Important Information

This trip is subject to special payment terms and cancellation penalties. A 25% deposit is required to secure your space, a second 25% deposit 6 months prior to departure, and final payment due 90 days prior to departure. The following cancellation penalties apply:

If booked prior to October 5, 2023, the following cancellation terms apply:

• up to 90 days before departure, we will hold 100% of your payment as a credit for future travel, less unrecoverable costs and a processing fee of $150 USD per person. If you have paid more than our minimum deposit and require a refund, we will retain the minimum deposit and refund the balance.
• Between 89 and 45 days before departure, we will retain 50% of your full payment as a cancellation fee, and we will offer a 50% credit for future travel.
• under 45 days, we will retain the full amount of your booking as a cancellation fee.

If booked after October 5, 2023, the following cancellation terms apply:

• up to 90 days before departure, we will hold 100% of your payment as a credit for future travel, less unrecoverable costs and a processing fee of $250 USD per person. If you have paid more than our minimum deposit and require a refund, we will retain the minimum deposit and refund the balance.
• Between 89 and 60 days before departure, we will retain 50% of your full payment as a cancellation fee, and we will offer a 50% credit for future travel.
• Between 59 and 30 days before departure, we will retain 75% of your full payment as a cancellation fee, and we will offer a 25% credit for future travel.
• under 30 days, we will retain the full amount of your booking as a cancellation fee.

If full payment is not received 90 days prior to departure, Out Adventures reserves the right to cancel your booking based on the above cancellation terms. 

VISAS: Ecuador has an incredibly lenient visa policy. Most visitors staying less than 90 days just need a passport that’s valid for six months. There may be exceptions. Click here for more info.

CULTURE SHOCK: Though rich in biodiversity thanks to the Galapagos, Ecuador is an economically developing country. You’re not immune from old-fashioned machismo and religious intolerance, but acceptance is growing along with wages, and the country is incredibly literate (94.4%). Ecuador also legalized same-sex marriage in June, 2019.

LOCAL LGBT SCENE: Nightlife is concentrated in Quito, and many gay people retain a low profile until the sun goes down…but they make up for it with amazing nightlife.

WEATHER: When we visit it’s the dry season, with pleasant warm weather in the Galapagos, and  the temperature rarely dipping below 20C/70F high up in Quito.

VACCINATIONS: The WHO suggests immunization against Hepatitis A and B, and Typhoid,  before visiting Ecuador. To determine if you should take preventative measures, talk to your doctor or a travel medical clinic.

ELECTRICITY: You will need an international travel plug/adapter for Type A & Type B sockets.Visit https://www.power-plugs-sockets.com/ecuador for more info.

CONNECTIVITY: We’ll be venturing through some remote islands, with cellular signals to match. Wi-Fi is available on the Natural Paradise but is a very limited connection which will work for email and basic messaging. There is limited Wi-Fi access and mobile phone coverage on the bigger islands of Santa Cruz, San Cristobal and Isabela and there may also be internet cafes for you to use if there is time. There is a radio on board, for the use of shipboard staff, in case of emergency.

SEA SICKNESS: Water in the Galapagos can often be rougher than expected and cause sea sickness and nausea. Please take proper precautions and have medication available if you are prone to sea sickness.

DIVING IN THE GALAPAGOS: We do not offer diving as a part of our Galapagos program and due to our internal safety policy our leaders are specifically prohibited from recommending or assisting with booking this activity.

ZODIACS: You will be entering and exiting a Zodiac boat (panga) during wet and dry landings and when returning from snorkelling. Although the waters we sail are usually calm, there are times when the sea can get rough and choppy. Steady sea legs (and a sturdy stomach) are needed when walking around the boat during bad weather. Rain or shine, your trusty crew will always be on hand to assist you.

CPAP MACHINES: If you are travelling with a CPAP machine there should be uninterrupted power throughout the night however we suggest you travel with a fully charged back up battery just in case. If you are travelling by yourself, we highly recommend that you book a single supplement to limit disruption to other passengers.

ALCOHOL & DRINKS: Please make additional allowance for bar expenses. Please note, all produce is freighted in to the Galapagos making the price of food, alcohol and other goods more expensive on the islands and on board than what you will find on the mainland. All prices are quoted in USD, and are approximate:

• Wine – 35 to 70 USD by the bottle only
• Champagne – 35 USD
• Cocktails – 8 to 10 USD
• Hard spirits (Vodka, Gin, Pisco, Brandy, Tequila, Baileys) – 8 to 10 USD
• Small local beer – 5 USD
• Imported beer (Corona, Heineken) – 7 USD
• Soft drinks – 2 to 4 USD

Please note that a 10% service charge from the boat and a 12% government tax will be added to the total of your bar bill when your tab is settled at the end of your trip. It is not permitted to bring your own alcohol on board the boat.

We’re dedicated to ensuring our tours are safe for everyone, but it is our belief that each traveler has a responsibility to protect themselves and their fellow travelers from COVID-19. As of May 1, 2023, Out Adventures no longer requires guests to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination on most of our tours. If vaccination is a requirement for entry, or on select cruises, this will be communicated at the time a trip is confirmed to depart. Before booking, we recommend that you read our COVID-19 Information Page and our COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions to understand what we’re doing to minimize risk, and what will happen if you contract COVID-19 before or during an Out Adventures tour.

Altitude sickness and oxygen deprivation may be felt while travelling to high altitudes. Symptoms include shortness of breath, headaches, general lethargy and a reduced appetite. It is important that you drink plenty of water, and don’t attempt too much in a day.

Out Adventures is all about good times with like-minded guys. Whatever’s on the itinerary – from fireside camping to five-star decadence – our goal is to make the experience magical. We’re also committed to supporting the communities we visit by hiring local guides, staying at locally-owned accommodations when possible, and celebrating local cuisine. It all adds up to a great way to immerse yourself in the culture.

For everybody’s peace of mind, medical travel insurance is required on all Out Adventures tours. At a minimum, your travel insurance must provide cover against personal accident, death, medical expenses, emergency repatriation and personal liability, with a minimum medical coverage of US $200,000.

Click here for more details on our requirements and how to obtain coverage. We highly recommend that you insure your full purchase, including trip cancellation and medical.

Feel like you’re in seventh heaven aboard the Natural Paradise! This custom-built yacht features a stylish modern design, ensuite bathrooms, outward-facing windows in all cabins (and private balconies in some), and a jacuzzi on the sundeck. For more photos of the Natural Paradise, click here.

All Out Adventures are led by a gay (or gay-welcoming) guide. Whenever possible, we hire destination locals. And we can also connect you with the right people if you’d like to delve deeper into the local culture.

Out Adventures are a great way to meet people from around the world and all walks of life. Bear in mind that everybody’s there for a good time, so mutual respect will go a long way. Please be on time for any meet ups, empathetic to the needs of others, and ready to roll with whatever the adventure brings.

Although we can’t tell you who your fellow travellers will be for privacy reasons, we can tell you many great friendships began with an Out Adventure. And just because we’re a gay tour operator doesn’t mean we’re exclusive: friends and family are always welcome to join the fun.

If you’ve never travelled on your own, it’s an amazing way to get to know yourself while making new friends along the way. We can arrange for you to share a room with people in your age range at no charge, or you can pay a supplement for your own room. If there’s an odd number of solos, we’ll rotate a single room on a random basis.

The itinerary is correct at time of publishing. If anything, it will only improve with feedback from prior travellers and our own research. It’s best to reference your final trip documents, rather than our website, in case there have been any changes that affect your departure.

Every Out Adventure offers optional excursions that are not included in price of this trip. Please see the daily itinerary in your final pre-trip packet to learn what’s available.

On this trip we include breakfast daily, 8 lunches and 9 dinners. We’ll enjoy a private chef aboard the Natural Paradise.

Swissôtel Quito
Ave 12 de Octubre 1820 y Luis Cordero
Quito 170525, Ecuador
T +593 2 256 7600

Standard check-in time is after 3PM. We are unable to arrange early check-ins, but you may store your luggage if you want to explore the area while you wait. If you want to guarantee an early check-in, you’ll need to reserve an extra night of accommodation.

Hilton Colon Guayaquil
Av. Francisco de Orellana Mz. 111
Guayaquil
Ecuador

T +593 4-501-0000

Ecuador’s local currency is the American Dollar (USD). Credit cards are widely accepted in the city, but cash is king in rural parts. Fortunately most meals and expenses are included on this trip, but we recommend you bring about $400 USD in case of an emergency, or if your credit/ATM cards are placed on hold.

Please make additional allowance for bar expenses. Please note, all produce is freighted in to the Galapagos making the price of food, alcohol and other goods more expensive on the islands and on board than what you will find on the mainland. All prices are quoted in US$, and are approximate:

• Wine – 35 to 70 USD by the bottle only
• Champagne – 35 USD
• Cocktails – 10 to 12 USD
• Hard spirits (Vodka, Gin, Pisco, Brandy, Tequila, Baileys) – 8 to 10 USD
• Small local beer – 5 USD
• Imported beer (Corona, Heineken) – 7 USD
• Soft drinks – 2 to 4 USD

Please note that a 10% service charge from the boat and a 12% government tax will be added to the total of your bar bill when your tab is settled at the end of your trip. It is not permitted to bring your own alcohol on board the boat.

On this trip tips for basic porterage, included meals and day guides are included in the trip fee. However, tips for your Host, Naturalist Guide and Ship Crew are not included. You can budget approximately $300-$350 USD per guest (Host $7 USD/day x 9, Naturalist $15-$20 USD/day x 7 and crew $20 USD/day x 7)

Please keep your baggage under 20kg/44lb to avoid costly surcharges on domestic flights. You should also bring something smaller to carry a water bottle, your camera and souvenirs on day trips. This packing list is a guideline, not gospel, but we are happy to answer any specific questions about how much (or little) to bring.

Travel Documents

• Passport, Visas, Flight Itineraries, Travel Insurance
• Pre-trip packet
• Credit/ATM cards

General Personal Items

• Eye mask, ear plugs
• Binocoluars
• Camera (Underwater is ideal!)
• Smartphone, charging cables and travel adapters
• Waterproof bags for electronics and valuables
• Daypack
• Luggage lock
• Guidebook, phrase book, reading material
• Reusable water bottle
• OPTIONAL: Bring your own snorkelling gear and/or wet suit
• COVID-19 rapid antigen tests (Out Adventures can not guarantee easy access to tests)

Clothing

• T-shirts, polos, collared shirts, and a sweater for cool evenings
• Pants, shorts (both fashionable and athletic), swimwear
• Water proof jacket
• Sandals/water shoes, walking shoes, indoor shoes for the ship
• Sunglasses, hat, umbrella

Health-related Items

• Personal medication, insect repellent, bite cream, antihistamines
• Sunscreen and lip balm
• Antibacterial gel or wipes
• Toiletries
• Travel First Aid kit

We love when groups of friends join us on an OUT Adventure, whether you’re celebrating a major milestone, or you just love to travel together. However, since we have travellers that will be flying solo, or as a couple, we would love your help ensuring everybody feels welcome and has an epic time. Here are some ways you can give us a hand, while also getting to know and befriending your fellow travellers:

• Sit with (and get to know) different people at different meals
• Mix up walking partners on excursions
• Invite solo travellers to join you for an optional excursion or meal
• Enjoy inside jokes in privacy, or let the group in on the secret 😉

If you’d rather relish an exclusive escape with just your own party, we also offer private departures. This is a great way to create and manage your own holiday guest list, while possibly saving money as well. Please contact one of our Adventure Specialists if you’re interested in a customized quote.

All Out Adventures guests must have a good level of health. All tours, regardless of activity level, involve uneven steps, stairs, walking tours, and you will be required to carry your own luggage from time to time. Unfortunately, we are not able to accommodate individuals with limited mobility unless they are willing to absorb the cost of a private guide/assistant which varies by country and is only possible on a case by case basis. It is also your responsibility to advise Out Adventures of any pre-existing medical conditions that may increase the risk of you requiring medical attention, or that may affect the normal conduct of the tour and the enjoyment of the tour by other participants.

Below is a breakdown of our Physical Rating guide.

1 – Relaxing

• Very little or no hiking
• Light activities such as walking, bike tours, paddling or swimming are completely optional
• Low altitude
• Suitable for all fitness levels

2 – Light

• Light walking and hiking (2 hours or less per day and at low altitude)
• Light activities such as bike tours, paddling or swimming are completely optional
• Suitable for most fitness levels

3 – Average

• Light walking and hiking (3 hours or less per day, rarely at high altitude)
• Some activities such as biking, paddling or swimming. Active days are mixed with relaxed days
• Suitable for an average fitness level

4 – Demanding

• Walking, hiking is a component of the tour (can range from 2 hours to 6 hours per day, at various altitudes)
• Activities such as biking, paddling or swimming may be mixed in
• Suitable for a good fitness level

5 – Challenging

• Walking, hiking, biking, paddling or kayaking are the vast majority of the trip (can range from 2 hours to 8 hours per day, generally at high altitude)
• Activities will likely happen day after day with limited rest days
• Suitable for above average fitness level