You may be familiar with andBeyond for its luxury hunting lodges and camps in Africa. Or you may know it from its adventures in Asia and South America. But for the first time, the luxury travel company has ventured into yachting with the launch of Beyond Galapagos Explorer.
The new 124-foot yacht will set sail in June and carry up to 12 guests on two seven-night trips via the Galapagos Islands, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a favorite destination for wildlife lovers. The first explores the eastern islands of the volcanic archipelago, including Floriana, Espanola, and Santa Cristobal, while the second targets Isabela, Fernandina, and the western islands of Santiago.
There are ample opportunities for snorkeling, kayaking, and hiking on every itinerary, not to mention watching the wildlife of some of the island’s most famous residents, including blue-footed boobies, Marine iguanas, and sea lions. Both tours will also include visits to the Charles Darwin Research Station, Fausto Lerena Breeding Centre, and El Chatto Tortoise Reserve to see giant tortoises and learn about the island’s ecological conservation.
“With a uniquely biodiverse environment and the largest number of endemic species in the world, the Galapagos Islands are a natural fit for us to expand our operations in South America further,” Jos Kent, executive chairman and CEO of Beyond, said in a statement obtained by Travel + Leisure. “We are thrilled to finally have the opportunity to bring our brand of responsible tourism to a cherished part of the world where the Ecuadorian government has prevented over-tourism by severely limiting the number of business licenses issued.”
While the Galapagos off-ship experience may be the main attraction of these trips, the Galapagos Explorer’s onboard experience is also spectacular. Guests are accommodated in four en-suite cabins and two double en-suite suites, each decorated with maps of Galapagos and illustrations of local flora and fauna.
Shared Spaces on board include indoor and outdoor lounges, a restaurant with a menu inspired by Ecuadorian ingredients, and a sun deck with a hot tub. On the Galapagos Explorer Tour, all meals and drinks (including local spirits, beer, and home-brewed wine), limited laundry service, Starlink WiFi, and scuba gear rental (including a short wetsuit) are included in the rate.
“We’ve always believed that the best way to encourage our guests to help protect the world’s wild places is for our skilled guides to help visitors not only fall in love with these places but also to help them understand the threats they face,” Kent said. “This is our goal, and by introducing our luxury yacht, two knowledgeable guides will host 12 guests, showcasing the wonder and mystery of this special destination.”
