Ecoventura MV THEORY Galapagos

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

MV THEORY (IMO number 9855616) is currently Ecuador-flagged (MMSI 735059899) and registered in Guayaquil.

To ensure design and amenity consistency across the fleet, in 2022 Ecoventura conducted drydock refits for both THEORY and ORIGIN. MV THEORY’s Jacuzzi (originally located on Darwin Deck/deck 3, behind the Wheelhouse) was relocated to the Sun Deck. ORIGIN’s Deck 3 layout (behind the Wheelhouse) was also modified to match the layouts 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 fleet under the Ecoventura Galapagos brand. Situr SA was founded in February 1980 and currently employs 22 staff.

The company’s headquarters are in Samborondon, 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 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 operator part of A&K Travel Group. In the same year, A&K also acquired Crystal Cruises (previously owned by the bankrupt GHK/Genting Hong Kong). Earlier, in 2019, A&K acquired Cox & Kings Travel Ltd (UK-based, part of Cox & Kings Ltd, founded in 1758) via its subsidiary C&K Luxury Travel Ltd. Cox & Kings Ltd declared bankruptcy in 2020 but continues operations in 22 countries, specializing in leisure travel and package holidays, with subsidiaries in North America, Europe, Asia, Australia, and New Zealand.

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

The company actively supports the CDF-Charles Darwin Foundation (1959-founded, headquartered at the Charles Darwin Research Station in Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz Island). In 2006, Ecoventura co-founded the Galapagos Marine Biodiversity Fund with WWF (World Wildlife Fund for Nature). In 2017, the GBESF (Galapagos Biodiversity & Education for Sustainability Fund) was established as a partnership between Ecoventura, CDF, and GANP-Galapagos National Park.

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

Ecoventura is a member of the prestigious Relais & Chateaux Association (established in 1954), which includes over 580 independently owned luxury hotels and restaurants worldwide. Membership is granted for exceptional service, unique guest experiences, and sustainability. Ecoventura was recognized for its environmental commitment and conservation efforts in the Galapagos.

Ecoventura’s clientele consists largely of young couples and families, and the yachts are often chartered by celebrities and high-profile guests. The company offers the Galapagos’ lowest guide-to-passenger ratio (1:10). Each yacht is staffed by 13 crew members, including one concierge and two naturalist guides.

Decks and Cabins

MV THEORY’s staterooms (10 passenger cabins in total) are all outside, located on Beagle Deck (Main Deck 2), and provide unobstructed ocean views and luxury amenities. Four pairs (8 cabins) are interconnecting, ideal for families.

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

The yacht has 4 decks, with two decks dedicated to cabins (one for crew and one for passengers). Having all passenger cabins on a single deck is unusual for Galapagos-based vessels, as most yachts spread accommodations across multiple decks, often with some limited to porthole windows.

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 writing desk with stool, binoculars, magnifying mirror, reusable water bottles, radio/alarm clock, TV, sound system, mood lighting, and individually controlled air conditioning.

Bathrooms feature a large window (non-opening) that brings natural light into the shower cubicle. Showers have sliding glass doors, and WCs are wall-hung. Toiletries are biodegradable (soap, shampoo, conditioner), and each cabin includes premium bathrobes and slippers.

Triple cabins are additionally equipped with a fold-away bed concealed in the ceiling.

Complimentary laundry service is provided.

Shipboard Facilities and Amenities

The yacht features spacious public areas with contemporary interiors. Facilities include a Bar Lounge, Dining Room, Library, Boutique Shop, Sauna, and a small Fitness Room (with a workout bench, elliptical trainer, exercise bike, and free weights). The vessel carries two Zodiacs (RIBs/rigid inflatable boats) for passenger transfers and near-shore excursions, each led by a professional naturalist. Complimentary snorkeling gear and sea kayaks are also provided. Overnight sailings connect the islands.

Daily excursions include Zodiac landings (wet or dry, depending on the site), guided island tours, and wildlife viewing. Additional complimentary activities include snorkeling, swimming, kayaking, and glass-bottom boat rides. Excursions are usually followed by snacks, juices, and leisure time onboard. Lunch is often a BBQ on deck, while dinners (~7 pm) feature freshly prepared à-la-carte meals, including vegetarian and vegan options, inspired by Relais & Chateaux standards and prepared with locally sourced ingredients.

The Sun Deck features a teak outdoor lounge with sofas, daybeds, hammocks, padded loungers, tables, and a round Jacuzzi served by a poolside wet bar.

The yacht carries 2 Zodiacs, 1 glass-bottom boat, 5 tandem kayaks, and 2 stand-up paddleboards, all available free of charge.

All meals, snacks, and beverages are included in Ecoventura’s fares. The Open Bar policy includes wines by the glass, beers, cocktails, spirits, juices, sodas, coffee, and tea. Wi-Fi, kayaking, snorkeling gear, wetsuits (subject to availability), Galapagos transfers, and guided excursions are also included.

Not included are airfare and Galapagos National Park fees. Gratuities are recommended at US$35-50 per person per day (~US$250-350 per voyage). Payments are usually made in cash but can also be charged to credit cards. Gratuities are shared equally among the crew, including guides.

The yacht maintains an Open-Bridge policy, allowing guests to visit the Wheelhouse and interact with the Captain and officers. Deck 1 houses the crew quarters, mess hall, machinery rooms (aft), and the Gym and Sauna (forward).

Itineraries

MV THEORY entered service for Ecoventura on February 28, 2019, with her Maiden Voyage departing on March 3, 2019. Initial fares started at US$7850 per person (double occupancy) for a 7-night voyage.

Ecoventura itineraries depart weekly on Sundays and are always guaranteed. Voyages are either 7 days or 14 days (back-to-back) to minimize flights.

Wildlife highlights include whales, dolphins, sharks, penguins, stingrays, sea turtles, sea lions, numerous bird species (including flamingos, frigates, pelicans, albatrosses, owls, finches, doves, hawks, and boobies), and iguanas.

Itinerary A

A 7-day roundtrip from San Cristobal, visiting San Cristobal, Espanola, Floreana, Santa Cruz, Bartolome, Chinese Hat, South Plaza, and North Seymour.

Itinerary B

A 7-day roundtrip from San Cristobal, visiting Genovesa, Santa Cruz, Fernandina, Isabela, Santiago, Rabida, and Santa Cruz, ending in San Cristobal.

B2B/Back-to-Back Cruise

The 14-day option combines Itineraries A and B. In 2023, fares started at ~US$9500 per person (double occupancy) for a 7-night voyage (~US$1360 per night).

Ecoventura Galapagos Flights (Avianca schedule and airfares 2023)

Flights for booked passengers are automatically arranged by Ecoventura via its allotment with Avianca. Guests are assisted during check-in and met upon arrival for transfers to the yacht. These services are not available for guests flying with other airlines.

Flights operate between San Cristobal (Galapagos) and Guayaquil or Quito (with a stopover in Guayaquil). Sunday flights include:

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

As of 2023, Avianca fares (inclusive of taxes and surcharges) were:

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

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