Galápagos Islands Rules: What is Allowed and Prohibited in the Islands

How Close Can You Get To Wildlife Under The Galápagos Rules?

Do not get near the animals on the islands, and keep at least two meters distance to avoid disturbing them. Some animals can get rowdy, particularly the sea lions during mating season. We enjoyed wildlife encounters and snorkeled to meet them face-to-face, but keeping our distance is a must.

Do not get near the animals on the islands. Some of them can get rowdy, particularly the sea lions, during mating season. Maintain at least six feet or two meters distance from the animals to avoid disturbing them.

While we enjoyed wildlife encounters, we ensured we did not disturb the animals inhabiting the archipelago. It was a great experience to snorkel and meet them face-to-face, but keeping our distance is a must.

Are You Allowed To Feed Animals In The Galápagos?

Feeding the wildlife is not allowed and may cause them health problems. Animals in the Galapagos are well-fed, so there is no need to provide food, and they should only eat what they naturally eat within their habitat. We avoid bringing any kind of food with us during our tours.

Staying away from the animals also means you are not allowed to feed them. Animals in the Galapagos are well-fed, so there is no need to provide food for them.

Feeding the wildlife may cause them health problems. Animals are only supposed to eat what they naturally eat within their habitat. Thus, we should not cause a disturbance in their eating habits.

We avoid bringing any kind of food with us during our tours. This method is the best way to prevent feeding and to attract the animals in Galapagos.

What Are The Photo And Drone Rules In The Galápagos?

The GNPD does not permit flash photography within the islands, and drones are not allowed for tourists; any permitted use needs prior authorization from the park directorate. Commercial photography and videography need GNPD permission before the trip. As long as you are not doing commercial coverage, capturing vacation memories is not a problem.

The GNPD (Galapagos National Park Directorate) does not permit flash photography within the islands. Commercial photography and videography should have GNPD’s permission before your trip.

We only have our mobile phones to take photos during our trip. We saw some tourists who had DSLRs with them. As long as you are not into commercial photography and video coverage, capturing your vacation memories is not a problem in Galapagos. Drones are not allowed as well.

Can You Take Rocks, Shells Or Sand Home From The Galápagos?

Do not collect rocks, shells, sand or wood, and avoid taking corals, lava rocks, flowers, native wood, or any part of nature as souvenirs. Selling and buying these kinds of souvenirs is also prohibited. If you find someone transacting such illegal activities, report it to GNPD immediately.

Avoid taking corals, lava rocks, flowers, native wood, or any part of nature as souvenirs. Selling and buying these kinds of souvenirs are also prohibited. If you find someone who transacts such illegal activities, report it to GNPD immediately.

Where Can You Camp, Smoke Or Drink Under The Galápagos Rules?

Camping, smoking, and drinking are only allowed in specific areas. Drinking alcohol and smoking is only possible in areas like bars and restaurants, and it is strictly prohibited on tour in the visitor sites. Camping also requires permission from the GNPD, because wood fires can disturb wildlife and cause fires on the islands.

There are only specific areas on the islands where you can do activities like camping, smoking, and drinking.

Drinking alcohol and smoking is only possible in areas like bars and restaurants, but it is strictly prohibited while on tour in the visitor sites. 

Your tour guide knows the areas where you can camp. Camping also required permission from the GNPD. GNPD limits camping because wood fires can disturb wildlife and cause fires on the islands.

Do You Have To Stay On Marked Trails In The Galápagos?

Stay on the marked paths and trails: it is easy to get lost without paying attention to markers, so follow your tour guide's instructions. Visits to protected areas are made with an authorized naturalist guide, except places of free and regulated entry that the park directorate designates. While we were amazed by the scenery, we stayed vigilant.

A few designated locations in the Galápagos have free and regulated entry and can be visited without a licensed guide. Make sure you never leave the trails that the Galapagos government has previously marked for a purpose in such areas.

Most of the time, we are taken away from the moment while exploring in Galapagos. It is easy to get lost without paying attention to markers and trails. While we were amazed by the scenery, we did not forget to be vigilant and followed our tour guide’s instructions.

Galápagos is so breathtaking that you can easily forget where you are walking, but paths are marked for a reason. Ensure that you only follow marked trails to avoid accidents and disturbing wildlife.

Which Items Can You Not Bring Into The Galápagos?

Some items in your suitcase may seem harmless but can harm the Galápagos. Prohibited items like seeds and fruit can be found under your shoes or other possessions without your knowledge, so check your belongings for debris. Check the complete list of items you cannot bring to avoid wasting time at the airport.

Some items in your suitcase may seem harmless but may cause actual harm to the Galápagos. Certain prohibited items in the Galápagos, like seeds and fruit, can be found under your shoes or other possessions without your knowledge.

Check your belongings for any possible debris. Make sure to adhere to the Galápagos entrance criteria, check the complete list of items you cannot bring, and avoid wasting time at the airport having to change your luggage.

Can You Go Fishing On Your Own In The Galápagos?

You cannot go fishing on your own. Fishing is only possible on specific tours, with licensed guides, and on authorized vessels only, so make plans in advance if you are considering fishing. The captain allowed me to fish during the Pinzon Island tour.

Fishing is an excellent activity in Galapagos as the islands have diverse and rich aquatic life. However, you can only do this on specific tours, with licensed guides, and on authorized vessels only. You cannot go fishing on your own, so make sure to set plans if you are considering fishing during your trip to Galapagos. The captain allowed me to fish during the Pinzon Island tour. 

Who Can You Book Galápagos Tours With?

All activities in the Galapagos are regulated, and tours must be booked only through authorized operators and agencies. The Ecuadorean government works to maintain the archipelago's balanced nature. We did our research well before our trip and booked every activity through authorized operators.

Galapagos Islands is a well-preserved site. The Ecuadorean government is doing its best to maintain the archipelago’s balanced nature. Thus, all activities are regulated, and tours must be only booked through authorized operators and agencies.

We did our research well before our trip. Make sure to plan yours, too, to ensure a hassle-free vacation. You can also book them in advance with Viator which we highly recommend to do:

What Does Leave No Trace Mean In The Galápagos?

Do not leave or take anything from the islands, even though everything may be tempting to bring home. Do your part as a responsible tourist and preserve nature, so the future generation can see and enjoy the Galapagos. The wildlife also deserves a stress-free environment, away from the chaos of humans.

While everything in Galapagos is fantastic and may be tempting to bring home, you mustn’t take anything from nature.

Do not leave and take anything from the islands. Do your part as a responsible tourist and preserve nature.

The future generation must see and enjoy the Galapagos as much as we did. The wildlife on the islands also deserves a stress-free environment, away from the chaos of humans.