The Silversea Group has purchased Canodros, an Ecuadorian tourism company that operates in the Galapagos Islands, as well as their upmarket expedition ship, Galapagos Explorer II.

Silversea plans to add Galapagos Explorer II to its fleet of six ships next year, after the all-suite, 100-guest vessel undergoes a major refurbishment in September 2013.

Until that time, Galapagos Explorer II will continue on its planned schedule of cruises and will continue to be operated by Canodros, which is based in Guayaquil, Ecuador.

Canodros will also continue handling reservations for Galapagos Explorer II, as well as sales and marketing through its established network of travel companies and tour operators.

The acquisition will enable Silversea, chaired by Manfredi Lefebvre, to expand the Silversea Expeditions brand.

Its existing expedition ship, Silver Explorer, is regularly deployed in the polar regions, and the addition of a second vessel, offering year-round unique luxury expedition cruises in the Galapagos archipelago, means Silversea will have the opportunity to offer the adventure traveller a broader portfolio of itineraries, encompassing some of the world’s most desired and least explored regions.

The 4,077-tonne Galapagos Explorer II offers the stylish elegance of a mega-yacht, attentive onboard service and an enriching naturalist education programme.

All of its 50 spacious suites feature ocean views and 24 include private balconies. Public spaces include a restaurant, piano bar, library and Internet station, main lounge, outdoor bar, two outdoor whirlpools, and a marine observation deck.

Guests currently booked on Galapagos Explorer II, and travel agents or tour operators with clients booked on the ship, should continue to liaise through their normal channels with Canodros for any needed assistance with their reservation.

Silversea is expected to unveil more details concerning plans for the ship after it is renovated and renamed, in the coming months.