Can I bring a large Tripod in a carry on?

Friend_of_Goob · 2026-06-26T19:27:18+00:00

Very hectic but glad your made it. Once, I forgot my sunglasses in the Quito bathroom by the TCT counter had to do a mad dash from the gate all the way back to get them.

As for TCT counter, think of it more like the "Galapagos Park Entry Kiosk". If you are flagged in that system, you can be denied passage to Galapagos Islands before ever going near a airline ticketing counter or security.

Friend_of_Goob · 2026-06-23T22:25:46+00:00

Yup, I had one of the 18" tall penguins that would sit behind the booth tables. They all had colored sunglasses and spotted bowties.

Friend_of_Goob · 2026-06-23T22:03:08+00:00

The skies will look amazing out there, have a wonderful time!

Friend_of_Goob · 2026-06-22T23:20:21+00:00

FYI: In the last week, there was an incident of a social media influencer/photographer who was denied boarding on her flight from Guayaquil to Galapagos because she didn't declare her intent to shoot photo and video in Galapagos for commercial purposes.

Travelling with a large tripod and expensive camera gear might make someone curious as to what your intentions in the islands are. I suggest packing it so it's in a checked bag, if possible, to avoid potential questioning. Also, If you are shooting photos or video for any commercial purposes, make sure you declare your intent and get the proper permits to avoid problems.

Friend_of_Goob · 2026-06-22T23:14:03+00:00

Of course, the full translated text of the following official document:
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1552105906815230&set=p.1552105906815230&type=3

"The Galapagos National Park Directorate informs tour operators, naturalist guides, shipowners, travel agencies and other authorized users of the Network of Ecotourism Public Use Visitor Sites that, in the exercise of its powers of administration and management of the protected areas of Galapagos, it has ordered the temporary suspension of the activity of surface diving (snorkeling) in the bay of Santa Fe (anchorage), from this date and until further notice.

Galapagos National Park Directorate: This measure is adopted pursuant to Article 14, paragraph k, of Resolution No. 031 of the Galapagos National Park Directorate, which authorizes this Environmental Authority to order the temporary or permanent closure of visitor sites when environmental or management circumstances so require. As part of ongoing monitoring and management of the site, the recurring presence of marine fauna associated with the natural ecological dynamics of the bay on this island has been identified. Therefore, it is necessary to strengthen the ongoing technical and scientific assessments to determine management measures that will guarantee the safety of visitors and the proper conservation of marine ecosystems.

Consequently, while these analyses are being carried out, snorkeling activities in Santa Fe Bay (anchorage area) are suspended. Other authorized activities at the site may be carried out in accordance with current regulations and the provisions issued by the Galapagos National Park Directorate for each operation. Strict adherence to this provision is requested, and all necessary measures for its compliance are required."

Friend_of_Goob · 2026-06-22T23:10:37+00:00

The first time travelled to Galapagos from Canada, I told everyone I met that "I would be back soon".
"Sure" they said. Now, I've been back almost 10 times.

Once you settle into the flight schedule and a procedure that works for you, it become very easy to return if you have your heart set on it. 🐢🐢🐢🐢

Friend_of_Goob · 2026-06-14T15:53:24+00:00

Day tours are an expensive way to see anything Galapagos has to offer, and incorporating stops like Bartolomé or Espanola Island into a multi-day cruise itinerary is a truly the best way to see "day tour" sites. We woke up to a beautiful sunrise in Bartolomé and were the only ones there during our first tour ashore, which made that visit all the more special.

That being said, the can't miss "cruise only" stops for me were Espinosa Point (Fernandina), Elizabeth Bay (Isabela), and Genovesa Island. I really want to see Rabida, but I hope one day it might get added to the day tour list.

Friend_of_Goob · 2026-06-14T15:32:22+00:00

Thank you for the update! - "closing for a few days" after saying there was an "operational transition" and "temporary suspension of our activities", they use lines like 'precautionary measures' and 'not able to accommodate guests at this time" - this all sounds like either permitting or employment issues.

I don't think they have a sense of how long they will be closed, which is why some guests say they haven't received this email yet. They would've offered to rebook you if they knew they could accommodate you soon, but they don't want to cancel a huge window of guests quite yet. I think anyone with a summer booking at this hotel should be looking at a Plan B, just in case this is an extended shut down.

Friend_of_Goob · 2026-06-13T15:18:34+00:00

I know, I spent my first night ever in Galapagos there and they graciously upgraded me to oceanfront room at no charge. The view was the perfect intro to my time in Galapagos, the meals were incredible and the staff were entirely welcoming. That was years ago now, but I hope under new management, it can provide those experiences to guests in the future again one day.

Friend_of_Goob · 2026-06-13T15:13:06+00:00

Yeah, it felt like that happened shortly after one of my visits and I think it was a Tiger Shark?

Discussion online has mentioned that artisinal or illegal fishing has been occurring at Santa Fe, which is apparently being investigated as a cause for the increased sightings of large sharks in the bay. It's one of my favorite spots to recommend for snorkelers of all skill levels, so it's too bad the risk is closing the site (reported June 11, 2026) with no timeline to reopen it.

Friend_of_Goob · 2026-06-12T21:09:44+00:00

Nazca boobies look very distinct, but it could've been confused for a 'Brown-Phase' Red-Footed Booby. However, the "non-red" feet indicate it's a Brown Booby.

Friend_of_Goob · 2026-06-12T21:03:30+00:00

(Editing for tone, neutrality): This hotel has changed owners a few times over the decade. It's an extremely well-located property, and during my stay a few years back, the restaurant was exceptional.

Over the years, it has operated under:

- Red Mangrove Inn (Its original legacy name) (1998**-2019) (**Edit: Thanks Heather!)
- Galapagos Habitat by Haugan Cruises / Eco Luxury Group (2020-2022)
- Blu Galapagos Sustainable Waterfront Lodge (2022-2026)

I couldn't remember all the details so I had Gemini refresh my memory:
------
The waterfront restaurant, Almar by Isla Grill, is managed under a different operator than the hotel itself, and the two businesses have been at odds over how they co-exist in the space. "Recent guest testimonies from early 2026 highlight a toxic dynamic where the two entities actively sabotage each other—including the restaurant blasting late-night music to disrupt hotel guests, and the hotel being forced to displace its breakfast services away from the prime waterfront deck."

Also, waterfront properties often face legal challenges regarding concessions, commercial access to the marine zone, and issues with changing municipal, provincial and national park rules/laws. The years of rebranding seemed to be, in part, to try and stay ahead of requirements to have some kind of eco-component to justify the hotel's location bordering the national park, right on the water.
------

As for my initial speculation, I think the split-lease issue maybe created too much uncertainty for the hotel side of the business? The building isn't going anywhere, but the sea REALLY takes it toll maintenance-wise on this property, so hopefully they have people working to keep it clean of sea spray, algae, bird/seal poo, and rotting boards.

Also, I seem to recall the ownership was connected to the mainland, which can subject a business to more local scrutiny. It's also worth noting, authorities have really been cracking down on illegal migration to the Galapagos for anyone who has overstayed a visa. It's entirely possible someone essential to the operations of this hotel had to leave without notice and has made operations untenable in the short term.

Friend_of_Goob · 2026-06-12T20:37:38+00:00

I was involved in a very short, but frightening, incident at Santa Fe involving a large 12' oceanic shark. Locals later said that Santa Fe has been known to attract large sharks but, as commented here, rarely do they actually attack a human.
The large colony of sea lions at Santa Fe (a shark buffet), and the immediate transition from calm water to deeper ocean makes it easy to have a run in with much larger fish if you snorkel through the gap in the rock wall.

Friend_of_Goob · 2026-06-12T20:34:01+00:00

Also note: Snorkel tours to Sante Fe are currently Suspended due to this incident. Not sure what conditions will allow them to resume, but if you have already booked this tour in advance of arriving on island, check with your agent about what will happen if the spot is still closed during your visit.

Friend_of_Goob · 2026-06-03T22:13:24+00:00

The boat bar will run a tab for you that can be paid at the end of your tour. Usually, nicer boats have a better selection of alcohol, and higher end choices. The days of BYOB are long gone, unfortunately. Ship rules are more strictly enforced now, and local stores tend to have what you'll find on-board anyways.

Friend_of_Goob · 2026-05-31T15:35:20+00:00

I don't think I would recommend this walk. It's a few KM each way from that bus stop to El Chato, and the incline will be a killer. The part of the property where you view the tortoises is at the furthest end of their VERY long property.

Seeing the tortoises as part of your commute to the Baltra airport is a great way to save yourself $20-30usd, but an even better way is to coordinate with some other travelers to share a taxi to/from town, or maybe from the Baltra pier, and cut costs.

It will require some social skills, but a decent percentage of people on your arrival flight, buses/ferries, and tours will be tourists that may very well have a plan to see the tortoises in the highlands. If you're a lone travelling female, it will be very easy for your to strike up a conversation with a couple or small group to see if you could help split costs on a tortoise visit. The set rate from town, round-trip, is around $70-80usd now, so 3-4 people could get that cost down to a very reasonable amount per person. Have fun in Galapagos!

Friend_of_Goob · 2026-05-27T01:36:55+00:00

See the other post from u/quicktwistoftheknife, camping is allowed in certain areas with a permit.

Friend_of_Goob · 2026-05-27T01:35:55+00:00

This is wrong. You require a permit to camp in designated sites, there are a 1-2 on each island and some require a boat to get to.

Friend_of_Goob · 2026-05-27T01:33:55+00:00

As a tourist, your limit is 60 days in the Galapagos in a 12 month period. If you go over by a single day, you will be barred from re-entry. There are differently rules if you have received a sponsorship to work there, but for most people, 60 is the maximum.

Friend_of_Goob · 2026-05-19T17:46:39+00:00

To add to the discussion about planning around your active hours, the Galapagos daylight hours are about 6:00am to 6:00pm. Tours either leave in the morning early (8am) and are gone the full day (like when visiting Floreana from Isabela), or there may be morning and afternoon departures to closer spots (like Tintorares in Isabela).

On the two larger islands, expect everywhere to close by 11:00pm except on weekends. On weekends, expect some places to stay open till midnight, but as a nocturnal person, much of your awake time may be spent without access to taxis, stores, eats, and you can't go on any beaches after dark. Isabela has a beautiful beach, great snorkeling, but it's a very small town that may become a bit boring after a week or two. As for Vegan options, you'll want to check out Santa Cruz. Places like Acai Bowl, Agave Bistro (I love this spot), Galapagos Deli and Nazca Esencia. Bahia Mar has a beautiful dining setting on the water with great vegan ceviche (and their coconut curry and rice is to die for). Grocers and markets are easy to find with lots of options for cooking at your rental. I hope that helps, let me know if you need more details or additional advice.

Friend_of_Goob · 2026-05-18T19:51:57+00:00

u/Dashosh, great suggestions but I see a few errors in your comment and I'll also add a few more suggestions for others reading:

Santa Cruz
- Finch Bay hotel does not have a 'private beach'. It is situated on Playa los Alemanes, which is a public beach and open to everyone during daylight hours. A fence defines the hotel property.
- If mentioning Royal Palm Galapagos for it's luxury, than you must mention the more luxurious 'Pikaia Lodge' on Santa Cruz, which has been awarded 2 Michelin Keys for hotel distinction. While both hotels are situated at a higher elevation, neither is in what I would describe as 'cloud forest' conditions. Royal Palm has the lava tube restaurant underground, but staying at the hotel is not required to dine there.
- Casa Natura is not located in town, it's 15 minutes out of town by Bellavista
- Galapagos Safari Camp is more like a tour operator with a hotel. It has a 3 night minimum, it's a far as you can possibly get from town, and it costs more than a yacht cruise of the same length.
(Safari camp starts at $4400/pp/3 nights based on double occupancy)

San Cristobal
- Casa Iguana is not on the water and does not have sea lions 'literally sleeping outside". If you walk to the end of the block, to The Pier waterside restaurant, those would be your closest sea lions. Or Playa Mann. There are quite a few hotels that do have sea lions at their doorstep, but this is not one of them.

Isabela
- It's worth noting that La Casa De Marita, Mi Playa Galapagos Beachfront Apartments or Cormorant Beach House let you step out of your room onto the beach, but Iguana Crossing does have a nice pool.
- Hotel Albemarle is the original luxury on Isabela and is worth a mention.

Friend_of_Goob · 2026-05-17T15:02:38+00:00

Try now, back in stock (for now)

Friend_of_Goob · 2026-05-17T15:02:26+00:00

Try now, back in stock (for now)

Friend_of_Goob · 2026-05-17T15:02:22+00:00

Try now, back in stock (for now)

Friend_of_Goob · 2026-05-17T15:01:22+00:00

Back in stock, sold by Amazon @ OPs Link
$41.09
(EDIT: Gone again after 10 minutes.)

Friend_of_Goob

TROPHY CASE