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Like most Galapagos wildlife, these sea lions are unperturbed by a group of tourists. (Photo © Zorica Kovacevic)

This well-known vista can be seen from the visitor site at Bartolomé Island. (Photo © Joe Mansfield)

Visitors to Punta Suarez, Española Island photograph Nazca boobies. (Photo © Linda Cayot)

The town of Puerto Villamil on Isabela Island is known for its laid-back vibe. (Photo © Kimber Wukitsch)

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Like most Galapagos wildlife, these sea lions are unperturbed by a group of tourists. (Photo © Zorica Kovacevic)

This well-known vista can be seen from the visitor site at Bartolomé Island. (Photo © Joe Mansfield)

Visitors to Punta Suarez, Española Island photograph Nazca boobies. (Photo © Linda Cayot)

The town of Puerto Villamil on Isabela Island is known for its laid-back vibe. (Photo © Kimber Wukitsch)

Traveling to Galapagos: Reducing Your Ecological Footprint

The mission of Galapagos Conservancy is to protect the unique biodiversity and ecosystems of Galapagos. For that reason, we are sometimes asked how we can also support travel and tourism in these amazing, yet fragile, islands. The answer is simple: people will always live in and visit the Galapagos Islands, but we believe that we can encourage them to leave few footprints and instill in them the desire to protect Galapagos for future generations — long after they have returned home. In fact, visitors to Galapagos often become some of its most dedicated advocates.

When choosing to travel to Galapagos, instead of rushing to be “the last person to see it before it’s gone,” you can help to ensure its long-term existence. If we are careful today to protect this natural treasure, the rare plants and animals — as well as the local people and visitors — will coexist and thrive well into the future. That is the essence of our goals for sustainable tourism in Galapagos.

As exotic locations become more accessible across the globe, they experience increased human-caused pressures and challenges. For more than thirty years, Galapagos Conservancy has worked with governmental and international agencies to ensure that the use of natural resources is compatible with protecting wildness — all while preparing Galapagos citizens to be forward-thinking about conserving the Islands they call home. Sustainable tourism must strike a balance between enjoying nature and ensuring that our activities do no harm to the environment or other people, societies, and cultures.

As a visitor to Galapagos, you can have the experience of a lifetime and also so much more — for example, by selecting the right tour, following Park rules, and exploring the local community. At every step, Galapagos Conservancy is right there with you. Our support has helped find solutions to restore rare species, predict emerging conservation issues, and move the local industries and society toward a sustainable future so there will be a Galapagos to visit for generations to come.

We hope this section of our website will guide you along as you consider a trip to one of the world’s most remarkable ecosystems.

 “It is wonderful to think of tortoise populations and other unique species being restored to historical numbers — a Galapagos we will never see, but something exciting to support!”
Carol T. & Jay C., GC donors for more than twenty years

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