How are the naturalist guides classified?
Historically, guides in the Galapagos were classified according to their experience, foreign language ability, and education into three categories: Class I, Class II, and Class III. Although the Galapagos National Park Service has been moving away from these classifications, you may still hear the terminology used so it helps to understand the basics of this outdated system. Generally, Class I guides were considered to be the least experienced and did not speak fluent English. They are commonly found on economy or simple tourist yachts. We do not use any yachts that have Class I guides. Class II guides tended to be the most common. They spoke fluent English, were knowledgeable and well trained. Class III guides historically had completed the most university education. They typically had a degree in a related field and often spoke more than two languages.
Historically, guides in the Galapagos were classified according to their experience, foreign language ability, and education into three categories: Class I, Class II, and Class III. Although the Galapagos National Park Service has been moving away from these classifications, you may still hear the terminology used so it helps to understand the basics of this outdated system. Generally, Class I guides were considered to be the least experienced and did not speak fluent English. They are commonly found on economy or simple tourist yachts. We do not use any yachts that have Class I guides. Class II guides tended to be the most common. They spoke fluent English, were knowledgeable and well trained. Class III guides historically had completed the most university education. They typically had a degree in a related field and often spoke more than two languages. Although many yachts continue to refer to their guides as Class I, II, or III, the objective requirements used to classify the guides
