Changes coming to Galapagos boat itineraries
The Galapagos National Park will roll out new (and much needed) regulations that will impact boat itineraries, visitor experience, and the length of cruises that can be sold.
The new regulations will allow each boat to operate a 15-day itinerary that does not visit any site more than once. Boats will be able to sell 7-day or 5-day (the minimum) itineraries. As the 7-day itineraries will be different, a two-week itinerary is also possible.
The new model was presented and discussed this past Wednesday (December 9) at a meeting between boat operators and the Galapagos National Park. According to the Park, this will cut visitation at 15 heavily used sites, give equal access to all boats at sites, increase the use of underused sites, enhance the visitor experience, reduce accidents, and reduce the total number of visitors by cutting out shorter itineraries.
The Park intends to implement this next year.