Galapagos photography holiday
Typically trips are expertly guided by a leading specialist with a good knowledge of the area to be visited. Inevitably, wildlife is the main focus of attention however, the aim will be to incorporate all other aspects of the natural world in an attempt to be as broad-minded as possible. A local guide may often accompany trips.
How this holiday makes a difference
Environment
This trip raises funds for both the Galapagos Conservation Trust and the Charles Darwin Foundation. Through these donations this trip supports a number of conservation projects in the Galapagos Islands. In particular it funds the Herbarium department’s critical work at the Charles Darwin Station as well as other projects these organisations are involved in such as the eradication of alien species, the protection of native species and the sustainable use of resources on the islands.
Furthermore the Galapagos portion of the trip is on the Beagle whose sustainable credentials have been recognised by the UNESCO recognised “Smart Voyager” certificate for minimising environmental impact.
The Galapagos have strict rules about sticking to pre-determined paths and not disturbing the wildlife, the guides who accompany this trip inform the passengers of these regulations and make sure that the passengers follow them. The guides explain to the passengers the importance of being careful when snorkelling, not stepping on coral and not disturbing the marinelife. The naturalist guides who accompany the passengers are local guides.
Smart Voyager’s standards were designed in collaboration with scientists, conservation experts and tour operators, and cover a host of environmental and social concerns. They protect against potential sources of pollution; set rules for the good management of docks, tour boats and the small craft that ferry passengers out to the boats; specify criteria for the procurement and management of supplies; and defend against opportunities for introducing alien species.
- For local people and workers, these standards require good living conditions and advanced training for the boat crew and guides:
- Improves the quality of life for local residents.
- Reduces the ecological impacts of tourism.
- Gives tour operators a way to directly contribute to both the economy and the environment.
- Offers travelers the chance to help people and the wildlife while visiting natural treasures.
Community
This trip raises funds for both the Galapagos Conservation Trust and the Charles Darwin Foundation. These organisation have a number of projects with the local community in the Galapagos Islands such as Project Floreana which focuses on working with young residents on Floreana Island to combine community awareness and scientific conservation with the aim of developing a sustainable future for both the community and the island’s environment.
We also work alongside local partners on the Ecuadorian mainland for extensions who have a strong focus on working towards sustainable tourism including working closely with indigenous communities who have embraced tourism as a means of protecting their traditions and environment in the face of a changing world and encroaching threats from the outside world such as big oil companies.
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