Ecoventura MV ORIGIN Galapagos

The 2016-built MV ORIGIN is the first of Ecoventura Galapagos’ three identical ultra-luxury superyachts. Her sisterships are the same-designed MV THEORY (2019) and MV EVOLVE (2023). Ecoventura previously also operated the 1994-built MV Letty (IMO 8978942).

MV ORIGIN (IMO 9802190) is Ecuador-flagged (MMSI 735059381) and registered in Guayaquil.

To make all three fleetmates identical in design and amenities, Ecoventura carried out two drydock refits in 2022 (for ORIGIN and THEORY). MV THEORY’s Jacuzzi, originally positioned on Darwin Deck (Deck 3) behind the Wheelhouse, was moved to the Sun Deck. MV ORIGIN’s Deck 3 layout (behind the Wheelhouse) was also modified to match those of THEORY and EVOLVE.

Ecoventura Company (history and ownership)

The shipowner is Servicios Internacionales Turisticos Situr SA (based in Samborondon, Ecuador), which operates its boutique luxury ships under the Ecoventura Galapagos brand. Founded in February 1980, Situr SA currently employs 22 staff. Its headquarters are in Samborondon, near Guayaquil (Ecuador’s largest city and main seaport).

Ecoventura was founded in 1991 by Santiago Dunn, who remains CEO and President. The family-run company also has 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, A&K Travel Group Ltd (the parent company of Abercrombie & Kent) acquired an equity stake in Ecoventura, bringing the Galapagos operator into A&K’s portfolio. In 2022, A&K also acquired Crystal Cruises (previously owned by the bankrupt Genting Hong Kong). In 2019, A&K acquired Cox & Kings Travel Ltd (UK), part of the historic Indian luxury travel group Cox & Kings Ltd (founded in 1758, bankrupt in 2020). Today Cox & Kings operates in 22 countries, focusing on leisure travel and package vacations, with subsidiaries in North America, Europe, Asia, Australia, and New Zealand.

In 2009, Ecoventura received two prestigious awards: Conde Nast Traveler’s “World Savers Award” and Travel+Leisure’s “Global Vision Award for Green Cruising.”

The company actively supports the Charles Darwin Foundation (CDF, founded 1959) headquartered at the Charles Darwin Research Station in Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz Island. In 2006, Ecoventura and WWF created the Galapagos Marine Biodiversity Fund. In 2017, Ecoventura, CDF, and Galapagos National Park jointly launched the Galapagos Biodiversity & Education for Sustainability Fund (GBESF).

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

Ecoventura is a member of the prestigious Relais & Chateaux Association (est. 1954), which includes 580+ independently owned luxury hotels and restaurants in 68 countries. Membership is reserved for exceptional service, unique experiences, and a strong commitment to sustainability. Ecoventura earned membership thanks to its high standards, unique Galapagos experiences, and environmental initiatives.

Ecoventura’s clientele includes young couples, families, and frequently celebrities and billionaires. The company offers the Galapagos’ lowest guide-to-passenger ratio (1:10). Each yacht is staffed by 13 crew, including a concierge and two naturalist guides.

Decks and Cabins

MV ORIGIN staterooms (10 passenger cabins in total) are all outside, located on Beagle Deck (Main Deck 2). All feature unobstructed ocean views and luxury hotel-style amenities. Eight cabins (four pairs) are interconnected, making them ideal for families.

The 8 crew cabins are located on Finch Deck (Lower Deck 1).

The yacht has 4 decks, with passenger cabins on one deck and crew quarters on another. Having all guest cabins on a single deck is unusual for a Galapagos-based vessel, as most ships distribute accommodations across two or three decks, often with some cabins limited to small portholes.

Cabin amenities include 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 flooring, two to three large windows (non-opening, with shades), a small table/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 feature large non-opening windows that allow natural light into the shower area. Showers have sliding glass doors, WCs are wall-hung, and all toiletries (soap, shampoo, conditioner) are biodegradable. Premium bathrobes and slippers are also provided.

Triple cabins include a fold-away bed concealed in the ceiling. Complimentary laundry service is available.

Shipboard Facilities and Amenities

Ecoventura’s newbuild yachts feature stylish interiors, spacious lounges, and contemporary all-outside staterooms with premium amenities. They are frequently chartered by small groups or private clients for special occasions.

Onboard venues 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 large Zodiacs (RIBs) for passenger transfers and guided coastal tours. Each Zodiac tour is led by a naturalist guide. Guests are also provided with complimentary snorkeling gear, sea kayaks, and paddleboards. Cruises sail between the islands overnight.

Guests enjoy daily shore excursions, typically starting early after breakfast, using Zodiacs for island landings. Landings are either wet (wading through water) or dry (directly onto rocks). Each stop usually lasts 3–4 hours. Activities include snorkeling (sometimes twice daily), swimming, kayaking, and Zodiac rides. On return, snacks and drinks are offered, followed by more activities or land tours. Meals include buffet breakfasts, BBQ lunches, and gourmet a-la-carte dinners inspired by Relais & Chateaux, featuring fresh local ingredients with vegetarian and vegan options.

The Sun Deck offers ample space for sunbathing and relaxation, furnished with sofas, lounge chairs, daybeds, hammocks, and teak flooring. It also has a bow-facing Jacuzzi served by its own poolside wet bar.

MV ORIGIN carries two Zodiacs, one glass-bottom boat, five tandem kayaks, and two stand-up paddleboards, all complimentary for guests.

All meals and beverages are included in Ecoventura’s fares. Snacks are always available at the Bar. The Open-Bar policy covers wines by the glass, beers, cocktails, spirits, fresh juices, sodas, premium coffee, and teas. Also included are Wi-Fi, wet suits (subject to availability), snorkeling gear, Galapagos transfers (airport-yacht-airport), and all guided tours. Not included are airfare and Galapagos park fees. Crew gratuities (~US$35–50 pp/day or US$250–350 per voyage) are recommended and can be paid in cash or by credit card, then shared equally among the entire crew.

The yacht maintains an Open-Bridge policy, allowing guests to visit the Wheelhouse and converse with the Captain or officers on duty.

Deck 1 houses the crew quarters and mess hall (midship), machinery rooms (aft), and Gym and Sauna (forward).

Itineraries

MV ORIGIN entered service for Ecoventura on January 3, 2016.

Ecoventura’s cruises always depart on Sundays, offering 7-day or 14-day (back-to-back) itineraries to minimize flights.

Wildlife highlights include whales, dolphins, sharks, penguins, sea turtles, sea lions, flamingos, albatrosses, boobies (blue- and red-footed), owls, iguanas, and finches.

Itinerary A

Roundtrip from San Cristobal: San Cristobal (Punta Pitt), Espanola (Punta Suarez, Gardner Bay), Floreana (Punta Cormorant, Post Office Bay), Santa Cruz (Charles Darwin Station), Bartolome and Chinese Hat, South Plaza and North Seymour, returning to San Cristobal.

Itinerary B

Starts in San Cristobal (Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, Cerro Colorado Reserve), then Genovesa (Darwin Bay, Prince Philip’s Steps), Santa Cruz (Las Bachas, Cerro Dragon), Fernandina and Isabela (Espinoza, Tagus Cove), Isabela (Day 5), Santiago and Rabida, Santa Cruz (Puerto Ayora, Rancho El Manzanillo, Charles Darwin Station), ending in San Cristobal (Isla Lobos, Puerto Baquerizo Moreno).

Back-to-Back Cruises

Two-week itineraries combine both A and B. In 2023, fares started at ~US$9500 pp (double occupancy, 7 nights) or ~US$1360 pp per night.

Ecoventura Flights (Avianca, 2023)

Ecoventura arranges Avianca flights for its passengers. At San Cristobal Airport, guests are met by company staff and transferred directly to the yacht. These services are not available for travelers arriving on other airlines.

Avianca operates flights between San Cristobal and Guayaquil or Quito (with a short stop in Guayaquil). Sunday flights include:

• AVIANCA 1630: Quito–Guayaquil (8:00–8:55 am) continuing Guayaquil–San Cristobal (9:50–10:40 am)
• AVIANCA 1631: San Cristobal–Guayaquil (11:35 am–2:20 pm) continuing Guayaquil–Quito (3:20–4:15 pm)

2023 airfares (including taxes and surcharges):

LOW season – Quito r/t US$500 adult / US$375 child; Quito–Galapagos–Guayaquil US$476 / 360; Guayaquil–Galapagos–Quito US$468 / 352; Guayaquil r/t US$445 / 336.

HIGH season – Quito r/t US$553 adult / US$411 child; Quito–Galapagos–Guayaquil US$525 / 393; Guayaquil–Galapagos–Quito US$518 / 385; Guayaquil r/t US$490 / 366.

All fares include airport taxes and fuel surcharges.