Sailing to the Galápagos
with Gio & Julie Cappelli | Pelagic Blue Cruising
Turn the dream of sailing to the Galápagos into a well planned voyage. Learn what it really takes to prepare for one of the world’s most iconic cruising destinations.
Cruising the Galápagos requires more preparation than most destinations. In this course, you’ll learn how to plan your passage, understand entry requirements, prepare your boat, budget for the voyage, and explore the islands responsibly, while benefiting from practical insights gained through firsthand expert cruising experience.
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Online Class Overview
The Galápagos Islands are unlike any other cruising destination on Earth. Rising from the Pacific Ocean nearly 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador, this extraordinary archipelago offers sailors the rare opportunity to explore a protected ecosystem where volcanic landscapes, abundant wildlife, and unique marine environments exist unlike anywhere else in the world.
But cruising the Galápagos requires a different approach than many other destinations. Strict environmental regulations, evolving entry requirements, limited services, and a highly managed cruising system mean that preparation and local knowledge are essential. Understanding how the system works before you arrive allows you to spend less time navigating logistics and more time experiencing the remarkable place you came to see.
This course provides an experience-based introduction to cruising the Galápagos, from planning your passage and preparing your boat to navigating entry procedures, working with local agents, and making the most of your time among the islands. Drawing on firsthand experience sailing to and cruising the Galápagos, Gio and Julie Cappelli share the practical insights, lessons learned, and planning strategies they wish every cruiser knew before making the journey.
You’ll explore what makes each island unique, how to approach anchorages and inter-island travel, what services are available to visiting boats, and how to prepare for the realities of cruising in a remote and carefully protected environment. We’ll also discuss the incredible wildlife encounters that make the Galápagos so special, from sea lions and marine iguanas to penguins, turtles, and the many species that have made these islands famous.
Beyond the logistics, this class is about understanding how to be a better visitor to one of the planet’s most extraordinary places. The Galápagos rewards sailors who arrive prepared, respect the unique regulations, and take the time to observe and appreciate the natural world around them.
Whether you’re planning a Pacific crossing, considering a future voyage to the islands, or simply dreaming about sailing to one of the world’s most iconic destinations, this course will help you understand what it takes to cruise the Galápagos and how to make the most of the adventure.
Who is this online class for?
This course is designed for sailors planning a Pacific crossing, cruisers considering a visit to the Galápagos, and anyone interested in understanding what it really takes to cruise one of the world’s most remarkable archipelagos. Whether you’re still dreaming, actively preparing your boat, or finalizing your passage plans, you’ll leave with a clear understanding of what’s involved, practical strategies for avoiding common mistakes, and the confidence to plan a successful Galápagos voyage and enjoy the destination to the fullest when you arrive.
What Will I Learn?
By the end of this course, you’ll understand how to:
- Determine whether the Galápagos fit your cruising plans and Pacific itinerary.
- Plan a safe and efficient passage to the islands.
- Navigate the permitting process, work with local agents, and understand current entry requirements.
- Comply with biosecurity regulations and environmental protections unique to the Galápagos.
- Budget realistically for permits, agent fees, provisioning, and other cruising expenses.
- Prepare your boat and crew for a successful visit.
- Find anchorages, move between islands, and make the most of your allowed cruising itinerary.
- Provision, refuel, obtain water, and understand the services available to visiting yachts.
- Cruise responsibly while respecting the islands’ extraordinary wildlife and conservation regulations.
- Plan your onward passage from the Galápagos and avoid common mistakes that can cost time, money, or opportunities.
List of Topics:
- Is the Galápagos right for your cruising plans?
- When to go and planning your voyage
- Entry procedures, permits, and working with agents
- Biosecurity requirements and environmental regulations
- Budgeting and understanding the true costs of a visit
- Boat preparation before arrival
- Anchorages, local cruising, and planning your island itinerary
- Fuel, water, provisioning, and repair resources
- Wildlife, conservation, and responsible cruising
- Weather, communications, and planning your next passage
- Lessons learned and common mistakes to avoid
CRUISING THE GALÁPAGOS
PLAN YOUR VOYAGE WITH CONFIDENCE
The Galápagos Islands are one of the world’s most rewarding cruising destinations, but they require careful preparation before you arrive. Learn how to plan your passage, prepare your boat, understand entry requirements, and avoid common mistakes so you can focus on enjoying this unforgettable adventure.
UNDERSTAND THE RULES AND EXPLORE RESPONSIBLY
Cruising the Galápagos means navigating a unique system of permits, environmental regulations, and protected marine areas. You’ll gain a clear understanding of biosecurity requirements, working with local agents, budgeting your visit, and respecting the extraordinary wildlife that makes these islands unlike anywhere else on Earth.Cruising the Galápagos means navigating a unique system of permits, environmental regulations, and protected marine areas. You’ll gain a clear understanding of biosecurity requirements, working with local agents, budgeting your visit, and respecting the extraordinary wildlife that makes these islands unlike anywhere else on Earth.
MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR TIME IN THE ISLANDS
From choosing anchorages and planning inter-island travel to provisioning, refueling, and preparing for your onward passage, this course shares practical insights drawn from firsthand cruising experience. You’ll leave with the knowledge and confidence to cruise the Galápagos safely, efficiently, and responsibly.
Your Instructors
GIO & JULIE CAPPELLI
Gio and Julie Cappelli are the founders of Pelagic Blue, where they help sailors develop the seamanship and self-reliance to cruise safely and independently. Former marine biologists turned full-time cruisers and USCG licensed Masters, they have each sailed more than 40,000 ocean miles, including voyages to the Galápagos, Mexico, Alaska, Hawaiʻi, Easter Island, and beyond. Both are graduates of Skagit Valley College’s Marine Maintenance Technology program and hold ABYC and NMEA technical certifications, bringing together expertise in marine science, vessel systems, and offshore sailing. Drawing on this unique combination of experience, they lead hands-on sail training expeditions and teach cruising skills through seminars, workshops, and online courses. They also continue the offshore training legacy of John Neal, leading Mahina Expeditions’ sail training expeditions and offshore cruising seminars. From passage planning and vessel systems to marine ecosystems and at-sea problem-solving, Gio and Julie share practical, experience-based instruction that helps aspiring cruisers prepare for safe, self-sufficient voyaging aboard their own boats.
