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EXPLORING THE GALÁPAGOS
Ecuador’s most stunning national park is calling
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The Galápagos archipelago: an ecological paradise like no other
A biodiverse haven of unique and protected wildlife
The arid Galápagos archipelago, 1,000km off the coast of Ecuador, is a biodiverse wonderland like no other. These 19 volcanic islands are home to some 9,000 species of flora and fauna including giant tortoises, red- and blue-footed boobies, reef sharks and basking iguanas – all of which thrive in one of the most meticulously protected areas in the world. In addition to the 200,000 sq km Galápagos Marine Reserve that was established in 1998 to protect these bio-diverse waters, there are also strict laws in place to limit immigration to the islands, visitor traffic and development – all an effort to curb environmental issues.
The pristine equatorial environment allows stunning land and sea creatures to flourish
Preserving the environmentand this flourishing sanctuary
As the first UNESCO World Heritage site, the Galápagos are considered a unique living museum and a showcase of evolution – one that served as the ultimate laboratory for the naturalist Charles Darwin whose theories changed society’s view of the natural world. In a continued effort to preserve and protect this flourishing sanctuary – and the many rare species that are only found here – the luxury cruise line Silversea established a foundation in 2019 so that guests can get involved by contributing funds to environmental and cultural causes well beyond a voyage at sea.
This unique land and its local communities come into sharp focus
At the intersection of three ocean currents with a mix of warm and cold waters, the pristine equatorial environment allows stunning land and sea creatures to flourish. From the petite Galápagos Penguin – the only kind of penguin found north of the Equator – to a stand of brilliant pink flamingos, an expedition cruise brings this unique land of contrasts into sharp focus. With just 100 passengers on board, the Silver Origin features a unique positioning system that protects the seabed below and maximises jaw-dropping views of distant lava fields and crystalline Darwin Bay.
Activities range from snorkelling to kayaking to Zodiac expeditions to the Manzanillo Tortoise Reserve in Santa Cruz. And while just four of the Galápagos Islands are inhabited, the luxury cruise operator is deeply committed to these local communities and furthering educational programming and environmental protections and awareness throughout the region.
Empowering youth through conservation, the Oceanic Scouts initiative
With a declared aim of teaching conservation to young people, the Silversea Fund for the Galápagos has already raised $500,000 for scholarships and educational programming. One of the major areas of focus for the Foundation is the Oceanic Scouts programme – a select group of young people who are so passionate about nature that many have gone on to become members of the naturalist team aboard the Silver Origin. “At the moment, Group 17 of Oceanic Scouts has approximately 60 children divided in three groups; Cub Scouts (age 7 to 11), Trooper Scouts (age 12 to 15) and Rover Scouts (age 16 to 20),” explains Ernesto Vaca, a local naturalist who oversees the programme from the island of San Cristóbal. With a focus on teaching skills that are relevant to the local environment – agriculture, meteorology, navigation, sailing and diving, among others – there is also an effort to educate young people through language instruction.
Supporting the next generationthrough education and conservation
“We've sponsored diving courses for the Scouts so they can get their PADI licenses,” says Gabriela Naranjo, VP, General Manager for Silversea Cruises. “This allows them to explore the islands in a different way and will have a huge, lasting impact as they move out into the world.” In addition, local children ages 8 to 12 years come to the ship to learn about new opportunities, including becoming a marine biologist, a captain, a photographer or a chef.
“We are not an NGO,” explains Naranjo, “so we partner locally to support education and conservation – two causes that are important to all of us. Schools have been chosen as a particular focus because our population is growing, and we want to show kids the larger world.” Scholarships to the elite Tomas de Berlanga School – a private, non-religious, bilingual, non-profit educational institution in Puerto Ayora – have also been awarded to children of varying ages.
There are also six additional projects that have been identified for 2024, including the building of a library in Floreana and the establishment of sustainable gardens in San Cristóbal. “Supporting teachers with continuing education is another top priority,” Naranjo shares. “To work and live in the Galápagos, you must be a resident – and so our naturalists and guides take great pride in caring for such a singular and pristine place.”
At the end of any Galápagos voyage, guests come away with a clear sense of the larger, lesser-known world. From exploring the white sand beaches of Bahía Gardner on Española Island, to navigating the red, white and black mangroves of Fernandina Island – no two adventures are alike, and the bounties of nature await.
We've sponsored diving courses for the Scouts so they can get their PADI licenses. This allows them to explore the islands in a different way and will have a huge, lasting impact as they move out into the world.
Discover, contribute and transform on a Galápagos adventure
To learn more about Silversea’s voyages to Galapágos click below
