You’ve researched the best Galapagos Tour Option available to you at http://www.galapagosislands.com/galapagos-tour-options.html, and have already packed your bags following our “Galapagos Packing List”  at http://www.galapagosislands.com/html/what_to_pack.html .
The next step is to head off for your trip of a lifetime!  If you are curious to know exactly how things are going to proceed on your trip from mainland Ecuador to the Galapagos Islands, here is a handy outline of what to expect:

Fasten your seatbelts, and enjoy the ride!

• Upon arriving at Quito or Guayaquil airport, you will be met by your Boat Operator representative (holding a sign with the name of your cruise ship), who will provide you with your outward flight ticket and be happy to answer any questions you may have during check in.
• All of your luggage will need to pass through a special Galapagos quarantine inspection machine to ensure that you are not bringing in any items that may harm the fragile Galapagos Islands.
• You will then be required to buy your transit control card for $10 US.  If you are interested in finding out more about the Transit Card and what it is for, you can read more information at   http://www.galapagosislands.com/html/ingala.html
• Once you have purchased the card, you will proceed to check in your baggage and go through security.  As a passengerof certain boat operators, you will be entitled to wait for your flight in the very comfortable VIP lounge where you will be offered complimentary drinks and snacks as well as have access to the internet and newspapers.
• If you board the plane in Quito, you will first fly to Guayaquil (approximately 30 minutes), where you will generally be required to remain onboard while other passengers get off or join the flight.   Occasionally you will be asked to disembark briefly while the plane refuels.  Flight times and free flights to Galapagos are available at http://www.galapagosislands.com/galapagos-flights.html
• The plane will then continue to the Galapagos Islands (approximately 1hr 30 minutes). Towards the end of the flight, in an effort to further protect the ecosystem of the archipelago, the cabin will be sprayed by a crew member with disinfectant before landing.
• When you land in Galapagos you will be required to show your passport along with the immigration form that you will have been given to complete on the plane, before paying $100 US ($50 US for children under 12) for the National Park entrance fee.
• After collecting your luggage, you will be greeted by your Naturalist guide (identifiable by the name of your cruise ship), before boarding a bus to the harbour where a Panga (dinghy) boat will be waiting to transfer you to your ship.