by Sarah Kuta
Last updated: 11:20 AM ET, Tue July 16, 2024
A new expedition yacht is now sailing in the Galápagos Islands: the Galapagos Explorer, from luxury travel company andBeyond.
The 124-foot vessel began sailing last month on June 15. It operates on two, 7-night routes exploring the east and west regions of the iconic islands. With just six suites and cabins, the yacht can accommodate up to 12 guests and two expert guides.
“A uniquely biodiverse environment with the highest number of endemic species in the world, the Galápagos is a natural choice for the further expansion of our portfolio in South America,” says Joss Kent, the company’s executive chairman and chief executive officer. “We are absolutely thrilled to finally bring our brand of responsible tourism to this precious part of the world, which the Ecuadorian government has protected from over-tourism by strictly limiting the number of operating licenses issued.”
The ship, which was recently refurbished, has one of the best guest-to-staff ratios in the Galápagos. Travelers can choose from two luxury suites and four cabins, and enjoy shared indoor and outdoor public spaces.
Guests can participate in shore excursions like snorkeling, birdwatching, hiking and more.
“We have long believed that the best way to encourage our guests to help protect the world’s wild places is for our skilled guides to help travelers not only fall in love with those places, but also to gain an understanding of the threats that they are facing,” says Kent. “This is what we are aiming to do with our luxury yacht, where two knowledgeable guides will host just twelve guests, showcasing the wonder and mystery of this exceptional destination.”
During the refurbishment, crews also overhauled the ship’s engines and generators to improve fuel efficiency and lower the vessel’s carbon footprint. The company’s leaders have their eyes on additional sustainability features in the future.
“While some advanced sustainability elements, such as certain solar and electric technologies, are not yet readily available in this environment, we are closely monitoring development in these areas,” says Kent. “As new solutions become available, we continue to evaluate their operational viability in a remote destination like the Galapagos, which has limited-service capabilities. Once these technologies become operationally viable, we plan to implement them.”
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