Galapagos Network/Ecoventura

Story

The story of Ecoventura begins in the mid-1980s, when an Ecuadorian family embraces a bold vision to safeguard the Galápagos Islands while sharing their extraordinary wonders with the world. This founding vision establishes Ecoventura as a pioneer in eco-tourism, setting new standards for sustainability and exceptional guest experiences throughout the archipelago. The Dunn family's passion for conservation continues with the launch of Ecoventura in the early 1990s, introducing a fleet of custom-built yachts designed to provide intimate, adventure-filled voyages in the Galápagos. Santiago Dunn, inspired by his father's pioneering vision, dedicates his life to preserving the islands and plays a key role in the company's growth, becoming owner in 1999 and serving as president since 2009. His commitment extends beyond tourism through partnerships with the Charles Darwin Foundation, supporting scientific research, conservation, and sustainability initiatives across the archipelago. Today, as part of a global travel group and celebrating more than 35 years of excellence, Ecoventura continues protecting the Galápagos while creating unforgettable luxury expedition experiences. You explore the islands aboard the intimate Origin, Theory, and Evolve yachts, each welcoming only 20 guests to provide exclusive, low-impact voyages. Every journey combines refined gastronomy, exceptional itineraries, knowledgeable English-speaking naturalist guides, personalized service, and meaningful encounters with the Galápagos' remarkable wildlife. As the only Relais & Châteaux yachts in the Galápagos, Ecoventura also upholds world-class hospitality, culinary excellence, environmental stewardship, and the preservation of local heritage for future generations.

Mission

Provide you with intimate luxury expedition experiences that highlight the extraordinary wildlife, landscapes, and culture of the Galápagos Islands while minimizing environmental impact through sustainable tourism. Every voyage combines exceptional itineraries, refined gastronomy, expert naturalist guides, personalized service, conservation initiatives, and world-class hospitality to create meaningful and unforgettable adventures.

Vision

Continue leading sustainable luxury expedition travel by protecting the Galápagos Islands, advancing conservation partnerships, delivering exceptional small-yacht experiences, preserving local heritage, and inspiring you to explore one of the world's most extraordinary natural environments while ensuring it remains a sanctuary for generations of adventurers and nature lovers.

Galápagos: A Natural Heritage to Protect

When you travel with Ecoventura, you help protect the Galápagos, one of the world's most extraordinary natural treasures and the first UNESCO World Heritage Site. Ever since Charles Darwin visited the Galápagos Islands in 1835, the archipelago has captivated the world with its remarkable biodiversity and wildlife. Operating in one of the planet's most pristine ecosystems carries a profound responsibility, and protecting the unique wildlife and fragile environments—both above and below the water—remains at the heart of everything Ecoventura does.

The Eco in Ecoventura

Sustainability has guided Ecoventura since its inception. As a pioneer of environmentally responsible tourism in the Galápagos, Ecoventura continually invests in initiatives that protect this extraordinary destination for future generations. In 2000, Ecoventura became the first recipient of the SmartVoyager ecological certification after voluntarily implementing conservation standards that later became part of local regulations. The flagship yacht Eric became the first hybrid-energy tour boat in the Galápagos, equipped with 40 solar panels and two wind turbines. In 2006, Ecoventura became the first carbon-neutral operation in the Galápagos, offsetting emissions through NativeEnergy while reducing its carbon footprint by 10%. Today, the custom-built expedition yachts Origin, Theory, and Evolve feature advanced hull designs, stabilization systems, and lightweight construction that reduce fuel consumption and carbon emissions by more than 30%, while catalytic converter systems lower nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions by 90%.

Promoting Longer Stays and Lower-Volume Tourism

Every Ecoventura itinerary aligns with the conservation principles of the Galápagos National Park, where only about 3% of the archipelago is open to human settlement and the remaining 97% is protected as a wildlife sanctuary. Rather than offering shorter cruises, Ecoventura focuses on immersive seven-night expeditions that provide a deeper understanding of the islands while reducing the environmental impact associated with increased visitor turnover and additional flights. This approach supports higher-value, lower-volume tourism while delivering an exceptional travel experience.

Charles Darwin Foundation – Galápagos Biodiversity & Education for Sustainability Fund

When you travel with Ecoventura, you contribute to the protection of the Galápagos through the Galápagos Biodiversity & Education for Sustainability Fund (GBESF), established with the Charles Darwin Foundation and the Galápagos National Park Directorate. Since 2017, more than $800,000 has supported environmental education, scientific research, biodiversity monitoring, conservation enforcement, invasive species management, wildlife protection, and environmental stewardship. Additional support for the Galápagos Conservation Trust also advances whale shark research and marine conservation.

Supporting Conservation Efforts in the Galápagos

Ecoventura builds long-term partnerships with organizations including the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), Ecology Project International, and Island Conservation to protect the archipelago's terrestrial and marine ecosystems. These collaborations strengthen environmental education, community outreach, scholarships for local students, and conservation programs that benefit both wildlife and local communities.

Recycling Facilities to Reduce Landfill Waste

Ecoventura partners with Avianca to operate advanced recycling facilities that divert approximately 9,000 kilograms of waste from Galápagos landfills each year. Recyclable materials are transported to certified recycling facilities on mainland Ecuador using existing scheduled flights, eliminating the need for additional flights while reducing carbon emissions and protecting the islands' fragile environment.

Reducing Carbon Emissions

Efficient yacht designs allow Ecoventura vessels to cruise 30% faster, reducing fuel consumption, lowering carbon emissions, and giving you more time to explore remote visitor sites. Every yacht also features advanced wastewater treatment systems, ecological dual-flush toilets, biodegradable cleaning products, wildlife-friendly exterior lighting, cooling systems free of R-12 gases, and lead-free paint to help protect delicate marine ecosystems. Continuous collaboration with sustainability-focused partners further reduces emissions and noise pollution across the fleet.

Reducing Plastic Waste and Pollution

Long before restrictions on single-use plastics were introduced in the Galápagos, Ecoventura adopted refillable water bottles, filtered refill stations, refillable bathroom amenities, and paper straws upon request. These sustainable practices continue to reduce unnecessary plastic waste and demonstrate a long-standing commitment to protecting the islands through responsible tourism.

Sourcing Ingredients Locally from Responsible Providers

Every dining experience balances exceptional cuisine with environmental and social responsibility. Ecoventura sources more than half of its ingredients locally from small producers and artisan businesses throughout the Galápagos. Fresh produce, sustainably caught seafood, regional specialties, and Ecuadorian wines support local communities while reducing dependence on imported products and celebrating the region's culinary heritage.

Reforestation Project in Santa Cruz

Ecoventura supports ecosystem restoration through a reforestation initiative in the highlands of Santa Cruz Island, where more than 1,100 native trees have been planted to restore natural habitats and strengthen long-term conservation. By participating in this initiative, you help create a lasting positive impact on both local communities and the natural environment.

Pack for a Purpose

Through its long-standing partnership with Pack for a Purpose, Ecoventura encourages you to bring up to 5 pounds (2.27 kg) of educational supplies that benefit local schools on San Cristóbal Island. Donated materials support children, including students with disabilities and special educational needs, while creating meaningful opportunities to give back to the communities you visit.

Galápagos Infinito – Experiential Learning

Ecoventura proudly supports Galápagos Infinito, a local nonprofit organization that introduces children to the extraordinary marine environment of the Galápagos through immersive educational expeditions. Students explore the islands alongside teachers and certified naturalist guides while developing leadership, teamwork, responsibility, and environmental stewardship. This program inspires the next generation of Galápagos guardians and expands educational opportunities through dedicated vessels for day trips and overnight expeditions.