Thank you for booking our Galapagos Expedition Cruise. Your adventure will be here before you know it!
Approximately 30 days prior to the trip start date you’ll receive your personalized travel documents, confirming your trip inclusions and airport transfer details. Below you will find additional information to help you prepare for the adventure that lies ahead.
All documentation required for this itinerary is the sole responsibility of the guest. Brand g Vacations will not be responsible for advising and/or obtaining required travel documentation for any passenger, or for any delays, damages, and/or losses, including missed portions of your trip, related to improper or absent travel documentation. It is suggested that copies of important documents, including your passport and visas, be kept in a separate place, in case the originals are lost or stolen.
Passport: A passport that is valid for at least six (6) months after your return date is required for this program.
Visa Requirements: Visas are not required for US and Canadian citizens traveling to Ecuador for less than 90 days. Non-US residents are advised to contact the local consulate (or local visa service provider) to determine the rules and regulations of obtaining any necessary visa in your country of residence. It is the responsibility of the guest to obtain all documentation necessary for your trip. Brand g Vacations is not responsible for missed portions of any trip due to incorrect or non-existent government documentation.
Travel insurance is advised to participate in this program. If you haven’t purchased a policy already, you may do so by contacting your travel agent or Brand g Vacations. You may also get a quote and purchase a policy online from Brand g’s recommended travel insurance provider, Travel Insured International. Please be sure to carry all policy information with you during your program.
Vaccinations: Make sure you are up to date on routine vaccines before every trip. It is recommended that you discuss vaccinations available for entering the Ecuador, the Galapagos, and any other health concerns you may have with your personal physician or a travel medicine specialist.
The consulates of the countries to be visited will also provide information on vaccination requirements and/or suggestions. You may also consult the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) for their current recommendations. US Citizens should visit CDC.GOV and visitors of other countries should consult their own centers for disease control.
Recommended Personal Medical Kit: For your travels throughout Ecuador, we recommend that you pack your own personal over the counter first aid kit, including items such as: antidiarrheal (Imodium), stomach pain (Pepto Bismol), antihistamines (both capsules and balm), analgesics, band aids and blister plasters, as well as insect repellent with 100% DEET. There is a Wellness Coordinator and physician on board the National Geographic Endeavour II and a modest medicine pantry on board. However, there will be no immediate access to prescription medications during the cruise, so please bring everything you need with you. Please also alert Brand g in advance with any specific concerns we should be aware of.
Physical Limitations: This is an active trip, and there is much to see and do. Many included excursions require an extensive amount of walking over uneven terrain, and many sites have numerous steps that may be steeper and narrower than you are accustomed to. There are several opportunities for snorkeling and kayaking as well, which can be physically demanding. Guests with physical limitations will find access to many sites difficult or impossible to navigate. For your safety and enjoyment, we recommend that you be in good physical condition.
Medical: Medical facilities are not always easily accessible during the more rural portions of the trip. However, the National Geographic Endeavour II does have a paramedic on board, who is trained in basic first aid. Any medical expenses incurred are the guest’s own responsibility and neither Brand g Vacations nor the ship is responsible for cost or quality of medical care received. Guests should bring their medications with them. A travel insurance policy that covers medical expenses while traveling internationally is highly recommended.
Dietary Preferences: Please advise us of any special dietary restrictions at least 45 days (7/14/25) prior to your departure. This information will be provided to the proper personnel, and to the extent possible within local conditions and limitations, every effort will be made to accommodate your needs. It is the guest’s responsibility to provide us with as much detail as possible concerning any medically related dietary concerns. Not all dietary requests can be accommodated, and we appreciate your understanding in this matter.
While there are no restrictions on the number of bags each guest may bring on board the ship, storage space is limited, and it is suggested that each guest bring only one checked bag. Additionally, all airlines impose restrictions on both size and weight, and many airlines restrict the number of bags per person. Each guest must check with their selected air carrier for limitations prior to departure as luggage restrictions are subject to change. Guests who exceed an airline’s luggage restrictions may be asked by the airline to pay the airline’s overweight/oversized luggage fees.
An airline’s limitations on the weight and size of checked and carry-on baggage are usually found on their website or may be obtained by calling the airline directly. Please remember that international (over the water) and domestic (intra continental) restrictions may not be the same.
Included Domestic Flights: Each passenger is allowed 1 bag of checked luggage not exceeding 50lbs. The maximum cubic dimension of any checked bag is 62 linear inches (width + height +length). Each passenger is also allowed 1 small carry-on bag and 1 personal item. The carry-on bag has a maximum weight of 22 pounds (the maximum dimensions are 22 in x 14 in x 10 in – height, width and depth, including the pockets, wheels and handle), and the small personal item is defined as a small backpack, purse, diaper bag or laptop bag than can fit under the seat. Any additional bags or overweight bags will need to be paid for at the airport by waiting in a dedicated line for payments. To avoid this, we strongly advise you to stay within the luggage limitations.
Your luggage and all personal belongings are solely your responsibility throughout the trip. Brand g Vacations is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged luggage or personal belongings. Selecting a travel insurance plan that will cover lost or stolen luggage and/or personal items is highly recommended.
Please place luggage tags on the outside of all your bags, including carry on and hand luggage, and include a copy of your contact information during the trip on the inside of your checked bags. Valuables and medication should only be packed in your carry-on bags (unless required to be placed in checked bags by your airline).
Please be sure to contact your airline prior to departure and verify there have been no changes to the flight number or schedule. If you have an airport transfer confirmed with Brand g, please advise of any schedule change affecting your airport pick up time.
Familiarize yourself with current airport security procedures and arrive at the airport at least two and a half (2.5) hours prior to your scheduled departure. During peak travel times, you may want to arrive three (3) hours prior to your scheduled departure time.
Most items you purchase internationally can be brought back into the US and Canada. We do recommend that you check with both your home country’s customs office for current restrictions as well as with the embassies of the countries you are visiting for any restrictions on items that may be unlawful to take outside their borders.
When you return to your home country, you should be prepared to declare everything you purchased or acquired while traveling. Many countries will ask you to complete a customs form, which will require descriptions and values of the items. These forms are easier to complete if you keep your sales receipts easily accessible. Most countries have set customs duty exemptions for both quantity and value of certain items. We suggest that you familiarize yourself with these allowances and limits prior to your travel.
Please be advised that the Go Quito Hotel check-in is 3:00 pm. If you arrive at the hotel before 3:00 pm, there may be a wait until the room becomes available. Check-out at the Go Quito Hotel is noon. If your arrival or departure schedule does not coincide with these times, you may ask the hotel(s) to store your baggage while you explore independently. Please note that every effort is made to ensure that your hotel room is available and ready for occupancy upon your arrival, however a short wait for your room to become available may be unavoidable. Depending on your arrival or departure times, you may wish to purchase additional hotel nights in order to guarantee availability of your room. Feel free to contact Brand g Vacations or your travel agent to book additional services.
You should schedule your arrival to Quito (UIO) on or before August 28, 2025. Your first event will be a welcome cocktail reception at approximately 5:30 pm on August 28th.
You should schedule your flight from Guayaquil (GYE) late night on the 6th of September or on the morning of the 7th of September, 2025. Hotel check-out is at 11:00 am.
Once you have booked your flights, provide us with a copy of your itinerary to arrange your pre and post airport transfers. Please submit these details at least 45 days (7/14/25), to ensure transfer availability. If you have already provided this information, the arrival and departure flight details will appear at the bottom of this confirmation. Kindly verify that we have the correct information.
Guests who provided their independently arranged flight details to Brand g Vacations at least 45 days (7/14/25) to departure, will automatically have airport arrival and departure transfers arranged. Flight arrangements must also be made in accordance with Brand g vacations flight recommendations.
Guests are responsible for checking with the airlines and providing their most up-to-date flight details. The airlines have been changing many flight times, so please double-check these in the days leading up to your departure/return and advise Brand g if there has been any substantial change. Please contact your travel agent or Brand g Vacations if you have any questions about your flight arrangements.
Arrival Transfers: On arrival at Quito’s Mariscal Sucre Quito International Airport (UIO) you will be met by a Brand g Vacations representative and transferred to the Go Quito Hotel or your independently booked Hotel.
Our representatives will greet you after you go through baggage claim and customs and exit the terminal. You will find them holding a Brand g logo sign. They will transfer you to your hotel. If you do not immediately see the representative, please remain outside, and wait for them to find you.
Departure Transfers: you will be transferred to Guayaquil (GYE) José Joaquín de Olmedo International Airport (GYE) in time for your independently arranged flight.
If you experience a travel delay while still in your home country, after working with your air carrier to revise your flight schedule, please contact Brand g’s Office at 952-405-9309 to advise us of your revised arrival date and time. If the line is busy or you are calling outside of general business hours, please leave a message.
If you have already departed your home country, please contact our local staff at the numbers provided on the Contact and Emergency Information section further below on this page.
If you purchased travel insurance that covers flight delay and cancellation expenses, you will also want to contact your travel insurance company to start a claim for expenses incurred during your delay. If the delay is serious enough that you will miss the starting point of your cruise, any additional hotel, and/or flight arrangements necessary to meet your group will be at your expense.
Baggage delays unfortunately occur from time to time, especially during peak travel periods. If you discover any bag did not make it to your destination, do not leave the airport baggage area without completing a Lost Baggage Report with your air carrier. This report is essential to the tracking of your claim. If you have an airport transfer scheduled, and are traveling with a companion, we recommend that one person exit the baggage claim area and locate the representative to inform him or her of the situation. This will allow the representative to ensure that the transfer is properly provided. Give the air carrier a copy of your travel itinerary, along with the hotel and ship contact information. Report your lost baggage to your Brand g Vacations host and provide them with a copy of your Lost Baggage Report. Brand g Vacations is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged baggage and/or personal belongings. Selecting a travel insurance plan that will cover lost or stolen luggage and/or personal items is highly recommended.
A Brand g Vacations Tour Leader will be with you during your travel program to handle all the details, leaving you to relax and enjoy your vacation.
In today’s connected world, staying in touch with friends and family is a key part of travel. Since most guests bring their cell phones, access to reliable communication ensures they can share experiences, navigate unfamiliar places, and stay informed throughout their journey. International roaming charges can be expensive, and it is advisable to contact your domestic carrier to determine the charges and plans available for each country you are visiting, then select the best available plan for your expected usage. In some countries, SIM or E-SIM cards are available for purchase that can be used in an unlocked phone (call your carrier to determine if your phone is, or can be, unlocked), providing a local number that can be used both locally and internationally, usually at a significantly lower rate.
Making international calls from hotels is possible, but costly. Connection fees are usually applied, in addition to other call charges.
Each suite on board the National Geographic Endeavour II is equipped with a phone for internal calls only and cannot be used for calls off ship. The Cruise Director will be able to assist you in case of an emergency but should not be relied upon to assist with personal calls, as it is impossible to be familiar with all the phones and calling plans on the market. A satellite phone is available on board the National Geographic Endeavour II for emergency calls only. Please remember to give your family/friends back home the phone number for the National Geographic Endeavour II, which is listed below in Contact and Emergency Information section in case of emergency.
INTERNET ACCESS
Each of our hotels in Ecuador offer internet access, although there may be a charge for certain services at some hotels. The National Geographic Endeavour II offers complimentary Wi-fi, up to one hour per person, per day. Please note that cell service is generally limited and unreliable, with the best service found in and around the main populated areas, and expect poor or no service in remote areas and on open waters. We recommend bringing reading materials or downloading movies to your device for those relaxing times during your cruise.
The official currency of Ecuador is the US Dollar. Ecuador is a predominantly cash country with Credit Card payments on the rise (Visa, Mastercard, Amex). US dollars brought into Ecuador should be in small denominations ($1, $5, or $10) as exact change can be challenging to receive. To withdraw cash in Ecuador, use ATMs, which are common in cities and towns. Inform your bank of your travel plans to avoid potential card blocks and be mindful of ATM fees and daily withdrawal limits. The hotel is located in one of the financial districts, so banks are just a few blocks away. Additionally, ATMs are available at the airport and at several points during the city tour. The maximum withdrawal limit at ATMs is $500. We recommend bringing small denomination bills, such as $5, $10, or $20.
Most establishments in Quito, Guayaquil, and on the cruise ship accept credit cards.
The cruise operates on a cashless system, with all purchases billed to your onboard account. At the end of the cruise, accounts will be settled by credit card (Visa or MasterCard). There is no currency exchange on board the National Geographic Endeavour II. Throughout the cruise program you will have opportunities to buy souvenirs made by locals. Therefore, we recommend you carry a small amount of USD with you on excursions.
Optional Gratuities for the included components of this program have been pre-paid. You are welcome to provide additional tips at your discretion.
On the ship, smoking is allowed only on designated parts of the deck. The hotels have open areas where smoking is allowed and may offer smoking areas in specific sections of some indoor lounges. All hotel rooms and ship staterooms are non-smoking. We ask everyone to refrain from smoking while on excursions.
The electrical current in Ecuador is standard voltage is 120V at a frequency of 60 Hz, similar to the US, meaning travelers likely won’t need a voltage converter but may need a plug adapter for the Type A and B. Guests should be sure to bring the appropriate converter for devices that are not dual voltage.
Many electronic devices have built-in electrical converters, however, please check the manufacturer’s specifications for specific details. We recommend bringing a plug adaptor to accommodate the different plug types. The ship has multi-configuration outlets, which accommodate most Western plugs. Because the voltage may fluctuate at times, we also recommend unplugging your device when not in use or when leaving them unattended.
Electrical currents onboard are 110V plus similar to the US, therefore a standard US plug will be acceptable onboard the National Geographic Endeavor II
Your tour program includes comprehensive shore excursions led by a local English-speaking guide; these excursions have been designed to provide you with the best possible experience. Excursions vary in difficulty level. Specific excursion information can be found in the daily itinerary. Your Brand g Vacations Tour Leader will provide details on each day’s excursion(s) and timing. Should guests be concerned about any aspect of an excursion, please inform your local guide or Tour Leader.
Your itinerary takes you into some areas where locals are simply living their daily lives. Should you wish to take a photo of locals, please request their permission first (simply pointing to your camera and allowing them to nod is sufficient). When traveling through the Ecuador and the Galapagos, to view the wildlife, it is imperative to remain as quiet as possible to prevent startling the animals. If you plan to bring a cell phone or tablet on excursions, please ensure it is set to “silent.” Guides will alert you when photos and/or flash photos are not allowed.
You may consider bring a waterproof camera such as a GoPro for underwater photos and videos or a waterproof cellphone case.
The host hotels are fitted with elevators for guest use. The ship does not have elevators and embarkation/disembarkation facilities may also be difficult to navigate with wheelchairs or walkers. The ship does not accept guide or support dogs. Electric mobility scooters or any other mobility mechanical devices are not permitted for use on the ship.
Some of the places we visit on this itinerary are not handicapped accessible. Please note: The Americans with Disabilities Act does not apply outside of the USA and accessibility to some sights may be limited for those with mobility impairments. Excursions may involve walking over uneven ground, and some excursions are walking tours only. For your safety and enjoyment, we recommend that all guests be in good physical condition.
At its sole discretion, Brand g Vacations reserves the right to refuse passage, or to require a passenger to end his or her trip if the passenger’s state of health or physical condition may affect his or her own health, safety, and enjoyment, or that of other passengers.
In the countries in which we operate, pickpockets are not uncommon, and caution is encouraged. When sailing, a 24-hour watch is kept on board in order to control access to the ship, but we suggest keeping your door locked when occupying your suite and encourage you to lock any valuables in your personal room safe. Brand g Vacations cannot be held liable for loss of money, jewelry, or other valuable items from the ship, from a hotel, or while on an excursion ashore during a voyage. A travel insurance policy will typically cover most incidents of loss or theft.
Please do not drink the tap water. Water in Ecuador is not suitable for foreigners to drink. Water will be provided throughout the tour, however it is recommended to drink plenty of water throughout the trip, remember we are in Ecuador, the heat and humidity may be greater than you are used to.
Onboard the National Geographic Endeavor II you will be provided with a reusable water bottle that can be filled throughout the ship with safe drinking water. Please ensure that you are staying sufficiently hydrated, you may be more active than you are used to and dehydration can lead to fatigue and exhaustion.
Weather forecasts are widely available on the internet, and some of the favorites for large, international cities are www.weather.com and www.cnn.com/weather.
Average temperatures:
Quito: 69/49 degrees F
Galapagos: 77/69 degrees F
Guayaquil: 85/70 degrees F
Travel Essentials: The following items are essential for any destination: sunglasses, sunscreen, hat, rain coat and umbrella. It is recommended that you bring; electrical convertor (if required) and adaptors, duplicates of prescription eyewear, copies of prescriptions for any medications, copies of credit card information, and copies of your passport information pages and visas.
Packing for the cruise: Life is casual aboard the National Geographic Endeavour II. Bring comfortable walking shoes, lightweight long pants, and long-sleeved tops, a wide-brimmed hat, sunscreen, extra socks, mosquito repellent with DEET, bathing suits and of course, your camera, with charger and extra batteries on excursions. Binoculars are very important to enjoy the wildlife. During meals in the dining room, we ask our guests to wear casual clothing and shoes.
Insects and Mosquitos: We recommend to bring conventional repellent and cream for bites. Please note that spray repellent is discouraged in the Galapagos due to its concern for environmental impact and it is encouraged to opt for a lotion repellent instead.
Packing for the land portions of the trip: Comfortable, sporty, casual clothing is appropriate throughout this trip. We suggest lightweight, light-colored, “expedition style” clothing in natural, moisture-wicking fabrics that may be layered. A mix of shirts, everyday slacks/pants, skirts/dresses, and walking shorts are appropriate for both land and cruise. Early mornings, late evenings, and air-conditioned spaces may also require a light jacket or sweater. Many companies now offer expedition-style clothing in lightweight materials with sun protection and/or insect repellent in the fabric. Many versions also offer pants, which are convertible to shorts, which are quite handy for changing weather conditions and to reduce packing.
For evenings, we recommend casual and cool attire.
Rather than packing a heavy coat, we suggest packing clothing that can be easily layered up to accommodate cooler temperatures and stripped down as temperatures warm throughout the day. Again, this will help reduce your packing.
Sport jackets and cocktail dresses are not needed at any time during this program; however, you may wish to pack a few smarter outfits for evening meals or nights out on your own.
Footwear: Sturdy, comfortable walking shoes, with good ankle support, are highly recommended, as there is a significant amount of walking on many excursions.
Optional School visit, supply donation, there is an optional excursion to a local school, guests often bring donations or gifts to the school, we know its heavy and bulky but students love adding new books to their library.
Check back soon!
Day 1: Thursday, August 28, 2025 – Quito, Ecuador
(Welcome Reception)
Day 2: Friday, August 29, 2025 – Quito Ecuador
(Breakfast, Lunch)
Day 3: Saturday, August 30, 2025 – Embarkation/San Cristobal Island
(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 4: Monday, August 31, 2025 – Espanola Island
(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 5: Monday, September 1, 2025 – Floreana Island
(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 6: Tuesday, September 2, 2025 – Puerto Ayora & Highlands/Santa Cruz Island
(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 7: Wednesday, September 3, 2025 – Santa Cruz Island & Daphne Major
(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 8: Thursday, September 4, 2025 – Bartolome & Sombrero Chino
(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 9: Friday, September 5, 2025 – Genovesa
(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 10: Saturday, September 6, 2025 – Disembarkation/Guayaquil
(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 11: Sunday, September 7, 2025 – Guayaquil/Departure
(Breakfast)
Check out the below linked page for things to do and see in your free time in Quito, along with some restaurant and bar recommendations: Quito City Insights
Dates of stay: August 20 – September 6, 2025
The breakfast on board is buffet style. Lunches and dinners are a seated meal, with the possibility of a few meals being served buffet style, such as a barbeque which may be served on the outside deck. Vegetarian options are always available on the ship. Please notify Brand g at least 45 days (7/14/25) in advance if you have any special dietary concerns or considerations that need to be considered while traveling with us. We will do our best to ensure that your request is accommodated but cannot guarantee all diet needs and preferences can be met. Neither kosher nor halal diets can be accommodated on the National Geographic Endeavour II. Additionally, gluten free, sugar free foods and sugar substitutes are not always available.
Coffee, tea, water, soft drinks, beers, wines, and cocktails are available. Premium alcohols are available for purchase as well.
Gym: Guided stretching and movement sessions, fitness equipment including exercise bikes, treadmills, elliptical machines, resistance bands, light weights, and yoga mats.
LEXspa: Massages, body treatments, natural facial treatments, and hand and foot treatments are all available. You will have the opportunity to sign up for treatments once on board.
The National Geographic Endeavour II offers complimentary Wi-fi, up to one hour per person, per day. Please note that cell service is generally limited and unreliable, with the best service found in and around the main populated areas, and expect poor or no service in remote areas and on open waters.
Laundry service is available on board the ship. Instructions and fees are listed in your Guest Service Directory book in your suite. Self-service laundry facilities are not available on the ship. Dry cleaning is not available. There is a bathing suit spinner for wet clothes and a drying rack on the Observation Deck.
Because the ship will often be in motion and the decks are sometimes slippery, please take care when moving about the decks. Stairs may be steeper than you are used to, and it is best to always use the handrails.
During water expeditions the National Geographic Endeavour II will provide equipment such as kayaks, glass-bottom Zodiac, snorkeling gear, wetsuits (shorts, 3 mm), underwater video camera, video microscope, wet suits, and Zodiac landing craft.
Go Quito Hotel
Hotel Amenities:
Room Amenities:
Fitness Center and Spa: The fitness center is equipped with a range of cardiovascular equipment and weights (operating hours from 5:00 AM to 11:00 PM). The hotel has an indoor pool (operating between 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM.)
Wyndham Guayaquil
Dates of stay: September 6 – 7
Hotel Amenities:
Room Amenities:
Below is a list of emergency contact details
Please bring this information with you and provide a copy to your family members or friends in case they need to reach you in the event of an emergency. Ecuador is in the Central Time Zone, so when it is Noon in New York, New York it is 11:00 am in Ecuador.
International telephone calls may be placed by dialing the International Access Code (011), the country code and then the phone number. If you are dialing from inside Ecuador, you do not need to dial the country code of 593.
| Brand g Hosts Mike Mumford & Eric Dillemuth | ||
| Arrival Transfer Local Representatives:
Quito Emergency Mobile: +51-993-500-666 Prior to departure you may contact the Brand g office at the number listed below. If outside of our normal office hours please leave a message. If you have already departed the US and have a flight change, please use the local Quito number provided above. They will be tracking any time changes on your existing flight, so you only need to notify them if you have had a complete flight/date change. |
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| PROGRAM DATE | PROGRAM HOTEL | ADDRESS |
| August 28 – August 30 | Go Quito Hotel
Telephone: +593 2-393-9700 |
Av. Eloy Alfaro, Quito 170504, Ecuador |
| August 30 – September 6 | National Geographic Endeavour II
Telephone: TBD |
|
| September 6 – September 7 | Wyndham Guyaquil
Telephone: +593 4-391-2700 |
Numa Pompilio Llona S-N 5934, Guayaquil 090313, Ecuador |
| Brand g Vacations
+1 952-405-9309 [email protected] Mike Mumford WhatsApp: + 1 (801) 403-5227 Eric Dillemuth WhatsApp: + 1 (832) 623-5462 |
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All of our trips include arrival and departure airport transfers, most meals, included beverages and so much more! Plus our trips are hosted, meaning someone from Brand g will be with you the entire time to take care of the details, so you can simply relax and enjoy your vacation.
© 2025 Brand g Vacations. All Rights Reserved.
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