ramblinmen Loc: Manassas, VA

I think most responders are telling you , pretty much, the same information but I would like to add my thoughts on memory cards. After having lost a lot of data on one big card that got corrupted (years ago) I now prefer to use a smaller card for each day/camera on a trip and back them up to a laptop each day (I did that during happy hour aboard ship!) Perhaps I'm a bit paranoid, now, but I don't reuse the chips on that same trip. I back them up to my home computer (when I get home) and also take them to Costco and have them loaded to a CD/DVD before I reformat and reuse the cards.
I think most visits to the islands are done by ship (only two islands had runways when I visited) and those cruises lasted 7 days. 14 chips for 1-2 cameras was my preference on our visit (8, 16, and a 32 gb as an overflow/backup).
We also took a GoPro 4 black with extended battery pack and seperate viewing screen attachable backs in the accompanying waterproof cases and the dreaded selfi stick. Believe it or not, the selfie photos aboard the zodiacs are fun to have as a reminder of our trip
and our new friends.

JD750 Loc: SoCal

So carrying a selfie stick all around is easier than just asking someone on the boat "will you please take our picture" ?

ramblinmen Loc: Manassas, VA

Go Pro offers an optional "selfi stick" that collapses back down into a floating handle. Ideal for use in the water/ocean particularly if you are wearing gloves.

gary northrop

I visited the Galapagos with Canon eguipment in my mid-70's. Your age shouldn't be a problem, and the advice from camerapappi and windshoppe is spot-on. (Also, don't be concerned with the Zodiacs -- just be sure to hand your camera to one of the assistants that help you out and in from the boat. One of our group insisted on carrying his $10,000 Nikon outfit when departing into the shallow water -- but stepped into a small hole and submerged the entire outfit!)