Arrival and Entry to Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, San Cristobal, Galapagos - (18)

Beaujolais
Tue 2 Mar 2010 20:28

 

It was early morning as we first caught sight of the Galapagos. The islands looked as though they were clothed in soft Green Moss. Very dramatic.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

San Cristobal is the 2nd largest of the islands in Galapagos and we were surprised to find a very picturesque little fishing resort.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It was made all the more interesting by the sea lions, who were everywhere, on swim platforms, on steps, on park benches, on rocks.

They are totally oblivious of the tourists intent on relaxing in the sun. They covered the rocks like flotsam washed ashore. Unlike the ones in San Francisco, these were not noisy or that smelly!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bolivar, our agent, came out to the boat to start the formalities. For those of you who are not boaties, go and make a cuppa, while I briefly recount the procedure for those who might want to know.

 

ENTRY TO THE GALAPAGOS.

 

You need to organise an Autografo in advance. This is the cruising permit that allows you to visit up to 3 islands, San Cristobal, Santa Cruz and Isla Isabel. We used an agent called Bolivar from Nuagala Agency.  You should contact either Grace or Bolivar at  nuagala {CHANGE TO AT} hotmail {DOT} com  prior to arrival. They speak some English.

 

By using them you can get a 30 or 45 day autografo for the same price as the normal 21 day autografo you would get if you did it yourself.

 

You will need to provide the following information:

Copies of passports of all crew

Crew list

Boat registration papers

Approximate date of arrival

 

All of the information can be sent electronically.

 

They charge $300 for the service. You will then pay the port captain in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno (San Cristobal), the charge is calculated by the tonnage of your vessel. You will pay a further $30 for immigration, $30 for inspection and quarantine and a $100 per person to the National Park

 

Bolivar will also manage your sailing plan. You cannot travel around the Galapagos on your boat without a sailing plan. But all you do, is either call or e-mail Bolivar the day before you want to move, giving details of where you want to go and he updates the information and puts it into the system.

 

You also need to get a Zarpe (exit permit) from each port in order to clear out and then into the next port. But Bolivar will organise all of this for you.

 

Ok, back to the travel blog…