CONSERVATION

Are there naturalist guides on board?
What regulations must we obey?
Who regulates the conservation of the Islands?
Can I contribute towards the preservations of the Islands?
Sand
Waste recycling
Is snorkeling a problem?
Is snorkeling equipment provided?
Safety tips for snorkeling and diving
When are meals served?
What daily activities can I expect?
Can I celebrate a special occasion?
What happens during the shore excursions?
How much time do we spend in each visit?
How strenuous are the walks?
If I do not feel confident with the walks what I can do?
Do you have a safety deposit box in the suites?
Is it safe to drink water on board?
If I have special dietary requirements, what can I do?
Smoking and non-smoking areas
Smoke detectors


Are there naturalist guides on board? Passengers must be accompanied at all times by our naturalist guides licensed by the Galapagos National Park. They know each spot intimately and share their knowledge on walks, during slide shows and in chats over drinks at the end of the day. In the evenings, our expert guides give briefings for the following day excursions and academic conferences. Our Naturalist Guides are lead by our Expedition Leader who is going to be introduced to you on the first day and he will help you make Islands the most unforgettable experience. «top»

What regulations must we obey? Your guide will go over the Galapagos National Park rules, among others, that you do not disturb or remove anything (not even a rock or shell), do not touch or feed the animals, do not leave any litter and to stay on the marked trails. «top»

Who regulates the conservation of the Islands? In 1959, the governments of Ecuador declared 97% of the total land area of the Islands as National Park. In 1961, the Darwin Station was established. The Park Service and Darwin Station have been working together for over 20 years, for the protection and wise management of Galapagos.
The Galapagos National Park is responsible for conservation projects including the protection of endangered populations, the eradication and control of introduced species and the management of recreation and tourism. The Charles Darwin Research Station is an international non-profit organization, which acts in a scientific capacity for the Park Service and conducts conservation-oriented research and training of the Naturalist tour guides. «top»

Can I contribute towards the preservations of the Islands? Funding for the Darwin Station depends on International Conservation organizations and concerned private donors. The Charles Darwin Foundation is committed to preserving the unique plant and animal species providing scientific and technical support to the government of Ecuador assistance is critical to pay for equipment, field work, guide training, local environmental education programs and other related activities. You can help with a Tax Deductible donation to the Charles Darwin Foundation to:
Charles Darwin Foundation, Inc.
100 N. Washington Street
Suite 232
Falls Church, VA 22046
USA
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Sand. Despite its natural beauty, sand causes serious problems, ranging from transporting insect eggs and seeds from one island to another, to obstructing the pipelines of the sewage system. Please, get rid of the sand before boarding the small boat or dinghy, and check the soles of your footwear. «top»

Waste recycling. In every suite, you will find three bins. The bins are marked with either a green sign for biodegradable waste (fruits, paper and cardboard without plastic foil) or a red sign for non-biodegradable waste (plastics, aluminum, batteries, glass). Please sort the garbage appropriately. Similar signs are found in every trash container aboard. «top»

Is snorkeling a problem? Snorkeling requires a certain amount of preparation, mentally as well as physically. If you are not experienced, your guide will be able to teach you during the visits. «top»

Is snorkeling equipment provided? Masks, fins and snorkels in average sizes are available on board for use during the cruise. You will have to pay a small fee for this service. «top»

Safety tips for snorkeling and diving.
Diving, and to a lesser extent snorkeling, does require a certain amount of preparation, mentally as well as physically. Please listen carefully to your guide's instructions, and keep in mind that:
• Currents are treacherous in the Galapagos, especially in open water situations.
• Extreme caution should be considered when performing repetitive dives, since no medical diving facility in Galapagos is available.
• The water can change quickly from clear to murky, especially in the first 50 feet, making it easy to loose reference points.
• A wetsuit is essential for divers especially from July through November. «top»

When are meals served? Meals are informal and there is one sitting for all passengers. Meal times can vary slightly. Breakfast is served at 07h30, lunch at 12h30 and dinner at 19h30. The menu is international with touches of Ecuadorian specialties. Delicious snacks will be served after shore excursions. «top»

What daily activities can I expect? The day begins with early breakfast followed by the first shore excursion. We return for lunch followed by relaxation time while the vessel navigates to the Next Island. Mid-afternoon, we disembark for the second excursion and return to prepare for dinner. In the evening, our naturalists give a briefing of the next visit and scientific conferences. The Public Relation Officer will organize evening activities such as games, parties and contest aside from scheduled conferences. «top»

Can I celebrate a special occasion? Yes, as a courtesy to our passengers, we can celebrate your birthday, wedding anniversary or any other special occasion. You will have to include this information upon reservation, or inform our Public Relations Officer on board the ship. «top»

What happens during the shore excursions? On the Islands, you must follow marked trails set by the National Park walking at a leisurely pace. The guides will interpret and explain the unusual sights you see. «top»

How much time do we spend in each visit? You will spend 3-4 hours at each site allowing afterward the opportunities to swim and snorkel. «top»

How strenuous are the walks? Passengers are able to walk a few hours a day unassisted and will be able to fully enjoy Galapagos. Some of the excursions require physical activity involving short steep climbs or long walks in hot weather. However, most excursions require moderate activity and the walks are at a leisurely pace allowing the guides to describe what you are seeing. «top»

If I do not feel confident with the walks what I can do? If you are concerned about your ability to do any particular day hike please consult with the Expedition Leader beforehand. Our Expedition Leader will be able to give you alternative programs in order to enjoy your trip to its fullest potential. «top»

Do you have a safety deposit box in the suites? There is a safety deposit box in each suite and can only be opened with the key that the front desk provides upon your arrival. This service is free of charge. «top»

Is it safe to drink water on board? Bottled water is provided in your suite and at the bar at all times free of charge. Drinking water is provided during meal times. «top»

If I have special dietary requirements, what can I do? If you are vegetarian, allergic to any foods or under a special diet, please advise us all the details at least 30 days prior to the cruise departure so we can comply with your requirements. Please request this through your travel agent. When you receive your cruise documents, you also receive a Register Card. You need to fill this card with all your personal information and with your special needs. There is a space only for meals. Besides that, to make sure that you receive what you need in your Suite you are going to find a small card with your special diet. You will have to give this card to your waitress on the first day. «top»

Smoking and non-smoking areas. Smoking is allowed only on the sundeck (Explorer Deck), Piano bar (Erickson Deck), the pool decks (Erickson Deck) and in the lateral outside aisles, PLEASE NEVER THROW CIGARETTE FILTERS OVERBOARD (a single one pollutes more than 5 gallons of water). In the main lounge, smoking is restricted during conferences and briefings and during dinner. Smoking is prohibited in the suites and the restaurant. «top»

Smoke detectors. Smoke detectors are installed in every suite for added safety. State of the art automatic flame resistant doors are set throughout the vessel to contain flames and avoid spreading in the event that something like this occurs. «top»