Excitement is building as we edge ever closer to the imminent arrival of Evolve, the sister ship to our two luxury expedition yachts Origin and Theory.
Our luxury vessels are the only yachts sailing the Galapagos that are members of Relais & Chateaux, delivering unrivalled luxury to guests and offering access to the very best the archipelago can offer.
Evolve, which has been over three years in the making, is identical to its sibling ships Origin & Theory. Combined, the three yachts complete the Ecoventura fleet, which has retired (or replaced) older vessels and, in doing so, created a fleet that is quicker, larger, and more efficient than ever before.
And with ten light and spacious designer staterooms, accommodating up to 20 guests, ensuring unparalleled panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, guests are guaranteed the same incredible levels of comfort and service as ever before.
Families can request interconnecting rooms and triple berths, whilst a two-room premium suite upgrade will also be available for those looking for a little extra space and intimacy. The design of the vessels provides an immersive experience for guests, enabling them to fully absorb the exquisite landscape and extensive flora and fauna of the islands from anywhere on board – check out the roof top jacuzzi for a great spot to unwind after a day exploring the islands!
Evolve will set sail on her maiden voyage in January 2023, sailing on our two week-long itineraries:
Itinerary A – Beaches and Bays – covers the southern and central region of the archipelago, taking in some of the islands’ finest beaches and a huge hit for budding ornithologists.
Itinerary B – Volcanic Wonders – explores the more remote islands to the north and west of the Galapagos, where stunning volcanic landscapes vie with incredible wildlife for our passengers’ attention.
If choosing between the two expedition cruises proves too much of a challenge, the two can be combined into an unforgettable two week long voyage of discovery.
With the lowest guest-per-guide ratio on offer in the Galapagos, Ecoventura takes luxury cruising to another level, and guests can expect the same standard on the newly launched Evolve. Picture a 24-hour concierge service, excellent amenities, fresh, locally sourced cuisine and guided excursions from expert naturalist guides with an encyclopaedic knowledge and a passion for the archipelago.
Santiago Dunn, Ecoventura CEO explains: “Think of us as floating boutique hotels operating complete with a concierge and offering an exquisite level of service, cuisine and amenities you would expect from a Relais & Chateaux property.”
In addition to its ten beautifully appointed staterooms, Evolve will offer numerous communal areas from which guests can relax and unwind. The sundeck comes equipped with a jacuzzi, daybeds, sun loungers and an open bar serving delicious al fresco drinks, while guests will enjoy snacks and barbecue lunches from under a shaded canopy on the deck. After a morning snorkelling or paddle boarding, enjoy a refreshing outdoor shower before reclining on a chaise longue to watch the islands glide past in the distance.
Below deck, Evolve offers a fitness center complete with cardio equipment, and a comfortable salon lounge where guests gather for briefings and mingle in the evenings.
Bibliophiles will be impressed by the well-stocked library featuring books on the history and exploration of the Galapagos and, of course, Darwin’s pioneering works. Our delightful boutique sells gifts, handicrafts and souvenirs, while the open bar burgeons with soft drinks and juices, along with beers, cocktails and fine wines.
Maximum comfort, minimum environmental impact
Ensuring that sustainability is at the heart of what we do remains a top priority for Ecoventura. Evolve’s cutting edge design features ensure a significant reduction in energy use and carbon emissions, whilst the smaller, more exclusive size of our luxury expedition yachts mean we can reach parts of the archipelago that remain inaccessible to larger cruise ships.
“A wave piercing keel and underwater bulb reduces drag and provides a more comfortable and efficient ride, with the stabilizing system and cutting-edge bow design allowing for smoother and faster sailing” CEO Santiago Dunn explains. “The hull being steel, and the superstructure made of composite materials, also makes the vessel stable and light to reduce fuel consumption.”
Continuing to push the boundaries when it comes to reducing our environmental impact on the islands, we have recently partnered up with airline Avianca to open a recycling centre which will ensure no waste from our vessels will be sent to landfill in the Galapagos – a saving of up to 9 tons (9,000kg) of rubbish a year.
And in even more cutting edge news, we are also excited to announce an upgrade to our fleet of zodiacs, the launches we use for daily excursions from our vessels. In partnership with Photon Marine, which is at the forefront of developing clean power technology for the marine industry, our zodiacs have been fitted with electric motors, once again reducing our dependence on fossil fuels and reducing our carbon footprint as a result. This means that our passengers will be able to appreciate the beauty of the Galapagos free from the noise and pollution we so desperately need to reduce to protect this fragile paradise.
For further information, to reserve your cabin or privately charter Evolve, Origin or Theory, please contact the team who will be delighted to assist you. Information is available on our website, or you can email us at info@galapagosnetwork.com, or call 800-633-7972.
We hope to welcome you on board soon!
