Conservation-led luxury travel company andBeyond has announced the extension of its South America portfolio with the launch of an expedition yacht in the Galapagos Islands. The 38m (124ft) yacht, andBeyond Galapagos Explorer, will operate on two seven-night routes in the east and west of the islands.

With six suites and cabins, the yacht will cater for a maximum of 12 guests, with two expert guides present on each departure. The high guest-to-staff ratio is said to make the Galapagos Explorer the most exclusive yacht operating in the islands. The vessel has spacious indoor and outdoor guest areas, as well as four cabins and two luxury suites.

Currently undergoing an extensive refurbishment of its interiors, the andBeyond Galapagos Explorer’s first departure is planned for 17 June 2024.

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 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 feature 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.

“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,” says andBeyond executive chairman and CEO, Joss Kent. “We are absolutely 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.”

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. 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 includes 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 have plenty of opportunities for land and sea activities such as snorkelling, hiking and birdwatching, as well as having an abundance of unique and interesting land, air and marine species.

In keeping with the company’s stated mission ‘to leave our world a better place’, andBeyond will apply its ethos of ‘care of land, people and wildlife’ to its new base of operations. It plans to extend its Oceans Without Border initiative into the area and hopes to be able to review and implement projects that support the Galapagos’ incredible land and wildlife. Additionally, in line with its dedication to community development, it also aims to train and upskill local residents, as well as to highlight local procurement opportunities.

All images courtesy of andBeyond.

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