Travel Responsibly in Galapagos

Historically developed in isolation, the Galapagos Islands avoided attention from most humans except the Darwins of the world… scientists and students who came to study. Its thriving ecosystem has now become a world-renowned tourist draw—but one that must be strictly regulated. And as in many places, the issue has become one of regulating the traffic enough to protect the environment, while still allowing people to see the area and become passionate about it, thereby sustaining it economically.

In the past, Galapagos National Park regulated that guests could only visit on boats and ships. Park authorities also regulated where the boats could go… and what size boats could go to which islands. This is all still in place: if you’re in a boat over 140 people you can’t go to some of the smaller islands. Ninety percent of Galapagos—the islands and the water—is considered Galapagos National Park and Marine Reserve. However, the cap on daily land visitors coming off the live-aboard boats has increased, and land-based tourism is also becoming a viable option. There are some settlements and smaller towns, populated by park employees, fishermen, coffee plantation workers, and a few hospitality workers. Do the right thing by Galapagos and yourself, though, and make sure you’re staying at a permitted place like Finch Bay Eco-Lodge on Santa Cruz Island. This is an excellent home base for a brief land-based visit because it’s on the same island as the famous Charles Darwin Research Center, where you’ll see Galapagos’ legendary giant tortoises.

Animals of Galapagos

If you grew up reading or watching Discovery and National Geographic, then you know that Galapagos is a haven for wildlife lovers. The islands distinguish themselves not through sheer numbers of indigenous species, but for the up-close-and-personal interactions visitors can have.

“Some of Galapagos’ unique species are so unafraid of humans, they will come right up to you and drink out of your water bottle and lay down on your lap,” says Emily Harley of Galapagos tour operator International Expeditions.

Not all of them are quite so cuddly, obviously. But even if you wouldn’t want them in your lap, these legendary Galapagos creatures are guaranteed to give your own personalized Nat Geo experience.