We are a private organization dedicated to the
development of Sustainable Tourism Ventures in areas of natural
and cultural interest.
Our purpose is to promote Ecuador as a
privileged destination for tourism, we shall offer innovative
and high quality products while maintaining a permanent practice
of business ethics and respect for mankind and the environment.
We believe this to be of benefit for our generation and those to
come.
We seek to encourage consideration, action and awareness
among employees in order to achieve a spirit of cordiality and
service that will translate into both personal and customer
satisfaction.
We are committed to providing each guest with
a memorable and enriching experience. This should begin with the
understanding of the culture, and natural history of a
determined area, in order to contribute to the formation of
tourists who are reflexive and not spectators, active and not
passive. Hence we endeavor in establishing ourselves at the
forefront of sustainable tourism practices. A profound respect
for nature and different cultures will be instrumental in
achieving these goals. Within this context client satisfaction,
is our motivation.
Galapagos
Explorer II
Built in 1990, the 88.16 meter the ship which would become the Galapagos
Explorer II was recognized as one of the finest cruise ships
in the world under its original name, Renaissance III.
The classic lines and profile of the ship are carried through to
the interior in public rooms and private suites.
Suites, in queen or two twin-bed
configurations, offer air conditioning, rich paneling,
full-length wardrobes, marble baths, Internal TV system that
allows the passenger to have 3 channels, one with documentaries
on the islands or natural history, another with entertaiment
movies, and the last one with the Daily program of the vessel,
refrigerator-bars, telephones, and 110 volt electric. A doctor
to handle minor illness or mishaps is always part of the crew
and a well-stocked boutique offers native souvenirs, books,
clothing, film and various sundry items. Both an outdoor pool
and Jacuzzi are also available. Dining aboard Galapagos
Explorer II is open seating and informal... yet elegant. The
renowned culinary staff prepares a daily fare of popular
international and Ecuadorian cuisine, as well as special diets,
all served with style and flair in the one-seating, no-smoking
restaurant. Lunch is served buffet on deck.
In keeping with the ecological theme and
directive of the company to preserve and protect our natural
environment, all soaps, detergents and shampoo used on board are
biodegradable. Residual water, under aerobic decomposition, is
filtered and purified with ozone before being discharged into
open waters, as is all biodegradable waste which is first ground
into fine particles.
The ship is equipped with a special sewage treatment
system that minimizes environmental disturbance. Chlorine is not
used on board. Paper and non-toxic solids are incinerated. Metal
cans are compacted for recycling and together with
non-biodegradable trash and returned to port. The Galapagos
Explorer II produces its own fresh water.
The Galapagos Explorer visits up to ten
islands on a typical 7-night cruise. The archipelago consists of
thirteen "large" islands, six small ones, and more
than 40 islets. For passengers island-hopping for 3, 4, or
7-night cruises, the days are filled with the wonderment and awe
that inspired Charles Darwin while evenings aboard ship proffer
no thing less than world-class amenities and service, and has
been widely recognized for such efforts, i.e.:
A recently published passenger survey by CruiseReports
magazine ranked the staterooms on the 50-suite Galapagos
Explorer II among the best in the industry in passenger
satisfaction.
The Galapagos Explorer II was featured as the ship
of choice to visit the Galapagos Islands in the Arts &
Entertainment Television Network’s (A&E) “Top Ten”
series. The show featured the top ten animal adventures in
the world. Previously, Canodros’ Kapawi Ecolodge &
Reserve deep in Ecuador’s Amazon Basin, was included among
A&E’s “Top Ten Exotic Destinations” in the world.
The Galapagos Explorer II was chosen from among the
thousands of cruise vacations offered, as one of the 100
best cruise vacations available in Theodore W. Scull’s
popular guidebook “100 Best Cruise Vacations” published
by Globe Pequet, now in it’s second edition.
America OnLine’s Cruise Critic listed the Galapagos
Explorer II as one of the “10 Best” cruise offerings
available last year.
The Smart Voyager program evaluated and certified the Galapagos
Explorer II as an ecofriendly and socially responsible
passenger vessel operating in the Galapagos Islands.