Our Commitment to Sustainable Tourism
Ever since Charles Darwin first set foot in the Galapagos Islands back in 1835, this archipelago has been renowned for its astonishing array of wildlife – a biodiverse paradise unlike anywhere else on Earth. There’s a reason, after all, that the Galapagos Islands were the first-ever entry on UNESCO’s esteemed list of World Heritage Sites.
And while we are incredibly privileged to operate here in one of the planet’s most untouched ecosystems, we also recognize that, as a result, it is our responsibility to do all we can to protect the creatures we share these islands with, both above and below the waves.
The Eco in Ecoventura
Sustainability has been at the heart of what we do since our inception, with efforts to minimize our environmental impact at the core of our operations. We are proud that we started greening the operation decades ago and continue to initiate and support efforts to preserve the Galapagos. We were the first recipient of SmartVoyager, an ecological certification, in 2000 when we voluntarily introduced strict conservation standards that were later incorporated into local regulations.
Our flagship yacht, the Eric, became the first hybrid energy tour boat in Galapagos with the installation of 40 solar panels and two wind turbines. In 2006, Ecoventura became the first carbon neutral operation in Galapagos through carbon offsets through Native Energy and reduced our footprint by 10%. In fact, when we started upgrading our fleet in 2016, our bespoke luxury expedition yachts were designed with this in mind. Wave piercing keels, an underwater bulb and a cutting-edge bow design and stabilization systems reduce drag as the vessels move through the water. With a steel hull and composite material superstructure, the vessels are also lighter than their traditional counterparts.
This design feature allows for more efficient – not to mention smoother and more comfortable – sailing; fuel use, and therefore carbon emissions are reduced by more than 30 percent, whilst nitrogen oxide emissions are 90% lower as catalytic converter systems can be operated 24 hours a day.
Promoting longer stays and lower volume tourism in Galapagos
The Galapagos National Park encompasses the entire Galapagos archipelago, of which only about 3% is populated; the remainder is left for the remarkable creatures who call it home. The park is tightly controlled to ensure tourists and residents alike do not disturb or degrade the landscape, and we have designed our itineraries with this priority in mind.
We offer two itineraries on our three luxury expedition yachts: Itinerary A, known as “Beaches and Bays,” and Itinerary B, or “Volcanic Wonders.” Both are one-week itineraries exploring different parts of the region. Guests who wish to fully immerse themselves can opt to do both itineraries back to back.
Unlike some of our peers, we do not offer shorter three, four, or five-night cruises. These shorter options tend to encourage greater footfall in the islands, resulting in more flights and a higher turnover of visitors, leading to increased carbon emissions and more pressure on this delicate ecosystem.
In summary, our aim is to advocate for higher-quality, longer stays in the islands, while promoting lower-volume tourism in the Galapagos.
Reducing Carbon Emissions
With yachts capable of traveling more efficiently, cruising at speeds 30% faster, guests gain access to islands that would otherwise be out of reach. Moreover, accelerated sailing translates to reduced time spent at sea, with our yachts reaching destinations six hours faster on each of our two itineraries. This equates to six fewer hours of cruising and six fewer hours of fuel combustion.
Our onboard design features prioritize sustainability. Each yacht is equipped with a unique water treatment system and ecological dual-flush toilets, ensuring untreated water isn’t disposed of into the ocean. Additionally, we exclusively use biodegradable cleaning detergents, employ exterior lights that don’t attract insects, utilize cooling elements devoid of R-12 gases, and utilize lead-free paint to avoid damaging delicate reefs.
Looking forward, we’ve partnered with Photon to refit our zodiac launches with electric motors, further reducing fuel usage, carbon emissions, and noise pollution on every voyage.
Reducing Plastic Waste and Pollution
For many years, we have eliminated the use of single-use plastic bottles and straws, offering guests, since 2017, refillable bottles to cut down on one-use plastic and paper straws for those who prefer them. Our yachts are equipped with filtered water refill stations, eliminating the need for single-use water bottles at any time while sailing with us. In our bathrooms, shampoo, soap, and body wash are provided in larger, refillable bottles, avoiding the one-time use throwaways commonly found in hotels worldwide.
We were ahead of the regulations; by 2018, the Governing Council of Galapagos had already restricted the use of certain plastics in the region, including plastic straws, non-returnable plastic bottles, and single-use plastic bags. Conscious of the potential damage plastics can cause and mindful of our broader responsibilities to the islands, we initiated this effort well before it became mandatory, setting an example for our peers to follow.
Sourcing ingredients locally from responsible providers
In our kitchens, our chefs work tirelessly to provide a fine dining experience worthy of a member of Relais & Châteaux, always mindful of the environmental and social impact of our menus.
We prioritize sourcing over 53% of our ingredients locally from small artisan businesses based in the islands. For instance, eggs, bread, and other staples are purchased directly from smallholders on the islands. Fruits and vegetables are procured from San Cristobal, while meats and dairy come from Santa Cruz, with 50% being organic. Fish is a significant part of our menu, and our chefs ensure sustainability in their dishes; for example, “brujo” (scorpion fish) is served instead of salmon, and spiny lobster (a shellfish) are sourced sustainably from local fishermen who operate around the islands.
To further support local producers, we’ve recently introduced wine produced at Dos Hemisferios Bodega in Ecuador as our house label, ensuring our beverages are sourced as locally as possible.
Recycling facility to reduce landfill in the Galapagos
As we continue our sustainability journey and look for new ways to reduce our environmental impact, we recently launched two new state-of-the-art machines to facilitate recycling in the Galapagos. This new initiative, developed in partnership with avianca airlines, is designed to save approximately 9,000 kg of waste annually from being landfilled in the Galapagos Islands.
By enabling the processing of rubbish for transport to recycling centers on the Ecuador mainland, we take immense pride in declaring that none of the waste generated on our yachts will end up in island landfills.
Moreover, our collaboration with Avianca, which operates regular flights between the Galapagos and the mainland, ensures that the scheme avoids any additional carbon emissions. Waste is transported on existing scheduled flights, minimizing environmental impact.
We are dedicated to seeking out new and innovative opportunities to emphasize the “ECO” in Ecoventura. Continuously assessing our operations, we strive to find ways to further safeguard and preserve the abundance of rare flora and fauna that have thrived, untouched, in this natural paradise since long before the islands were first discovered.
Supporting Conservation Efforts in the Galapagos
We have established partnerships with several conservation organizations in the Galapagos, each playing a crucial role in safeguarding wildlife against various threats.
In collaboration with the World Wildlife Fund, we established the Galapagos Marine Biodiversity Fund, which raised over $400,000 to support the local community and funded scholarships for Galapagueño students from 2006 to 2016. Additionally, through our associations with Ecology Project International and Island Conservation, we actively engage in community outreach and mentoring programs, providing vital support for conservation efforts across the islands and surrounding seas.
Charles Darwin Foundation Galapagos Biodiversity & Education for Sustainability Fund
We are deeply committed to supporting the Charles Darwin Foundation (CDF), a non-profit organization dedicated to conducting scientific research in the Galapagos. Established in 1959, the CDF has been instrumental in protecting the natural resources of the Islands and sharing scientific findings for the conservation of this unique living laboratory.
In 2017, we forged a groundbreaking partnership with the CDF and the Galapagos National Park Service to establish the Galapagos Biodiversity & Education for Sustainability Fund (GBESF). This collaborative effort is focused on protecting the rare, often endemic wildlife and flora, and preserving our unparalleled ecosystem for future generations.
Since joining forces with the CDF, we have contributed significantly to their vital efforts, raising over $470,000 for the GBESF. Between 2022 and 2023, we raised $179,000, which has been allocated to various critical projects. Specifically, 35% has been earmarked for educational initiatives, 35% for research and monitoring, 20% for patrolling, eradication of invasive species, and prevention of illegal trade, and 10% for management and administrative purposes.
Furthermore, we support non-profit organizations directly benefiting the Galapagos Islands, such as the Galapagos Conservation Trust, to fund research and tracking of whale shark migration, enhancing our understanding of “swimway” patterns between Galapagos and the Cocos Island. The expansion of the Galapagos Marine Reserve in 2022 was specifically designed to protect migratory species.
Supporting the Local Community in Galapagos
Almost every member of our team is an Ecuadorian national, and approximately 65% call the Galapagos home. Our commitment to supporting the local community comes from the heart; many of our team members have children attending local schools, and they have close family and friends who work on the islands.
Pack for a Purpose
We have collaborated closely with Pack for a Purpose for many years. Founded by Rebecca Rothney, who realized during a trip to Africa that her unused baggage allowance could be utilized for good, this charity is an incredibly inspiring organization that encourages travelers to bring up to 5 lbs (2.27 kilos) of supplies to their destination and donate them to local schools and community projects.
Ecoventura facilitates the delivery of these contributions—stationery, calculators, art equipment, paper, and notepads—directly to Carlos Darwin School and Unidad Educativa Especializada Corazones Unidos located in San Cristobal, benefiting children with disabilities and special needs.
Education for Sustainable Communities (ECOS)
ECOS is a local Galapagos foundation which was spun out of Ecology Project International (EPI) to continue the vital educational programs they began in 2006. With a focus on sustainable development and education, ECOS aims to promote wider conservation efforts and support the conservation work undertaken by the Galapagos National Park. By promoting sustainable, responsible, and active community involvement through inclusive experiential education, youth mobilization and educational research, the organization plays a crucial role in ensuring local community support and training up and inspiring the next generation of conservationists.
Ecoventura has given support to ECOS by facilitating guests to participate in conservation-focused field excursions accompanied by local students, or walking excursions to learn about local traditions and community conservation programs.
