The Galapagos is a bucket list destination for many, and now you can have it all to yourself. Ecoventura is letting guests charter their luxury expedition yachts for week-long itineraries this summer, where you’ll privately island hop in the archipelago.
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Starting this month, groups of up to 20 guests can take over the Origin & Theory vessels, which are like floating boutique hotels. In fact, they are the only Galapagos vessels to join the esteemed Relais & Châteaux collection. Onboard there are 10 spacious staterooms with panoramic views, a library, high-end boutique with local handicrafts, a dining room with marble-top tables, a sundeck with daybed, a hot tub, and a modern bar to enjoy a drink as you sail.
But, it’s the activities that make this trip truly unique. The seven-night itinerary includes daily excursions and educational briefings led by two certified naturalists—the most favorable passenger to naturalist ratio in the Galapagos. You can go snorkeling or kayaking, take a beach walk or hiking tour that brings you up close and personal to the destination’s most fascinating species.
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Wildlife wanders freely and fearlessly throughout the archipelago, so you could find yourself swimming with sea turtles, sunbathing with sea lions, or face-to-face with the famous blue-footed boobies especially if no other tourists are around.
“With numbers likely to ramp up slowly, this could be the only time in history to spend time in these magical islands, surrounded by astonishing wildlife and with a host of excursions and activities, yet with so few tourists and other vessels in view,” the company wrote in a statement. “If you ever want to feel like you have the Galapagos to yourself, now is, without doubt, your best shot.”
Guests have the option of two unique itineraries departing every Sunday morning. Itinerary A follows a southern/central role, and itinerary B follows a northern/western route. The two itineraries can be combined for a two-week journey visiting all corners of the Galapagos Islands.
To incentivize charters, Ecoventura is offering a reduced week-long charter rate of $96,600 for up to 20 guests—it's usually $161,000 for the week for up to 20 guests. And to ensure guests don’t have to worry about cancellation fees in an uncertain time, the offer is available through December 13, 2020, with no deposit required, and the trip can be canceled up to 31 days prior.
