ABROAD & BEYOND

For the Good of the Galápagos

Education, conservation projects, and environmental commitments are all part of the Silversea ethos.

One of the world’s most fragile ecosystems, the Galápagos Islands are a living museum where evolution can be seen in real time and many of the planet’s most exotic and adapted animals thrive. This UNESCO World Heritage archipelago is also home to some of the most strenuous environmental regulations of any destination—conservation initiatives that Silversea not only happily adheres to, but also proudly exceeds.

In 2023, Silversea became the first Galápagos tour operator to receive certification in environmental management. This accreditation was bestowed after employees spearheaded a program to divert all waste from San Cristóbal Island’s landfill—its only one, which was quickly filling—to the Ecuadorian mainland. It began with a goal to leave zero waste on the tiny island, one of the few that’s inhabited in the Galápagos. Thus, Silversea employees upgraded the company’s onboard sorting procedures and became the first operator to divert all refuse from the island’s landfill.

Yet Silversea’s environmental commitment goes well beyond garbage removal. In 2019, the company established the Silversea Fund for the Galápagos, dedicated to safeguarding the islands for future generations. Education and conservation projects are the primary focus, and guests who donate to the fund receive a matched credit for a future journey.

Silversea’s other environmental efforts include working with independent farmers and suppliers on Santa Cruz and San Cristóbal islands to source local produce and additional foods. With that, transportation distance is cut by an estimated 98 percent, and ship guests can enjoy fresh fruits and vegetables, along with fish that’s never frozen. Most importantly, buying locally means there’s no risk of insects and pests from other countries hitching a ride to the islands by way of produce cartons, which can disrupt the delicate ecosystem.

As for Silversea’s actual ships, Galápagos-based Silver Origin is celebrated as the most environmentally conscious vessel the company has ever built. Silver Origin was designed with both the destination and environment in mind, with a dynamic positioning system crafted specifically to protect the seabed and limit impact on wildlife. Exterior lighting is dimmed to avoid disturbing animals after dark, and guests are gifted a metallic reusable water bottle upon arrival, which can be filled in the reverse osmosis freshwater purification systems located in each suite and throughout the ship.

Prepare to step into a new world.