Estrella del Mar Galapagos

The 1990-built G Adventures cruise ship Estrella del Mar is a motorized luxury yacht operating year-round on cruise vacations in Ecuador's Galapagos Islands.

The vessel (IMO number 8978928) is currently Ecuador-flagged (MMSI 735023419) and registered in Guayaquil.

History - construction and ownership

G Adventures (formerly "Gap Adventures") is a small-group adventure travel company headquartered in Toronto, Canada. It offers environmentally and socially responsible travel on small-sized vessels with some of the best passenger-to-staff ratios. The G Adventures Galapagos fleet includes Estrella del Mar, Monserrat, Queen of Galapagos, Xavier III, Yolita II. The 16-passenger Estrella del Mar (sistership to Xavier III) features roomy outdoor spaces, comfortable staterooms, cozy common areas, and an onboard naturalist guide.

Itineraries

MV Estrella del Mar’s itinerary program is based on Galapagos Islands cruises sailing out of Baltra Island.

Cabins

Estrella del Mar has 8 double cabins, all with a window, air conditioning, and a private bathroom with hot water.

Shipboard facilities and amenities

The ship’s comfortable Dining Room serves fresh international and local cuisine prepared daily. All meals on board are included.

Since January 2019, G Adventures has banned single-use plastics on its Galapagos-based ships, offering guests one complimentary reusable water bottle per voyage. This followed the Galapagos Conservancy’s announcement that, as of March 2019, non-returnable bottles would no longer be allowed on Galapagos cruises. In May 2018, plastic straws and plastic bags were banned on all Galapagos ships.

Although MV Estrella is smaller than some other cruise ships, her public areas feel surprisingly spacious. Passengers can relax in Estrella del Mar’s air-conditioned indoor social areas or enjoy the sea breeze from one of her sun or shade decks. The yacht also offers a bar and TV/DVD.

She carries a crew of 7 and a naturalist guide who are all well-versed in the local wildlife, geology, and vegetation of the islands, and certified by the Galapagos National Park Service.

All shore excursions with the English-speaking naturalist guide are included in the fare. Wetsuits are available for rent. Beach towels and snorkeling equipment are included at no extra charge.