South America Galapagos Islands Cruise

Origin, Theory & Evolve Galapagos Cruises

Enjoy a life-enriching adventure that redefines luxury expedition cruising aboard one of the luxury sister ships, Origin, Theory or Evolve. Venture ashore in small groups of 10 to experience these islands up close and personal. Small groups led by expert naturalist guides allow travelers to have a more authentic and educational experience.

The Origin, Theory & Evolve operate two 8-day Galapagos cruise itineraries, which can be combined to create a comprehensive 15-day cruise, or shortened into 7-day routes.

Possible shore excursions aboard the Origin, Theory & Evolve yachts include hiking ancient lava fields where you may encounter prehistoric reptiles; witnessing the courtship dance of the blue-footed boobies; viewing Galapagos penguins, flightless cormorants and massive waved albatross; and exploring beaches of black, red and green sand. Snorkel, kayak or stand-up paddleboard in a marine reserve teeming with ocean wildlife that includes sea lions, dolphins, whales and tame sharks.

Chic, stylish and luxuriously comfortable in equal measure, the prestigious Origin, Theory & Evolve are the only Relais & Chateaux-affiliated yachts sailing the Galapagos. Ecuadorian-owned and operated like floating five-star boutique hotels, they offer an intimate voyage, exquisite level of concierge service, locally sourced and refined gastronomy, and very best amenities the archipelago can offer.

These upscale sister ships are also leaders in Galapagos eco friendly, sustainable travel to the Galapagos Islands. The parent company was the first to earn and maintain the ecological certification SmartVoyager and is Ecuador’s first carbon-neutral cruise operator. Additionally, the Origin, Theory & Evolve all hold Rainforest Alliance verification, offering a gold standard for sustainable tourism.

Origin, Theory & Evolve Galapagos Cruises offer talented naturalist guides, easy nature hikes and snorkeling. Each naturalist takes a group of no more than 10 passengers on all shore excursions and shares extensive insights into the islands’ diverse wildlife and natural history. This uniquely small guest-to-guide ratio is why these ships make our list of Galapagos luxury cruises. Small pangas carry passengers to shore for island visits where you will observe and photograph tortoise, sea lions, blue-footed boobies, volcanic landscapes and vivid sunsets. Families will appreciate select Galapagos family cruises geared towards active travelers with children.

Highlights of the East Galapagos Islands itinerary include visiting the intriguing waved albatross (April-Dec) only found on Espanola and spotting swallow-tailed gulls, the only nocturnal gulls on earth. On Bartolome, feel like you are on a mountain on the moon by summiting a dormant volcano. Get a new perspective with Floreana’s rich human history as well as spend time with the Galapagos penguins, herons and blue-footed boobies. Snorkel the waters around Devil’s Crown, a sunken crater with fish, coral, sea turtles and eagle rays. And send a postcard from Post Office Bay while learning about the unusual postal service of the Galapagos.

Highlights of the West Galapagos Islands itinerary include a coffee tasting on a biodynamic farm; the bird haven of Genovesa with opportunities to search out short-eared owls and frigatebirds; the white sands populated with greater flamingos on Santa Cruz; snorkeling to find penguins and sea turtles and view graffiti left by pirates on Isabela; a visit to the young and pristine island, Fernandina, to observe the largest colony of marine iguanas; and a ramble on the red beaches of Rabida.

At only 20 guests each, with interconnecting and triple cabin options, the Origin, Theory and Evolve are AdventureSmith favorites for private Galapagos yacht charters.

Read on for details about this trip, or learn more about all of AdventureSmith’s Galapagos Islands cruise options and Galapagos trips.