After a calm 5-day journey from Panama, the first boats in the World ARC fleet have begun crossing the finish line
off Puerto Baquerizo located on the unique island of San Cristobal, Galapagos. For many of the participants this journey will be a once in a lifetime experience and they are all excited to be visiting theses remarkable islands.
The volcanic archipelago is distributed on either side of the equator in the Pacific Ocean, situated approximately 1,000 km west of South America. Its cold currents bring rich nutrients attracting an abundance of sea, land and bird species which makes this destination so special for its visitors.
Because of the high ecological value of this archipelago the Galapagos was created into a National Park in 1959. Understanding the importance and preservation of the natural beauty of the islands, there are understandably, a number of restrictions and regulations when arriving to the islands, be it by plane or boat.
The World ARC agent along with the local authorities, visit each boat to conduct the relevant inspections and clearances. Once this procedure is successfully complete, crews are welcome to come ashore in the local water taxis and begin their experience of these truly extraordinary islands.