Kayaking Banned!!!

[Nullifier]

Well this is crazy but true. I was in contact with the hotel in the Galapagos Islands we will be staying at in a few weeks. I was getting info on the type of kayaks they use at their place. The person told me that the national park has recently banned kayak in the islands. She also told me that kayaks on the water cought by the park service would be confiscated! Unfortunetly she did not know specifically why, but there will be no kayaking while I'm down there.

All I can say is that as the owner of a kayak shop this is my definition of hell! I'm sure some A-hole did something really bad to some wildlife but still. That's like saying some one cought a fish out of slot size and kept it so no more fishing! Kayaking is one of the most eco friendly activities ou can do. I mean if there is a problem with it there has to be a better way to solve the problem then banning it.

I am so mad I would cancell my trip if I could get out of my airline, cruiseship, and hotel reservations. THis was my #1 activity and now I'm S.O.L.

[upcruiser]

Wow, how do they expect people to check out shoreline areas? On foot? That would have more impact/disturb wildlife more I would think. That's a big bummer on your part. Sorry man!

[chet]

considering aloto of galopogose's wildlife is water based I can see kayaks being a problem. we have problems with them up here getting too close to whales etc(they have this problem with all boats though) a kayak can go alot of places a normal boat can't and this means they could be harrasing alot wildlife.

Its kind of like banning ATV's from parks due to the increase in impact.

I know it sounds stupid but not to the people who made the law!

[paulj]

I'd suggest a web search on regulations and the possibility of kayak tours. The new regulations might apply most to unguided use of kayaks from private and tour boats. Exploration by foot is also restricted, in some cases limited to guided groups on existing paths.

A kayak makes less noise than a motorized boat, and isn't as big, but it can get in closer to shore. If the paddler isn't sensitive to these issues he can disturb wildlife just as much.

paulj

[pwc]

Here's the site, but the English version doesn't have much translated in the way of news
http://www.galapagospark.org

[Ursidae69]

Lots of eco-tourism issues there. PM Howard70, he worked there for many years and might have more info.

[Joaquin Suave]

Here is a different perspective...

The kayaking ban could be due to the lack of rescue infastructure??? Being a waveski'r, I'm used to BIG water and fierce off-shore winds, but when I'm down in Baja and I see an inexperienced person take a SOT out in even in slight off-shore conditions I get the hebee-gebee's. I try to warn them to stick close to the coast out fear of the Norte's. The usually understand when I explain that if they are blown out to sea, that the next land mass is. . .

JAPAN!

[Super Doody]

Try stand up paddling surfing. :) Its more fun anways.