Sustainable Tips for Visiting the Galápagos

 Travel in Small Groups

Snorkeling in the Galápagos Islands

While your trip to the Galápagos will likely include the chance to snorkel in the crystal-clear water, studies have shown that chemicals in sunscreen (typically oxybenzone, octinoxate and parabens like butylparaben) are of one the causes of the declining health of coral. Consider wearing sun-protective clothing to reduce your need for sunscreen, and choose a non-nano, mineral-based formula sunscreen with good water resistance. Bonus points if it’s a rub-on lotion! Spray-on sunscreens can often land on the surrounding sand and wash into the ocean.

MS Santa Cruz II in the Galápagos

For the sake of delicate ecosystems, the future of travel must be sustainable. Your business is voting for what travel will become — it’s critical that you pick a sustainable choice. That’s why our travel agents are always quick to recommend Hurtigruten Expeditions for those looking to discover Earth’s wonder in an ethical way. With a history centered in exploring and operating some of the roughest waters in the world since 1893, Hurtigruten is no stranger to tackling challenges. In the face of encroaching climate change and ecological disaster, they’re leading the charge to change the industry. As the first major travel company to remove non-essential, single-use plastic from their entire fleet, the first to launch hybrid-electric powered expedition cruise ships and one of the few to integrate education about climate change’s consequences on the ecosystems they explore, they’re not just addressing sustainability in travel — they’re leading the charge.