Galápagos Park Rules and Itineraries
Why every vessel follows an assigned route, and the rules you follow ashore.
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About 97 percent of the islands’ land is national park, and the surrounding waters form a marine reserve. The Galápagos National Park Directorate decides where vessels can go, when, and with how many people, which is why Galápagos itineraries are fixed in a way few other cruises are.
Each licensed vessel is assigned its routes and visitor sites. The aim is to spread visitors across the archipelago so that no beach or colony sees a crowd. For you, that means the brochure itinerary is close to what you will actually do, and that the ship cannot simply sail to a famous site because guests ask.
The Visitor Rules
Two meters from wildlife
Keep a distance of 2 meters (about 6 feet) from all animals, including when holding a camera or phone.
Hands off
Do not touch or feed the animals, and do not remove anything from the ecosystem: no shells, rocks, sand or bones.
No flash, no drones
Take pictures without flash. Drones are not allowed, and professional filming needs a permit.
Stay on the trail
Walk only on marked trails, and respect the opening hours of each visitor site.
Nothing from outside
Do not bring plants, seeds, animals or food onto the islands. Your luggage is inspected on arrival for this reason.
Guided visits only
Visit protected areas with a licensed guide, use only authorized tourism operators, and never write or carve on rocks.
These points summarize the park’s visitor rules, which also ask visitors to use marine-friendly sunscreen, to avoid smoking, alcohol and campfires in protected areas, and to play music only through headphones.
Guides and Group Size
Every group that lands at a visitor site goes with a naturalist guide licensed by the park. Widely published operator guidance puts the maximum at 16 visitors per guide, which is why even a 100-guest ship splits into small groups with staggered landing times.
Guides are the heart of a Galápagos cruise. Many are islanders who trained for years, and they explain how each species adapted to its island, point out nests you would walk past, and make sure the rules are followed. Tipping your guide and crew at the end of the voyage is customary; your operator will suggest an amount.
What a Fixed Itinerary Means for Your Choice
- Read the day-by-day route for your exact departure date, not just the ship’s general description.
- Check the remote islands: Genovesa, Española and Fernandina appear only on certain routes.
- Longer sailings often combine two shorter loops, so ask whether any sites repeat.
- Weather and safety can still force a change; the captain and park decide, not the guests.
Park Rule Questions
Can my ship change its route if we want to see something else?
Only within narrow limits. Each vessel sails a route approved by the park, and changes need park authorization, usually for safety or weather. That is why choosing the right itinerary before you book matters so much.
Can I explore a visitor site on my own?
No. The park requires visitors to tour protected areas with a licensed guide. In the towns and on some marked trails near them you can walk independently.
Are drones allowed?
No. The park’s visitor rules prohibit drones, and professional filming needs separate authorization.
Pick an Itinerary That Fits
Tell us which islands and animals matter most to you. Our cruise advisors at Mister Cruise will check each vessel’s assigned routes and send free quotes.
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