About Us

We are a direct operator

There is no middle man - it's just you and us. That means you will pay less and have a direct line of communication. By working directly with our clients, we are able to keep our cost low and pass that savings on to you. We don't staff an office full of telemarketers, we don't do paper advertising and we have little overhead. And - when we chat - you'll be talking to Laura, Tim or Crystal.

Been there, done that

We've been at this since the start of land-based touring in the Galapagos Islands and have had plenty of time to work out the kinks, build relationships, and anticipate the challenges of working in an archipelago off the coast of a third world country. Our experience and tenacity mean you get an incredible itinerary that runs smoothly and are connected with the some the best guides in the industry.

On the ground support

We live and work in the islands and in Ecuador - not another country. Our office is in the islands. Our house is just up the street. That means someone is nearby if the need arises and we are up to date and on top of things. And unless we are back home visiting family, that someone will be us.

Relationships

Being able to work on the islands on a day to day basis allows us to build and maintain better relationships with the businesses we interact with to make this type of tour possible. We work hard to keep our ties strong to ensure our clients receive the best there is on all counts.

We know

Restaurants go out of business before a guidebook can be published, visitor sites temporarily close, and the sea lions are more playful at 'this' beach. We make it top priority to be privy to all the happenings so we can make any adjustment necessary to ensure you experience the best of Galapagos.

We offer land-based adventures

Being on a land-based tour has a number of advantages - like having a nice stable bed to crawl into each night after the day's activities. It also offers the opportunity to get "off the beaten track" and experience the islands on a more intimate level. Relaxing sunset strolls, a quiet coffee in a local cafe and a refreshing pre-dinner caipirinha at the beach bar are just a few of the benefits.

Sustainable Responsible Ecotourism and all things green...

Whatever you want to call it, we do our part and try to help you do yours. We support the community in which we operate by utilizing local hotels, restaurants, guides, drivers, divers, captains, and crew - you name it. We strive to reduce waste by using reusable containers and refillable water bottles. We support community endeavors and organize volunteer projects. We are always looking for ways to give back and to improve the environment and culture in which we operate.

By joining us on any of our adventure tours you are directly contributing to the people of the Galapagos Islands. In doing so, you are providing the Galapaguenos with a sustainable income reducing the need for illegal fishing and other activities that can be environmentally destructuve. You are providing inspiration for the locals to be the conservationist needed to maintain the delicate ecosystem and you are contributing to the ongoing preservation of a UNESCO World Heritage site. Are you swelling with pride yet? Read more about our Green Operator practices.

How can you help us in this journey?

Don't forget your water bottle.

Turn your air conditioner off when you leave the room.

Save your long, steamy showers for home.

Read about Green Travel - what it is and how you can do it.

And of course, you can always donate money to one of the many available conservation projects or education processes in the islands.

At Galakiwi, sustainability isn’t a side project — it’s who we are. We live and work in the Galápagos, so protecting these islands is personal. Every decision we make, from who we hire to how we operate, is guided by one philosophy: leave the islands better than we found them.

We support the locals!

The people of the Galápagos are the true stewards of the islands. When tourism benefits them directly, it inspires long-term conservation.

1. Hiring & Training: We hire guides and staff who live on the islands, providing careers and training that build pride, knowledge, and conservation leadership.

2. Local Stays: We stay in family-owned accommodations, ensuring tourism revenue stays in island communities.

3. Local Food: We eat in local restaurants that feature fresh, island-grown produce and fish caught sustainably.

4. Local Services: We work with island-based boats and crews, ensuring wages, knowledge, and benefits remain here.

5. Community Support: We support schools, youth programs, sports teams and cultural projects, helping strengthen community ties. 

We minimize our environmental impact

The Galápagos is one of the most fragile ecosystems on Earth. Every step we take to reduce our footprint matters.

1. Plastic-Free: We actively eliminate single-use plastics by promoting refillable bottles and operating refill stations on every trip.

2. Reusable Systems: We use washable containers, utensils, and glasses — avoiding disposables wherever possible.

3. Cleaner Transport: Our boats use 4-stroke motors, reducing fuel use, smoke, and marine pollution. We also plan itineraries carefully to avoid unnecessary transfers.

4. Paperless Operations: Most of our communications are digital, helping cut waste before it even begins.

5. Resource Conservation: Fresh water and energy are precious in the Galápagos. We walk whenever possible, encourage shorter showers, and promote mindful energy use — especially with air conditioning.

We give back to the islands

Tourism should contribute more than it consumes. Each year we support initiatives that protect nature and strengthen local communities.

1. Conservation Projects: From invasive species eradication to mangrove replanting, we directly contribute to protecting fragile habitats.

2. Cleanups: Our team and travelers regularly take part in coastal and community cleanups, helping keep beaches and ecosystems healthy.

3. Education & Supplies: We organize supplies for local schools and support education projects that empower youth.

4. Partnerships: We donate to conservation groups and NGOs working on long-term island protection.

5. Traveler Involvement: We encourage guests to join in — whether that means volunteering for a day, bringing school supplies, or making a contribution to a local initiative.

We Uphold Global Standards

We don’t just talk sustainability — we align ourselves with international standards and local regulations to ensure accountability.

• TourCert Certification: We are in the process of becoming TourCert certified, committing to transparent measurement and continuous improvement of our social, environmental, and cultural impact.

• Child Protection: We uphold the ESNNA Code, condemning and preventing the sexual exploitation of children in tourism. We also ask travelers to support this important commitment.

• Biodiversity & Trade Rules: We comply with CITES and Galápagos National Park regulations, strictly prohibiting the purchase, consumption, or removal of any animal, plant, or cultural product.

• Traveler Education: We provide all travelers with a clear Code of Conduct covering biodiversity protection, cultural respect, and safe participation in activities like snorkeling, trekking, and kayaking.

Our philosophy

Our mindset is our biggest contribution. Sustainability isn’t just about checklists — it’s lived through everyday actions.

We walk instead of taking cabs, pick up litter that isn’t ours, and choose local businesses over chains. We show our guests how small choices like saying no to plastic straws or buying handmade crafts from local artisans make a real difference.

We believe small actions add up. By leading through example, we prove that responsible travel isn’t only possible, it’s also the most rewarding way to experience the Galápagos.

Join us — and let your adventure make a difference.