Galapagos Island Trips & Cruise Packages

We want to offer Galapagos island trips that don’t ruin the environment we love and cherish. The M/V Galapagos Explorer II is the vessel used in all of our Galapagos cruise packages, and designed to reduce impact in the archipelago and support the local communities. The products used onboard such as soap, detergents and shampoo are biodegradable.

Our water is purified with ozone (purified oxygen) instead of chlorine. Organic waste, non-toxic paper and solids are incinerated on board. Aluminum, plastic and non-biodegradable waste are compressed, packaged and delivered to San Cristobal’s local community for recycling and processing. Biodegradable waste and glass are crushed, transforming it into sand and thrown into the open sea in accordance with the Galapagos National Park regulations. Galapagos island trips should not put the island in danger.

The crew of the M/V Galapagos Explorer II is perpetually being trained in Island conservation techniques. As a result, Galapagos Explorer successfully complies with all the rules and regulations imposed by the Galapagos National Park. We offer Galapagos cruise packages

Our permanent training program includes students of the Ignacio Hernandez school. Students are trained in sustainable tourism practices, as only certified guides can direct groups on island excursions.

The Galapagos Explorer II is committed to conservation on the islands. It participates in programs with Galapagos National Park, The Charles Darwin Scientific Station, and local schools and organizations. Part of the entrance fee to the Galapagos National Park is assigned to the preservation of this unique ecosystem.

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Besides complying with the Galapagos National Park regulations, Galapagos Explorer is concerned with protecting the islands’ ecosystem and applying certified procedures controlled by management systems that guarantee the safety of our operations, the ecosystem and our guests.
Our integrated policy includes:

• Developing sustainable tourism on the Galapagos Islands, promoting onboard safety and environmentally friendly practices among our customers, associates, guests, suppliers and the community.  

• Providing our personnel with the necessary resources to develop programs that maintain the safety of the operations and that ease environmental impact.  

• We continually improve our performance and that of our contributors and guarantee operations according to established regulations.

The Galapagos Explorer II in 2001 achieved the “Smart Voyage - Rainforest Alliance” certification which recognizes that properly managed tourism can contribute to conservation, sustainable growth and poverty improvement. It received an ISO 14001 certification in 2008, which is the only international regulation that allows us to establish, record, implement, maintain and constantly improve the environmental management system.

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We have always been characterized by being at the forefront of technology. Environmental, passenger and cruise safety is our priority.
Our ship has been certified by:

The safety of our passengers is very important to us. Guests are required to follow instructions for their protection and safety during their stay.
By practicing our recommendations passengers can help us guarantee a safe and unforgettable experience.

Galapagos The Galapagos Explorer II constantly supports Galapagos communities through social work and contributions to education. We sponsor the Ignacio Hernandez Technical School, located in San Cristobal, by donating educational supplies for students who specialize in tourism. Students also have the opportunity to receive practical training onboard.


The Galapagos Explorer also purchases most of the products that are consumed on the ship from the islands and lets island inhabitants participate in the ship’s onshore operations.

The Galapagos Explorer II supports conservation on the Islands by participating in programs sponsored by the Galapagos National Park, Charles Darwin Station, San Cristobal City Hall, San Cristobal Board, INNFA (National Institute for children and their families) and Galapagos foundation, and other schools and local organizations. Some waste is processed and transferred to the local community for their recycling projects.

You can learn more about our activities. (PDF File)