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Green Tour Operator

As green operators, we strive to make decisions that are good for today and tomorrow. Here are just a few of the things we do in our quest for greenness.

We support the locals!

The locals are the stewards of the Galapagos Islands. They have the power to make a profound difference in the future of the islands and they must be the foundation and at the forefront of any and all conservation movements.  They need jobs, they need inspiration, and they need a reason to be the passionate conservationist essential to protecting the Enchanted Isles.

  1. We hire guides who live on the islands.
  2. We stay in local accommodations.  Most are family owned and operated.
  3. We eat in local restaurants that are stocked with fresh caught fish and locally grown fruits and vegetables.
  4. We employ boats and crewmembers that are from the islands.

We minimize our environmental impact

Instead of continually creating the need for carbon off setting, we try to eliminate it. When it can't be eliminated, we reduce.

  1. We run a near paperless operation. All major communication is done via email and our only form of paper advertising is a business card.
  2. We relentlessly encourage all our passengers to bring refillable water bottles, which we fill from reusable 5-gallon bottles.
  3. We use washable food containers, utensils and glasses as much as possible.
  4. Our boats utilize 4 stroke motors as opposed to 2 stroke motors, which reduce smoke, fuel consumption, and pollution.
  5. We recycle at home and at the office.
  6. We walk.  Whenever possible, we walk in lieu of taking a cab. It's great exercise and you usually see more.

We give back

We sponsor projects each year that benefit the animals, the landscape or the people of the islands. From leading invasive species eradication projects, participating in coastal cleanups or organizing supplies for the primary schools, we are always on the lookout for ways to help. If you are interested in bringing supplies to donate on your trip, let's chat.

Our philosophy

Our biggest contribution to being green is our mindset, not our checklists. There are abundant opportunities to live a greener life every day in every country. We operate our business and our lives looking for those opportunities and trying to do the right thing because it is the right thing. If that means picking up somebody else's litter, we do it. If it means walking when we really would rather jump in a cab, we do it.

We realize that little things really do add up, actions always speak louder than words, and we must lead by example.

Join us and let the adventure begin.

  • Kath Silvester, New Zealand - 10-day Galapagos Adventure, May 2017
    The x-factor with Galakiwi's tour, being land-based, is the insight you get into real life on the Galapagos. This was what lifted our trip beyond the expected 'trip of a lifetime' to see the natural sights of the Galapagos, to a really meaningful (though short!) experience in another country and culture.
    Kath Silvester, New Zealand
    10-day Galapagos Adventure, May 2017
  • Alison Gray, New Zealand - 6-day Land Galapagos Tour, March 2016
    We had a great land-based trip with Galakiwi -it as fun being ashore at night and wandering among the wildlife and with the locals in the street. And staying on an extra couple of days gave us time by ourselves but with full support from the Galakiwi team when we wanted it. The best of both worlds with a great professional approach. Thanks heaps as they say in NZ!
    Alison Gray, New Zealand
    6-day Land Galapagos Tour, March 2016
  • Jamie Jacobs, November 2015 - 10-day Galapagos Adventure Tour
    While I knew I would enjoy the Galapagos, the trip with Galakiwi became for me the highlight of our South American travels.
    Jamie Jacobs, November 2015
    10-day Galapagos Adventure Tour
  • Chi & Jay, New Zealand - Custom Ecuador & Galapagos Wedding Tour
    We just wanted to write a quick note to say a massive thank you to everyone in Galakiwi who have helped make this trip so memorable for us. Everyone had a great time and really enjoyed it.
    Chi & Jay, New Zealand
    Custom Ecuador & Galapagos Wedding Tour
  • Chris Urquhart, Canada - 10-day Galapagos Adventure Tour, June 2016
    We spent a month in South America and our time in the Galapagos was the highlight. There were new delightful surprises multiple times a day. Our guide, Pablo, shared his enthusiasm with us and kept us entertained with great stories and fascinating information each and every day. The land based tour from Galakiwi was definitely the right choice. We have spoken to others that took ship based tours and we feel that we made a great choice with Galakiwi. It was the trip of a lifetime!
    Chris Urquhart, Canada
    10-day Galapagos Adventure Tour, June 2016
  • Duly Lee, USA - Custom Galapagos Family Tour
    I had been planning a trip with my family for ages, and when the idea to go to Galapagos emerged, I thought what a better place to reunite with family and induce some very needed bonding opportunity. The fantastic natural setting was super conductive to this goal, but if it wasn't for GALAKIWI's immaculate service and attention it wouldn't have happened. So thanks to you guys for everything!
    Duly Lee, USA
    Custom Galapagos Family Tour
  • Larry Katz, USA - 10-day Galapagos Adventure Tour, December 2015
    We are three couples with different interests and abilities, but the trip was great for all of us. The activities were a blast, our guide was top-notch and everything went just as we had hoped. We really loved it and would highly recommend Galakiwi to anyone thinking of a land-based Galapagos trip.
    Larry Katz, USA
    10-day Galapagos Adventure Tour, December 2015
  • Rachel Mundy, New Zealand - Galapagos Biking Tour
    The Galapagos mountain biking adventure trip was an amazing experience. Having to dodge a giant tortoise in the middle of the road is not something that happens every day. A great way to see these beautiful and unique islands in a slightly more detailed way.
    Rachel Mundy, New Zealand
    Galapagos Biking Tour
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