Ecuador has clarified the new rules and regulations in regard to
cruise routes and frequencies to and around the Galapagos Islands. These
regulations come into effect on 1 February 2012.
Image: Isabella Island - (click to
enlarge)
Firstly, the new regulations do not affect visitors to the Galapagos Islands,
but are aimed at the archipelago’s boat owners and operators. Visitors to the
islands, however, must stay for a minimum of three days / four nights, but can
stay as long as they like on the islands, or at least as long as their tourist
visa permits.
The new regulations require that as of 1 February 2012 all tour companies that
operate cruises in the Galápagos must implement itineraries for their boats that
last for 15 days/14 nights. During that period the boat cannot visit the same
site in the archipelago twice, the exception being the Charles Darwin Research
Station on Santa Cruz Island.
Operators can divide their boats’ 14-night itineraries into a maximum of four
segments. Therefore the duration of cruise tours for visitors is not limited to
four days, as the original release suggested, and tour operators can continue to
offer visitors tours of more than four days. It is expected that operators will
cut the 14-night schedules into two 7-night itineraries or two 6-day/5 night and
one 5-day/4-night itineraries.
The new regulations also require cruise operators to include the airport on San
Cristóbal Island into the 14-night cruise schedules. The aim being to take the
pressure off the airport on Baltra Island and distribute the volume of visitors
more evenly throughout the archipelago.
The purpose of the new regulations is to reduce visitor numbers at 15 of the
current most visited sites, give equal access to all boats at sites, increase
the use of underused sites, and reduce the total number of visitors by cutting
out shorter itineraries. It is also hoped that the new regulations will result
in a more intimate and enjoyable experience for all visitors to the Galapagos
Islands. |
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150 S. University Dr. Ste E,
Plantation, FL 33324 - USA
Tel: +1 954 452 8800 Fax: +1 954
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