Every July, millions of people around the world take a small but important step toward a cleaner planet by joining Plastic Free July. Ready to take part?
This is the perfect opportunity to travel more consciously and help protect one of the most extraordinary marine ecosystems on the planet. Here’s how you can make your trip more sustainable and meaningful.
What Is Plastic Free July?
Plastic Free July began in Australia in 2011 and has since grown into a worldwide campaign with over 100 million participants. Its mission is simple: to help people reduce their single-use plastic waste throughout the month of July — and hopefully, beyond.
The initiative doesn’t demand perfection. Instead, it inspires mindful changes — refusing plastic straws, carrying reusable bags, or choosing products without plastic packaging. The ultimate goal is to build habits that last a lifetime and help protect our environment.
The Plastic Problem in Our Oceans
Plastic pollution is one of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time. Each year, over 8 million tons of plastic end up in the ocean, threatening marine life, disrupting ecosystems, and even entering our food chain. Much of this waste comes from land-based sources and travels great distances via rivers and currents.
A Threat to Marine Life and Ecosystems
Marine animals often mistake plastic for food or become entangled in it, leading to injury or death. Sea turtles, whales, seabirds, and fish are among the many species affected. Microplastics — tiny plastic particles — are now found in virtually every corner of the ocean, from the deepest trenches to remote island beaches.
These plastics not only endanger individual animals but also compromise entire ecosystems. Coral reefs, vital nurseries for marine biodiversity, are particularly vulnerable, as plastic debris can smother and infect them.
The Galapagos: A Fragile Paradise at Risk
The Galapagos Islands are a symbol of untouched natural beauty and evolutionary wonder. However, even this remote paradise is not immune to the reach of plastic pollution. Ocean currents carry debris from distant continents, depositing it on the islands’ shores and into its marine sanctuaries.
Protecting this ecosystem is a shared responsibility. At Galapagos Sky, we understand the urgent need to act. With the privilege of operating in such a unique environment comes the duty to preserve it — a mission that shapes every aspect of our operations.
How Galapagos Sky Supports a Plastic-Free Future
As one of the region’s premier diving liveaboards, we take sustainability seriously. We believe that luxury and environmental responsibility can coexist, and we’ve implemented several initiatives to support the reduction of plastic in the Galapagos.
Onboard Sustainability Initiatives
Our vessel is designed with environmental stewardship in mind. We have eliminated single-use plastic bottles by offering refillable water containers and provide reusable straws and eco-friendly toiletries to our guests. Dining onboard is plastic-free, with locally sourced ingredients served without unnecessary packaging.
We also focus on minimizing waste through responsible provisioning. We work closely with suppliers to reduce plastic-wrapped goods and choose bulk, recyclable, or compostable alternatives whenever possible. This reduces the environmental footprint of each journey and ensures our operations align with Plastic Free July principles — not just in July, but year-round.
Most importantly, these efforts create a ripple effect. Guests often tell us that experiencing sustainable practices onboard inspires them to make long-term changes in their own lives. Whether it’s switching to a reusable travel kit or starting a zero-waste routine, change begins with awareness and example.
Partnering with Conservation Organizations
We proudly collaborate with local and international conservation groups working to protect the Galapagos. Through these partnerships, we support ongoing research, community education, and beach clean-up initiatives that tackle plastic pollution at its source.
Our long-standing relationship with organizations like the Charles Darwin Foundation and Galapagos Conservancy allows us to contribute actively to preserving the islands’ natural heritage. Learn More
Educating Guests and Crew
We believe education is key to lasting change. Our onboard briefings include information about plastic pollution and its impact on marine life in the Galapagos. Crew members are trained in sustainable practices, and guests are encouraged to engage in eco-conscious behavior during their stay.
By raising awareness and promoting action, we aim to turn every voyage into a platform for advocacy.
What You Can Do During Your Trip
Even small actions taken during your visit to the Galapagos can have a meaningful impact. Participating in Plastic Free July while traveling is entirely possible — and incredibly rewarding.
Pack Plastic-Free Essentials
Start with your suitcase. Choose reef-safe sunscreen in non-plastic packaging, bring reusable water bottles and travel containers, and avoid travel-sized items wrapped in plastic. A little planning goes a long way.
Many of our guests appreciate the onboard guidance provided by the Galapagos Sky crew, who are always happy to suggest sustainable packing tips before departure.
Adopt Reusable Habits Onboard
Use the reusable items provided onboard, refill your water bottle, and skip disposable products. Our team ensures that everything you need for a comfortable, eco-conscious stay is already at your fingertips.
Sustainable diving practices are also part of the experience, minimizing environmental disturbance while maximizing awe-inspiring encounters with marine life.
Participate in Clean-Up Efforts
If the opportunity arises, join a beach or ocean clean-up activity. It’s a tangible way to contribute to the protection of the islands and witness the importance of collective effort. We occasionally organize or support such events during certain voyages.
Even a short clean-up can remove pounds of plastic from sensitive ecosystems — a powerful reminder of the difference one person can make.
Together, We Make a Difference
Plastic Free July is more than a campaign — it’s a call to action. When we travel with intention, we become part of a global movement striving for cleaner oceans and a healthier planet. Each decision — no matter how small — contributes to a greater good.
At Galapagos Sky, we’re honored to share the wonders of the Galapagos with guests who care deeply about the environment. As we navigate these extraordinary waters together, let’s also navigate toward a plastic-free future — one refillable bottle, one reusable bag, and one informed traveler at a time.
