Origin by Ecoventura GALAPAGOS
Origin by Ecoventura
Ecoventura Km 1.5 via Samborondon Business Center,
Torre A Piso C Guayaquil
Galapagos
https://www.ecoventura.com/
SHIP INFORMATION
Group
Shareholders
Privately owned
Date of Creation
February 2016 inaugural cruise
Ship General Manager
Santiago Dunn has been a leader in sustainable cruising in the Galapagos since joining Ecoventura in 1994. The first company to earn the voluntary ecological certification Smart Voyager, Ecoventura was Ecuador’s first carbon-neutral company and the first in the Galapagos to convert a vessel to hybrid energy. In 2016, Ecoventura launched the ORIGIN, a custom-built sustainable luxury yacht for 20 guests. Dunn serves on the National Council of WWF, which calls him a « visionary with a mission. »
Ship Positioning
Luxury meets sustainability
Understated Luxury Redefined
Ecoventura, a recognized leader in sustainable cruising, launched the 142-foot Premium Class vessel, offering high-end accommodation and amenities for just 20 guests.
Development strategy
ORIGIN was custom designed for fuel efficiency with techniques to provide a smooth voyage at a cruising speed of 12 knots; from the innovative shape of the curved bow to cut through waves, to welding techniques used in shipyard without compromising rigidity or safety. An underwater bulbous keel reduced friction, creating less drag without increase RPM, which translates to greater fuel efficiency. Ecoventura utilized modern technology to minimize water pollution and conserve water. Greywater is treated with a state-of-the-art onboard treatment plant filtering 10,000 litres per day. Marine toilets with a dual-flush system were installed throughout the entire vessel. Our entire crew understands how these applications can contribute to a superior experience and low impact on the environment.
Origin by Ecoventura
History & Story
When Ecoventura decided to upgrade their fleet with a brand new elegant and sleek vessel, our design team was able to combine luxurious materials without compromising speed and to minimize environmental impact. We chose to invest in environmental measures, specifically for fuel efficiency and to conserve water on board because we felt responsible as operators to protect this fragile destination.
Date Renewal
Our design team was able to create a luxurious, fully customized interior and significantly reduce environmental impacts without sacrificing comfort or speed. Interior designer Cynthia Muirragui worked with a team led by Ecuadorian naval engineer Marlon Rangel to create an elegant yacht that provides superior comfort while minimizing environmental impacts.
Main Strengths, Special Touch
MV Origin is the ultimate combination of luxury and eco-friendliness. There are amenities not seen before in Galapagos – open bar policy, stand-up paddleboards and fitness centre. There are 14 crew including a concierge and two guides for the most favourable passenger-to-guide ratio. Gourmet style menus using locally sourced ingredients are creatively prepared by our culinary school-trained chefs.
The family and multi-gen travel experience are also taken to the next level aboard Ecoventura’s fleet. We offer designated family departures throughout the year that are geared towards those who prefer to travel with families that have similar aged children. On the new Origin, we took it a step further by adding triples with connecting double cabins, which is uncommon for small yachts and a great feature for multi-generational family trips.
I’m most proud of Origin’s design and ability to reduce fuel consumption while at the same time increasing speed. This means we can offer reduced navigation time to our passengers, which translates into more time to explore on the islands. The yacht is at rest more because it’s able to anchor earlier than others at the destination sites.
Location
Departures are every Sunday on two unique comprehensive 7-night itineraries visiting the most spectacular outer islands of the archipelago. Itinerary A follows a southern/central route and itinerary B follows a northern/western route. You can explore these islands on two guided shore excursions per day, led by an expert naturalist guide (one guide for ten passengers) on nature walks allowing plenty of time for photography, questions and contemplation of birds, reptiles, plants and volcanic formations.
Key sites/activities in the area
Venture out in a kayak (we have five doubles and one single onboard) and also stand up paddleboards (pending park approval) for a full complement of active ways to explore the islands. Meander along stretches of secluded beaches, swim with playful sea lions, snorkel among penguins and sea turtles. Get up close to the shore life on Zodiac rides through mangroves and along the cliffs. Watch out for dolphins riding the bow wave, whale sightings, rays, frigates and boobies diving for fish. After lunch, you can take a siesta or work out at the fitness centre. Before dinner, the guides will brief you on the activities the following day. Life vests, beach towels, water bottles, wet suits and snorkelling equipment are all provided.
Fun Facts
Ecoventura is a family-owned company based in Guayaquil, Ecuador and transports 3,500 passengers annually aboard their fleet including two identical first-class yachts Eric & Letty, and the 16-passenger dedicated dive liveaboard, the Galapagos Sky. The company began offering tours in the Galapagos in 1991 and started “greening” the operation and equipment in 1999. The company spared no expense when in 2014 decided to start upgrading its fleet and raised the bar on comfort, amenities, speed and environmental impact.
Children’s Corner
We accept children age 7 and up and designate departures for families on school breaks only offering discounts for children and teens up to age 17.
SHIP FEATURES
Accommodation
– Number of rooms in all: 10
– Ten deluxe staterooms (145 square feet) all on the same deck, large windows with ocean views (two twin beds convert to a king bed; two cabins have interconnecting doors and two can accommodate triples with a third pull-down berth). Fine linen and towels, memory-foam and soft pillows, nightstand, ample sectional closet, sitting area, Apple TV pre-loaded movies, universal docking station, safety deposit box, lighted mirror, Espresso and tea kettle set up. The private bathroom includes a modern shower with ocean view, dual-flush toilet, hair-dryer, plush towels, waffle bathrobes, slippers, bio-degradable soap and shampoo. Cabins are cleaned twice daily and a light laundry service is available.
Restaurants & Bars
– Gourmet style menus using locally sourced ingredients from providers who act sustainably are creatively prepared by our culinary school-trained chefs. Elegant dining room with table configurations seating from two up to ten or have lunch al fresco on the sundeck.
– Bars, lounges; Spacious social areas with comfortable lounges and intimate interior bar for evening gatherings and island briefings. A cosy library stocked with publications on Galapagos and Darwin, house computer, Wi-Fi. Spacious sun deck with day beds, chaise lounges, hammocks, W/C, shower, BBQ and wet bar. The only yacht in Galapagos to offer an Open bar policy 24/7 including house wine and spirits, soft drinks, coffee and tea and hand-crafted cocktails.
Wellness
Relax in the four-person Jacuzzi on the main deck. ORIGIN is the only yacht in Galapagos with a Fitness centre equipped with a treadmill, elliptical, free weights, yoga mats and more.
Corporate & Celebration Events
N/A
Extra Notable Features
A Cozy library stocked with publications on Galapagos and Darwin and a house computer. The boutique offers high-quality handicrafts from local artisans, sundries and logoed items. Cooking demonstrations are offered by our chef.
Hotel and restaurant Awards
N/A
Number of employees
14 experienced Ecuadorian crew members; including a high-level Captain, two expert naturalist guides (one for every ten guests) and a full-time concierge is available to ensure quality control and to attend to our guests every need.