Galapagos Travel Blog

I enjoyed reading. I am going May 14-24, 2008

Thanks

Hello ...

I have found your website by chabce and would like to ask some questions if possible;

I have already been to the islands on 1985 and 1994, and both times I could easily get a small boat (for 4 people and with a 3 guys crew) very cheap at the Puerto Ayora port. Is this way still possible? Do you know if things have changed in the last years (meaning more turistic, more crowded, etc)?

thanks in advance!

Marcello
Barcelona

Hello Marcello,

Yes things are much more touristic and crowded. Some visiting sites where the large cruise boats visit are so crowded that you can't snorkel without someone else's flippers in your face.

The Galapagos has grown both in population size and tourists. There are currently 30,000 residents on the islands (restricted by a special immigration law) and over 140,000 tourists visit the islands each year.

Unfortunately most of the money leaves the islands and ends up in the hands of foreign-owned cruise companies, large agencies and Ecuadorian companies. There are very few local tour agencies.

One way to encourage sustainable ecotourism on the islands (and discourage illegal fishing of sharks, sea cucumbers, etc.) is to support local agencies and land-based tours. Land-based tours support local businesses such as hotels, restaurants and small tour operators. They are also much more comfortable and you get to experience the amazing culture of the small fishing villages of the 4 populated islands. Land-based tours allow you to see all of the wildlife with a trained and certified naturalist guide, yet you have the freedom to explore more on your own.

I am a tour coordinator for a local company and I love it that we support local businesses. Conservation and ecological preservation in the Galapagos is linked inextricably with a sustainable economy.

Check us out at www.volcanikatours.com

Make your trip to the Galapagos the adventure of a lifetime while supporting sustainable ecotourism!