Let me send you to Galápagos, both mentally and physically. I have written quite a lot about the Galápagos Islands. I have not yet been there myself, but it is on my must-do list for the next few years.
So, I can send you and live vicariously by putting you into this mystical place and enjoying your adventure.
Why would you send me to Galápagos?
Why do I describe the Galápagos islands as mystical? Because they are ‘the land that time forgot’. This archipelago is emote from all other influences, even the Industrial Revolution happened with zero effect on Galápagos. There are 2 airports, but do you know anyone that has ever flown to the Galápagos Islands? No…why would you unless you are a scientist with a project there.
If I were to send you to Galápagos, then I would send you on a ship, on a cruise.
How do I get to Galápagos?
The only true answer, from my point of view, is on a small cruise ship. I cannot speak for all of the suppliers (I am told there are 13 permitted) but I can speak for Hurtigruten and Celebrity. Both of which have smaller ships that are able to cruise around and port within the Galápagos.
Is this bad for the environment?
If it weren’t for explorers and ships then we would not know about the Galápagos Islands. It is only by finding them and exploring them that we can reach deeper into our existence on this planet (That was deep). So, if we are very careful not to disturb the nature that makes Galápagos special, then we can enjoy it, understand it, and use it as a shining example of what we need to care for.
The ships that sail into the Galápagos are required to “leave no trace”. What that means is that they cannot leave a plastic bottle or a spoon or a straw. If anything, they must make best efforts to remove waste that might wash up on shore.
I know that Hurtigruten has a zero “single use” plastic policy. What that means is that there are no cups, spoons, plates, etc. that are used and thrown away. When you board the Hurtigruten ship, you are given a water bottle and that is your water bottle for the entire cruise.
We have all seen the turtle with a plastic straw up its nose. No straws on these ships. If you insist on a straw with your beverage then Galápagos is might not be for you.