Galapagos - Yachting Essentials

Water:

Water is available (in containers) at Puerto Villamil, Wreck Bay, and Academy Bay. Water from the desalination plant is available in Academy Bay.

Fuel:

Important: It is not possible to just "stop for fuel" in the Galapagos without going through the clearance process and paying all the government fees (up to US$1000). See Formalities for all the information.

There is fuel available for very large yachts (100’ plus) at a dock at Baltra. Otherwise the only fuel available is from a boat that comes alongside in either Puerto Baquerizo Moreno in San Cristobal or Puerto Ayora in Santa Cruz. You will need plenty of fenders. Fuel cost January 2024 $5.95 per US gallon. Note, it is quite rough and rolly in Puerto Ayora in Santa Cruz, whereas Wreck Bay in San Cristobel is much calmer for refuelling.

It is illegal for foreigners ("extranjeros") to buy fuel (diesel) at the Ecuadorian subsidized price. The International price for foreigners is between 2 and 4 times the local price. Petrol is only available for locals.

You MUST get a fuel permit first, stipulate the quantity you need (and that's all that will arrive) and fuel can only be paid for in cash, and in advance. If you can't take all that you have ordered, there is no refund.

Agents can supply diesel with a service charge on top, but they will organize the collection and delivery of jerry cans to your yacht. Some agents ask 50 USD for a fuel permit, some include it in the price.

Alternatively, the Capitania will issue a fuel permit for you at 50 USD to independently go to a filling station with jerry cans. Including the cost of the water taxi and taxi to the filling station, this is still cheaper than using an agent, although considerably harder work. Small quantities can be purchased in cans at Puerto Villamil, Wreck Bay and Academy Bay.

Large fines have been levied or threatened for breaking these laws.

Note that the maximum amount of diesel supplied to each visiting yacht is 400 gallons (without additional paperwork). To apply for more than 400 gallons you must use an agent, who will submit the paperwork to the Navy.

It is necessary to have on board absorbent towels in case of a spillage of fuel.

Garbage:

See Biosecurity section.

Getting work done:

Basic repair work available to a do-it-yourself standard. The chandlery on Puerto Ayora is probably better than you would expect. No marine specialist, but very resourceful electricians, fiberglass, welders and a metal machinist. A shoemaker also does sail repair.

Provisioning:

Supermarkets on Puerto Ayora have everything you would want and given its remoteness, prices are not bad (certainly better than French Polynesia so stock up). Fresh produce grown on the islands is plentiful and excellent quality. Getting stores back to the yacht can be troublesome here.

Sea Lions:

It's highly unlikely you will want to use your dinghy in the Galapagos as there are so many sea lions who will want to use it as a sun lounger!  Do bear in mind that it is illegal to go within 2 meters of any animals in Galapagos so once the sea lion is in your dinghy you have to wait until it decides it doesn’t want to be there anymore. They destroy dinghies. You may want to try and discourage the sea lions actually boarding your boat, particularly if you have a sugar-scoop transom. Take this seriously as they will make a mess on your boat and potentially stain your deck. The locals go so far as to use barbed wire or wood with nails in it! A visit to the local hardware store (ferreteria) to get defence supplies is worthwhile.

Dinghies:

You can only use your dinghy to go to and from the town dock; any other use is illegal and the Armada will be notified. If you choose to use your dinghy, it is a  requirement to wear life jackets. The local maritime authority enforces this from to time.

Due to the sea lion risk, most yachties use water taxis. See Transport for more details on water taxis.

Last updated:  February 2024