Ecoventura MV EVOLVE Galapagos

The 2023-built MV EVOLVE is the second of three identical ultra-luxury superyachts operated by Ecoventura Galapagos. Her sisterships are the same-designed MV ORIGIN (2016) and MV THEORY (2019). Before EVOLVE entered service in 2023, Ecoventura also operated the 1994-built yacht MV Letty (IMO 8978942).

MV EVOLVE (IMO number 9972268) is currently Ecuador-flagged (MMSI 735060293) and registered in Guayaquil.

Ecoventura Company (history and ownership)

The shipowner is Servicios Internacionales Turísticos Situr SA (based in Samborondón, Ecuador), which operates its boutique luxury fleet under the brand Ecoventura Galapagos. Situr SA was founded in February 1980 and currently employs 22 people. The company’s headquarters are in Samborondón, near Guayaquil (Ecuador's largest city and principal seaport).

Ecoventura's Founder, CEO, and President is Santiago Dunn. The family-run company was established in 1991 and also maintains a sales office in the USA (Miami, Florida). Since 2022, Santiago Dunn has also served as CEO of A&K South America.

In December 2022, the USA-based A&K Travel Group Ltd (parent company of Abercrombie & Kent) signed an equity partnership with Ecoventura SA, making the Galapagos company part of A&K Travel Group. In 2022, A&K also acquired Crystal Cruises (formerly owned by the bankrupt Genting Hong Kong). In 2019, A&K acquired Cox & Kings Travel Ltd (UK-based luxury operator and subsidiary of Cox & Kings Ltd). Cox & Kings, founded in 1758, was once a major Indian luxury travel company (headquartered in Mumbai) but declared bankruptcy in 2020. Today, Cox & Kings operates in 22 countries, specializing in leisure travel and package holidays, with subsidiaries in North America, Europe, Asia, and Oceania.

In 2009, Ecoventura received two major global travel industry awards: Conde Nast Traveler's "World Savers Award" and Travel + Leisure's "Global Vision Award for Green Cruising".

The company is a strong supporter of the CDF-Charles Darwin Foundation (founded 1959) based at the CDRS-Charles Darwin Research Station in Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz Island. In 2006, Ecoventura and WWF (World Wildlife Fund) created the Galapagos Marine Biodiversity Fund. In 2017, Ecoventura partnered with CDF and GANP-Galapagos National Park to establish the GBESF (Galapagos Biodiversity & Education for Sustainability Fund).

In October 2022, Ecoventura partnered with Avianca Airlines (Colombia’s flag carrier and largest airline) to develop a recycling center in the Galapagos, ensuring that island waste is transferred to the mainland.

Ecoventura is a member of the prestigious Relais & Châteaux Association (established 1954), which includes over 580 independently owned luxury hotels and restaurants in 68 countries. Membership excludes chain hotels and is reserved for properties known for exceptional service, haute cuisine, and cultural or historic significance. Ecoventura was accepted for its unique guest experiences, luxury service, and commitment to conservation in the Galapagos.

Ecoventura caters mainly to young couples and families, though its yachts are also frequented by celebrities and billionaires. The company offers the Galapagos’ lowest guide-to-passenger ratio (1:10, one naturalist for every 10 guests). Each yacht carries 13 crew members, including a concierge and two naturalist guides.

Decks and Cabins

MV EVOLVE staterooms (10 passenger cabins total) are all outside-facing and located on Beagle Deck (Main Deck 2). Each offers luxury hotel amenities and unobstructed ocean views. Four pairs (8 cabins) have interconnecting doors, ideal for families.

All crew cabins (8 total) are on Finch Deck (Lower Deck 1).

The yacht has 4 decks, with cabins distributed across two (one for crew and one for passengers). Having all passenger cabins on a single deck is unusual for a Galapagos ship, as most superyachts and smaller vessels distribute guest accommodations across two or three decks, often with portholes instead of large windows.

Cabins feature King-size beds (convertible to twins/singles), premium linens, duvets, three pillows per berth, leather headboards, bedside cabinets with drawers, wall-mounted reading lamps, hardwood floors, two to three large non-opening windows with shades, a writing desk with stool, binoculars, magnifying mirror, reusable water bottles, radio/alarm clock, TV, built-in sound system, mood lighting, and individually controlled air conditioning.

Bathrooms include large windows (non-opening) for natural light, glass-enclosed showers, wall-hung toilets, biodegradable toiletries (soap, shampoo, conditioner), and premium bathrobes and slippers.

Triple cabins include a foldaway ceiling bed. Laundry service is complimentary.

Shipboard Facilities and Amenities

Ecoventura’s yachts feature elegant interiors, spacious public areas, and contemporary furnishings. They are frequently chartered for private events, celebrations, and corporate gatherings.

Facilities include a Bar Lounge, Dining Room, Library, Boutique Shop, Sauna, and a small Fitness Room (equipped with a workout bench, elliptical trainer, exercise bike, and free weights). The yacht carries two Zodiacs (large-capacity rigid inflatable boats) for transfers and excursions, each led by a naturalist. Guests are also provided with complimentary snorkeling gear, sea kayaks, a glass-bottom boat, tandem kayaks, and SUP boards. The ship sails between islands overnight.

Daily excursions begin early after breakfast with Zodiac landings (wet or dry, depending on the site). Guests spend 3–4 hours ashore per site, enjoying wildlife viewing and guided walks. Activities include snorkeling, swimming, kayaking, and Zodiac cruises. After excursions, guests return to the yacht for snacks, juices, leisure activities, or sunbathing, followed by lunch and afternoon tours. Dinner (around 7 pm) features à la carte cuisine inspired by Relais & Châteaux, using fresh, locally sourced ingredients with vegetarian and vegan options available.

The Sun Deck features a bow-facing Jacuzzi, a wet bar, teak flooring, tables, sofas, daybeds, lounge chairs, and hammocks.

All meals, beverages, Wi-Fi, equipment (snorkels, fins, wetsuits, kayaks, SUPs), Galapagos transfers, and guided excursions are included in the fare. Ecoventura’s open-bar policy includes wine, beer, cocktails, spirits, juices, sodas, coffee, and tea. Not included are flights, Galapagos park fees, and crew gratuities (~US$35–50 pp/day, or US$250–350 per voyage). Payments are usually cash but credit cards (Visa/MasterCard) are accepted. Tips are evenly distributed among all crew and guides.

The Open-Bridge policy allows guests to visit the Wheelhouse and talk with the Captain and officers. Deck 1 houses crew quarters, mess hall, machinery spaces (aft), and Gym/Sauna (forward).

Itineraries

MV EVOLVE’s maiden voyage began on January 15, 2023.

Ecoventura’s Galapagos cruises always depart on Sundays (guaranteed departures). Itineraries are 7 days (1 week) or 14 days (2 weeks/B2B), reducing the need for multiple flights.

Wildlife viewing highlights include whales, dolphins, sharks, rays, turtles, sea lions, penguins, flamingos, frigates, pelicans, owls, finches, boobies, mockingbirds, iguanas, and more.

Itinerary A

Departs roundtrip from San Cristobal and visits Punta Pitt, Espanola (Punta Suarez, Gardner Bay), Floreana (Punta Cormorant, Post Office Bay), Santa Cruz (Charles Darwin Research Station), Bartolome, Chinese Hat, South Plaza, and North Seymour.

Itinerary B

Starts in San Cristobal and visits Genovesa (Darwin Bay, Prince Philip’s Steps), Santa Cruz (Las Bachas, Cerro Dragon), Fernandina (Punta Espinoza), Isabela (Tagus Cove, more sites), Santiago, Rabida, and Santa Cruz (Puerto Ayora, Rancho El Manzanillo, Charles Darwin Station), ending in San Cristobal (Isla Lobos, Puerto Baquerizo Moreno).

B2B/Back-To-Back

The 14-day option combines both A and B itineraries.

In 2023, fares started at ~US$9500 pp (double occupancy) for a 7-night voyage (~US$1360 per night).

Ecoventura Galapagos Flights (Avianca, 2023)

Flights are arranged automatically through Ecoventura’s allotment with Avianca. Guests are assisted at San Cristobal Airport and transferred to the yacht. Passengers flying on other airlines do not receive this service.

Avianca flights connect San Cristobal with Guayaquil and Quito (via Guayaquil). Sunday flights operate as follows:

• AVIANCA 1630: Quito–Guayaquil (08:00–08:55), continuing to San Cristobal (09:50–10:40).
• AVIANCA 1631: San Cristobal–Guayaquil (11:35–14:20), continuing to Quito (15:20–16:15).

As of 2023, Avianca’s roundtrip Galapagos fares were:

Low season: Quito–Galapagos–Quito (US$500 adult/US$375 child), Quito–Galapagos–Guayaquil (US$476/US$360), Guayaquil–Galapagos–Quito (US$468/US$352), Guayaquil–Galapagos–Guayaquil (US$445/US$336).

High season: Quito–Galapagos–Quito (US$553/US$411), Quito–Galapagos–Guayaquil (US$525/US$393), Guayaquil–Galapagos–Quito (US$518/US$385), Guayaquil–Galapagos–Guayaquil (US$490/US$366).

All fares include airport taxes and fuel surcharges.