Evolution Galápagos Cruise

• 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.

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.

But at Galapatours we like to go even further. We voluntarily offset all the CO2 emissions of every cruise we sell - at no cost to you. 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.

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.