Restrictions
25 March 2019
by Keri Topjian
The environmental regulations for entering the Galapagos via private vessel are very specific and restrictive. They must be adhered to or you will be removed from the archipelago or denyed entry!
Here is a photo of me scrubbing the bottom of the hull out about 300 miles from the islands. I was regretting this task since we first left Maryland! Every single shark movie or Discovery Channel scene flashes through your mind-not to mention jumping off your boat in the middle of the ocean!
You may not arrive to Galapagos with a single barnacle or algae on your hull to risk introducing non-native species to the Islands.
They have a diver inspect your hull thoroughly upon arrival. Many sailors have been choosing to forgo a boat trip and either fly from Panama or West Coast US rather than deal with the bureaucracy. We had a total of 12 inspectors on board, from Navy, Health Dept, Customs, Immigration, Food, Doctor, etc. Crazy! But all went well!
Some other items include:
Having the boat fumigated with specific chemicals and providing certificate, recently painted bottom with type of paint details, signs posted for "No Garbage Overboard" along with separate containers for organic, plastic, trash bins. No citrus of any kind and other fresh food restrictions. Bilge water discharge plan, functioning black water holding tanks, zarpe to travel each island, port limitations on anchorages and tours, etc. There are many more but you get the point.
All in all, it seems that the Ecuadorian government is caught between a rock and hard place: trying to allowing tourism to sustain the economy and local residents, while at the same time preserving the natural beauty of the Galapagos and its incredible wildlife.
In our opinion, they are doing a good job and currently winning the relentless war against growing population and extermination of resources.
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