New Restrictions in Galapagos

Created by webmaster. Last modified on 2003-03-11 15:43:15
Contributors: Ricardo Arenas
Topic: Cruising Information
Countries: Ecuador, Galapagos

As of 1 March 2002, new regulations are being applied to cruising boats visiting the Galapagos Islands. Yachts which arrive from a foreign destination (i.e. not from mainland Ecuador) with less than 10 people onboard will be allowed to spend up to 20 days in one of the four official ports. These are the provisions of Article 50 of the Galapagos Law.

Cruising boats arriving in Galapagos should mention Article 50 and ask to be granted permission for an "emergency stop" of at least 72 hours. This is needed to reprovision the boat, etc. The initial 72 hours can be extended by the Port Captain up to the maximum 20 days.

Foreign boats that stop first in one of the ports on mainland Ecuador (Manta, Esmeraldas, Salinas, Guayaquil, etc) will not be able to obtain a departure permit (zarpe) for the Galapagos Islands and should instead ask for the permit to be issued for a further destination, such as the Marquesas. They can then make an "emergency" stop in one of the ports in Galapagos, as stipulated by Article 50.

However, foreign boats that are in mainland Ecuador and intend to stop longer in the Galapagos Islands may obtain a special permit by applying to the Ministry of Defence in Quito. This is a lengthy process that may take several weeks so the above procedure is probably more convenient.