I'm not on the March trip, but I'm thinking of booking for October.  I'd be interested to hear the experiences of those going in March once they get back!

I did find this blog.  A lot of this won't be relevant to the Just You trip, but it does give some idea of the Galapagos airport procedure, and from the photos it looks as if suitcases aren't a problem:

http://www.wheretonexttravelblog.com/getting-to-the-galapagos-the-logistics/ 

I recently spoke to someone from Just You on the phone about this before I found this thread and I'm a little confused.  If I understood correctly, he said that some people may be randomly selected to have their bags inspected on arrival at the islands, and those people would have to unpack their suitcase and transfer the contents into a duffle bag.  They would then be able to repack everything in their suitcase after the inspection.  I'm not sure what the point of that would be - why not just inspect the suitcase?

Is there any problem with taking a suitcase on the boats between the islands when changing hotels?  For instance, do you have to wade through water when getting off the boat?

Hi Traveller 44

The advice we are being offered appears to be different depending on who you speak to.  

From researching travel to Galapagos, our suitcases could be searched at Quito and/or Galapagos. Dogs will sniff your luggage for anything that might contaminate the closed ecosystem - ie dairy products, seeds, fruit & veg etc, ants, snails.  (A bit like Australia and New Zealand.)

Are you visiting Galapagos on 11 March as we will be the guinea pigs for this trip?

Sylvia

Is there any problem with taking a suitcase on the boats between the islands when changing hotels?  For instance, do you have to wade through water when getting off the boat?

Thanks Vickie

So, it looks like the duffle bags are entirely optional then? If so, I think I'll stick to my trusty wheelie case. (More space for the fridge magnets.... 😃  ) I was also a bit concerned about the implications of leaving luggage behind in Ecuador, albeit in storage, on my travel insurance cover.

Only 9 months to go now, Sylvia but, as we booked 8 months ago, I think the time will whizz by. Good to hear that you've taken the Chile/Easter Island booking plunge, BTW. I trust you will arm yourself with a copy of JGP's book because I'll be testing you while we are on the flight to Bogota ;)

Happy Friday Everyone!

Mandy

Hi Mandy

I don't think my insurance company will be too happy if I am separated from my suitcase either!

JGP book on order.  I'll have to think of some Ecuador/Galapagos info to test you on!!!!

Sylvia

Regards

Jaya

So, it looks like the duffle bags are entirely optional then? If so, I think I'll stick to my trusty wheelie case. (More space for the fridge magnets.... 😃  ) I was also a bit concerned about the implications of leaving luggage behind in Ecuador, albeit in storage, on my travel insurance cover.

Only 9 months to go now, Sylvia but, as we booked 8 months ago, I think the time will whizz by. Good to hear that you've taken the Chile/Easter Island booking plunge, BTW. I trust you will arm yourself with a copy of JGP's book because I'll be testing you while we are on the flight to Bogota ;)

Happy Friday Everyone!

Mandy

Cindy

Apologies for the wait, I asked a few questions and have the answers:

1) Do we have a restricted baggage limit, lower than the usual 20-23kg for all of the Avianca flights on the tour?

The baggage limit for the Galapagos flight is 23 kg.

2) Does the duffle bag replace our suitcases for the duration of our stay on the Islands?

Yes, if you would like - Duffle bags are provided so passengers don't have to bring all their stuff for the Galapagos, like for example their warmer gear for Quito. But this is not mandatory if they want to use their own baggage that is not a problem.

3) Where will our cases and other belongings be securely stored in Ecuador for those 6 nights?

The baggage will be stored securely at the hotel in Quito where the passengers stay.

4) Is the Duffle bag just for hand luggage and our normal suitcases will do the whole trip with us?

No, the duffle bag would replace the suitcase.

Hope that helps!

Thanks,

Vickie

The Travelsphere brochure doesn't mention the duffle bag.

On my recent Portugal trip I spoke to a chap who had been to Galapagos with a nature group. He stayed on a boat and mentioned the requirement to travel with a duffle bag. As we are staying in hotels, duffle bag not required?

Look forward to receiving JYHQ advice.

Regards

Sylvia

We were not given any holdalls in Borneo! It was suggested we take one but in the end they were not really needed as we were able to take our suitcases on the boat. I personally don't see why we need holdalls in Galapagos when they can easily go through the suitcases the same way?!

Jaya