Every single vessel, regardless of their type of visit, with or without permit, will go through an inspection its arrival. This inspection consists of an interior and exterior (hull) inspection that will determine if the vessel can stay in the Galapagos Marine Reserve waters.
Private Yacht Protected Areas Visit
For a private yacht to visit the protected parts and isolated islands of the Galapagos Islands, the following is needed:
- An “Autógrafo”, which is an entry authorization provided by the government. The paperwork for the Autógrafo must be started at least 60 days before the visit.
- To get this paperwork started, the following is needed:
- Passport copy of all crew and guests that will be on board during the visit.
- Certificate of registry as a Pleasure Yacht.
- Blackwater or sewage certification of the yacht
- Protection and Indemnity Insurance (P&I).
- Proof that the vessel has Automatic Identification System (AIS).
- All vessels must have a fumigation and clean hull certification given in the last port.
- An authorization by the Galapagos National Park that states that the yacht will visit the islands under an itinerary and with a naturalist guide on board.
Sail Between Ports
There are 3 main ports in the Galapagos Islands: Puerto Ayora located in Santa Cruz island, Puerto Baquerizo Moreno located in San Cristobal island and Puerto Villamil located in Isabela island. To visit and sail between these 3 ports, the following is needed:
- An “Autógrafo”, which is an entry authorization provided by the government. The paperwork for the Autógrafo must be started at least 60 days before the visit.
- To get this paperwork started, the following is needed:
- Passport copy of all crew and guests that will be on board during the visit.
- Certificate of registry.
- Black water or sewage certification
- Proof that the vessel has Automatic Identification System (AIS).
For quotes of taxes, services and fees please contact us. We suggest you to send us the following minimum information: the registered gross tonnage, the number of people on board and the expectation of days in Galápagos.
Emergency Arrivals or Arrivals Without Autógrafo
These vessels could only stay in one port. The days the vessel will be allowed to stay in this port will depend on the judgment and report from the maritime authorities at the moment of arrival and after the inspections. When the vessel arrives, the following documents are needed:
- Passport copy of all crew and guests on board.
- Certificate of registry.
- Last port clearance stating the vessel was not heading to Galapagos.
- Fumigation certification from last port.
Scientific Vessels
For a Scientific Vessel to do research in the Galapagos Islands, the following is needed:
- Authorization from the Galapagos National Park.
- Authorization from a scientific or education organization of Ecuador.
- An “Autógrafo”, which is an entry authorization provided by the government.
