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All Galapagos cruises adhere to an environmentally sustainable approach. Every ship is entitled to navigate the marine reserve’s seas today after receiving formal approval from the Galapagos National Park, the Maritime Authorities, and the Ecuadorian Ministry of Tourism. This triple-verification mechanism assures that all ships fully follow the environmental norms and regulations established by these organizations.
This requirement requires all ships in the Galapagos to implement strategies that promote:
- Water and energy conservation.
- Waste recycling and treatment.
- The purchase of locally sourced products.
- The hiring of local island residents and providing them equitable wages and professional development opportunities.
In other words, no environmentally damaging ships are now in the Galapagos. The authorities have approved each boat, and it is accompanied by highly trained and competent staff who are extremely mindful of the environment through which they are going.
The Galapagos expedition cruise includes all of this and more. Social responsibility and conservation efforts for sustainable tourism have been a significant element that sets us apart.
Environmental awareness is critical for larger and mid-sized ships in the Galapagos, such as our Expedition Vessels. Why is this so? More significant and mid-sized ships, sometimes known as multi-guided vessels, have considerable advantages in maintaining the delicate Galapagos environment, particularly when compared to smaller, single-guided equivalents.
The Bigger, the (Environmentally) Better
Expedition vessels are equipped with black and grey water treatment units, which help to maintain the sensitive Galapagos waters free of hazardous organic human waste. Compost created in our kitchen is processed into a thin pulp before being dumped into waterways remote from tourist attractions or marine life “hotspots.”
Consider the number of anchors we have for our 48 to 90 guests compared to how many are dropped by smaller, single-guided vessels. That’s correct—just one anchor!
At first look, it may appear counterintuitive, yet having fewer people on a smaller boat can increase the vessel’s environmental footprint in the Galapagos. What’s the reasoning? The Galapagos National Park permits up to six multi-guided, smaller vessels at each visitation location. This is equivalent to six anchors being put onto the sensitive ocean floor of the Galapagos rather than one from a larger ship!
As a result, ask any tour operator you are contemplating in the Galapagos about the ecologically friendly efforts they have implemented on their vessels and any sustainability awards they have received.
Our Expedition Vessels’ engines are four-stroke, creating more power for less fuel. Furthermore, the energy used is non-bunker fuel/fuel oil, which is less environmentally harmful.
Our garbage management is also very advanced. Did you know that waste management in the Galapagos audits the amount of non-organic trash brought in by excursion vessels? This ensures that Galapagos vessels do not throw any non-organic garbage overboard! Waste is sorted and recycled in Galapagos’ waste management centers.
Thinking Locally to Foster More Sustainable Cruises in Galapagos
While we’re on the subject of food, we always make an effort to avoid waste. How? It’s in the details. Regarding food on a Galapagos cruise, we optimize and make our resources as efficient as possible by politely requesting that our clients order their meals at midday. The food we produce on board is excellent and even better since our visitors help us avoid waste.
We accomplish this by being conservative with what we serve for dinner, and it all starts with giving them the dinner menu early in the day and asking them that simple question.
In Galapagos, we are all involved in environmental activities! So, now that you understand how much effort goes into it book your sustainable Galapagos cruises with us today!
