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Galapagos Explorer cruise
The Galapagos Explorer II is designed to reduce impact in the archipelago and support the local communities. The products used onboard such as soap, detergents and shampoo are biodegradable.
Water is purified with ozone (purified oxygen) instead of chlorine. Organic waste, non toxic paper and solids are incinerated on board. Aluminum, plastic and non-biodegradable waste are compressed, packaged and delivered to San Cristobal’s local community for recycling and processing.
Biodegradable waste and glass are crushed transforming it into sand and thrown into the open sea in accordance with the Galapagos National Park regulations. The Galapagos Explorer II provides permanent training to the crew on Island conservation; as a result Galapagos Explorer successfully complies with all the rules and regulations imposed by the Galapagos National Park. Our permanent training program includes students of the Ignacio Hernandez school. Students are trained in sustainable tourism practices. This practice benefits the islanders. Only certified guides can direct groups on island excursions.
The Galapagos Explorer II is committed to conservation on the islands. It participates in programs with Galapagos National Park, Charles Darwin Scientific Station and local schools and organizations. Part of the entrance fee to the Galapagos National Park is assigned to the preservation of this unique ecosystem.
The ship is fully equipped to minimize possible impacts on the Archipelago. All soaps, detergents and shampoos used on board are biodegradable. The residual water is filtered an purified with ozone. Water is produced on board utilizing a desalinization plant by reverse osmosis. Paper and non toxic solids are incinerated; metal cans are compacted and together with non-biodegradable trash, returned to port.
The ship promotes the development of locally base tourism when we share the economical benefits or tourism with direct or indirect local tour operators. The overall economical impact of the ship in the Islands is around USD 870.000,00 which includes USD 500.000,00 because of the entrance fee of our guest to the National Park. USD 140.000,00 in hiring local crew and naturalist. And about USD 230.000 goes to local direct or indirect tour operators and local suppliers. In this way our operation makes direct business deals with the local communities encouraging the development of locally based tourism.
We invite every traveller who books a holiday via us to send in a review. Because we don't run the holidays they're completely independent and unedited... remember to read between the lines though, as two people on the same holiday can have different views!
