Is It Allowed to Use Drones in Galapagos Islands?
Quick Facts About Drones In The Galápagos
| Tourist and recreational use | Prohibited in the Galápagos |
|---|---|
| Permitted use | Only with prior authorization from the Galápagos National Park Directorate (research, monitoring, approved filming) |
| Official rule | Park Directorate resolution MAE-PNG/DIR-2026-0006-RM |
| Bringing one in | Not explicitly banned, but it is useless on the islands and best left at home |
| Rest of Ecuador | Flying is generally legal under the national civil aviation authority's rules |
Our Take On Drones In The Galápagos
We initially planned to bring our camera drone to the Galápagos, thinking it would capture some amazing shots. Thankfully, we did some research before our flight. Tourists are not allowed to fly camera drones on the islands, so the drone is essentially unusable there. Leaving it behind saves valuable space in your luggage.
Unless you have a permit that authorizes you to use drones for research or commercial endeavors, using drones is prohibited in the Galapagos Islands.
Flying a drone is generally legal in Ecuador, according to the country’s national aviation regulator, the General Directorate of Civil Aviation of Ecuador (GDCAE). But, the Galapagos National Park Directorate (GNPD) has stringent guidelines for drone use and photography in the archipelago.
What Is Not Allowed On The Galapagos Islands?
Tourists are not allowed to fly camera drones in the Galapagos Islands. Only research and monitoring, under tight constraints, are permitted with prior authorization from the Galápagos National Park Directorate. You can bring a drone in without it being taken at the airport, but since you cannot use it, it is best left at home.
Camera drones are not allowed to be flown by tourists within the Galapagos Islands.
Only research and monitoring reasons, and under tight constraints, are permitted for the deployment of camera drones.
Authorities are aware that many people pass through Galapagos on their way to or from other countries. So long as the drone isn’t utilized in the air, visitors are free to bring drones into Galapagos without fear of them being seized at the airport or elsewhere.
We initially planned to bring our camera drone to the Galapagos, thinking it would capture some amazing shots. Thankfully, we did some research before our flight. While your drone likely won’t be confiscated at the airport unless you try to use it, it’s best not to bring it at all, as it’s essentially unusable on the islands. Plus, leaving it behind saves valuable space in your luggage!
What Are The General Drone Laws In Galápagos?
Operators with a permit must never fly over people or crowds, respect privacy, stay away from airports and aircraft, and fly only in ideal weather conditions during the day. Filming projects need a formal application to the Park Directorate at least 15 working days in advance, with fees depending on the project classification.
When using a drone in Galapagos, operators with a permit must observe the following regulations:
- Never fly your drone over individuals or crowds of people.
- When flying your drone, respect people’s privacy.
- Don’t fly your drone near airports or in other places where planes are flying.
- You can only fly in ideal weather conditions and during the day.
The wildlife and history of the Galapagos Islands attract makers of movies and television shows as well as seasoned photographers.
A formal application must be made to the GNPD at least 15 working days before the start of any filming or professional photography project in Galapagos National Park’s protected zones. The classification of the project affects the fees.
Drone operations are only permitted with strict GNPD approval.
Is It Worth Bringing A Drone To The Galápagos?
No. Tourists are not allowed to fly camera drones in the Galápagos, and drones may disturb the natural resources and wildlife there. Obeying the Park Directorate's rules, including its guidelines on drones, is a sign of respect for the rules and the wildlife. You do not need one, since there are many things to do on the islands.
While it is enticing to use your drone cameras in Galapagos Islands, you must be informed that tourists are not allowed to do so. Travelers should obey the GNPD’s rules and regulations including their guidelines about drones.
Drones may disturb the natural resources and wildlife in the Galapagos. Not using or bringing your camera drones to the islands is an indication of respect for GNPD’s rules and the wildlife too. However, you don’t need drones since there are so many things to do on the Galapagos Islands.
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.
Also, if you’re planning a trip to the Galapagos, make sure to use my link for discounted hotel prices via Booking.com. It really helps support my blog!
Questions About Drones In The Galápagos
Can I bring my drone to Ecuador?
Flying drones is generally legal in Ecuador under the General Directorate of Civil Aviation, but tourist drone use is prohibited in the Galápagos. Any permitted use requires prior authorisation from the Galápagos National Park Directorate, and bringing a drone to the islands is not explicitly banned.
What is not allowed on the Galapagos Islands?
Recreational and tourist drone use is prohibited in the Galápagos, and any permitted use needs prior authorisation from the Galápagos National Park Directorate (Resolution MAE-PNG/DIR-2026-0006-RM). Visitors must also stay at least two metres from wildlife and never feed or touch it, and may not collect rocks, shells, sand or wood.
What not to bring to Galapagos?
Drones are best left at home, as they are essentially unusable on the islands and take up luggage space, though they are unlikely to be confiscated if not flown. The park's visitor code also asks travelers to clean luggage, footwear and clothing before traveling to avoid carrying seeds, insects or pathogens.
