Pacific Ocean Outlook

Pacific Ocean © Noonsite

In Galapagos, yachts with pets on board are now banned from coming to the archipelago, except in emergency situations.

All four ports of entry are back open as long as arrival at your chosen port is pre-arranged with your agent. They include: Baquerizo Moreno (San Cristóbal); Puerto Ayora (Santa Cruz); Baltra (N of Santa Cruz); or Puerto Villamil (Isabela). Galapagos fees on Noonsite have also been updated this month.

Following various prison riots and the escape of gang leaders at the start of January, Ecuador has been under a state of emergency. The U.S. Embassy has now downgraded the security alerts from level 3 (Reconsider travel) to level 2 (Exercise increased caution) for the majority of the country. Gene Tatum of Puerto Amistad Yacht Club, Bahia de Caraquez, has sent a security and entry procedures update for mainland Ecuador.

A new berthing and moorings app was recently launched in New Zealand for quick and easy booking. www.mooringbnb.co.nz

The new Japan Yacht Rally is almost full. Organisers Konpira Consulting told Noonsite, "Unlike 2023, it looks like 2024 will see a return to the traditional pattern of most cruisers passing through Japan quickly (10 weeks or so) on their way to Alaska/BC. At this point, we have 10 confirmed clients for this year and another 10 probables (with a last-minute flurry of another 10+ clients likely in the next 2 months). Of the 20, about 15 are heading to Alaska (vs. 2 out of 16 in 2023).

This article has been provided by the courtesy of noonsite.com.