A recent report from a yacht transiting from Panama to French Polynesia has highlighted the importance of understanding the boundaries and regulations surrounding the Galápagos Marine Reserve and the newer Hermandad Marine Reserve.
The crew reported being boarded by Galápagos Park Rangers while passing through Canal de Santa Fe, despite having no intention of stopping in the islands. The Canal de Santa Fe (Santa Fe Channel) is the body of water that separates Santa Fe Island from the southeastern coast of Santa Cruz Island in the central region of the Galapagos Archipelago. According to the skipper, the vessel was instructed to proceed to Puerto Baquerizo Moreno for inspection and is now awaiting the outcome of enforcement proceedings.
The reported boarding occurred inside the Galápagos Marine Reserve, in Canal Santa Fe, a channel located within the archipelago itself, rather than in open ocean outside the reserve boundaries.
The incident has generated discussion among cruisers, particularly regarding the extent of the protected areas surrounding the archipelago and whether prior authorization is required for vessels merely passing through.
Understanding the Protected Areas
The Galápagos Marine Reserve (GMR), established in 1998, covers approximately 138,000 square kilometres around the islands and is one of the world’s most important marine protected areas. In 2022, Ecuador expanded protection by creating the 60,000-square-kilometre Hermandad Marine Reserve to the northeast of the archipelago. Together, the two reserves protect almost 200,000 square kilometres of ocean habitat and migratory routes used by hammerhead sharks, whale sharks, sea turtles, rays and whales.
These reserves were created to safeguard one of the most biodiverse marine ecosystems on the planet. For cruisers, they represent both a conservation success story and an area where careful passage planning is essential.
Clarification from a Local Galápagos Agent
Following the incident, Noonsite sought clarification from Galápagos yacht agent Javier Plúa Rizzo of Yacht Agents Galápagos Co.
Javier confirmed that there is currently no official regulation establishing a 40-nautical-mile exclusion zone around the Galápagos Islands, nor has Ecuador removed the international right of innocent passage.
However, he noted that strict environmental and biosecurity regulations apply within the Galápagos Marine Reserve. If a vessel is detected within protected waters, authorities may board, inspect, and direct the vessel to an authorised port, even if the vessel is simply transiting and has no intention of visiting the islands.
In practical terms, vessels that remain outside the Marine Reserve boundaries do not require authorisation. Those entering protected waters, intentionally or otherwise, may become subject to inspection and enforcement procedures.
Why Cruisers Should Care
Many yachts crossing the Pacific pass close to the Galápagos, whether stopping officially or simply routing around the islands. The expansion of protected areas means that navigators should pay close attention to current reserve boundaries and ensure their route does not inadvertently enter restricted waters.
Modern charting systems may not always display marine reserve boundaries prominently, and assumptions based on traditional offshore routing can lead to unexpected encounters with authorities.
The recent report serves as a useful reminder that while innocent passage rights remain in place, environmental enforcement within the Galápagos reserves is active. Cruisers planning passages in the region should review the latest marine reserve limits, verify routes carefully, and seek up-to-date local advice if there is any uncertainty.
The Galápagos Islands remain one of the world’s most extraordinary cruising destinations and marine conservation success stories. Understanding and respecting the regulations that protect these unique ecosystems helps ensure both smooth passages for sailors and continued protection for the wildlife that depends on them.
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We were in the Galapagos when this occurred. It seems very unlikely a yacht on their way to FP would traverse thru the islands. The skipper of the yacht then proceeded to complain on every FB page related to sailing.
There is absolutely no reason to go thru the islands and in fact it would have hindered their passage to FP due to local contra currents.