Once your Galapagos adventure is over and depending on how much you have left from the trip, it is a normal custom to tip the crew separately. What you pay them of course is dependant on the level of service you received which you must measure for yourself.

With regards to your attire only bring light clothing for the day but allow for a jacket or sweater in the evening as water adventures are always cooler during evenings. Also bring high water resistant S.P.F levels of sun block due to the geographical location of Galapagos and high level skin damaging rays that reflect off the water as well as protecting from windburn, chapped lips while in addition bring a hat and a good pair of UV 100 level Sunglasses or visas.

The best way to ensure your itinerary is going to be met is to go over a signed contract by the operators that you book with prior, if your agent is not prepared to sign a contract then don't book with them as they are unlikely to honor their offer.

If you have further complaints after your tour then take this up with the Jefe de Turismo located at the National Park office in Puerto Ayora, the Capitanía del Puerto, the Ministerio de Turismo office and the Base Militar de la Armada Ecuatoriana.

If the claim is legitimate and fair, written in "Spanish", either part refunds can be achieved or it may result in the boats and captains receiving a blacklisting from all tour operators. You must provide the name of the boat, the captain or guide and date of the cruise.

Helpful contact inside the Charles Darwin Research Station in regards to conversation and scientific analysis on the islands is through the Charles Darwin Research Station in Puerto Ayora, Tel. 05-526146. The National Park Service (Puerto Ayora) may be also contacted at Tel. 05-526189, Fax: 05-526190.

There are 5 main authorities controlling and monitoring the islands of Galapagos and surrounding waters including marine reserves. The main list includes:

1) Municipalities, local authorities and provincial councils elected to facilitate and aid the local inhabitants on all islands.
2) The country's national Navy that patrols all waters surrounding the islands to maintain policing levels within fishing and tourism.
3) Instituto Nacional Galapagos (INGALA) monitored by the President of the country who has the ultimate decision on whom may become residents. As well as the infrastructure of the Archipelago involving any political decisions.
4) The National park services which falls under control of the Ministerio del Ambiente which looks after tourism and controls 97% of the parklands within each island.
5) The Charles Darwin Research Station in Puerto Ayora whose objective is to earn funds from Internationalists interested in helping nonprofit entities.

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