Galápagos National Park rules in short
Visits to the park run through accredited naturalist guides and approved operators. The rules cover distances, animals, paths, drones, sunscreen and rubbish. The visitor rules apply as of 2026. This page is a practical summary and no legal advice.
The easiest way to follow the rules is a guided trip. See the guided Galápagos day tours to compare options. A good guide tells you where to stand and when to move on.
Our pick: a guided visitor site
Our take: North Seymour can only be visited with a naturalist guide, and this day includes one.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Guided day tours in Galápagos
Day trips with an accredited naturalist guide from Santa Cruz, San Cristóbal and Isabela, with live prices and availability.
The main rules at a glance
What applies on land, on the water and under it.
| Topic | Rule |
|---|---|
| Guide and boat | An accredited naturalist guide and an approved operation, except at sites expressly exempt |
| Distance on foot, snorkeling, diving | At least 2 m to animals, camera included |
| Kayak, paddleboard, panga | At least 4 m to the coast and to the animals you watch |
| Whales | 100 m, or double with young |
| Dolphins | 50 m, or double with young |
| Touching and feeding | Banned. No swimming or diving with whales or dolphins |
| Paths | Stay on the approved paths |
| Photography | No flash. Drones and professional filming need prior permission |
| Hours | 06:00–18:00, diving until 17:00, permitted night dives 18:00–22:00 |
| Sunscreen | Products with oxybenzone or octinoxate are restricted for water activities |
| Rubbish, alcohol, smoking, fire | Take rubbish back. Alcohol, smoking, vaping and fire are not allowed in the protected area |
For most visitors, three habits cover the rules: go with a guide, keep 2 m from every animal and carry your rubbish out. Site-specific hours apply, and sites can close early.
Reservations and guide-free sites
Some places need a booking, some do not need a guide.
Sites that need a reservation
Registered agencies reserve visits to Fausto Llerena and the Ruta de la Tortuga, Arnaldo Tupiza, David Rodríguez, Las Grietas, Volcán Chico and Minas de Azufre. The agency or guide makes the booking. You show the QR or reservation confirmation if you are checked.
Only booked visitors
Only the visitors who were booked and the assigned guide enter. A group cannot be topped up with other people on the spot.
Tortuga Bay
Individual travelers can walk to Tortuga Bay without a guide, and organized groups are excluded from that. The hours are 07:30–17:30, and you register at the entrance. See the Santa Cruz guide.
Concha de Perla and the Villamil wetlands
Both can be visited without a guide. Rules can change, so ask locally before you go. See the Isabela guide.
Opening hours
General hours run from 06:00–18:00. Individual sites have their own hours and can clear visitors early. Follow your guide when the time is up.
Las Grietas
This site is not on any general guide-free list. Reserve it through a registered agency.
Plastic, sunscreen and everyday habits
Small choices that protect the islands.
Plastic
The islands have cut single-use foam, straws, bags and bottles since 2018. This is not a ban on every plastic item. Bring a reusable bottle and bag as a practical habit.
Sunscreen
Buy sunscreen without oxybenzone and octinoxate before you travel if you plan to swim or snorkel.
Biosecurity declaration
The biosecurity declaration is a separate process from the transit card and the park fee. The paper declaration ended on 31 January 2026. The entrance fee page explains the fees.
Weather and sea state
Rough water or weather can close a site at short notice. Your guide decides where the group goes, and the rules apply wherever you land.
Photos
Photograph without flash and keep your distance. A zoom lens gives you the close shot without the approach.
Plan the rest of your trip
Where the rules matter most.
Galápagos National Park rules: frequently asked questions
Do I need a guide in Galápagos?
For most visitor sites, yes: an accredited naturalist guide and an approved operation. Some sites are exempt, such as Tortuga Bay for individual travelers. Las Grietas is not exempt.
How close can I go to animals?
At least 2 m on foot, snorkeling and diving, camera included. Kayaks, paddleboards and pangas keep 4 m. Whales get 100 m and dolphins 50 m, doubled with young.
Can I fly a drone?
Drones and professional filming need prior permission. Without it, leave the drone at home.
Can I swim with sea lions?
You can snorkel near sea lions on guided trips, always at 2 m or more and without touching them. Swimming or diving with whales and dolphins is banned.
Is this the official national park website?
No. This is an independent travel guide. It is not run by or connected with the national park authority, the government or any tour operator.