We don’t always promote it, but we’re a proud Green Tour Operator, and always encourage our travelers to be eco-sensitive and aware as well.

The Galapagos Islands are a unique and fragile ecosystem, teeming with diverse wildlife and natural wonders, a place we are lucky enough to call our home. As the popularity of tourism to these breathtaking islands continues to grow, it becomes increasingly important for us to play a vital role in conserving the delicate balance of this extraordinary habitat and lead the way for local providers to embrace sustainability practices. 

We put a lot of time and effort into keeping the Galapagos pristine and amazing every day! From small acts to big ideas, Galakiwi is always working to make the islands a better place, and one that will be pristine for generations to come. Some of our initiatives include:

Small Groups with Private Guides

By keeping our groups small it allows for a more intimate and respectful experience, ensuring that visitor sites are not overcrowded. Our private Certified naturalist guides are with the group for the whole tour encouraging responsible behavior and guiding our clients in the best way to experience these magical islands while respecting the fragile ecosystem. 

Active Tours

Our active tours use a mix of hiking, biking, kayaking and snorkeling to explore the islands in a natural way. We only use vehicles when necessary. 

Supporting Local Communities

Sustainability in the Galapagos extends beyond environmental concerns; it also involves supporting the local communities that call these islands home. As locals, we are part of this community and support our fellow Galapagueños by using local hotels, restaurants, guides, drivers captains, crew and many more. We also support many local community projects yearly such as educational programs, community activities, and conservation efforts. 

Every year we also run many student and specialized tours with community integration. Within these activities, we join local community groups/clubs to carry out sustainability projects, for example coastal clean ups, and vegetation restorations.

Local Love

Sustainability in the Galapagos extends beyond environmental concerns; it also involves supporting the local communities that call these islands home. As locals, we are part of this community and support our fellow Galapagueños by using local hotels, restaurants, guides, drivers captains, crew and many more. We also support many local community projects yearly such as educational programs, community activities, and conservation efforts. 

Every year we also run many student and specialized tours with community integration. Within these activities, we join local community groups/clubs to carry out sustainability projects, for example coastal clean ups, and vegetation restorations. 

We make sure to prioritize the use of local food produce as much as we can. By sourcing our ingredients from nearby farms and communities we are in turn reducing the need to transport food to the islands and minimizing the amount of packaging used. 

Office signs and furniture are crafted by a local carpenter on San Cristobal Island and we keep our energy use to a minimum by preferring to use ceiling fans over air conditioners whenever reasonable.

Single use plastic free

All single use plastic has been removed from our operation and we encourage all our guests to use reusable water bottles and bags during our trip. We are working closely with all our local hotels and restaurants to ensure they share the same sustainable practices.

Sharing and Caring

We know that its an inherent quality to most of our travelers to care about their environment and the people and places around them, so we don’t have to tell them how to act in a sensitive environment like the Galapagos.

We share tips on how to be a green traveler on our website, and it always pleases us that so many of our guests care about their impact and the environment.

We often share sustainability tips on our social media and in other blog posts as well. We support Travelers Against Plastic and have a blog featuring 8 ways travelers can reduce plastic use in the Galapagos (or anywhere!)

Always Improving

By minimizing our ecological footprint, supporting local communities, and actively participating in conservation efforts our aim is to lead the way towards a more sustainable future. 

Over the years we’ve continually made progress to make sure all aspects of our trips are green and eco-friendly. It is a continuous process of learning that will never end.