Galapagos Island Trips & Cruise Packages

The Galapagos Explorer II is design to reduce the impact in the archipelago and support the local communities, some examples of our actions:

• The products used on board such as soap, detergents and shampoo are biodegradable.
• The chlorine to purify the water was replace with ozone.
• The organic waste is crushed and discharge to the ocean as per the Marpol and PNG regulations.
• Papel, wood, textiles no containing plastic are incenerated on board.
• The aluminum and plastic together with the non-biodegradable are compressed, out into packages and delivered in a local community for recycle and processed by the center in San Cristobal.

We run ongoing training programs to the crew on sustainable tourism and try to maintain the vocation of conservation of the islands, as well as regulations imposed by the Galapagos National Park to cruise ships.

As part of our permanent training we include the students of the Colegio Ignacio Hernandez in sustainable tourism practices, for the benefit of the local people.

Is a requirement to have certified guides in the expedition around the islands

The Galapagos Explorer II in their support to the conservation to the islands is involved in some of the PNG programs, Charles Darwin Station, schools and local organizations. The tax payment for the park entrance contributes to the preservation of this unique eco-system.

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.

In February 2011, after a year of effort we achieved ISO 9001:2008 certification, with this we confirm the firm intention of our company to maintain a commitment to achieve the satisfaction of our guests through the implementation of procedures and continuous improvement.

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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)