Galapagos cruise & island hopping vacation

Planet

This itinerary enables guests to experience the Galapagos’ incredible biodiversity while actively supporting the conservation of the archipelago. Island visits are controlled by the Galapagos National Park Authority and anyone who visits must pay a park fee and comply with the environmental regulations.

We partner with selected boats in the Galapagos which are smaller to reduce environmental impact compared with large cruise ships. The yacht within this itinerary, employs sustainable practices on board with energy-efficient systems, waste management protocols and minimal single-use plastics, to help protect the marine and island ecosystems. The itineraries follow conservation rules and support protected areas as approved by Galapagos National Park Authority and organisations like the WWF.

The cruise provides yearly offsetting in its operations through the United Nations Carbon credits initiatives and with each cruise booked, each passenger contributes to 1.5 tons of carbon offset, one shark protected, and eight pounds of trash collected.

Both hotels on land, boast eco-conscious designs and operations. For example Ikala uses solar energy and provide guests with free bikes, encouraging low-impact transportation around town instead of motorised vehicles.

All tours both on the cruise and on land are led by expert local guides who educate guests on wildlife, ecosystem and conservation challenges. Activities such as hiking, kayaking, cycling, and snorkelling are low-impact ways to experience the islands while minimising damage to fragile ecosystems.

As part of this itinerary, guests visit the Charles Darwin Research Station, giant tortoise breeding centers, and other conservation projects which helps fund critical work in species protection, habitat restoration, and scientific research.

People

The boat is owned by an Ecuadorian family who work closely with our suppliers who manage its operations. The majority of staff on board the cruise are locals who are trained from a young age to fulfil various roles such as Naturalist Guides, chefs, cooks, first mates, captains and more.
For each cruise, where possible supplies comes from regulated and sustainable fishing practices, small-scale farming operations on the islands of Santa Cruz and San Cristobal, and local family-owned food businesses (such as bakeries) allowing the support of local production and keeping money on the archipelago.
Monthly contributions go to the non-profit organisation Fundacion Jonathan by donating food for children and the elderly and contributions also go to the non-profit organisation Fundación Ecos which helps educate local students in environmental sustainability.

By staying on land in local accommodation following the cruise, guests are more likely to spend money locally on food, tours, guides, crafts and so helping communities that live in the islands rather than remote or external operators.