For the first time visitor, packing for a destination like the Galapagos Islands can seem intimidating. Each traveler has unique needs and preferences, but here's our recommended packing list to get you started.

Clothing: 

• Swimsuit(s) 
• T-shirts 
• Pants (cotton, lightweight) 
• Shorts (loose, comfortable) 
• Sweatshirt/cotton sweater/fleece jacket 
• Lightweight rain jacket or poncho, windbreaker 
• Visor/wide-brimmed sun hat  Scarf or bandana 
• Good rubber-soled walking shoes 
• Aqua socks, sports sandals or reef walkers (for walking in water) 
• Wetsuit (shorty wetsuits are available to rent, but you may prefer your own)

Miscellaneous: 

• Passport and photocopies of all documentation 
• Prescription medicines, motion sickness pills (if necessary) 
• Money, especially small bills in good condition ($1, $5, $10, $20) 
• Sunblock and Chapstick 
• Insect repellent 
• Sunglasses with strap 
• Small backpack (for day walks) 
• Water bottle 
• Flashlight 
• Travel alarm clock 
• Binoculars 
• Camera and related equipment, such as charger, tripod, lenses, memory cards 
• Swim mask/fins (snorkeling equipment is available to rent but often included) 
• Walking stick (optional--folding or collapsible, for walking on rough and uneven terrain) 
• Clothes pins 
• Trash bags (for wet/dirty laundry) 
• Plastic bags/twist ties/Ziploc bags 
• Beach towel or small blanket 
• Notebook and pens

In addition to your toiletries, it is useful to pack a small medical kit, which you can easily prepare. Helpful items include bandages, mosquito repellent wipes, antihistamine, a pain-reliever, individually-wrapped moist wipes, anti-diarrhea medicine, anti-fungal cream, and an extra pair of disposable contact lenses or eyeglasses if you wear them.

There is a weight limit of 44 lbs of checked luggage and one carry-on per person for your flight to the Galápagos Islands, so you'll want to pack as lightly as possible. Your luggage and/or carry-on may be subject to inspection by the Ecuadorian government in an effort to prevent the introduction of foreign plants and animals to the Galápagos Islands.

Did we miss anything? If you've visited the Islands, feel free to add your suggestions in the comments!