A Galapagos island tour ban has been put in place on five diving tour operators which have been banned from diving the island waters after operating there for more than 6 years. The reasons for the ban are not entirely clear, as the Galapagos National Park Service (GNPS) has not offered a detailed explanation of their decision.

It is tied to a new GNPS program that will require all dive companies to acquire permits to operate in the Galapagos. Many conservationists applaud the move, but question why the long standing dive operators were forced to shut down as the permit process is developed. The ban was instituted in November 2010 with permit criteria promised by January 2011. However, it has been over 6 months since then and the criteria have still not been published, while the ban remains in effect. The dive operators have tried various avenues for getting the ban lifted but have so far been unsuccessful.

The silver lining of the latest economic downturn for travelers are a great selection of discounts on dream travel packages, like a discounted Galapagos Islands tour. The weak dollar and soft travel demand from the US are resulting in some of the best prices in years on Galapagos Island travel.

Not surprisingly, the discounts have led to a surge in interest on special tour packages that combine wildlife viewing with mainland extensions in Ecuador. The Quito based tour company Yacu Amu Experiences is a popular choice, as they are known for their top quality Galapagos tour packages that provide hassle free travel and flexible options to suit individual interests and budgets. The company offers a 10 day, 9 night package which features a 5 day wildlife safari to the islands aboard a 16 passenger yacht, along with a 3 day Ecuador extension.

A Galapagos Island tour is one of the most exciting travel destinations for nature lovers. Where else can you get up close to watch a sea lion nurse her pup and see huge marine iguanas marching across the beach next to tiny penguins?

The islands are home to a diverse wildlife population that is unique in the world. This volcanic island archipelago is the only place on earth to see many fascinating specie which have adapted to life on this remote outpost. The evolution of life here is so distinct and amazing that it prompted Darwin to develop his famous theory "On the Origin of Species". The giant land tortoises, finches and iguanas which vary from island to island remain largely the same as Darwin experienced them, since the islands have been wisely protected from development with only limited tourism allowed today.