Ocean Adventures is a highly respected Ecuadorian cruise operator, established in 1999.

The brand owns and operates two Galapagos-based vessels: the 48-passenger M/V Eclipse and the 16-passenger M/C Athala II, an adventure catamaran.

M/V Eclipse was recognised last year as the winner of the prestigious South America’s Leading Boutique Cruise category at the prestigious World Travel Awards.

Cruising with Ocean Adventures in the Galapagos Islands is a very different experience to the average maritime holiday.

The group’s itineraries feature a variety of soft adventure activities that enable guests to explore rarely visited sites throughout the islands.

Ocean Adventures’ main objective is to showcase the best of the Galapagos Islands on board its vessels.

They are passionate about success, making every effort to earn our passengers’ appreciation through exceptional performance, including personalised attention, employee commitment, and protection of the Galapagos Islands’ fragile ecosystems.

Ships

One of the best small ships sailing in the Galapagos Islands, M/V Eclipse is the star of the fleet.

The Eclipse is an upscale expedition vessel that offers unparalleled levels of comfort and service.

Large enough to travel the Pacific in comfort and safety, small enough to dock at remote ports and negotiate inter-island landings with agility, the Eclipse is the perfect size for an expedition-style adventure and the choice for travellers who prefer the intimate, comfortable atmosphere and attentive service of a smaller boutique vessel to a larger cruise ship.

She features outstanding open-air spaces, comfortable cabins, and spectacular al fresco dining.

The 26 spacious staterooms accommodate up to 48 passengers – just half the number usually found on a ship this size.

This means that passengers can enjoy the generous accommodation of a larger vessel, while preserving the atmosphere and exclusivity of a smaller yacht.

Exploring with a small group of like-minded fellow travellers, guests can experience our unrivalled itineraries led by certified naturalist guides.

The vessel makes Ocean Adventures specialists for family departures, with 21 departures throughout the year catering to all calendars.

M/V Eclipse also offers two special departures called – known as Photographic Expeditions – each year.

The M/C Athala II is an outstanding catamaran that combines adventure with comfort.

She can accommodate 16 passengers in eight spacious fully air-conditioned cabins.

There are four cabins on the Upper Deck, which have interconnecting doors, and four cabins on the Main Deck with private balconies.

In addition to an indoor dining room and lounge, the Athala II provides ample outdoor space, including a large sun deck, an open-air bar and an al fresco dining area, where guests can take in the islands’ spectacular scenery.

On board, the atmosphere is relaxed, intimate and friendly.

Cabins are well-appointed, meals delicious, and the service reminiscent of a private yacht.

The vessel is also a jewel for private charters, the high-end catamaran making the perfect home away from home.

Galapagos

Of course, it is the Galapagos Islands themselves that are the real star of the show.

Situated 1,000 kilometres off the coast of Ecuador, the Galapagos archipelago consists of 19 islands and more than 40 islets, created six million years ago when they emerged from the Pacific in a flurry of volcanic activity.

The islands were discovered in 1535 by Tomas de Berlanga, who sent the first known description of the Galapagos to the King of Spain: “Nothing but seals, and turtles, and such big tortoises that each could carry a man on top of itself, and many iguanas that are like serpents.”

He also remarked on the tameness of the creatures: “So silly that they do not know to flee, and many were caught in the hand.”

Perhaps our first association with the word “Galapagos” is the name “Darwin” – and for good reason.

He sailed into the Galapagos Islands in 1835 on board the Beagle and was amazed by the extraordinary life he found on the islands.

Each island forms a unique ecosystem, a series of specialized relationships that have adapted to the volcanic and isolated nature of the islands.

As a result, the Galapagos Islands are home to a wide variety of endemic species.

It has been more than 450 years since their discovery, yet the islands remain largely intact thanks to the conservation efforts of the Galapagos National Park and the Charles Darwin Research Station.

A further boost to the protection of the islands was given in 1978, when UNESCO declared them a World Heritage Site.

The waters around the Galapagos, which are the lifeblood of the archipelago, are also legally protected within the Galapagos Marine Reserve, making the islands one of the best places on the planet for scuba diving.

The Galapagos Islands offer a unique interaction with nature, and their name is synonymous with survival and the celebration of the diversity of species on earth.

More Information

To find out more about Ocean Adventures head over to the official website.