Arrived 1st December at Wreck Bay.

The Ecuador currency is US$ for everything.

An agent is mandatory now for formalities. The price is $100.

Port Captain fees $10 per gross ton.

Police/Immigration $15.

Quarantine $15 per person.

National Park $100 per person.

On departure Zarpe $15 or about $24 if on the weekend.

Immigration on departure $15.

We met two agents, Bolivar – who also can arrange FedEx, and Joseph & his assistant Pablo. Either are OK.

The agent arranged for the Port Captain to attend the vessel, with quarantine. They did not ask us about veg. or fruit, but asked if we had plants. We didn’t.

The agent did most things, but we had to attend ashore on our first day for immigration etc. You need colour photocopies of your passports. They can do them here for a small price. Other usual copies are necessary. They issue receipts for everything.

Galapagos does not recognise or allow the normal 72hr breathing space to rest etc. before checking in. They allow 12hrs only before charges apply. In the 12 hours, you can take provisions and water. After this time you are allowed a max. of 20 days.

There are now water taxis / 50c per person per ride, $1 per person after hours. Call taxi aquatico, and have row offenders ready. They are good and friendly.

Land cars/taxis are about $1 per ride to the police/supermarket etc.

Potable water $2.50 to $3.00 delivered in official containers, about 20lt.

Lots of internet cafes, some work better than others. Charges about $1 per hour. WIFI at Mockingbird Cafe. Scanner, printer, skype etc. and some English is spoken at Papilleria Jose Gael, nr Mockingbird cafe.

Robert Grant

SY Chance (Australia)