Sailing in the Galapagos, Ecuador
The Galapagos Islands are an archipelago of volcanic island around the equator in the Pacific Ocean and islands are located in both the northern and southern hemispheres: 1°40’N-1°36’S, 89°16′-92°01’W.
Do yu like to be face to face with giant turtles, visit beaches full of sea lions or swim with penguins? This might be your next sailing vacation.
The Galapagos are famed for their vast number of endemic species, which Charles Darwing studied during the voyage of the beagle. Espanola is the oldest island around 3.5 million years old and it has a large number of endemic species like lava lizard, mockingbird and marina iguanas and it is the only place where the waved albatross nests. Only five of the islands are inhabited: Baltra, Floreana, Isabela, San Cristobal and Santa Cruz.
Over time, the pollution, the tourist crowds and the overfishing have left there prints. To preserve the islands for future generations many rules are in place. To equalize the number of people who visit an island on a day, Park Administration mades a schedule for each passenger vessel, complete with arrival and departure times. Each Group of visitors must have a government-sanctioned trained guide.
Most of the visitors are on a cruise ship. Some are on charter boats, power or sail. It is also possible to sail to the Galapagos on your own boat – provided you retain a guide upon your arrival.
Hikes, snorkling and diving are the main activies you will probably do. But you can get some good sailing too. Moorings are limited and you can only moor in designated locations. Make your mooring space reservation before you arrive.
Best time to visit: December to May: warm weather and light winds
Related links:
Galapagos Sailing Boats
Southern Explorations
Charterworld.com/galapagos
