Explore: Galapagos - Formalities
Clearance
For COVID-19 Yachting Protocols see Biosecurity.
PRE-ARRIVAL
Every yacht coming to the Galapagos must have prior permission (an Autógrafo).
Autógrafos must be applied for via an agent at least 60 days in advance of your arrival (as it normally takes six weeks to process all paperwork). An Autógrafo permits a stay of up to 30 days with the possibility of a 30-day extension. With an Autógrafo yachts may be able to visit up to 5 inhabited ports.
As well as the Autógrafo, a number of documents and certificates are required in order to visit the Galapagos. For full details about these and the Autógrafo see Documents.
ARRIVAL FORMALITIES
Ports of Entry:
All yachts must proceed directly to Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, Isla San Cristóbal (Wreck Bay). This is the capital of the province and the only port of entry in the Galapagos since November 2018. Yachts arriving should not stop anywhere but at the Port of Entry.
Arribo Forzoso:
Boats that enter the Galapagos without an Autógrafo are placed under “Arribo Forzoso” (forced stop) and are subject to the decision of the Port Captain as to how long they can stay, or if indeed they are permitted to stop. There are two types of “Arribo Forzoso”:
- 1. Emergency Stop – 72 hours
In the case of a real emergency such us mechanical, medical or other reasons (properly verified by the Maritime Authority) you will be allowed to stop in one of the 2 inhabited ports with repair facilities (Puerto Ayora and Puerto Baquerizo Moreno). It is only permitted to stop at Puerto Villamil if the other 2 inhabited ports cannot be reached. The length of stay is up to the Harbor Master’s discretion. You will need to use an agent to complete the necessary paperwork and your yacht will be inspected for damage, or whatever the reason for the emergency stop was. After the 3rd day, you must pay all the government fees. Be certain that the Zarpe from your last port of call does not have Galapagos as your destination, it must have Marquesas or other Pacific destination. Do not use this option as a free pass to “see the sights” as this will only cause problems and quite possibly bring stricter controls into play and prevent those from stopping in an emergency who really need to. - 2. One Port Stop- Up to 7 days
This option is only allowed in the port of entry: Wreck Bay, Puerto Baquerizo, San Cristóbal. It is for yachts who wish to refuel, take on provisions, fresh water, and possibly quick repairs. Again, the length of stay is up to the Harbor Master’s discretion (it might be up to seven days). You will need to use an agent to complete the necessary paperwork and you must pay all government fees.
General Clearance Process:
The Galapagos does not recognize or allow the normal 72-hour breathing space to rest etc. before checking in. They allow 12 hours only. However, in the first 12 hours, you can take on provisions and water.
It is mandatory to use an agent to check in with the port captain for any stay of more than one day. The agent acts as a go-between for your dealings with the port captain and will collect the fees for your entry into the harbor. See Clearance Agents for more details and a list of Galapagos Agents.
Overtime must be paid outside office hours, 08:00-17:00 Monday to Friday, at weekends or during local holidays. The overtime fees are almost double the normal fee. Request that your agent complete clearance during office hours.
You will be boarded by a number of officials either all at once or at different times and usually on the same day as each other – but sometimes not. They will want you to fill in forms, many asking for the same information. Officials may want to inspect your boat very thoroughly, looking in the bilges, at your security equipment, through the lockers etc. Again, this depends on how motivated the officials are that you have on board, but be prepared and most importantly be patient – your agent will guide you through the procedure. There may be anything from 8-12 officials wanting to board your yacht, including:
- Port Captain: Will want to see the zarpe from the last port of call.
- Immigration: Will want to see all crew passports and the ships papers, plus proof of health insurance for all crew. Migratory Cards will be issued to all crew.
- Galapagos National Park: All yachts are given an itinerary to the visitor’s sites within the park based on the availability due to site capacity standards. See Restrictions for details on hiring a private naturalist guide.
- Ministry of Environment: Will want to see a fumigation certificate and a sanitation certificate. See Documents.
- BioSecurity: As of January 2014, all yacht arrivals will be subject to an Environmental Risk Assessment. See BioSecurity for full details.
- Health: A Doctor will come on board and check all crew temperatures. Normally this happens if you have come from a country that is suffering an epidemic, however currently all arriving yacht crew are being checked for symptoms of the Coronavirus. There is a cost for this inspection. The doctor will most likely want to check what medicines you have on board and any out of date medicines will be removed.
- Navy/Customs: It’s possible Navy personnel will come on board to do an inspection and check for foreign food, animals, guns, and contraband.
See Fees for a breakdown of costs.
On completion of the clearing in the procedure, the agent must give you the original “factura”, which is a receipt from the port captain detailing the fees charged. It should not be a photocopy.
Domestic Cruising:
If you have an Autógrafo and sail from inhabited port to inhabited port, there are local arrival and departure fees (see documents for a list of inhabited ports). You must also get a zarpe (see below). If moving between islands, be sure to check your hull before arriving in the next port as you may be inspected on arrival there as well (for example going from San Cristobal to Santa Cruz).
CLEARING OUT
Give 24 hours notice that you want to leave so the appropriate Zarpe can be arranged.
Domestic Clearance:
The port captain will issue a domestic Zarpe for the next port. The agent will handle the clearing out so let him know a couple of days before to be sure it all goes smoothly. There are fees to move between islands.
It is possible that on arrival in the next island officials will want to inspect your boat again.
International Clearance:
Yachts with an Autografo can leave the country from San Cristobal, Santa Cruz or from Isabela.
It is important to note that Isabela has minimal services (no fuel or ATM) and there is no Immigration official. Therefore yachts wishing to clear out of the country from this port must cover the expenses (approx. 140 USD) of sending an immigration official there to stamp the Passports on departure. Your agent can help organize this and it is possible to share this cost between a group of boats.
The final responsibility for having an exit stamp in your passport lies with you, not the agent.
On departure, several officials will come on board to search the boat and check you are not taking anything illegal away with you (turtles or drugs).
Last updated: February 2020
Immigration
Immigration Procedure:
- Passports must be valid for six months beyond your stay.
- You will need color copies of the passports and ships papers.
- Take your crew with you.
- It is now a requirement that all visitors have health insurance cover.
- On checking out all crew must have an exit stamp in their passports from Immigration.
- See Fees for current immigration charges.
Visa Information:
Crew visas are country dependent.
Nationals of the following countries require a visa and should approach the Consulate of Ecuador of their residence (list may change without notice): Algeria, Bangladesh, Costa Rica, Cuba, El Salvador, Guatemala, India, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Lybia, Nicaragua, Nigeria, North Korea, Pakistan, Palestine Authority, Panama, People’s Republic of China, Sri Lanka, Syria, Tunisia and Vietnam.
Nationals of other countries do not require a visa for stays of up to 90 days or will be granted a T-3 card on arrival also valid for 90 days.
Departing Crew:
Crew leaving the vessel in the Galapagos do not have their passports stamped when the boat departs. The passport gets stamped when the crew leaves by plane. There is no other paperwork.
Last updated: February 2020
Customs
Rules:
Firearms must be declared and will be sealed on board.
Importing Parts/Spares:
If ordering spare parts to be delivered to the Galapagos, expect long delays with Ecuador customs. Cruisers have reported waiting 3 weeks for express delivery, claiming “yacht in transit” will save some duty costs, but will also slow the process further. Duty charges might run to 33% or more depending on the item.
See also Restrictions.
Last updated: February 2020
BioSecurity
While the protocols below are as accurate as per the last date recorded, the situation is constantly changing with regards to Covid-19 protocols for yacht arrivals and skippers should always check with their intended port of arrival before getting underway to be 100% certain of what is required.
COVID-19: OPEN
Yachting Protocols:
05 February, 2021
- Big efforts are being made to re-activate the local economy and to this end the Galapagos Authorities are welcoming all yachts and sailboats this season.
- Their Official Invitation (30/10/2020) details entry guidelines and protocols for yacht skippers and crews and are still current.
- In brief these are:
– an agent is mandatory (as per clearance);
– the only port of arrival is San Cristobal;
– all crew must have a negative RT-PCR test taken within 96 hours of departure from the last port of call;
– health declaration; - Both, foreign vessels and their occupants, can stay up to 60 days on the islands.
- In the ports, crew and guest must wear a mask, maintain social distance, and comply with the protocols of each Municipality.
- To date, Galapagos has 76 active cases out of a total of 28,000 inhabitants, which gives an incidence much lower than 0.01%. The vaccination process has started, slow but gradual.
- Regulations for visitors can be found here – http://www.galapagos.gob.ec/reglas-de-visita/
- There are a number of private clinics in Panama where tests can be carried out after transit.
- For onward cruising from Galapagos Laboratorio Galápagos can now carry out PCR and Antigen tests. Costs are approx. US$100 a test. Whatsapp 0986198925 or e-mail [email protected] to make an appointment.
Our thanks to ServiGalapagos, SeaMasters Galapagos, Galapagos Yacht Services and Yacht Agents Galapagos for updates.
History:
- On 14 March, 2020, the Government of Ecuador closed all entries to the country by land, sea, and the airports.
- While borders were closed, Puerto Ayora and Puerto Baquerizo Moreno were accepting yachts in transit that required emergency aid (fuel, water, supplies or repairs). Crew were confined on board and assistance had to be provided through an agent.
- The issuing of Autografos (cruising permits) was suspended.
- Sea borders reopened on 31 July, 2020.
Resources:
- Yachting Protocols
- Government website: http://www.galapagos.gob.ec/
- Regulations for visitors: http://www.galapagos.gob.ec/reglas-de-visita/
- Declaration of Health: http://www.aag.org.ec/docs/Formulario_de_Salud_del_Viajero_MSP2020.pdf
- https://www.coronavirusecuador.com/
Reports:
- South Pacific Cruising in 2021 (February 2021)
- Retreat from Paradise (Dec, 28, 2020)
- Pacific Ocean Lockdown: What are the Options? (May 2020)
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OTHER BIOSECURITY MEASURES
Environmental Checks (GNP Inspection):
As of January 2014, all yacht arrivals will be subject to an Environmental Risk Assessment:
Hull: These new rules give the approval to conduct an interview with the captain on arrival and will include a hull inspection of the boat by a diver from the GNP. It is, therefore, advisable to have the hull thoroughly (perhaps professionally) cleaned prior to leaving your previous port and to even have a certificate showing it has been done, if possible. Also, do your own hull inspection (if conditions allow) before arrival and don’t forget the bow thruster if you have one.
A certificate showing when the last coating of anti-fouling was applied may also be requested.
The cost of the GNP inspection is borne by the visitor and is charged per person on board. The ministerial approval also gives the GNP the authority to demand that if a yacht fails to meet their requirements (a reasonable level of risk), they must leave the Galapagos Marine Reserve. If assessed (and it can take up to 3 days to know if you have passed or not), you may be required to exit the marine reserve (40 miles offshore), carry out remedial cleaning work on your hull and re-enter.
Black Water Tank: The black water system will be checked, you will be asked the capacity and a notice must be posted below saying ” Do not discharge black waters into the sea” (this must be near the engine room).
Garbage: Only waste for recycling can be left on the islands. This is not collected from boats (except in Puerto Ayora) and must be taken by taxi to the recycling center and paid to be disposed of. All waste on board must be separated into organic, recyclable and non-recyclable and clearly labeled. A notice must be posted on deck stating “Do not throw garbage overboard”. In order to prepare your waste properly en-route to the Islands, read this article by the WWF on how to reduce your human footprint.
Also to be carried on board:-
- Absorbent towels, for fuel, in case of spillage (the engine may be inspected for oil leaks).
- Biodegradable or Eco-friendly soap.
Food: The fresh food on board may be inspected. What food you can keep will depend very much on the inspector. It helps to show you have taken steps to avoid infestation (by zip-lock bagging dry goods etc.). Oranges, chilies, berries and passion fruits are not allowed. In some cases nor are bananas. No fresh meat, although some frozen is permitted. No fresh cheese. Find out what food is permitted at https://bioseguridadgalapagos.gob.ec/lista-de-productos/
Last updated: February 2020
Health
Water Quality Issues
Despite recent improvements in infrastructure, there are still problems with the potable water system in the Galapagos Islands – specifically on San Cristobal. A recent study found that there were still contaminations (including E.Coli bacteria) in the potable water distribution systems.
It is strongly advised that you treat or boil all water that is intended for human consumption. Be careful eating fruits and vegetables that have been washed in potable water.
Documents
Your agent will list the documents required to enter the Galapagos. These will include:-
- Autógrafo
- Passports (and color copies of all passports)
- Health Insurance Cover for all crew
- Boat registration details (and good quality copy)
- AIS: Your tracking system must be switched on and active while you are in Galapagos waters and an AIS certificate is required.
- Fumigation of yacht in last port and certificate to prove it.
- Black water certification for the boat (can be a statement from the shipper regarding the presence of holding tank)
- Possibly a certificate showing when the last coating of anti-fouling was applied.
- A certificate showing that the hull was professionally cleaned before leaving your previous port is also advisable.
Autógrafo
Every yacht coming to the Galapagos must have an Autógrafo organised in advance of their arrival with an agent. At least 60 days in advance is recommended as it normally takes six weeks to process all paperwork. An Autógrafo permits a stay of up to 30 days with the possibility of a 30-day extension.
Applications for an Autógrafo may not always be successful. Apparently, large crews of more than four or five are not desired, as they are suspected of being on an unofficial charter. Any type of chartering by foreign yachts in the national park is not permitted.
Each Autógrafo is always an individual permit and itineraries are customized. Yachts may be able to visit the following inhabited ports as well as the port of entry:
- Pto. Ayora, Isla Santa Cruz (Academy Bay)
- Pto. Villamil, Isla Isabela
- Pto. Seymour, Isla Baltra
- Pto. Ibarra, Isla Floreana
Some agents, for example, will “allow” Floreana as one of the five ports if applying for a five port Autografo, others not. Also, note that each port on the itinerary can only be visited once, it is not a permit to just cruise wherever you want.
Fees for an Autógrafo total approximately 2,000 USD.
Fumigation & Sanitation
The Ministry of Environment official is interested in fumigation and sanitation. He will want to see a fumigation certificate and a sanitation certificate.
Fumigation Certificate:
Fumigation of the yacht must be carried out at the previous port. It is not enough to simply present a certificate, the yacht must really have been sprayed at the last port of call. Certificates from Panama are accepted but it must confirm the following:
- The vessel was fumigated against insects, rats, mosquitos, etc.
- Method of fumigation
- Used products
- Quantity (dosage)
- Date of fumigation
- Date of expiry
- It also must be valid during the whole stay in the Galapagos.
Your certificate may or may not be deemed sufficient. As a last resort, if the inspectors deem it acceptable, you may be given the option to fumigate locally, or you may be asked to leave the Galapagos. Fumigation does not cause any damage and is a similar spray to that used in airplanes.
Sanitation Certificate:
A sanitation certificate (black water holding tank confirmation) can be self-certified. This can be as simple as a statement from the skipper that the boat has a holding tank for sewage and black water. Make your own including details of your holding tanks then sign, date it and ideally boat stamp it. In addition, there must be posted below (near the engine compartment) a notice stating ‘Do not discharge Black waters into the sea‘.
Last updated: February 2020
Fees
Various fees need to be paid and do vary from port to port and agent to agent. All official expenses have to be paid in “cash” on the islands, paying with a credit card is not an option.
Sample Fees
Three-week visit, 2 adults, 3 children, 13-ton boat: 2,400 USD
Three-week visit, 2 adults, 10-ton boat: 1,800 USD
Normally your agent will want 50% of the fees up front with the remainder payable a few weeks before arrival.
Entry Permit (Autografo)
Entry Permit up to 30 days: 300 USD
Entry Permit up to 60 days: 400 USD
Agent Fees
Agent fees for an Autografo are between 450 – 650 USD.
Clearance Fees
These are approximate, they do tend to vary a little depending on which agent you use:
Entry Fee for Private Yachts (Authorization Government Council): Approx. 142 USD per vessel
Port Captain: 10 USD x Gross Tonnage (estimated fee)
Port Captain Entrance Fee (1st port in the Galapagos): 47 USD
Lights, buoys and anchorage fee: Approx. 70 USD
Immigration (Galapagos Migratory Card): 20 USD per person
Immigration check-in fee: 15.60 USD per vessel
Immigration check out fee: 15.60 USD per vessel
National Park Entrance Fee: 100 USD per adult
National Park Entrance Fee: 50 USD per child (under 12 years)
National Park Technical Hull Inspection: 50 USD x no. of crew members
Biosecurity / Sanitary Inspection: 100 USD per vessel
Biosecurity / Sanitary Inspection: 200 USD (for larger vessels)
If you have an “Autografo” and sail from inhabited port to inhabited port, there are local arrival and departure fees.
Local Arrival Zarpe: 15.75 USD
Local Departure Zarpe: 15.75 USD
Overtime Fees
Overtime must be paid outside office hours, 08:00-17:00 Monday to Friday, at weekends or during local holidays. The overtime fees are almost double the normal fee. Request that your agent complete clearance DURING office hours.
National Park Cruising Fees
This is 200 USD per person, per day. You will hear this high dollar figure quoted occasionally. This daily fee DOES NOT apply to the average cruiser who is moving from island to island, anchoring in the major ports. It only applies to yachts who want to actually cruise the park areas outside the major ports.
These boats are also required to take on a licensed guide who will cost between 250 and 350 USD or more per day. The highest costs are charged for the more knowledgeable and private yacht experienced multi-lingual guides.
Fumigation Fee
Fumigation locally costs in the region of 80 USD. The fee to obtain a Fumigation Certificate in the Galapagos is 4 USD per meter of the yacht’s length.
Other Fees
Municipal fees are occasionally collected in the main ports and always collected from incoming passengers at one of the two airports.
Garbage disposal: 30 USD
Tours cost between 100 – 200 USD per person per day
Water taxis: Maximum of 2 USD/adult, 1 USD/child per ride (use of dinghies is not recommended).
All fees quoted here are in USD and are subject to change by the Ecuadorian government without notice.
Last updated: April 2019
Restrictions
Environmental Risk Assessment
In January 2014, the Galapagos National Park received ministerial approval to make law its rules applying to the arrival of foreign boats in the Galapagos Marine Reserve. The changes give the approval to conduct an interview with the captain on arrival to complete an environmental risk assessment of each boat.
The assessment of risk is now known to include an inspection of the hull of each boat with a diver from the GNP. The inspection could simply be a look from the surface, a snorkel of your hull or an actual dive with tanks – it seems to be luck of the draw. It is advisable to have your hull thoroughly, perhaps professionally, cleaned before departing for the Galapagos and, if possible, to have a certificate to show this has been done. To be extra sure, weather permitting, jump in and give the boat a final clean 50 miles offshore. Filming the cleaning and taking pictures will also provide proof that your boat is not a problem.
The cost of this is borne by the visitor and the fee is $50 per person on board. The ministerial approval also gives the GNP the authority to demand that if a yacht fails to meet their requirements (a reasonable level of risk), they must leave the Galapagos Marine Reserve. If assessed (and it can take up to 3 days to know if you have passed or not), you may be required to exit the marine reserve (40 miles offshore), at your own expense, carry out remedial cleaning work on your hull and re-enter.
Other Restrictions
Yachts are forbidden to anchor anywhere but in the official ports on each island and each of these places must be listed on your itinerary. Plan carefully as you may not be allowed to back-track.
NOTE: The National Park area and Marine Reserve extends 40 miles out from a line drawn between the outermost point of each island.
Map © National Geographic Society
Vessels arriving in Galapagos entering the protection zone established by law, i.e. 40 nautical miles from the baseline, are subject to regulations governing the transport of products that may endanger Galapagos.
National Park Rules:
No crew can go ashore in the national park without an official guide (except for a handful of sites where access without a guide is permitted – see below). Yachts may be boarded at any time to check if one has a guide. The penalty is a fine for stopping at outer islands without permission. All the local boats have guides on board who are in radio contact with the port authority and will immediately report any yacht breaking the regulations.
If intending to explore the National Park in depth, an Official Naturalist Guide has to be hired at a fee of 200 USD per person per day payable to the national park + all the administration fees. This guide will sleep on board and accompany the shore party BUT as no dinghy may be left on the shore, one crew member will be required to remain with the yacht. The process is long and expensive. There are about 40 places around the islands where tourists with guides may go ashore.
The following sites are those that can be visited on your own (with a pre-arranged Autógrafo) without a day tour or certified Naturalist guide on the three main islands:
San Cristóbal
- Centro de Interpretacion
- Cerro Tijeretas
- Carola Beach
- Playa Mann Beach
- Loberia Beach
- Puerto Chino Beach
- Laguna El Junco
- Galapaguera: Tortoise Center
Santa Cruz
- Media Luna (highlands – The tortoise reserve)
- Las Grietas
- Tortuga Bay
- German Beach
- Playa Punta Estrada
Isabela
- Beach next to the main dock
- Concha de Perla
- Centro de Crianza
- Flamingos Lagoon
- Muro de las Lágrimas
- Las Tintoreras
Fuel:
See Yachting Essentials.
Drones:
Drone use is banned in the Galapagos unless you have a permit that allows you to use drones for commercial purposes or research. Operators with a permit must ensure that the laws are obeyed when flying in Galapagos.
General Rules:
- Stay on the trails. The trails at all visitor sites are very well marked and your guides will make sure you follow this rule. It helps preserve the natural habitats and keeps both you and the wildlife safe.
- Stay at least 6 feet away from wildlife (even if they approach you). This is the best way to avoid disturbing them.
- Never give food to any wildlife.
- No smoking.
- Lifejackets must be worn when using a dinghy.
Last updated: February 2020
Local Customs
Clearance Agents
An agent is needed to arrange the Autógrafo prior to arrival. It is also mandatory to use an agent to check in with the port captain for any stay of more than one day. The agent acts as a go-between for your dealings with the port captain and will collect the fees for your entry into the harbor.
The choice of which agent you use is entirely yours to make. The fees for the agent are not fixed. It is not uncommon to get fees reduced if you negotiate. If the fees asked for are unacceptable you may ask for another agent. Ask for a clear breakdown of which fees your agent is including in his total cost.
See fees section for the various charges applicable in the Galapagos.
On completion of the clearing in the procedure, the agent must give you the original “factura”, which is a receipt from the port captain detailing the fees charged. It should not be a photocopy.
Noonsite does not recommend any particular agent. It can be useful to look at reports from cruisers and related cruisers comments for various experiences with different agents.
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Pets
There is no national or international law that prevents a sailboat from having a pet on board during its stay in the Galapagos. While on board, with its proper documentation, pets can remain in non-protected areas without any problem.
The pet can not go ashore under any circumstances.
By law when you enter the Galapagos under the Autografo, a sailor may not bring any living plants or living animals into the protected areas.
Previously this law had been relaxed/overlooked to accommodate pets which were quarantined to their yacht while in protected areas. However, in 2018 a yacht disregarded these laws: they disembarked their dog on a paddleboard and paddled around the bay. They also took pictures, made videos and posted on Facebook, Instagram, etc.
As a result – ‘no pets’ in protected areas – is now being strictly enforced by both the authorities and locals.
For boats in transit or making an emergency stop, pets may still be quarantined (at the discretion of the authorities), but some agents are advising against all pets.
Last updated: February 2020
