ENDEMIC

One of the newest boats in the archipelago, the Origin Luxury Yacht offers deeply pampering service to her guests while caring profoundly for the delicate waters she sails. Environmentally conscious, her hull and motors are designed for efficient and sustainable cruising, while human waste is controlled through special water treatment facilities, biodegradable soaps and shampoos. Her experienced crew of 14 includes a concierge and 2 knowledgeable naturalist guides for 20 people, making for spotless housekeeping and attentive service on board and shore excursions with no more than ten guests per guide. This allows the concierge to more easily accommodate passengers with different interests or activity levels. For example, those who want to be more active can kayak, snorkel or even head out on stand-up paddle boards while others might prefer the glass-bottom boat. On board, the fun continues. Still need a workout? Try the gym with cardio equipment. Want to learn more about the islands? The lounge doubles as a briefing area and there is a library with both books and videos and a collection of board games for the young or young-at-heart. For an additional fee, you can stay connected to the outside world with Wi-Fi.

Sometimes, though, the best way to enjoy the archipelago is just to sit down and watch it go by, be it through the panoramic windows of the ample and elegant interior social areas or from the fabulous sundeck, set up for relaxation with day beds, chaise lounges, hammocks and a salt water jacuzzi. If weather permits, you will eat most of your lunches al fresco on the sun deck. Dinners consist of well-plated gourmet international cuisine including wine and beer, thanks to the open bar policy, and special vegetarian menus and custom orders are available for anyone with dietary restrictions. If you’re still hungry, there’s a 24-hour snack bar – great for the young ones when you set out on special family or other themed departures.

And if you’re traveling with the family, what better way to discover Galapagos than with 4 interconnecting cabins and 2 triple accommodations. The Origin offers 10 spacious deluxe staterooms, all on the same deck, each with 2 twin beds that can be converted to kings. All of the staterooms include private bathrooms and large panoramic windows abound, even in the showers. Individual air-conditioning controls, a safe deposit box, a universal docking station, fine linens and amenities such as hair dryers and bathrobes. The staterooms are decorated with local art and designed with plentiful storage space and, as an added treat, each one has an AppleTV fully loaded with movies, television series and documentaries. Housekeeping is spotless and includes a turndown service with fine Ecuadorian chocolates.