and check the coast with binos.
  • Another way but expensive is to rent a small plane (at S. Cristobal) and check the surf. You can go to other islands this way and is not so expensive. A group of 6 paxs pay $ 40-60 US. each.
  • Be carefull at Pier steps, they are very very slippery specially at low tides or when wet. Becareful!
  • Dive or check new surfspots, be sure there are no shallow rocks on ride.
  • Sea Lions are cool if you are too..but better stay away from big males or females with pups.
Our Recommended Places

To sleep:

San Cristobal Island, Puerto Baquerizo M.:

Orca Hotel. Best in town, and our most recommended medium budget $35-45(with AC) night, includes contibreakfast, nice area by the water over looking at bay and waves from terraza. Clean rooms and nice set up. Good food; you can order what you want to eat next day the previous night. Close to all surfspots in town. Walking distance from all spots especially "Carola"(best right hander in Town and probably in Galapagos).

Cabañas Don Jorge. Nice cozy cabins on a hill looking to the bay, aprox price $ 15-20/night/cabin two queen size beds small fridge-small stove and view balcony. Also very close to "Carola reef" in fact a bit closer and on its way to it. Very recommended. No A/C but since it is on top of hill is very fresh.

Hotel Mar Azul. The most recommended at a very economical price, aprox $12 double-15 single room/night, clean and good service, no bay looking but easy and budget place. Tf 05-520-139, Mr. Manuel Romero Owner. No view of waves or ocean.

Hotel Chatham. Also economical $12 double-15 single room/night/Breakfast, but not as good as Mar Azul. Tf: 05-520-137 Mr. Luis cruz owner. Works regulary with surfers and gives special breakfast included price. Locatyio in Town at Malecon or main street..

(Your recommendations are very welcome for updates or places missing)

LOCAL SURF GUIDES:

Humberto Cesar Rumipamba <humbertosurfergalapagos@yahoo.com>

Beatrice Olbrich <beatriceolbrich@web.de>
Victor & Chicho Surf

 

To eat:

Pto. Baquerizo:

Restaurant Rosita run by family of surf guide
Humberto Rumipamba <humbertosurfergalapagos@yahoo.com>

 

Genoa Bar and Launch (right besides Municipal Building) main street "malecon" in front of ocean front park, Genoa is owned by local surfer Oswaldo de la Torre, one of the few surfers of Galapagos. This is the only surfer´s place in town.Gathering place for surfers. Good vibes and ceviches to go with the beers.

La Zayapa (good tuna dishes).

Cabaña El Grande (real good prices & fruit smoothies/shakes. Try the killer ¨Encebollado¨ (Albacora tuna with yuca and onions in a tasty broth) real energy food!. Especially after a hangover and/or surf!..

Kiosko Vina del Mar, in front of Cabaña, very good fruit smoothies and shakes.

Picanteria Barracuda, right besides Kiosko Vina, good ceviches.

 

Our Recommended Reading

Odyssey Illustrated Guide to the Galapagos Islands
by Pierre Constant

If you want more info on books go to NATURALIST.NET

 

Pto. Baquerizo Moreno (Wreck Bay) Town & Surf Maps.

(Isla San Cristobal)

Waves Map (distances) at Wreck Bay and Sorroundings.

Tips for Mainland Ecuador surf travel

Ok. So you are coming to the mainland too. Great idea! and you won´t regret this desition. Here are main Tips to come surf the coast of mainland Ecuador.

  • Come with all your shots done. We have all tropical deseases. So better come protected. Water in Guayaquil can be very bad!...
  • Bring cash or debit card. Also when possible change bills to lowest ($5 or $10) nobody have change in Ecuador for more than a $5 or maybe $10 dollar bill..
  • Be aware of sun is very hot and here you can wrinkle your face like a raisin in one month only, now if you have money and after get butoxed..is up to you...!ahaha!! no shit you are in equator not only in Ecuador and for hours on sun and salt water...well..
  • Be aware of taxis in Guayaquil, they always like everywhere in Latin world want to rip you off!..thats why I offer my services. Also in renting car better do it at airport they are little bit more $ but more reliable. Etc.
  • Bring, as in Galapagos Travel Tips, all your surfing equipment needs. There are few Surf Shops in certain areas/cities like: Guayaquil, Salinas, Manta-Montanita and that´s it...and it´s expensive and you won´t find a great variety of things and worse brands..so.
  • Better if you travel with a local guide or friend. That way you know where are the dangerous areas are in terms of rocks or bad locals (not surfers, surfers in general are easy going and welcome foreign tourist, except for the guy with the diving knife at Montanita whom appears anytime...scaring the shit away out of all even locals.! I am joking....!)
  • If you come on December-February season, North swells season, so you better head for the Montanita and up north surfing spots, like Manta(Manabi), San Mateo, Mompiche(Esmeraldas) area. Many spots to discover and surf by yourself and buddies. (Check mainland map on Home page).
  • Roads are great right now (2001-2002) and should be enjoyed before another so called government comes (2002) and fucks up all and stop maintanance etc. Especially enjoy the road up the coast from Bahia de Caraquez-Manabi province to Mompiche-Esmeraldas province. . . You will find all the variety of landscapes driving along this road and throughout all the coast road from Playas to Esmeraldas. One thing for sure is that driving Ecuador in any direction, you will never be bored with same landscapes and environments. Its all changing from one hour to next.
  • If you come on July-September and you are around Montañita, make sure you get to Machalilla Naional Park (and even if you come on other seasons) and get on a tour to see whales mating by the Isla de la Plata, also worth visiting and to watch birds like Galapagos albatross and masked and red footed boobies nesting. Ask the guides for seasons.
  • Another recomendation around this area is to bike by the 5 Cerros area and take hikes around this wonderful Tropical Forest which stay green year round and have a great variety of fauna and flora.
  • Renting cars is expensive like Costa Rica (Vitara 2-5 door-$51-60/day, Rodeo 4x4 A/C ´99: $80/day or Double Cabin Pickups 2001- NO AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION AND CHECK CHANGING TIRES EQUIPMENT). Fuel of regular octanage is $1.45-regular-$1.95 super /galon.(Jan-06 update) Remember you wont find that much variety to choose from as models and brands. And be careful driving through Guayaquil-Montanita area as there are A LOT OF SPEED BREAK BUMPS WITH NO SIGNS AND SPECIALLY AT NIGHT!! You can kill your self or hit hard on your roof if not buckled up!. Please try avoiding driving at night!. Check Ecuadorfordummies for more on driving Ecuador etc.
  • One area I recomend most is the Montañita-San Mateo coast, which has a great road and has very different surf spots that break in different sizes and conditions. These area is very very uncrowded and needs more exploring and you should very likely discover a few new spots.
  • If you come on March-June season. This is South to West (actually a real West does not exist but is a combination swell N-SW) swells season and you can either stay at certain areas North of Montañita, or stay at Montañita which is great with big Wests, or head for "Playas" beaches. Careful with " EL PELADO" at "Playas", recently robberies have been occuring more than normal (Oct-02). We suggest you surf with other people and not by yourself. And avoid camping here or staying late..
  • Conditions on January-May are very hot and especially is el Niño hits. Montañita for some reason, has a very strong heat, probably due to the color of the beach. Anyway, wear good sunscreen and a hat. Early mornings glass is the comom occurrence all this season, with winds picking up from 10 am. to 3 pm and then slacking down to an evening glass again from 5-7pm. Nights can be very hot and humid when raining. Mosquitoe nets are a must or repellent.
  • If camping, pick up a good location away from roads so nobody can see your tent. That way you may not have a midnight visitor(s)..There is not much delinquency on beaches, but there are and one never knows when this may happen. So just do not atract attention too much. This is also a good reason for having a local along.
  • Average sizes along the coast is around 4-10 feet. more than that either they are braging or took some kind of pill or drink while surfing. Only Galapagos goes over 10 feet in all Ecuador.
  • Ecuador mainland has great waves and most of all uncrowded ones plenty. The surf can be either glassy or light offshore. Waves are definetly better than Costa Rica, but maybe similar. Although, being closer from the source, our waves have a lot more punch and speed.
  • Soon more info and if questions email me. Happy to help on you travels around Ecuador coasts. We are working on a surfing map especially for Playas at the moment. We should be have it online around December. For rest of spots check the wavemaps on HomePage
  • Best time for Montañita: January- or May (less crowds and good swells). Best San Mateo: February-March. Best Playas spots: March-June but breaks thrughout November. Best Mompiche: January-Feb. Best North of Montañita spots: January-April. BEST LUCK BRO!