It is a com
mon myth that embarking on an adventurous trip to the pristine landscape of an exotic destination is a wonderful experience from start to finish. Whoever said that was lying because packing has to be the travelers’ worst nightmare – a hectic and time-consuming experience. It usually results in either over-doing it, and bringing a whole lot of things you won’t need, or forgetting valuable essentials.
Preparing for a multisport adventure on the Galapagos Islands, however, adds additional stress to the entire packing experience. A multisport adventure could involve everything from biking, nature viewing, hiking, multi-day treks to water-based activities like paddling (kayaking, Stand Up Paddling, & rafting), snorkeling and scuba diving. What do you bring for those?
Take a deep breath and don’t panic! First, list all the sports activities you are planning to engage in during your Galapagos adventure. Are you more into water sports? Then make sure you have your swim suit and sun protection packed. More of a hiking type of person? Pack your favorite trekking shoes and you’ll be okay.
In case you are planning to explore both the land and sea on your 
Galapagos Multisport adventure, however, here is the essential gear you should pack.
No matter what type of activity you will be engaged in during your stay, there is one item you should bring regardless – comfortable footwear. In order to truly experience the beauty and biodiversity of the Galapagos Islands, you will have to walk several miles. Doing so in uncomfortable shoes will ruin your trip. Make sure you pack some high-quality trekking shoes or sandals you are comfortable hiking in on rough terrain. Or better yet both, depending on the locations you are planning to visit and, of course, the weather forecast.
If you’re going to engage in more land-based activities like biking and hiking, make sure you bring appropriate and comfortable clothes. All-purpose pants are a win, especially if you’re planning to spend some time in Quito. The city is very conservative and walking around in shorts will trigger unwanted attention. All-purpose pants are light, comfortable and convert easily from long to short with a zip. Most brands that produce this type of clothing use light and quick-drying material.
Short sleeve shirts and sun shirts are a must-have. Most sun shirts are lightweight, breathable, quick-drying, and vented in the back – the material is highly sun-protective, which will ultimately minimize the need to over-use your sunscreen. Make sure you pack a few of those on your way to Galapagos – it’s sunny over here!
Regardless of which season you decide to visit the Galapagos Islands, make sure to bring a waterproof jacket. While hiking through the Ecuadorian jungle you never know when it will rain, so you’d better be prepared. Waterproof jackets are lightweight and will enable you to enjoy your hike regardless of weather conditions.
A quick swim during your day-long trek is nothing out of the ordinary during a Galapagos Islands multisport adventure. In case you would like to cool off after a long day of hiking across the magnificent land, make sure you pack a microfiber towel in your backpack. This light item will immediately soak the water from your skin and will dry in an instant. It’s an incredibly valuable item for this type of adventure as well as future camping trips. Besides, if you are planning to spend more time over or underwater, you will need a towel that isn’t too heavy to carry.
The Galapagos Islands are known for their impressive underwater world and rich marine life. In case you are planning to spend more time underwater, make sure to bring the appropriate gear. The Islands are famed for their swimming, surfing, snorkeling, and scuba diving opportunities, so bringing a wetsuit (if it isn’t provided by your trip) will allow you to spend more time in the water, especially during the cooler season of June – December. Or you can consider packing a snorkeling top and pants, depending on your preference. If your plan, however, is to spend more time swimming, snorkeling and scuba diving, you should be prepared. Thicker wetsuits are needed for scuba diving, and dive outfitters can provide these for you.
Excluding the must-have digital equipment you must bring along for recording your experience, and of course your passport and necessary documentation for traveling, make sure you have packed the aforementioned items – it will save you a lot of trouble. Hat and sunglasses, while very important, are things you can afford to forget as you can easily acquire them along the way.
So pack along and enjoy your multisport adventure – it’s a once in a lifetime journey!
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