Packing for a Galápagos liveaboard means preparing for two different climates in one trip: cool, current-driven water and hot, equatorial sun, often on the same day.
Start with exposure protection. Because water temperatures drop noticeably during the cooler diving season, a wetsuit in the 5mm to 7mm range is the standard recommendation, thicker than many divers expect from a destination near the equator. Beyond the suit itself, personal gear worth bringing rather than renting includes a mask that already fits well, gloves, booties, fins, and a hood or hooded vest, along with a dive computer. Items like a snorkel, BCD, regulator, and a dive light for night dives are commonly available through the boat, but confirming what's included in advance avoids surprises.
Because dive gear gets used daily and needs time to rinse and dry between dives, packing three to four sets of dive apparel — swimwear, rash guards, and dive shorts or leggings — is more practical than trying to stretch one or two sets across an entire trip.
Topside, pack light and fast-drying: casual clothing for the hours between dives, a hoodie or sweater for cool mornings and evenings on deck, and a waterproof jacket for sudden weather changes. Footwear should include comfortable shoes for land excursions plus a pair of sandals that can get wet, since some excursions involve wading ashore rather than a dry landing.
Sun protection matters more here than the latitude might suggest: reef-safe sunscreen, an SPF lip balm, sunglasses, and a hat are all worth having on hand for the strong equatorial sun. On the personal-care front, only biodegradable, reef-safe soap and shampoo should go in the bag, since wastewater from onboard showers and sinks drains directly into the ocean.
A soft duffel bag or backpack is a better choice than a rigid suitcase, since liveaboard cabins and storage areas are tight and soft luggage is far easier to stow. Finally, it's worth packing a small kit for common travel ailments — stomach and ear issues are the two most frequently reported on multi-day boat trips — along with motion sickness medication, decongestants, and waterproof bandages.