Our family-owed luxury expedition cruise company has, for nearly three decades, led adventurous travelers to one of the most extraordinary and untouched corners of the Earth. As both owner and operators of a refined collection of upscale yachts, we are experts in crafting transformative experiences by connecting explorers with the inspiring wildlife of the Galapagos.
At Ecoventura we provide emotional, authentic adventures that emphasize the destinations awe-inspiring features while minimizing our impact on the delicate ecosystem. For a voyage that caters to every traveler’s fancies without compromising our commitment to sustainability, please join us on one of Ecoventura’s next sailings.
Our collection of expedition yachts include; two luxury expedition yachts, the Origin and Theory, a first-class yacht, Letty, the 16-passenger luxury dive live-aboard, Galapagos Sky.
Ecoventura was born out of a desire to offer small groups the most inspiring wildlife experience possible in the Galapagos while offering hands-on exploration of nature with enough varied activities sure to leave a lasting impression in each guest’s life; hiking through trails of volcanic formations or nesting sea birds, on a secluded beach with hundreds of sea lions, snorkeling with penguins and sharks, kayaking in a secluded cove or taking a zodiac ride to explore the shoreline and spot wildlife. We understand that ecosystems are fragile, yet important environments, and know first-hand the impact our adventures have on sustaining local communities. With profound respect and admiration, we gain a renewed spirit about how amazing nature can be on every journey.
Leading the way in sustainable tourism, Ecoventura was the first company to earn the voluntary certification, Smart Voyager and the first company in Galapagos to offset carbon emissions and install solar powered energy sources. To ensure the local community benefits from tourism, the company established the Galapagos Marine Biodiversity Fund in partnership with the World Wildlife Fund in 2006 to support marine conservation by strengthening the local communities’ ability to manage natural resources. In 2017, a new partnership was formed with Ecoventura and the Charles Darwin Foundation to create the Galapagos Biodiversity & Education for Sustainability Fund. Ecoventura annually supports Ecology Project International through scholarships and career mentoring for local high-school students to study conservation directly in the field and ecology-related issues. The company partners with local non-profits to bring needed supplies through Pack for a Purpose.
Through these various initiatives the company has become the pacesetter in responsible tourism to preserve and protect the Galapagos Islands. When Ecoventura decided to upgrade their fleet of first class yachts with a brand new luxury vessel, the goal was to create a fully customized luxurious interior without compromising environmental impact. Due to the success of the Origin, the company has built a second luxury vessel, the MV THEORY, that began operations in March, 2019. Ecoventura continues to lead the way and hopefully inspiring others toward a more sustainable operation.
Ships
Ecoventura has recently transformed the culinary offerings on their fleet and now offer locally sourced, healthy and gourmet style menus designed by the culinary talent of Chef Francisco Ventimilla, Director of the esteemed gastronomy school in Guayaquil, University Espiritu Santo. Chef Francisco trained our on board chefs in his techniques, many of whom have worked in the kitchens of Ecuador’s finest hotels or in popular restaurants in the upscale suburb of Samborondon.
Ecoventura’s clientele are often drawn to this fleet because of the company’s commitment to environmental issues. Therefore it makes sense to align the kitchens with the sustainable philosophy. As you discover how fragile life is in the Galapagos, and as you experience the enormous effort that helps keep tourism possible in this region, you will appreciate even more the creative culinary presentations that appear as if by magic from small galleys on these expedition yachts.
Ecoventura follows a holistic approach toward healthier living on board.
Ecoventura’s pacesetting approach to healthier fare underscores our holistic approach to Galapagos cruising: continued environmental stewardship, promotion of healthier living and support for local communities inside the ship. To better cater to our clients needs, our culinary-school trained chefs have introduced a healthy dining menu built around natural and organic foods purchased locally from island farmers. The menus have increased its infusion of organic content; more than 25 percent of produce comes from the Galapagos, mainly fruits and vegetables from San Cristobal and meats and dairy from Santa Cruz Island; and 48.07 percent are completely organic. We can meet dietary requests for vegetarian and vegan meals as well as low-sodium and gluten free are available upon request.
Because you are on an adventure cruise and several times a day will be snorkeling and hiking, you don’t have to worry about calories. Also the chefs are watching out for you with reduced-calorie, health-conscious preparations (avoiding fried and heavily sauced foods) that are also low in fat and sodium content. Special-needs diets can be accommodated: vegetarian or vegan, gluten free and low sodium/low fat. Plus your chef thoughtfully presents desserts in small servings that you can enjoy without feeling guilty. House wine (red or white Chilean) and local beer (Pilsener) are served at dinner with no limit and at no additional charge.
Origin - Gratuities to guides and crew
Aboard our vessels, gratuities are not included. We prefer that our guests reward our crew based on their performance. Tipping is a personal matter and passengers are encouraged to tip an amount they find appropriate. For those passengers who inquire, we suggest they follow international guidelines of US $300-350 per person per week. Gratuities are divided among all 13 crew members including two naturalist guides.
Eric and Letty - Gratuities to guides and crew
We believe our crew members provide world class service and we hope you agree. We do not add an automatic service charge to your account as we prefer that guests reward our crew solely based on their performance at the end of their cruise. If you would like to do so, any amount you feel appropriate is truly appreciated. However, for guests who might wonder what the typical amount is, we suggest each of our passengers to leave in between US $250 – $300 per week which is the international standard for a First class vessel like this. Cash is our suggested method of payment on board. You could also charge the gratuity to your credit card by using your Visa or MasterCard. Gratuities are distributed among all crew members including naturalist guides.
Family Departures
Ecoventura welcomes families with children ages twelve and up on all expedition vessels throughout the year. Families with children ages seven and up can travel on one of our designated Family Departures, Family TEEN departures or Family GRADUATION departure. These trips are geared towards families who prefer to travel with other families with other similar aged children. Designated family departures are offered over school breaks in the US and feature age-appropriate activities depending on the ages and number of children on board. Our naturalists know how to bring these Islands they love to life and to balance learning with fun for the entire family.
Family departures are ideal for children ages 7 to 12
Kids can visit the bridge and learn about navigational charts and tie nautical knots with our Captain. Special parties include games with prizes, drawing contests, ice cream social sundaes and our King Neptune costume party and talent show. We also have board games, books and DVDs on board that are suitable for children. There are masks, fins, wet suits and life vests in child sizes available. A separate briefing geared toward the younger ones and kid-friendly menus are offered on family departures (in addition to the regular menu for adults:
Here is a sample:
Breakfast: hot chocolate, milk, apple juice, fruit loops, lucky charms, pancakes, fresh fruit, bagels with crème chese, muffins, Lunch: hot dogs, hamburgers, turkey or tuna sandwich, plain pastas, mac and cheese. Dinner: spaghetti with marinara sauce, chicken fingers, steaks, French fries or baked potato, vegetables. Desert: Ice crème, Jello, cakes. Snacks: pizzas, pop corn, pretzels, chips