The Galapagos Islands are considered one of the safest places on earth. Declared a National Park in 1959, the archipelago has since implemented policies and regulations to manage the growing number of tourists. These guidelines prioritize not only the safety and well-being of visitors but also the protection of the islands’ unique wildlife. As a result, crime in the Galapagos is nearly nonexistent, giving travelers a reassuring sense of security.
Yet, it’s not just safety that draws tourists to the Galapagos—there’s a wealth of activities and natural wonders to explore!
Keeping Safe While on Your Cruise
The crew members on our Galapagos cruise were incredibly knowledgeable, going above and beyond to ensure we felt safe and well-informed. They took every precaution, but it was clear that our cooperation was key to a smooth experience.
Before we even settled into our cabin, they walked us through the schedule, activities, and essential safety guidelines, including emergency procedures. I made sure to focus during the briefing and ask any questions I had—those few minutes of preparation made us feel even more confident and ready for the adventure ahead.
Keeping Yourself Safe While Visiting Uninhabited Islands
The wildlife in the Galapagos Islands is generally harmless, and the animals’ lack of fear around humans is striking. Having lived for ages without much contact with people, they often come incredibly close, making for an amazing experience.
However, no matter how close they get, it’s essential to remember not to touch them. In fact, handling animals is strictly prohibited in the Galapagos, and your guides will emphasize this rule during your tour. This respect helps preserve the natural balance that makes the Galapagos so special.
It’s crucial to keep a respectful distance from all wildlife in the Galapagos. While most animals are harmless, large male sea lions are one exception—they can be quite protective of their harems. Fortunately, you don’t need to get too close to capture amazing photos!
As you explore the islands, staying on designated trails is key. Stick with your group, and your landing should go smoothly.
Whether you’re diving, swimming, or snorkeling, listening to your guide’s instructions is essential to stay safe and avoid risky currents or other potential hazards.
Safe Snorkeling and Diving in the Galapagos Islands
In the Galapagos Islands, diving is an extraordinary experience, allowing you to share the water with unique marine life like sea iguanas, hammerhead sharks, whale sharks, eagle rays, and so much more. The islands are home to some of the world’s richest marine biodiversity, making each dive an unforgettable encounter with nature.
Planning trip to Galapagos Islands?
My wife and I spent two weeks on these magnificent islands, visited nearly every possible tour, and explored as much as we could. I shared all the important details in my comprehensive Galapagos Islands Travel Guide, where I cover everything you need to know about planning a trip to the Galapagos.
Galapagos Islands travel might surprise you with extra fees to enter the islands, the complicated logistics between islands, booking tours, and knowing which spots are free to explore and which ones are not. I’ve covered it all in this Galapagos Travel Guide.
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When we dove in the Galapagos, we took every standard diving precaution seriously. The currents around the islands are powerful, and we quickly realized how easy it could be to get pulled away or separated from our buddy in the waves.
At some of the popular sites, we found ourselves diving alongside other groups. Now and then, a curtain of bubbles would appear from divers below as they were all focused on capturing the same view of a fish, sea lion, or even a whale shark. Rather than pushing into the commotion, we reminded ourselves to take it slow—another amazing creature was always just around the corner. Staying calm in those strong currents made for a safe and unforgettable experience.
Snorkeling in the Galapagos opens up a whole new world, even if you’re not a diver. Equipment is available to rent on the islands, but it’s always a good idea to check that it’s clean. I made a habit of giving the mouthpiece an extra rinse before using it, just for peace of mind. It’s a small step that makes a big difference in enjoying the underwater experience worry-free.
Safety in the Galapagos Towns
During your trip to the Galapagos, you might visit some of the inhabited towns, like Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island, Puerto Villamil on Isabela Island, or Puerto Baquerizo Moreno on San Cristobal Island.
If you’re on a land-based Galapagos tour, you may even be staying in one or more of these towns. Crime rates here are generally much lower than on mainland Ecuador, so tourists don’t need to worry much about crime. It’s a safe environment that allows you to fully enjoy the islands’ charm and natural beauty.
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Despite this, it’s still crucial to exercise caution when visiting the Galapagos. You should keep in mind the following safety advice when traveling:
- Watch out for your belongings.
- Never leave cash or other valuables where they can be stolen or seen by others.
- Only bring what you absolutely must have with you as it is unlikely that you will need to bring all of your valuables.
Galapagos Islands Petty Crimes
Onboard cruise ships, security is generally reliable as well, even though lockers are uncommon and belongings might occasionally end up in crew quarters. To keep things secure when you’re away from your bunk or cabin, having a lockable bag is a good idea for extra peace of mind.
In Conclusion
Overall, the Galapagos Islands are incredibly safe, and most trips are completely uneventful—aside from a bit of sunburn for those who forget to apply proper sunscreen!
With tourism as a cornerstone of the local economy, residents are deeply committed to ensuring the safety of visitors. For your own well-being, whether on the boat, exploring uninhabited islands, or visiting nearby towns, be sure to follow your guide’s advice. And don’t forget that sunscreen—your future self will thank you!
Planning trip to Ecuador?
My wife and I rented a car for 15 days and traveled from the northern part of Ecuador to the south, visiting amazing cities like Quito, Otavalo, Baños, Cuenca, and Guayaquil. Along the way, we explored iconic places such as Cotopaxi National Park, Quilotoa Lake, and many more breathtaking destinations.
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