Set Departure - Ecoventura

M/V Origin

Luxury Galapagos Cruise

Ecoventura M/V Origin

M/V Origin is Ecoventura’s most luxurious vessel. Sleek, stylish and modern it has the essence of a luxury boutique hotel and every element of the yacht has been designed for comfort, safety and sustainability. It accommodates a maximum of just twenty guests in ten luxurious cabins, or ‘staterooms’, all located on the main (Beagle) deck. Spacious and airy, they boast stylish contemporary décor, individual climate control, plush bedding, private modern bathrooms and plenty of storage space. All cabins offer unobstructed views of the ocean with large windows revealing the incredible landscapes of the islands and breathtaking ocean. Facilities on board included a fully equipped gym, a sundeck with shaded day beds and a Jacuzzi. The well-stocked library offers plenty of reading material and briefings and enrichment lectures are delivered in the comfortable lounge. Every day expert chefs use fresh, locally sourced ingredients to produce a menu of gourmet cuisine and the elegant dining room features marble table tops and flexible configurations for private or group dining.

Ecoventura alternates two different 7-night itineraries to prevent over-usage of any sites but both itineraries are equally spectacular and showcase the very best in the Galapagos’ natural history. If required, the two itineraries can be combined for a longer, two-week journey visiting every corner of the Galapagos Islands. Whilst on board MV Origin you will be guided by two naturalist guides – one for every ten guests which is the lowest guide to guest ratio in Galapagos. This ensures an outstanding learning experience and intimate wildlife encounters.

Each day, you will explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site on two guided land excursions with activities including walks along pristine beaches, hikes on volcanic lava or tunnels among lush vegetation. Observe wildlife up close and unafraid of human visitors such as giant tortoises, land iguanas, sea lions, penguins, blue-footed boobies and whales (seasonal). Explore the marine environment by Zodiac, glass-bottom boat, or while snorkelling, kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding with all equipment provided on a complimentary basis.

Travelling aboard a sustainable, state of the art luxury vessel in comfort and style, a voyage aboard MV Origin is the very best way to experience the wonder of the Galapagos Islands.

You will love

  • Luxury, style and comfort
  • Sustainable with sound environmental policies
  • Small group excursions led by naturalists
  • Kayaking, paddle boarding, snorkelling, glass bottom boats and more

8 UNFORGETTABLE DAYS

PLEASE NOTE:

This example itinerary is based on the 8D|7N Northern and Western Route itinerary for Ecoventura MV Origin. Please contact us for further details and alternative itineraries.

DAY 1

Upon arrival on San Cristobal Island, guides will take you to the right vessel. After a short bus ride and zodiac transfer, transfer to the yacht in time for lunch. Participate in a safety briefing before exploring El Junco Lake (the caldera of an extinct volcano). Return to the boat in time for a welcome dinner and the opportunity to get to meet your fellow passengers.

DAY 2

On a zodiac look for wildlife at Cerro Brujo – namely brown pelicans and blue-footed boobies. Arrive to the beach and enjoy walking around, perhaps a swim with sea lions or there is the option to paddle board or kayak. Return to the yacht for a bbq lunch before an afternoon hike at Punta Pitt which is one of the best sites for bird watching. Return to the boat late afternoon for dinner and to relax or browse the onboard library.

DAY 3

This morning arrive to Punta Suarez on Espanola Island. Look out for endemic species such as the waved albatross and be careful not to step on marine iguanas sunbaking on the rocks. Explore the site looking out for more birdlife before returning to the yacht for lunch (weather permitting) and for a cooking demo. After lunch there are multiple activities to choose from, before returning to the yacht for a briefing and dinner.

DAY 4

Step ashore at Punta Cormorant’s olive-sand beach with the sounds of sea-lions, lave herons, yellow-crowned night herons and blue-footed boobies as you walk around Floreana (Charles) Island. Explore a trail where sea turtles lay their eggs and sting rays swim in the water. Snorkel at Devil’s Crown or at Champion Islet. Enjoy lunch before stopping at Floreana to post a letter, then look out for sea turtles at Baroness Point. This evening dinner will include a fun-filled entertaining pirate themed party (optional).

DAY 5

Arrive to Puerto Ayora and explore the lava tunnels at El Mirador and Los Gemelos (The Twins), a pair of massive craters. Then visit a privately owned ranch where tortoises roam free! After lunch back on board visit the Charles Darwin Research Station, then have some free time to explore the town as you walk back to the dock. You’ll have the option to have dinner on land with transfers provided, or to return to the yacht for a multi-course dinner. A briefing will be held in the afternoon to allow for extra time in the evening.

DAY 6

Today you have two options for a morning activity – a hike on Bartolome Island, or a zodiac ride around the island to look for penguins. Return to the vessel for a bbq lunch (weather permitting), before more adventures wildlife viewing in the afternoon (these vary depending on the boat you are on). After dinner this evening your guide will offer an enrichment lecture.

DAY 7

This morning start out at South Plazas, a small islet where you can explore plants and animals, birds and which is also a colony of bachelor sea lions. Lunch is at North Seymour Island where you can see frigate birds with their chests inflated, seeking mates. Snorkel here in deeper water and look out for sharks, sea lions and starfish along with a variety of tropical fish. Enjoy a champagne toast on board to celebrate a wonderful week at the Captain’s farewell party. Here you will receive information regarding disembarkation tomorrow. After dinner tonight there will be a special presentation from your guides too.

Day 8

Disembark the yacht after breakfast. To sum up the trip, visit the Interpretation Centre on San Cristobal to discover more about the human history on the Galapagos Islands. Enjoy a brief walk or bus ride into town, take some last minute photos and back to the airport for your journey back to the mainland.

ACCOMMODATION

Aboard the Ecoventura M/V Origin

Ecoventura M/V Origin

Ecoventura alternates two different 7-night itineraries in the Galapagos islands, exploring this UNESCO World Heritage Site embarking on guided land excursions while observing local wildlife such as giant tortoises, land iguanas, sea lions, blue-footed boobies and more, while travelling on a state of the art luxury vessel in comfort and in style. Read more

NEED TO KNOW

8 days/7 nights Northern and Western Route OR Southern and Central Route

8 days/7 nights Northern and Western Route OR Southern and Central Route

START: San Cristobal, Galapagos Islands     |     Finish: San Cristobal, Galapagos Islands

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