Galapagos

[PaulJ]

When we went into the Galapagos Islands in 2007, without having previously applied for a permit, it was known amongst the cruising fraternity that, unofficially, the authorities would allow you to stay for 10 days. And so it was, and we spent 10 very enjoyable and interesting days in Santa Cruz. Now we have friends who are planning to do something similar....... Can anyone say if the "unofficial" 10-day stay still happens, or has officialdom raised it's game and our friends need to start the bureaucratic hoop-jumping trail?
Paul.

 

[Roberto]

You may have already checked, this is from the OCC web site https://liveicomgrshot.blob.core.wi...rriving in the Galapagos by Yacht Hawkeye.pdf
On a French forum, a boat reports having recently been fined upwards of 3k USD for not complying with the procedure. It's all internet talk, so YMMV

 

[capnsensible]

About six years ago I blagged one night there on the promise of buying diesel and water. Was a good plan, we needed them.

Very strict on underwater inspection of hull for potential bio that would be a hazard in their waters.

If we had been planning to stop longer, I would have applied for the permit. Getting kicked out after a fine seems a bit pointless.

 

[GEM43]

Slight thread drift - but an interesting/alarming article in the paper at the weekend describes that the islands have become an important fuelling location for drug boats.

https://www.thetimes.com/travel/des...EJoNCZp4uPiJyWLTej-yFpnoKE2V4t5WrpgwYOj29uw==

 

[capnsensible]

What a sad story.

 

[dansaskip]

I went there in 2017. I just turned up without a permit. The reason I did this was that when I was in Panama I was informed, (erroneously as it turned out) that the wait for a permit was something like 3 months and I did not have that amount of time before my booked date for the canal and leaving to cross the Pacific. As I say this supposed long wait was wrong and some friends of mine applied whilst in Panama and were granted a permit much sooner. I met up with them in the Galapagos. So anyway I just turned up In Wreck Bay and was granted leave to stay for 3 wks. I think perhaps I was a little fortunate as whether you were allowed to stay depended on how many boats where there - they have a limit on that. I know that later boats arriving were denied a stay - harbour full.
You need a local agent, the boat taxi skippers arranged one for me. Yes that are strict over boat inspections, I had 6 officials aboard including a diver inspecting the hull to complete formalities but they were all pleasant enough.
Anyway times and regs change, things may well be different but I would advise getting a permit beforehand.
Just to finish I had a wonderful time there.