G Adventures has introduced a sixth yacht to its fleet of vessels touring the Gal?pagos Islands, with departures starting in July 2020.
The custom-built Reina Silvia Voyager catamaran will sail 40 different itineraries, offering access to the 20 different islands of the Gal?pagos, ranging from seven to 17 days in length.
It will help the tour operator to meet the increasing demand it sees for Gal?pagos adventure. There has been a 19% surge in global bookings of G Adventures' marine-based cruises in the region since January 2016.
The 103-foot Reina Silvia Voyager will accommodate up to 16 passengers in 10 cabins on two decks. Eight of those cabins are designed for twin/double stays, and two are for solo travellers. Eight rooms offer private balconies, while all rooms have panoramic windows for ocean viewing, contemporary furnishings, artwork by local naturalist photographers and LED lighting.
Common areas onboard will include a spacious third deck with lounge chairs for sunbathing, covered cocktail bar, grill station and an outdoor jacuzzi tub. An indoor, air-conditioned salon with a large video screen will allow visual presentations from naturalists, who will guide each group's tour and help guests learn about the wildlife and culture of the islands' inhabitants.
Guests will be able to explore the region's remote ports and coasts with the help of the vessel's nine onboard kayaks and two zodiacs. A crew of nine, including a chef and chief experience officer, will serve guests daily.
Yves Marceau, Boston-based global vice president of product for the operator, who is overseeing the design and construction, said: "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.
"The Reina Silvia Voyager is purpose-built to enable nimble, immersive moments in and under the water, before welcoming guests back on board in ultimate comfort."
All of the 2020 voyages will start and finish in the capital city of Quito, offering sailing through either the eastern or western Gal?pagos. It includes the inhabited islands of Isabela, Floreana, Santa Cruz and San Cristobal, and eight other uninhabited islands which are protected within the Gal?pagos National Park system.
An eight-day Gal?pagos - Central & Eastern Islands aboard the Reina Silvia Voyager, cruise only - starts from ?4,299 per person, excluding international flights
To comply with the islands' ban on single-use plastic bottles, straws and bags, G Adventures is giving each passenger a reusable stainless steel bottle and will offer unlimited access to filtered drinking water on board.
Toiletries onboard all of G Adventures' boats are also provided in refillable containers.
Visit www.gadventures.com or call 020-7313 6944 to find out more.
