With the support of UNESCO the Galapagos Islands were declared a National Park in 1959. The archipelago was already made a nature reserve of Ecuador back in 1934. The introduction of a National Park manager meant that the islands could now be far more effectively protected from the destruction of their unique fauna and flora. Tourism really took off, particularly at the end of the 1960s with the arrival of the first cruise ships. Even today most tourists visit the Galapagos during a one-week cruise. Many of the large and small cruise ships sail on certified routes to various islands. Thanks to its strict licences and route management, the National Park ensures that none of the islands or attractions is overwhelmed by a vast influx of tourists. Alternatively, there are limited options for staying on four of the islands. The strict rules which prevented the construction of large hotels protected the unique nature from any harm. Nevertheless, the upscale travel industry does generate the urgently needed hard currency for the protection of the National Park. Each visitor pays an entrance fee of approximately US$ 100. This source of income helps to generate a certain degree of prosperity on the islands which enables the indigenous population to comply with the strict rules for the National Park.

The following rules for all visitors to the Galapagos National Park were introduced in 1969. They must be strictly complied with:

1. Because of its unique nature, the plants, animals and rocks should stay on the site so that there is no change. Nothing must be taken away from the islands, except photos.

2. Please avoid introducing any foreign organisms like animals, seeds, plants and insects as they cause serious problems.

3. Galapagos animals should not be touched or petted for your own safety. They can quickly loose their tameness and change their behaviour.

4. The endemic, native fauna of Galapagos has its natural form for feeding. Do not, therefore, administer any food because it could cause harm.

5. The Galapagos marine birds will leave their nests if you disturb or follow them. They will abandon their eggs or chicks alone on the ground or exposed to the sun. Therefore, you may only watch the birds at a distance of no less than two meters.

6. Visitors’ sites at the Galapagos National Park are indicated to guarantee your safety. Please do not stray from the paths.

7. Rubbish of any kind interferes with natural processes and takes away from the enchantment of the unique island scenery. Do not dispose of garbage at visitors’ sites, in the ocean or near the islands.

8. Please avoid purchasing souvenirs made of flora and fauna of the islands, like black coral, marine tortoise shells, sea lion teeth, or shells. This goes against the principles of conservation.

9. Writing names and phrases of any type on rocks, walls, etc. is a sign of bad manners and rudeness and damages the scenery.

10. Fire or smoking within Park areas is not allowed as a fire could start from a match or a cigarette that is not put out completely. This can cause uncontrollable bushfires, death and destruction.

11. Fishing on board tourist ships is not permitted. Please co-operate with the National Park Service by reporting any transgression to the management of the Galapagos National Park.

12. If you wish to camp in the authorized sites or engage in commercial filming, please request a permit from the Galapagos National Park Director. Please contact us at any of our technical offices located on the inhabited islands (San Cristóbal, Santa Cruz, Isabela, and Floreana).

13. If any kind of danger threatens the safety of visitors and the National Park, please inform a Park Ranger, the police authorities, the Ecuadorian Navy, Air Force or any municipal authority.

14. Don’t be embarrassed to show your conservationist attitude. Explain the rules of Galapagos National Park to others and ensure they follow them.

Further helpful information on the National Park and the history of the Galapagos Islands can be found on the official website of PNG which is also the contact for volunteers and for accreditations of researchers and media representatives.