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Why we don’t visit some islands of the Galapagos is a question some guests have occasionally asked us. It might seem pretty unlikely to cross paths with other yachts and cruises, considering only 3% of the archipelago is open for visits.
However, a smart itinerary can give you just that: exclusivity. Within its 133,000 km², distributed among 20 islands and islets, only 3% is inhabited and another 3% accessible to tourism. But don’t fret! This doesn’t mean any less of a Galapagos experience! Some of the best Galapagos adventures follow well-thought-out, hand-picked itineraries that include the archipelago’s best visitor sites and most iconic Big15 species, all while making you feel as if you’re the first to step foot on these islands.
Not only would it seem to solve any unwanted encounter with other companies, but some islands and potential visitor sites are so close to the places we are visiting, so why not stop there as well? The answer lies in the fact that preserving the ecosystem is a priority, which is why we don’t visit some islands of the Galapagos—this ensures the delicate environment remains protected.
Explore one of the most pristine destinations in the world! Prepare your vacations to the Galapagos Islands!
The Galapagos National Park area – 97% of the Galapagos territory – is divided into two groups: Tourist-Use Zone (3%) and Primitive Scientific-Use Zone (97%). This division highlights why we don’t visit some islands of the Galapagos, as it helps safeguard the untouched natural habitats. It might seem as if you could be missing out on something, but that 3% includes the most iconic visitor sights, as well as areas where only specific species can be seen.
Only 3% of the Galapagos are inhabited and, regardless of how small this might sound, strict regulations have been gradually put into place in order to protect the flora and fauna of the islands. This is all done of course with the intention of creating a harmonious balance between humans and the islands.
The GNP’s most recent zoning efforts divided the archipelago into four categories that follow more technical parameters: Transition Zone (altered by the human impact), Sustainable Use Zone (mildly altered but maintaining ecological integrity), Conservation Zone (key biodiversity areas), and Intangible Zone (pristine and human impact-free area). However, they all follow the same criteria. Zones are based on how deeply human interaction has affected the area (or if it hasn’t been affected by the area at all).
A Protected Natural Resource
The Galapagos National Park area – 97% of the Galapagos territory – is divided into two groups: Tourist-Use Zone (3%) and Primitive Scientific-Use Zone (97%). This limited access explains why we don’t visit some islands of the Galapagos, but it ensures the protection of its pristine environments. It might seem as if you could be missing out on something, but that 3% includes the most iconic visitor sights, as well as areas where only specific species can be seen.
Because the Galapagos is such a protected place, this contributes to keeping it as pristine as possible, which is why such a small portion of it is open to the public. The number of visitors aboard cruises in the Galapagos is limited to 175,000 a year (equal to the number of people inside a single football stadium during a match!). This means the islands are still very much an exclusive destination. However, this number must be controlled at all times so that it doesn’t interfere with nature’s processes.
Why We Don’t Visit Some Islands of the Galapagos
Having such a small portion of the islands open to visitors helps protect and maintain most of its fauna’s naiveté with respect to the human world. While it’s true that visitors often marvel at the tameness of Galapagos wildlife, this is not the animals’ true nature, but habit instead. They have simply grown accustomed to the presence of humans and, seeing that they don’t pose a threat, they go on with their lives totally unbothered.
However, if visitors would happen to get close to an area that has had no human interaction, animals will react as animals would: they would flee from their strange presence. That is why, as close as some islands or sites might seem to an already planned itinerary (i.e. Marchena and Pinta island are very close to Genovesa), they will not be visited. All to help contribute to the places’ integrity. It’s in these undisturbed areas – which only scientists have access to – in which life will evolve the way it was meant to in the Galapagos, following its own sets of patterns and rhythm.
Contrary to what people might think, the remaining 3% of the GNP contains everything that makes the archipelago such a worthwhile and extraordinary destination. Choose wisely! Look for the itinerary that best suits your interests and desires adds a true level of comfort and service to that combination, and get ready for this once-in-a-lifetime Galapagos experience aboard the Yacht La Pinta!
