A New Luxury Option For Sailing in the Galapagos Islands

Looking for a bucket list adventure with a luxurious twist? Those who are should look no further than Ecoventura’s new MV Origin.  A leader in sustainable cruising through the Galapagos Islands, Ecoventura’s newest premium class yacht, MV Origin, offers the trip of a lifetime with plenty of comforts and luxuries to enjoy along the way.

The 20-passenger luxury mega-yacht features 10 deluxe staterooms distributed throughout one deck, and offers a variety of onboard amenities designed especially for the discerning traveler. These include locally inspired gourmet cuisine, an open bar policy, a Jacuzzi and fitness center – making it the only vessel in its category with a fitness room. MV Origin also features expansive indoor and outdoor social and observation areas, allowing for easy and comfortable viewing of the islands’ unique scenery and topography. The vessel is also ideal for family travel, offering connecting and triple cabins.

The newest and only vessel of its kind, MV Origin is redefining the cruising experience by combining modern sophistication with environmental responsibility, alternating between seven-night A & B itineraries to reduce the impact of visits to the islands’ most popular sites. Both itineraries include daily, personalized excursions with optional snorkel and kayak tours led by two certified onboard naturalists.

Wildlife encounters and offshore experiences range from going on a nature walk and marveling at pre-historic land iguanas and lava lizards to slipping into a sea kayak and discovering hidden tide pools and mangrove forests.  Guests can explore beaches of red, green and black sand and the hardened lava fields smeared into the edges of the shores. They can swim back and forth across the equator with sea lions that perform an underwater ballet or put on a mask and enter the delicate balance of life underwater, watching schools of graceful spotted eagle rays gliding below.  Wildlife wanders freely and almost fearlessly in the Galapagos. With its dramatic and desolate beauty, this remote island group is home to some of the most unique species in the world. Many are endemic such as the Galapagos tortoise, marine and land iguanas, the flightless cormorant and, of course, Darwin’s famous finches.

In addition to offering the most favorable guide-to-passenger ratio in the region with just 10 guests per guide, MV Origin also has the most favorable passenger-to-crew ratio in this segment with 13 crewmembers. The yacht was designed as one of the most environmentally friendly vessels in the Galapagos, reducing fossil fuel consumption by over 30% from similar yachts in the archipelago. As well as being 50% more spacious than the existing vessels, the bow is designed to cut through the waves for smoother sailing, allowing the cruising speed to be 30% faster than the rest of the fleet.

Rates for 2016 start at $6,500 per person based on double occupancy, and include all meals, beverages and snacks, Captain’s welcome and farewell social gatherings, an open bar policy including wine and spirits, guided shore excursions, snorkel equipment and multiple sea kayaks, as well as transfers in the islands between the airport and dock.

For those traveling with the family, Ecoventura offers departures across its fleet that are organized by age, so families with children (aged 7+) and teens can travel together - keeping like-minded travelers on the same wavelength.  There are a number of activities on these departures geared towards kids, including the opportunity for them to visit the bridge, learn about navigational charts and tie nautical knots with the Captain. Special parties can also be organized and include games with prizes, drawing contests, talent shows and ice cream social sundaes. On itinerary B, there is even a special celebration of crossing the equator with a King Neptune costume party.

To continue celebrating Earth Day, Ecoventura is currently offering a 10% discount off select departure dates when booked between now and May 22.  The dates include the following: M/Y ERIC or LETTY:  Oct 2-9, Oct 16-23, Oct 23-30 and on MV ORIGIN:  Sep 25-02 Oct, Oct 09-16, Oct 16-23, Oct 23-30, Oct 30-06 Nov.

In addition, to help support the recent Ecuador earthquake relief efforts, Ecoventura will donate $100 to thewaterbearers.org through IGTOA for every passenger confirmed.  They are based in Ecuador and 100% of donations will go directly to providing earthquake victims with a safe source of water.

For a full list of 2016 departures and corresponding itineraries, please visit www.origingalapagos.com. To make a reservation, visit www.ecoventura.com using the “Book Now” form, email Galapagos Network at info@galapagosnetwork.com, or call 800-633-7972.