Ecoventura Presents Tips for Green Galapagos Travel

Ecoventura, whose mission is to safeguard the Galapagos ecosystem by offering environmentally sensitive cruises that minimize the footprint of its operations, is encouraging its guests to become aware and responsible island visitors through a newly released 10-point program.

Ecoventura’s 10-point visitor’s program for responsible tourism to the Galapagos includes the following: Prior to your trip, calculate the carbon footprint you will produce from the non-cruise portions of your trip to Ecuador. Pack only biodegradable sunscreens and lotions.

Bring a non-polycarbonate plastic water bottle that can be refilled each day, eliminating disposal plastic water bottles. During your cruise, listen carefully to your naturalist guide and closely follow all of the stated National Park rules. Be careful not to transport any live material, rocks or sand from one island to the next.

Don’t take any food or drink except water onto the islands. While there and in other parts of the Galapagos, don’t touch, pet or feed the wildlife or disturb any native plant, rock or animal on land or in the water.

Except for items made of wood, try not to purchase souvenirs made from native Galapagos products: black coral, sea lion teeth and shells of the Galapagos tortoises. Do not leave any trash on the Islands or throw any litter overboard. Participate in the garbage-recycling program onboard your vessel.

On all Ecoventura yachts, garbage receptacles are present on all decks with separate containers for plastics, paper, glass and organic waste. Don’t smoke while ashore. Adhere to your vessel’s smoking policy.