Key Information & FAQs

Answers to the questions our Expedition Specialists receive most often

General Information

What sets Ecoventura apart is our 30 years of expertise in Galapagos hospitality and expeditions. Our yachts, Origin, Theory & Evolve, are the sole Relais & Châteaux luxury expedition vessels in the area, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows for immersive nature experiences and 10 designer staterooms on the same level for comfort. With a spacious sundeck and a capacity for 20 guests, our yachts offer the intimacy and luxury of a private charter. Furthermore, our commitment to sustainability is evident through our partnership with the Charles Darwin Foundation and the establishment of the Galapagos Biodiversity & Education for Sustainability Fund, which annually raises $179,000 for conservation and education initiatives. Learn More.

Ecoventura has long been dedicated to sustainability, evident through pioneering initiatives such as earning the first SmartVoyager ecological certification in 2000, setting stringent conservation standards now adopted into local regulations. Our yachts are designed for efficient travel, cruising 30% faster to reduce time at sea and fuel consumption, while onboard features like water treatment systems, biodegradable products, and lead-free paint prioritize sustainability. Partnering with Photon, we’re refitting zodiac launches with electric motors to further reduce emissions, and we’ve eliminated single-use plastic. Additionally, our collaboration with the Charles Darwin Foundation has raised over $470,000 for critical conservation projects. Recent efforts include the implementation of two state-of-the-art recycling machines at our San Cristobal facilities and partnering with Avianca Airlines to divert waste from island landfills and transport it to the mainland. We source over 53% of ingredients locally to support small artisan businesses and ensure sustainable dining options aboard our yachts. Learn More.

Galapagos is a year-round destination, with warm and sunny weather in the winter and cool and breezy conditions in the summer in the US. Regardless of the time of year you visit, you will encounter masses of wildlife in the Galapagos Islands, each species having its own season. From birds nesting to hatching iguanas and migrating whales, there is always something fascinating to see.

The Galapagos Islands experience two distinct seasons: the dry season, also known as the garua season, from July to December, and the rainy season from January to June. During the dry season, temperatures drop as cold waters from the Antarctic cool the climate, resulting in subtropical conditions with misty rain. This season attracts marine mammals, fish, and seabirds feasting on nutrient-rich waters brought by the Humboldt Current, making it ideal for wildlife observation. In contrast, the rainy season brings warmer temperatures and tropical rain showers, with the waters at their warmest for snorkeling and diving. However, marine life is less abundant compared to the dry season.

We offer ten luxury staterooms per vessel, all situated on the main deck and equipped with amenities reminiscent of a Relais & Châteaux property. We offer you and your select circle the most intimate of settings and an experience that is tailored to your every need. The world is your oyster when you opt for a private charter. You are welcome to do as much or as little as you choose, surrounded by your favorite people and our dedicated team of staff. Learn more.

Reservations

You can contact our US Sales and Reservation office, where one of our team members will be happy to assist you.

TELEPHONE: (305) 262-6264

TOLL-FREE: (800) 633-7972 (USA & CANADA)

FACSIMILE: (305) 262-9609

Email: info@galapagosnetwork.com

The cruise rate includes:

– Open bar policy with wine, beer, cocktails, spirits, juices, sodas, coffee, and tea

– All meals,including breakfast and lunch served buffet-style, and dinner offered as a four-course plated menu. Snacks are also available between activities.

– High-speed Wi-Fi available 24/7 for all guests

– Guided shore excursions twice daily, evening briefings, and enrichment lectures

– Exploration of the shoreline with two Zodiacs and a glass-bottom boat

– Multiple kayaks (four doubles and one single) and two stand-up paddle boards f

– Wet suits (full 3mm) and snorkeling equipment (mask, fins, and snorkel)

– Transfers in the Islands between the airport with meet & greet for AV1630 arrivals only

– Personalized check-in at the airports in Quito and Guayaquil for AV1630 arrivals only

– Processing and pre-payment of park entrance fee and INGALA/TCT card for AV1630 arrivals only

– Assistance with reservations for pre- and post-cruise hotel, land tours, and airport transfers

– Cabin amenities such as vanity, lighted mirror, sectional closet, flat-screen TV, docking station, USB, clock, safety deposit box, individual climate control, memory foam mattress, reading lights, blackout curtains, Nespresso machine, tea kettle, binoculars, and reusable water bottles. Bathrooms feature modern amenities like walk-in rainfall showers, plush towels, bathrobes, slippers, hair dryer, vanity kit, and refillable dispensers of bio-degradable soap, shampoo, body wash, and lotion.

Yes, Ecoventura arranges domestic flight bookings for passengers on Avianca Airlines from Quito or Guayaquil to/from San Cristobal on Sundays. Passengers on AV1630, who purchase tickets through Ecoventura, receive check-in assistance and can prepay park entrance fees and transit cards. An Ecoventura representative accompanies passengers on these flights.

Certainly! Extend your journey with pre- or post-cruise experiences, exploring beyond the Galapagos Islands. Immerse yourself in island life or venture to destinations like Guayaquil, Quito, the rainforest, and beyond. From the lush Ecuadorian rainforest to Peru’s Sacred Valley, or the culinary delights of Quito, there’s something for everyone. Adventure seekers can conquer the Peruvian Andes. Whatever your choice, Ecoventura is here to help you make it happen. Learn More.

Traveling solo with Ecoventura is anything but lonely! From shared meals to excursions, there are plenty of opportunities to make friends. Ask about our single rate promo when booking. Learn More.

Yes, traveling with children is highly recommended! With the Galapagos brought to life by our Naturalists, family departures balance learning with fun for all guests, making it an unforgettable experience for children. Ecoventura welcomes families with children ages 12 and up on any week aboard all expedition vessels. However, families with children as young as age 5 must travel on designated Family Departures. Children up to age 17 receive a 15% discount on the cruise rate, and those 11 and under enjoy reduced rates on airfare and park entrance fees. Learn More.

Both itineraries offer unique experiences, so you can’t go wrong with either choice. Itinerary A explores the Southern and Central routes, renowned for their pristine beaches and bays, while Itinerary B ventures to the younger islands in the Northern and Western routes, where the volcanic nature is more evident. Each itinerary features a species unique to its route: the Waved Albatross on Española Island (Itinerary A) and the Flightless Cormorant on Fernandina and Isabela Island (Itinerary B). However, you’ll have the chance to witness all of the Galapagos wildlife on both routes, including playful sea lions, blue-footed boobies, Galapagos penguins, and much more. Consider your travel availability when deciding, and if you’re still unsure, you can always inquire about our back-to-back discount for a complete 15-day experience aboard our luxury expedition yachts.

Yes, it’s strongly recommended to stay overnight in Quito or Guayaquil before the cruise. International flights should arrive in Quito (UIO) or Guayaquil (GYE), where you’ll need to spend at least one night at a hotel before departing for the Galapagos on Sunday morning. You can book a return flight for Sunday evening, provided it departs at least three hours after your arrival in UIO or GYE.

Both airports, Quito (UIO) and Guayaquil (GYE), are recommended for flying to and from the Galapagos Islands. However, there are some factors to consider when making your choice. Departing from Quito means you’ll have a short stop in Guayaquil, where more guests may board the flight to the islands. Additionally, Quito airport is located an hour from the city, while Guayaquil airport is in the city, making travel from the hotel to the airport shorter. You can opt to stay in hotels near the Quito airport if it’s more convenient for you. Ultimately, both airports offer viable options for traveling to and from the Galapagos Islands.

Keep in mind that Quito sits at an elevation of 2850 meters above sea level. This could be significant when considering any health restrictions. Conversely, Guayaquil is at sea level.

All cabins are conveniently located on the same deck, offering panoramic, unobstructed views. Each cabin measures 145 square meters.

The three yachts are identical, all purposefully built to sail in the Galapagos. They were inaugurated in 2016, 2019, and 2023. The only difference lies in the decor, while the structure and distribution remain the same across all three vessels.

On Board & Excursions

English is spoken aboard the vessels by guides, concierges, and captains. Additionally, all crew members speak Spanish.

Wi-Fi is available 24/7 for guests in all areas of the yachts and is provided free of charge. However, please note that service may be subject to weather conditions in the area.

Laundry service is available for an extra charge, but please note that we do not offer ironing services.

Every guest has an open tab at the bar and boutique, which is settled on the last day of the cruise, as well as for laundry services. We accept cash (US Dollars), MasterCard, or VISA credit cards only.

You may order a bottle of wine or a birthday cake to be served at dinnertime. Please note that bringing flowers to the Galapagos is prohibited, and the use of balloons is not allowed onboard. Kindly advise us at least 30 days prior to departure. The cost can be added to you final bill.

US Dollars

The electric system on board operates on 110V AC with a 60Hz cycle. The plugs used are the same as those in the United States.

Yes, each cabin has its own A/C control, allowing guests to adjust the room temperature as preferred

As an expedition yacht, diving during visits is not permitted due to operational regulations. However, guests can consider booking a dive tour while at Santa Cruz (Thursday on Itinerary A and Saturday on Itinerary B). Alternatively, booking a second week aboard the Galapagos Sky, also part of Ecoventura, offers discounts for back-to-back cruises and the chance to dive in Darwin and Wolf. Learn More.

Yes, bags can be conveniently stored under the beds. We recommend soft-sided luggage for easier storage.

Men are recommended to wear polo shirts along with casual pants or Bermuda shorts. Women can opt for a casual dress or blouse paired with long pants. In terms of footwear, sandals or flat shoes are suggested for both men and women.

Drone use is prohibited in the Galapagos unless you possess a permit specifically allowing their use for commercial purposes or research.

– Maintain a distance of at least six feet from wildlife to avoid disturbing them, even if they approach you.

– Do not touch, pet, or feed the animals. Avoid startling or chasing any animal from its nesting place.

– Avoid disturbing or removing any native plant, rock, or animal on land or in the water.

– Refrain from buying products made from banned substances, including black coral, shells, lava rock, animal parts, or native wood or vegetation.

– Do not transport any live material or sand from one island to another.

– Food or drinks, except for water, are not permitted on uninhabited islands.

– Do not bring any food, animals, or plants to the islands.

– Cooperate fully with inspection officials at the airports.

– Do not leave any trash on the islands or throw litter overboard. Practice “leave no trace” principles to maintain the beauty of the environment.

– Motorized aquatic sports, mini-subs, and aerial drones are not permitted in the national park or marine reserve.

– Flash photography is not permitted when taking photos of wildlife.

– Smoking and campfires are strictly prohibited within the Galapagos National Park protected areas.

– Fishing is only permitted on recreational boats authorized by the Galapagos National Park Directorate (GNPD) licensed for “pesca vivencial.”

 

Additional Rules & Regulations (effective March, 2024):

– Visiting hours to areas of the Galapagos National Park are from 6:00 to 18:00, with diving activities ending at 17:00, excluding permitted night diving.

– The use of sound players such as radios, cellphones, and speakers is only allowed through headphones.

– The use of sunscreen containing harmful chemicals to marine ecosystems is regulated and restricted to sustain and protect the coral reefs.

– Guests are advised to avoid wearing bright-colored clothing and refrain from using selfie sticks to avoid disturbing wildlife.

Guides offer kayaks and paddle boards twice a week in designated areas approved by the Galapagos National Park.

Full 3mm Scuba Pro wetsuits are provided for guests at no extra cost, with various sizes available for men, women, and children. No advance reservation is required, ensuring everyone can comfortably enjoy snorkeling experiences. Masks, fins, and snorkels are also available onboard free of charge, though guests may opt to bring their own for a proper fit.

Wet suits for children are available in sizes S, M, and L, along with two shorty wetsuits for small children.

We recommend Teva sandals or waterproof shoes for wet landings. According to the site, you can also disembark barefoot and wear your hiking shoes afterward. The guides will always brief you on what to wear for each activity

Gratuities for your guides and crew are not included in your rate, as we believe guests should tip the amount they deem appropriate based on their experience. The international standard aboard a luxury vessel is approximately $300 to $350 per guest, per week, to be distributed among all crew members and guides.

Health & Safety

Due to strong currents, there will be moderate movement of the vessel while navigating.  Most passengers are not affected. However, if you are prone to seasickness, we strongly urge you to bring some type of medication to prevent motion sickness.

The yachts are equipped with first aid kits and medical supplies. The Captain and guides are trained in basic First Aid procedures, and all yachts have radio contact with the mainland for any medical emergencies.

Any medical condition or physical disability that may require special attention or treatment must be addressed at the time of booking.

We can meet most dietary requests and accommodate food allergies, including gluten-free and vegan options. Please notify us within 30 days of your arrival.

Filtered drinking water is provided during meals, and sealed water bottles are replenished daily in your cabin. Additionally, a reusable water bottle is provided for refills from the water container in the dining room, which you can take home. We advise against drinking water directly from the tap in your sink.

Smoking is prohibited in enclosed areas aboard the vessels and on the islands. Guests may smoke only in designated outdoor areas on the deck.

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We recommend guests purchase a Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) Travel Insurance Policy to protect their investment before and during the trip. It should be purchased within one day of making the cruise deposit for maximum coverage. Check the Travel Details page for more info.

Ensuring the wellbeing and safety of our guests remains a top priority, and we adhere to rigorous health and hygiene guidelines. Our cleaning procedures follow biosecurity standards established by the World Health Organization (WHO) and are approved by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) under the SAFE TRAVELS program.

We maintain strict food safety standards, including HACCP protocols, and ensure thorough cleanliness and disinfection in dining areas, bars, and kitchens. Our staff strictly adhere to security procedures during food and drink service, and our kitchens undergo ozone disinfection three times a week. Only authorized crew members are permitted in the kitchen during working hours.

The crew arriving from the mainland undergo all controls and procedures at Galapagos airports. They’re trained in Ecoventura’s sanitation protocols and symptom identification, following ISM manual procedures. Hand hygiene, per WHO guidelines, is key for infection prevention, using water and soap.

Each stateroom has its own air conditioning unit, ensuring fresh air circulation. Ozone machines are activated daily in cabins and twice daily in social areas for enhanced cleanliness.

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