Make the most of your trip to Galápagos Islands

Exploring the Galapagos Islands by small ship reduces the impact of a visit. (photo via Flickr/Paul Krawczuk)

The Galapagos Islands are an unforgettable destination thanks in large part to the incredible diversity of animals found there.

The isolated islands, a volcanic archipelago in the Pacific Ocean, are home to many unique species. In fact, after visiting the islands in 1835 Charles Darwin famously said his observation of species there inspired the theory of evolution. For all of these reasons and more, the Galapagos Islands, which were also the first ever UNESCO World Heritage Site, are an incredibly popular destination for travelers.

But the islands are also facing many threats, among them climate change, deforestation, pollution and the introduction of invasive species.

The Galapagos Conservation Trust has said that about 200,000 people visit annually and about 30,000 people are permanent residents on the islands. In addition, there are now hotels on the islands, which was not the case in decades past.

These hotels not only create cheaper options for travelers seeking to visit, thus leading to increased numbers of tourists, they also contribute to the introduction of invasive species, increased pollution and more.

These are just some of the reasons that travelers visiting the Galapagos Islands must do so in a responsible manner. To help with that task, AdventureSmith Explorations recently offered some guidelines to keep in mind.

Todd Smith, founder and president of AdventureSmith Explorations, said in a recent statement, that he is seeking to position his company and clients as part of the solution when it comes to the Galapagos, and not add to the problem of oversaturation.

“We want to help make a once in a lifetime journey to the Galapagos the best trip possible when it comes to fulfilling travel dreams and to securing the future health of the islands,” Smith said

Visit by Small Ship

While this may seem self-promoting with regard to AdventureSmith Explorations, there is significant validity and importance behind this tip. By visiting via boat, instead of staying in a hotel on the island, travelers minimize their impact. Indeed, visiting by boat was the standard for years.

In addition, witnessing bird and wildlife in their unchallenged environments is best accessed by small ship, says AdventureSmith Explorations. Many visitor sites among the 13 major islands, which are spread over about 3,000 square miles, are only accessible by water.

The International Galápagos Tour Operators Association (IGTOA) reports that 100 percent of the growth in Galapagos tourism in the last decade came from land-based tourism at a time when ship-based tourism declined.

“Ship-based travel in the Galapagos is highly regulated to maximize guest experience and minimize the impact on the islands,” said Smith, who also serves on the IGTOA board.

Stay as Long as You Can

By allowing yourself more time, you will encounter the most wildlife possible on a single trip, thus assisting in conservation by creating fewer flights to and from the region.

Air traffic along with increased cargo shipments were two of the primary concerns identified by UNESCO in its 2016 State of Conservation Report on the Galapagos Islands as these are the primary ways that new invasive species are introduced.

Longer stays also help support the local community, via more opportunities for meaningful interaction.

“We recommend at least a seven-night, eight-day cruise,” Smith said.

Make Conservation a Priority

In advance of a Galapagos trip, Smith encourages people to learn about conservation organizations and community needs and to donate time or money to them.

AdventureSmith Explorations supports conservation partners such as the Rainforest Alliance; Trees for the Future; Sustainable Travel International; the Galapagos Conservancy; the Charles Darwin Foundation and many, many more. The company offers an opportunity for its travelers to donate to the Galapagos Traveler Conservation Fund on booking invoices.

The Galapagos Conservation Trust also offers many ways for travelers to support conservation efforts, including through making donations or “adopting” a Galapagos animal to support.

Plan Ahead and Do it Right Once

Travel to a place as fragile as the Galapagos should ideally be done once, so make the selection process fun for this once-in-a-lifetime trip, says AdventureSmith Explorations.

“Shop for the best experience and seek advice from an expert who has traveled to the Galapagos Islands,” Smith advised.

Being prepared and informed before your trip not only helps you get the most out of a visit, it also allows for becoming educated about ways to reduce your impact on the islands.