G Adventures Introduces New Galápagos Yacht
G Adventures has introduced a sixth yacht to its fleet of vessels for touring the Galápagos Islands.
According to officials, the custom-built catamaran (rendering pictured above) will be among the most comfortable passenger touring vessels of its size in the Galápagos and will reflect the company’s commitment to responsible tourism.
The 103-foot Reina Silvia Voyager catamaran will cruise the Galápagos Islands as a high-end touring vessel, accommodating up to 16 passengers in 10 cabins on two decks. Eight of those cabins are designed for twin/double stays, and two are dedicated to solo travellers who prefer their own space. Eight rooms offer private balconies, while all have panoramic windows for optimal ocean viewing, plus bright, contemporary furnishings, artwork by local naturalist photographers, and energy-saving LED lighting.
Common areas on board will include an expansive third deck with lounge chairs for sunbathing, covered cocktails bar, grill station and an outdoor Jacuzzi tub. An indoor, air-conditioned salon with large video screen will enable visual presentations from specially trained naturalists who will guide each group’s tour and help guests learn about the iconic wildlife and culture of the Galápagos Islands’ inhabitants.
Landings and exploration of the region’s remote ports and wild, rocky coasts will be accessible to guests thanks to the Reina Silvia Voyager’s nine on-board kayaks and two zodiacs. Wetsuits and snorkeling gear will also be freely available for passengers’ enjoyment.
All meals on board are included and will accommodate vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and allergy-sensitive diets. A crew of nine, including a dedicated chef and G Adventures Chief Experience Officer, will serve guests daily.
“There is nothing in the world like making eye contact with a curious sea lion, gentle sea turtle, tiny seahorse or prehistoric iguana in a place where Darwin himself studied evolution. We want our guests to have all of these adventurous experiences and still enjoy a dose of maritime luxury,” says Yves Marceau, G Adventures’ vice-president of Product, who is overseeing the design and construction. “The Reina Silvia Voyager is being purpose-built to enable nimble, immersive moments in and under the water, then welcome guests back on board in ultimate comfort.”
G Adventures is offering free, round-trip, international flights from four North American hubs, including Toronto, when booked by Sept. 30. The tour operator’s two new 10-day itineraries will be eligible for the complimentary airfare during the boat’s first three months of operations in 2020.
Voyages start and finish in the capital city of Quito, and offer sailing through either the eastern or western Galápagos, including the inhabited islands of Isabela, Floreana, Santa Cruz and San Cristobal, plus eight other uninhabited islands that are protected within the Galápagos National Park system.
