Conservation-led luxury travel company andBeyond has announced an extension of its South America portfolio with the launch of an expedition yacht in the Galapagos Islands.
Named the andBeyond Galapagos Explorer, the 38-metre (124-foot) yacht will operate on two seven-night routes in the east and west of the famed Galapagos Islands.
Boasting just four cabins and two luxury suites, the yacht will cater for a maximum of 12 guests, with two expert guides present on each departure.
According to andBeyond Executive Chairman & CEO, Joss Kent, the Galapagos is a uniquely biodiverse environment with the highest number of endemic species in the world, and a natural choice for the further expansion of the company's portfolio in South America.
"We are thrilled to finally have the opportunity to 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 licences issued," Kent said.
"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 travellers not only fall in love with those places, but also gain an understanding of the threats that they are facing."
With only 12 guests on board, the elevated guest-to-staff ratio will make the Galapagos Explorer the most exclusive yacht operating in the islands. Currently undergoing an extensive refurbishment of its interiors, the ship will depart on its first cruise on 17 June 2024.
Species found nowhere else on earth
The Galapagos Islands are an archipelago in the eastern Pacific Ocean located about 900 kilometres (560 miles) to the west of Ecuador, the country to which they belong. The islands straddle the equator and are therefore situated in both the northern and southern hemispheres. The islands are famous for their diverse and endemic plant and animal species, and the well-documented observations of British naturalist, Charles Darwin.
The Galapagos consists of 18 main islands, three smaller islands, and 107 rocks and islets. Designated a World Heritage Site in 1978, 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.
The islands also display unique geographical features, and each has created a distinct ecosystem of its own, with strict conservation measures in place to preserve the delicate balance. The Charles Darwin Research Centre, located on Santa Cruz Island, focuses on conservation efforts and conducts scientific research to protect the rare biodiversity of the islands.
Choice of itineraries
Operating on two different seven-night itineraries, the andBeyond Galapagos Explorer will offer 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 the magnificent formation of Kicker Rock, located just off San Cristóbal Island, as well as sightings of the critically endangered waved albatross 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 Fe land iguana on Santa Fe Island.
Both itineraries present plenty of opportunities for land and sea adventures such as snorkelling, hiking and birdwatching, as well as a plethora of unique and interesting land, air and marine species. Rates for both itineraries start at US$10,950 per person sharing per seven-night cruise.
Focus on local benefits
In keeping with its stated mission to leave the world a better place, andBeyond will apply its ethos of Care of Land, People and Wildlife to its new base of operations. The company's Oceans Without Borders (OWB) initiative is a collaborative marine conservation project founded in partnership with Africa Foundation, its long-standing community and conservation development partner. This dedicated program spans andBeyond's marine footprint, encompassing the seascapes surrounding the islands of Benguerra and Vamizi in Mozambique, and Mnemba Island in Zanzibar.
andBeyond plans to extend OWB to the Galapagos and hopes to be able to review and implement projects that support the islands' incredible land and wildlife. Furthermore, in line with its dedication to community development, it aims to train and upskill local residents, as well as to highlight local procurement opportunities.
Ship photos: andBeyond