A new luxury expedition yacht has been introduced in the Galapagos Islands by the conservation-focused travel company &Beyond. This 38m (124ft) yacht, named the &Beyond Galapagos Explorer, offers two 7-night routes covering the eastern and western parts of the Galapagos. The yacht features six suites and cabins, accommodating up to 12 guests, with two expert guides onboard for each trip.

Due to its unique biodiversity, the Galapagos Islands were a logical choice for &Beyond’s portfolio expansion in South America. Joss Kent, Executive Chairman & CEO of &Beyond, expressed excitement about introducing their brand of responsible tourism to the islands, which are protected from over-tourism by strict licensing regulations from the Ecuadorian government.

& Beyond aims to inspire guests to protect the world’s wild places through the knowledge and passion of their expert guides. By hosting just twelve guests at a time, the Galapagos Explorer provides an intimate and exclusive experience. The yacht offers spacious indoor and outdoor areas, with four cabins and two luxury suites. After undergoing a thorough interior refurbishment, it is set to launch on June 17, 2024.

The Galapagos Islands, located on the equator, consist of 18 main islands, three smaller islands, and 107 rocks and islets. These islands are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for their unique flora and fauna, including species like the Galapagos giant tortoise, marine iguana, and blue-footed booby. The Charles Darwin Research Centre on Santa Cruz Island is dedicated to conserving the islands’ rare biodiversity.

The &Beyond Galapagos Explorer offers two different 7-night itineraries, allowing guests to explore either the eastern or western parts of the islands. The eastern itinerary features highlights such as Kicker Rock near San Cristóbal Island and the waved albatross sightings in Gardner Bay on Española Island. The western itinerary includes visits to the geographical center of the islands, Sombrero Chino Island, and the chance to see the rare Santa Fe land iguana on Santa Fe Island. Both routes offer activities like snorkeling, hiking, and birdwatching, with rates starting from USD 10,950 per person for a 7-night cruise.

&Beyond is committed to its mission of improving the world through its Care of Land, People, and Wildlife philosophy. The company plans to extend its Oceans Without Borders initiative to the Galapagos, supporting local conservation efforts. Additionally, it aims to develop local communities by training residents and promoting local procurement opportunities.