The Galapagos can be an overwhelming experience for clients, albeit the experience of a lifetime.
And having that opportunity with luxury operator Ecoventura aboard a Relais & Chateaux megayacht can make it all the more special. Sure, I squealed with delight the first time I saw a Galapagos penguin, I craned to get the perfect shot of a blue-footed booby, and I belly laughed watching a 2-week-old sea lion pup waddle inexpertly toward the waiting sea.
But with Ecoventura, I found that the onboard experience was just as memorable.
The company operates three identical vessels in the islands: the Theory, Origin and Evolve; I sailed on the Theory. Each holds no more than 20 passengers in 10 cabins, so on each call it felt like we were on our own private island. We explored wide swaths of land covered in rugged volcanic formations where sea lions lazed in tidal pools, and we fanned out to enjoy one-on-one time snorkeling with massive sea turtles and prehistoric marine iguanas.
Ecoventura offers two itineraries, each showcasing similar wildlife and terrain.
Volcanic Wonders traverses the northern and western islands of Genovesa, Isabela and Fernandina, while Beaches and Bays covers the southern and eastern islands of Espanola, Floreana, Bartholome and North Seymour.
Both stop in the populated islands of San Cristobal and Santa Cruz for a bit of local culture.
A double cabin on an Ecoventura yacht. Photo Credit: Ecoventura
Two naturalists live aboard the yacht and quickly become trusted companions as they organize dinghies to the islands, narrate tours and sip coffee with passengers on deck over discussions of conservation efforts and the day's activities.
Ecoventura's itinerary feels just busy enough; every day consists of morning and afternoon excursions -- one in the water, one on land -- each lasts about two hours. Adventures are exhilarating, so most passengers appreciate the downtime relaxing on deck or taking an afternoon siesta.
Entertainment comes in the form of leisurely meals and long talks with new friends; daily happy hours with hors d'oeuvres and cocktails; and naturalist-led presentations on island wildlife and environment. Passengers can also opt for kayaking and paddleboarding off the yacht's Zodiac platform, working out in the small fitness center or spending quiet time in the ship's small library.
A chef prepares ceviche, a favorite Ecuadorian dish, for passengers aboard Ecoventura's megayacht the Theory. Photo Credit: Rebecca Deurlein
Decadence, locally sourced
The food and the service are onboard standouts. Ecoventura focuses on sustainability and sources 53% of its food locally, supporting the farmers and fishermen of these islands and mainland Ecuador. Passengers reap the benefits with daily gourmet breakfast and lunch buffets that feature Ecuadoran recipes along with more internationally familiar foods.
Dinners are fine dining events that open with an amuse-bouche and segue into multiple courses that might include lacquered duck magret; pumpkin soup with goat cheese; Galapagos scorpion fish; and fig pavlova with mixed berries. Attentive waiters pour impressive wines locally sourced from the Bodega dos Hemisferios vineyard in San Miguel Del Morro, Guayas, a small town outside of Guayaquil.
Passengers with dining preferences or limitations are welcomed with delectable vegan or gluten-free options. I opted for a vegetarian meal one night, and although I hadn't pre-arranged it, the chef happily accommodated me. That's the standard of service with Ecoventura: giving passengers the best experience possible, to the point of rarely saying no.
Passengers are always delighted to get their first sighting of the blue-footed booby. Photo Credit: Rebecca Deurlein
Unforgettable moments
One night, our concierge noticed us gathering on the deck to stargaze. She promptly shut off all the lights, and the darkest sky imaginable instantly opened up before us, dotted with crystal clear constellations. Another day, sailing between islands, we spotted an enormous pod of dolphins in the distance. The captain didn't hesitate to navigate a U-turn and follow the pod, while collective "oohs" and "aahs" met shutter clicks and shrieks of excitement.
Thoughtful touches at every turn marked the Ecoventura experience. Cold after a morning snorkel? Crew members are standing by to relieve guests of their gear and hand them a cup of hot chocolate. Clients can also count on announcements 15 minutes before each excursion with instructions about what to wear and bring, so even planning for the day ahead can take a breather on this vacation. And cabins are discreetly and expertly made up and turned down each day.
It's a running theme on Ecoventura. Everything is taken care of, from park entry fees to timed island arrivals to making passengers feel as if they don't have a care in the world. The vibe is laid back, the service is unfussy and the experience reminds you that, yes, the journey is every bit as important as the destination.