Conservation-led luxury travel company, &Beyond, has extended its South American portfolio with the launch of an expedition yacht in the Galapagos Islands.
Named the &Beyond Galapagos Explorer, the 38m yacht operates on two seven-night routes in the east and west of the famed Galapagos Islands.
Boasting just six suites and cabins, the yacht caters for a maximum of 12 guests, with two expert guides present on each departure.
“A uniquely biodiverse environment with the highest number of endemic species in the world, the Galapagos is a natural choice for the further expansion of our portfolio in South America. 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 overtourism by strictly limiting the number of operating licences issued,” said &Beyond Executive Chairman and CEO, Joss Kent.
With only 12 guests on board, the guest-to-staff ratio makes the Galapagos Explorer the most exclusive yacht operating in the islands.
The vessel offers spacious indoor and outdoor guest areas, as well as four cabins and two luxury suites. Following an extensive refurbishment, the &Beyond Galapagos Explorer set sail on its first departure last month.
Situated on the equator, the Galapagos consists of 18 main islands, three smaller islands, and 107 rocks and islets. Designated a World Heritage Site in 1878, the islands are home to a remarkable variety of flora and fauna, with many species found nowhere else on earth. Notable species include the Galapagos giant tortoise, marine iguana, and blue-footed booby.
With its two different seven-night itineraries, the &Beyond Galapagos Explorer offers the choice of discovering the east or the west of the main cluster of islands, while including the highlights of the destination in both.
Highlights of the eastern itinerary include seeing the two 148m-high rock formations of Kicker Rock, just off San Cristóbal Island, as well as sightings of the critically endangered Waved Albatross, with its 2,5m wingspan, in Gardner Bay on Española Island.
The western Itinerary features highlights that include exploring the geographical centre of the Galapagos Islands, Sombrero Chino Island as well as close encounters with the rare Santa Fé land iguana on Santa Fé Island.
Both itineraries present plenty of opportunities for land and sea adventures such as snorkelling, hiking and birdwatching, as well as encounters with unique land, air and marine species.
Rates for both itineraries begin from US$10 950 (R197 860) per person sharing per seven-night cruise.
