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We would like to let you know that, in light of two confirmed outbreaks of avian influenza among bird colonies in the archipelago, the Galapagos National Park has activated its biosecurity protocols. These aim to limit the potential threat the virus could pose to certain species. We wholeheartedly support the Park’s decision to preserve the archipelago’s unique wildlife.
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Diego Zapata
Rosa Mena
Sandy Lara
Diego Zapata
Rosa Mena
Sandy Lara
In a communiqué dated September 19th, see link, the Galapagos National Park informed tour operators of its decision to temporarily close or restrict land access to the following visitor sites with immediate effect:
1. Genovesa Island: Darwin Bay and Prince Philip Steps closed
2. San Cristóbal Island: Punta Pitt closed
3. Española Island — Punta Suarez: the trail on land is replaced by coastal exploration and aquatic activities; the Gardner Bay visitor site remains open.
The National Park has assigned alternative visitor sites and/or activities for our visits to the islands, as follows:
| ORIGINAL VISITOR SITES | TEMPORARY NEW VISITOR SITES |
|---|---|
| Genovesa Island | Marchena Island |
| San Cristóbal Island: Punta Pitt | San Cristóbal Island: Galapaguera |
| Española Island | Punta Suarez: the trail on land is replaced by coastal exploration and aquatic activities; Gardner Bay: remains open |
DESCRIPTIONS OF TEMPORARY VISITOR SITES
Marchena Island is famous as one of the archipelago’s finest scuba diving sites and historically, has been restricted only to divers. It’s therefore perfect for discovering its rich waters teeming with life through our engaging snorkeling activities, a chance to explore two visitor sites as no expedition cruise explorers have before.
Punta Espejo on the eastern coast, offers us excellent snorkeling and panga ride explorations, all the while admiring this wild, remote island and its volcanic shoreline.
On the northern coast lies Playa Negra, which provides more opportunities for some amazing snorkeling and panga rides to spot shy fur sealions, boobies flying and diving, frigate birds swooping — plus some intriguing human history, too.
Punta Suarez (Española Island)
We set out to explore the coastline around this fascinating island instead of a visit on land: aboard our pangas in the company of our expert guides we can spot marine iguanas and Sally lightfoot crabs along the rocky shores, marine turtles in the waters, and plenty of wildlife at every turn. Here, if we are lucky and weather conditions permit, we can observe albatross bobbing on the ocean and flying close to the water in search of their next meals, as well as surfing sealions on the breaks off the beach.
Galapaguera Natural (San Cristóbal Island)
Our visit to Galapaguera Natural (The Home of the Giant Tortoises) on San Cristóbal Island’s northern shores, starts with a beautiful white sand beach. At one end, we find a brackish lagoon, home to shorebirds and waders — and, if we are fortunate, brilliant pink flamingos. From the beach, it’s easy to swim and snorkel, deep-water snorkel or ride our glass-bottom boat and enjoy other activities.
For the more active, a “power walk” along a trail takes us on an 8-kilometer (4.5-mile) round-trip hike to observe San Cristóbal’s endemic species of giant tortoise in its natural habitat, lumbering around a parasitic volcanic cone — a truly wild and remote Galapagos experience!
TEMPORARY CHANGES TO OUR ITINERARIES
Yacht La Pinta
Only these itineraries have been changed. The Western Islands itinerary is unchanged.
Yacht Isabela II
Only these itineraries have been changed. The Western Islands itinerary is unchanged.
Santa Cruz II
Only these itineraries have been changed. The Western Islands itinerary is unchanged.
View itinerary changes and maps in PDF format
We will let you know as soon as the National Park instructs us to return to operating our original itineraries.
It’s important to note the temporary closure of certain sites for land visits and the protocols required by the Park aim to minimize the risk of the spread of the avian influenza virus among bird colonies. The risk of humans becoming infected with avian influenza, in the context of a visit to the Galapagos, is infinitesimally small. Only prolonged contact with infected birds or their feces can result in infection (see the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control information).
We would like to reiterate that the Galapagos Islands successful conservation model means visitors, through the entrance fee they pay, play an active role in preserving the pristine nature of the Galapagos, contributing to the revenues that fund valuable conservation and science work, conserving the islands for future generations.
We thank you for your understanding and cooperation at this time. We are confident we can work together, both to protect the wildlife of the Galapagos and ensure your clients continue to enjoy enriching and life-affirming experiences in the Islands.
Javier Garcia
Eduardo Silva
Carolina Escobar
START PLANNING YOUR TRIP
Javier Garcia
Eduardo Silva
Carolina Escobar
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Please contact your Destination Expert if you have any doubts or questions.
September 19th, 2023
