Evolution Galápagos Cruise

Follow Darwin's footsteps on these unforgettable cruises

A Galápagos Cruise on board the Evolution

9 Reviews

Luxury

+46

The most charming mega Yacht
Fantastic ambiance and luxury
Superb naturalist itineraries
Great extras like "glass bottom" kayaks!

The Motor Vessel Evolution is, in our opinion, the most charming yacht in the Galápagos fleet. At almost 200 feet long, she is definitely a "mega yacht", and yet she has been designed to evoke the heyday of the luxury steamers - the 1920s and 1930s. Despite her vintage looks, she's actually a cutting edge vessel, designed and built in Japan in 2005 to the latest in marine safety and technology standards.

Timeless elegance Your Evolution experience starts with her breathtaking decor. Sumptuous, vintage, and elegant are just of the ways we would describe it.

Accommodation is across 9 premium staterooms, 4 deluxe staterooms, and 3 master suites. Cabins are simply wonderful, with stunning wood finishes and light and airy color schemes. Suites feature ocean-view windows, and other staterooms feature large traditional portholes - a truly nautical flavor! All cabins have wonderful en suite luxury bathrooms, independent air conditioning, internal telephones and plenty of storage (including personal safe).

Communal areas on board are no less delightful. At the ships bow is a traditional teak-planked sundeck with a huge Jacuzzi pool - the perfect place to soak up the sun or to admire the stars. The Evolution features both internal and Al Fresco dining areas, with attention paid to every detail.

For relaxing in the evening, you may choose to unwind with a drink in the inside saloon with its comfortable chairs and communal sofa, or perhaps make your way to the delightful Al Fresco lounge at the stern, with its extremely well stocked bar. Your barman has designed his own Evolution signature cocktail which we can highly recommend!

Fine dining and fine service Food on board is a highlight of the Evolution experience. Breakfast and lunch are served as a relaxed buffet, with plentiful choice and a wide range of flavors to explore. Dinners are still relaxed, but are served fine dining style at tables either in the inside or Al Fresco dining areas.

The chefs on board all have international hotel experience and benefit from a particularly well equipped galley, allowing them to prepare some amazing Ecuadorian and international specialties that will delight you.

With only 32 guests and 18 crew to look after them, you will enjoy one of the best guest-to-staff ratios in the Galápagos fleet. Everything you need will be taken care of with skill and a warm smile. For guests who require specific assistance with disabilities or dietary requirements, just speak to one of our Galápagos experts and we will ensure that Evolution's team will give you the perfect adventure.

An unrivalled wildlife experience Despite her size, the Evolution only caters for a maximum of 32 guests, and this means that she carries 2 naturalist guides. You will enjoy a decidedly intimate naturalist experience in groups of only 16. The Evolution recruits only the finest National Park approved bilingual guides, and they are a major part of the reason why your Evolution adventure will be so memorable.

Two superb week-long itineraries are available. One departs from Baltra and discovers the western islands, the other leaves from San Cristobal and concentrates on the east. Both are superb and receive consistently high reviews from our travelers. They have been designed to give you the best flavor of Galápagos and the most intimate encounters with the iconic species.

As well as a large variety of land excursions you will also enjoy snorkeling, swimming, and kayaking in the amazing "glass bottom" kayaks that Evolution carries. Masks, snorkels and fins are available free of charge to guests, and complimentary wetsuits are also available if required.

Our comments This mega yacht is stunning. We love the "Roaring 20s" ambiance, mixed with the very latest in amenities and service, all wrapped up in a Japanese-built vessel that's less than 15 years old… the perfect combination! Our guests love the huge Jacuzzi on the sun deck, and we love the food on Evolution Galápagos - the chefs are remarkable. If you've never tried a glass-bottom kayak before you will be amazed (and don't worry, it's not actually glass, but acrylic!), and the guides on board really are among the best in the islands. A trip on the Evolution is a stunning way to see the Galápagos in fantastic style.

Dates & Prices on board the Evolution

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Amenities on board the Evolution

Air conditioning & private bathroom

Single travellers can share cabin

All meals

English guides

Internet/Wifi

100$ Galapagos NP Entrance Fee included

Alcoholic Beverages included

Transfers to and from ship

Snorkel gear (free of charge)

Travel for good: Your Each booking contributes to Ventura’s Conservation Project.

Kayaks on board

Water, Coffee, Tea & fresh juices

-15% for children ≤ 15

Wetsuits

Food & Drinks on board the Evolution

The food on our Galapágos Cruises is among the very best you will find in South America. Most of the on-board chefs are internationally trained and have prior experience working in the best hotels and restaurants in Ecuador and indeed around the world.

You can expect a first-class selection of food, including a good variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, locally sourced poultry and fish/seafood, rice and pasta dishes. Most boats will always include some typical Ecuadorian dishes on the menu during your cruise. If you have specific dietary requirements then these can usually be accommodated by the chef providing you have given advance notice. Please make sure you tell us about any allergies or dietary requirements you have at the time you book with us. If you leave it until you arrive at the dockside, then it may well be impossible to accommodate your needs.

Most boats serve a range of options at meal times in a relaxed buffet-style. At the first class and luxury end of the market, some boats have more formal dining where you will be served at your seat. However the atmosphere is always relaxed on board our cruises, and never stuffy or formal.

Sustainable Tourism

At Galapatours we love and respect the pristine ecosystems and fascinating wildlife of the Galápagos Islands, and we insist that our cruise partners do too. To protect the archipelago all our cruise vessels must have sophisticated water filtration systems, modern efficient engines, and strict maintenance schedules to minimize pollution.

The Galápagos National Park authority also defines exact cruising routes that dictate which ships can visit highlights at specific times, as well as limiting passenger numbers. These measures ensure that animals and habitats are not disturbed by too many visitors.

Our commitment extends beyond the mandatory environmental standards for cruise vessels in the region: A portion of your trip price now contributes to our Conservation Project. This initiative empowers local communities to protect their territory, engage in reforestation, and prepare for long-term environmental stewardship. This way, your trip contributes to environmental protection and truly shows how travel can be a force for good! And you can also play your part by traveling responsibly and following our Eco Guidelines during your stay. Click here to find out more about these guidelines, our commitment to sustainable tourism, and the Galápagos National Park rules.

Cabins categories on board the Evolution

Master Suite

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Matrimonial

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Premium Stateroom

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Matrimonial

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Suite

Type:

Matrimonial

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Deluxe Staterooms

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Matrimonial

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Technical details of Evolution

Luxury

Type

Small Yacht

Electricity

110 V

Cruising speed

10-12 kt

Beam

29 ft. / 9 m

Capacity

32 Main Engines

1300hp

Length

198 ft. / 60 m

Reviews of Evolution

Francesc Xavier Corretger Ruhi

Evolution Galapagos Cruise

Luxury

We visited the Galapagos Islands with the Evolution cruise. I made the reservation through Gapapatours and we had no problems. Everything went very well, the boat, the organization, the guides, the crew and the rest of the passengers have been fantastic. We have done many activities, both land and water, without ever having the feeling that we had to hurry. The best have been the landscapes and the encounters with marine fauna, mainly being able to swim and play with sea lions and turtles. I highly recommend this trip and would not hesitate to repeat it! Xavier Corretger (Girona)

Lionel & Jackie Knight

Evolution Galapagos Cruise

Luxury

Sehr zu empfehlen Wir waren im März 2018 auf der Evolution für eine Galapagos Kreuzfahrt und genossen jede Sekunde. In unseren Augen ist das Schiff perfekt mit genügend Raum für jedermann. Die freundliche Besatzung rundete das Paket ab. Da das Schiff ständig in Bewegung ist, gab es jeden Tag eine andere Insel zu entdecken. Die Tiere auf Galapagos sind spektakulär, das Beste ist, viele Arten gibt es nur hier! Die erfahrenen, hervorragend ausgebildeten Guides konnten uns alle Fragen mühelos beantworten. Beide waren Einheimische und zeigten ihre Heimat- und Naturverbundenheit während der ganzen Kreuzfahrt, wirklich beeindruckend. Über das Essen kann man nicht klagen, es war sehr gut. Viele Früchte und Gemüse, alles frisch zubereitet. Die Inselausflüge waren super organisiert. Einige Wanderungen waren für Älteres Klientel schwierig zu bewältigen aber alle haben es geschafft.

Andrew Brown

Evolution Galapagos Cruise

Luxury

Priceless experience From the time of first booking the trip to the Galapagos to leaving the M/V Evolution, it could not have been a more efficient or thoughtful service. Their recommendation for the Wyndham Hotel in Guayaquil was solid. The size of the ship was optimal, I thought, especially as our fellow passengers were a genial bunch. It was comfortable, the crew were professional and the meals were enjoyable. The day tours were conceived to show the maximum amount of the wonderful islands, and our nature guides were superb.

Sharzad Sheibani

Evolution Galapagos Cruise

Luxury

Absolutes Highlight Diese Kreuzfahrt ist ein absolutes Highlight. Unsere Tochter hat mehrere Lebensmittelallergien gegen alle möglichen Nüsse. Die Besatzung an Bord der Evolution hat stets darauf geachtet und bereitete alle Speisen perfekt zu. Schade, dass wir keinen Blaufußtölpel mit Hause nehmen konnten. Es was eine perfekte Reise.

Meqon Traveller

Evolution Galapagos Cruise

Luxury

Review of M/V Evolution boat tour of Galapagos Islands We just returned from a week aboard the M/V Evolution touring the Galapagos Islands. My wife and I had our two girls ages 9 1/2 and 12 with us. There were 30 passengers aboard in total with 18 crew. The pictures you see capture only part of the incredible beauty of the islands and the wildlife. The Ship The M/V Evolution is set up with three decks (search the web for all the images and deck plans). We were in cabins A1 and A2 on the top deck. A1 was large and had windows on both sides of the ship. A2 was the double room and had two windows on one side. The cabins were comfortable and well kept but not fancy. The food was wonderful. The day begins with a great breakfast buffet (hot items, fruit, cereal, etc). There is a mid-morning snack most days in between morning excursions. Lunch is always on board about 12:30. Another great lunch (we had a little wine each day too), with fantatic desert (they have their own pastry chef). Then a siesta and then excursions in the afternoon, back on board 5-6PM for cocktail hour, then a brieifing about the next day's excursion, followed by dinner (more great food). Competent wine list of mostly Argentinian and Chilean wines with some Spainish thrown in. Dress It is warm and humid. Pants that have the zip off legs (such as the ones at LL Bean) work very well. The sun is intense, esp from 10-2. It's nice to shower and change for dinner, but I wore the same thing each night. The dress is very casual (many people wore what they had on during the day). The Excursions All of them were very interesting. The naturalists do a great job of explaining the wildlife and the geology of the islands. The ability to stand right next to the birds, iquanas and crabs is wonderful. The scenery is absolutely breathtaking. As they say, you can't take a bad picture in the Galapagos. The land excursions are done by taking the "panga" (Zodiac style boat) to the shore (either on the beach or on to a rock), then hiking. There is a fair amount of hiking on uneven terrain, so Keene's are the perfect solution. The snorkeling is great. Sharks, sea turtles, rays, pengins, all kinds of fish. If it is worth it to you, I'd recommend bringing your own 3mm wet suit to ensure a good fit. if you are sensitive to the sun, get a full length (as opposed to half or 3/4). The snorkeling is done when the sun is right overhead). They have stuff on board, but the fit isn't guaranteed).

Susie and Chuck Mann

Evolution Galapagos Cruise

Luxury

WOW, just wow! WOW! What a week aboard the m/v Evolution. My husband and I have wanted to travel to The Galapagos Islands for a long time and finally made it happen. Our 7 night cruise was the ideal way to go. Our Naturalists, Sam and Boli, were outstanding "hosts" every day. They were warm, smart, accomodating and professional. Their senses of humor were perfect for our fun-loving cohort of ship mates. Our hotel manager Steve, Dr. Isaac, bartender Dr. G, the chef, panga drivers and all other staff/crew worked tirelessly to make our trip run seamlessly - it was comfortable, informative, fascinating and memorable. The ship itself was renovated recently and is lovely. I spent every free moment upstairs on the open air deck - a magnificent spot! One area I would improve on is the food - while plentiful, varied and beautifully presented, I found it lacking in taste. (Keep the make-your-own omelette and cereal options at breakfast!) That said, we are already talking about going back aboard the Evolution to do the other itinerary in the future. Thanks to all for a phenomenal week - one we will not soon forget!

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Evolution Galápagos Cruise

Follow Darwin's footsteps on these unforgettable cruises