Conservation Rules for the Galapagos Islands

Be careful not to transport any live material (including plants or food) to the islands, or from island to island. Pets are prohibited.

No plants, rocks, animals or their remains, such as bones, pieces of wood, corals, shells, or other natural objects should be removed or disturbed - you may damage the island's ecological conditions.

Animals should not be touched or handled. A sea lion pup will be abandoned by its mother, for example, if she smells the scent of a human on its young. The same applies to chicks of birds.

Animals may not be fed. This may alter their life cycle, their social structure and affect reproduction.

Do not disturb or chase any animal from its resting or nesting spot. This is especially true for birds such as boobies, cormorants, gulls and frigates. The nests should be approached carefully, keeping a distance of at least 2 meters. If disturbed, the bird will flee and abandon its chick or egg, which could die under the strong sun within a very short time.

All groups which visit the National Park must be accompanied by a qualified guide approved by the National Park. Visitors should follow all trails (which are marked with small black and white posts) and never leave or deviate from them under any circumstance.

Follow your guide and stay with him / her for information and advice. He / she is responsible for you. If you see a guide behave irresponsibly or does not follow the rule him / herself, report him / her to the National Park.

Litter of all types must be kept off the islands. Disposal at sea is absolutely prohibited. Keep all rubbish; film wrappers, chewing gum, tin cans, bottles, etc in a bag or pocket, to be disposed of on your yacht. Do not throw anything on the islands or overboard - it could be eaten by or affect marine life.

Do not smoke on the islands. Most yachts permit smoking only on outside deck areas.