Covid Information for Galapagos Sky
INFORMATION PROVIDED BY GALAPAGOS SKY
Last Updated: 13AUG 2020
The health, safety and wellbeing of all Ecoventura guests and crew members have always been and will continue to be our number one priority.
Due to the COVID-19 crisis we have increased our already strict cleaning and disinfection procedures to an even higher level. By following this new protocol, we will not only be looking after our crew and guests but also collectively protecting the Galapagos Islands fragile ecosystem and the local community. We continue to closely monitor the global situation, following the guidelines and recommendations issued by the World Health Organization (WHO), local and national health authorities, and the Galapagos National Park to ensure a clean and safe environment for everyone. Each department has developed a complete cleanliness and sanitation plan that consists of precautionary measures throughout all aspects of the guest experience. Below you will find a summary of our enhanced protocols:
Our guests' experience
All guests will maintain a social distance of at least 6 feet between themselves and other people including the crew.
A maximum of 8 guests, 2 crew members and 1 naturalist guide are allowed per zodiac for each transfer to maintain social distancing.
They will receive a hot hand towel with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer ingredient and their hand luggage, backpacks and bags will be gently sprayed with a disinfecting mist. Subsequently, guests will be accompanied to their cabins by the crew.
All cabin amenities will be disinfected prior to each cruise. Guests will receive a personal alcohol-based gel bottle and, to avoid any cross contamination, we have removed all paper and stationary from all cabins.
Hand-sanitizing stations will be placed throughout all social areas of our yachts, with additional signage throughout guest and staff areas to remind everyone of important health and hygiene protocols, such as handwashing and physical distancing.
During the welcome briefing the biosafety measures to be followed during the cruise will be explained. The briefings will be held at the main lounge and dining room to keep the distance and they will be short and precise. Instructions for activities will be placed in a glass frame in the main lounge.
For activities such as panga rides, glass bottom boat, snorkeling and guided walks a maximum of 8 guests, 1 crew member and 1 naturalist guide are allowed per zodiac.
Captains will be in contact with other vessels to avoid coinciding in locations at the same time to avoid agglomerations
Cleaning and disinfection procedures followed in our yachts
Shoe disinfection trays have been placed at the entrance of each yacht. Cleaning products approved by the Galapagos National Park, which are effective against viruses, bacteria and other airborne and blood borne pathogens are being used in all yachts.
We have increased the frequency of deep-cleaning, while disinfecting with ozone machines (HEPA filters) all common areas, public spaces and guest cabins (in addition to crew quarters), with an emphasis on high-contact surfaces such as stair railings, door knobs, coffee stations, water dispensers, coffee tables, dining and bar surfaces, social area restrooms, jacuzzi and sun deck areas.
Crew members follow strict cleaning and sanitation charts in every stateroom and social area.
We have intensified and increased the cleaning of air conditioning recirculation filters every week, to guarantee the proper operation of the system, prior to each cruise
Scuba gear
Even though all of our expedition equipment is undergoing deep cleaning and disinfection procedures (and will be disinfected after every activity), we highly suggest all our guests bring their own regulator, mask and snorkel.
Mandatory procedures followed by our crew
All crew members residing in the Galapagos Islands will be tested before boarding. The crew arriving from the continent will have to pass all the controls and procedures established by the local Galapagos airports.
They will follow complete disinfection procedures before boarding Ecoventura yachts.
All crew members will be closely monitored on a daily basis for any symptoms (including a temperature reading) while aboard. They will be required to wear the appropriate PPE (personal protective equipment) based on their roles and responsibilities and will have to maintain a social distance of at least 3 feet between themselves and with guests.
They have received detailed training on Ecoventura sanitation protocols, in addition to learning how to identify flu or virus-like symptoms, and follow procedures as stated in the ISM (International Safety Management) manual.
Hand hygiene is the main measure of prevention and control of infection, and will be done with water and soap, following the right technique of the World Health Organization.
No crew member is allowed to disembark on any populated island, unless ordered by the captain of the yacht.
While on their disembarkation period, crew members have been recommended to self-isolate and their health will be closely monitored by our Human Resources Department.
Food & Beverage
We continue to reinforce our methods of identifying and managing food safety related risk, including Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP), as well as the cleanliness and disinfection of our dining areas, bars and kitchens.
We have eliminated our buffet service and replaced it with a menu a la carte, adjusted the dining areas to allow social distancing among groups and placed screen protectors in the bars and buffet table.
To reduce capacity in the dining room during meals:
On board Origin and Theory, the sundeck will be open for meals.
On board Letty, room service will be offered during dinner.
On board Galapagos Sky, a table for 4 people will be enabled on the Dolphin deck.
We have emphasized the cleaning and disinfection of kitchens and bars, with strict food safety standards. We follow a disinfection process in all the tableware, glassware and cutlery, as well as the utensils used by our concierges and waiters during the service. Service personnel will adhere to strict security procedures while serving all food and drinks.
In order to avoid direct contact with paper, we have removed physical menus and created digital ones that will work through QR codes.
The kitchen will be disinfected with ozone 3 times per week and only authorized crew members will be allowed to enter the kitchen
Our crew looks forward to welcoming you back to Origin, Theory, Letty and Galapagos Sky.
INFORMATION PROVIDED BY TROPIC - TOURS AND EXTENSIONS TO YOUR LIVEABOARD HOLIDAY
SAFE TRAVELS TO THE GALAPAGOS
Last Updated: 22OCT 2020
Every government has established health and safety protocols that are mandatory for all hotels and restaurants. Our operations team will be specifically monitoring our partners' adherence to these protocols with spot checks. Our Costs and Negotiations team is asking for protocol compliance and affidavits before including them as options for our guests.
The use of a mask in public spaces and social distancing is mandatory. We consider masks a personal item bring as many as you like and feel comfortable and safe with.
CONSTANT TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT
Our local guides undergo rigourous professional training with our Guardians program covering first-aid, storytelling and crisis management, meaning your clients are always in the safest hands when travelling with us.
TRAVEL WITHIN ECUADOR MAINLAND
Valid Passport at least 6 month after date of travel
Round trip Galapagos tickets (e-tickets)
Special pass issued by the Ministry of Tourism (through the tour operator)
Negative PCR test carried out no more than 10 days prior to arrival in Ecuador
Travel Insurance
Confirmed service
Fill the Traveller Health Declaration
Our guide and private transportation will be waiting for you outside (following biosafety protocols at all times). Transfer to your hotel.
OUR GREEN ECUADOR SAFE TRAVEL EXTENSION
Use Our exclusive Tropic Transfers
Stay at least 3 nights in mainland.
Use Green Ecuador Ecolodges
Country Covid Travel Information
View entry requirements here
As of , 11 February, the requirement to enter Ecuador or the Galapagos Islands for passengers over 12 years of age is:
A valid vaccination certificate
or
A negative RT-PCR test performed up to 72 hours prior to boarding their flight to Ecuador.
Ecuador will accept the UK’s proof of COVID-19 recovery and vaccination record. Your NHS appointment card from vaccination centres is not designed to be used as proof of vaccination and should not be used to demonstrate your vaccine status.
All passengers arriving to mainland Ecuador by air must present the digital “Traveler's Health Declaration” when boarding the plane. If for some reason the platform is not available, the physical form must be submitted at point of entry in Ecuador to the Ministry of Health officials.
From 18th March, when you travel to England from abroad you:
do not need to take any COVID-19 tests before you travel or after you arrive
do not need to fill in a UK passenger locator form
do not need to quarantine when you arrive
This applies whether you are vaccinated or not.
It includes people who are transiting through England.
Updated 13APR 2022
Rose and I had a super time Galapagos was well worth the wait and cost (and it's not cheap either there or in Ecuador !), we got to see everything and Mola Mola (which I've never seen before), lots of sea lions and so many sharks etc. The captain of Galapagos Sky, his entire crew, the salon manager Gonzalo and one particular guide Solon were outstanding, the likes of which I probably won't experience ever again. A very big thank you for all your hard work. You have two very happy customers (much poorer now in financial terms, but far more wealthier in experience !)