Protected sites
Most visitor sites can only be visited with a guide, on a fixed schedule.
PRIVATE CHARTERS · BAREBOAT
Can you skipper your own boat in Galapagos?
Short answer: no. The good news is that a crewed private charter gives you almost everything a bareboat would, and more.
Galapagos bareboat charter — Reference image only.
01 / WHAT IS POSSIBLE
Bareboat vs crewed charter in Galapagos
| Question | Bareboat | Crewed private charter |
|---|---|---|
| Allowed for tourists? | No | Yes |
| Who skippers? | You | A licensed captain and crew |
| Who leads landings? | Nobody, not permitted | A park-accredited naturalist guide |
| Itinerary | Your choice, not permitted | Park-approved route held by the boat |
| Privacy | Total | Your group only, plus crew |
| Meals | You cook | Chef and full board |
02 / WHY
Why the rules are strict
Permits and quotas
Each boat holds a permit with set itineraries, so sites are not overcrowded.
Wildlife safety
Rules on distance and behavior protect animals that do not flee people.
Biosecurity
Controlled boats and inspections reduce the risk of introduced species.
03 / PRIVATE SAILING
What about arriving on your own yacht?
Private yachts sailing in from abroad need special authorization, an agent and inspections, and they cannot freely tour visitor sites. Cruising sailors who want to see the park usually join guided tours or a licensed tour boat. Rules change, so check with the authorities before sailing.
For visitors, the closest thing to a bareboat is a private charter where you set the daily pace with your guide. See how customizable a charter is.
04 / ALTERNATIVES
Find your closest alternative
What draws you to a bareboat?
How big is your group?
Answer the questions to see a suggestion.
A crewed private charter is your answer.
Whole boat, your own guide, your pace. Start with charters for 12 to 16 guests.
Book cabins on a small yacht.
Smaller groups often get better value booking cabins. Compare charter vs shared cruise.
Look at a motor sailer or catamaran.
A few boats carry sails; the crew handles them. See Galapagos catamaran cruises.
05 / FAQ
Galapagos Bareboat Charter: Why It Is Not Allowed: questions
Can I rent a boat and drive it myself in Galapagos?
No. Tourist navigation in the marine reserve is limited to licensed vessels with professional crew and a park-accredited naturalist guide.
Can I sail my own yacht to Galapagos?
Foreign private yachts need prior authorization, an agent and inspections, and cannot tour visitor sites freely. Check current rules with the authorities before planning.
Is a private charter as flexible as a bareboat?
Not on routes, which follow park permits, but you control the daily pace, meal times and activities with your guide.
Are day boats an option?
Yes. From Santa Cruz, San Cristóbal or Isabela you can take guided day tours on licensed boats.
Who can plan a private charter for us?
We can. Email hola@galapagosislands.cruises with your dates and group size.
THE REAL ALTERNATIVE
Your own boat, with the right crew.
A private crewed charter gives your group the privacy you want and the guide the park requires. Tell us your dates.
Galapagos is unlike anywhere else on Earth: wildlife that does not run from you, islands still shaped by volcanoes, and a park that limits every visit. Tell us how you like to travel and we will match you with the right boat.