It is with delight—and no small pride—that we announce Ecoventura has been ranked #2 in the Expedition Cruise Category of Condé Nast Traveler’s esteemed Readers’ Choice Awards 2025. This recognition places us not just among the world’s elite expedition lines, but as one of the foremost choices for discerning travelers seeking depth, intimacy, and environmental integrity at sea.
For a readership that prizes not only comfort and style but also purpose and authenticity, this accolade signals that Ecoventura delivers in every dimension: experiential, sustainable, and soulful.
What This Recognition Means
A vote of confidence from seasoned travelers
Condé Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Awards are among the most credible honors in travel, because they come directly from sophisticated, well-traveled readers themselves. To be ranked #2 means that guests—and prospective guests—are affirming Ecoventura’s promise: that expedition cruising can be elevated, refined, and above all meaningful.
Benchmarking against the very best
To land so high in the expedition cruise category means Ecoventura is being measured against operators who span the globe, from polar voyages to remote islands. That we hold such a position speaks to the distinctiveness of cruising the Galapagos with a boutique yacht, expert naturalists, and unwavering commitment to conservation.
A milestone to build on
We regard this recognition not merely as an honor to celebrate, but as a responsibility to exceed expectations. It encourages us to refine every element—service, experiences, sustainability, and connection—to continue earning that trust.
Setting the Stage: The Galapagos & the Era of Expedition Cruising
To fully appreciate Ecoventura’s achievement, it helps to situate it within broader travel trends—and within the context of how the Galapagos itself figures in the world’s imagination.
The rise of small-ship, high-purpose travel
In recent years, there has been a clear shift in luxury travel: guests are gravitating away from mega-ships and toward expedition vessels that offer greater intimacy, agility, and environmental responsibility. Condé Nast Traveler itself has highlighted this trend, citing how smaller vessels can access ports off-limits to large ships, reduce their footprint, and foster deeper connections with destinations.
In that context, Ecoventura’s approach—three boutique yachts, capped at 20 guests each, with one naturalist guide per ten passengers—aligns perfectly with what discerning travelers now seek: immersive experiences without sacrificing comfort.
The Galapagos as the ultimate expedition laboratory
The Galapagos Islands are among the planet’s most extraordinary living laboratories. Here, spectacular wildlife, volcanic landscapes, and evolutionary wonders intersect in surprising ways. But to savor them fully, one needs a vessel that is nimble, light-footed, and committed to conservation.
In its feature “9 Best Galapagos Cruises,” Condé Nast Traveler profiles Ecoventura as offering “one of the most luxurious—and family-friendly—cruises in the Galapagos,” with three expedition yachts (Origin, Theory, and Evolve) that host just 20 guests across ten staterooms.
Onboard, passengers enjoy open access to kayaks, paddleboards, snorkeling gear, Zodiac excursions, nature walks, and guided interpretive programming. Activities for adults and children coexist seamlessly.
This portrayal underscores what many of our guests already know: a Galápagos expedition is not about glitzy spectacle, but about being quietly present to nature—immersed, attentive, and respectful.
What Sets Ecoventura Apart: Beyond the Yacht
This #2 ranking is the visible tip of a deeper commitment. Here are a few of the foundational pillars:
1. Relais & Châteaux–level refinement at sea
Each of our yachts (Origin, Theory, Evolve) is outfitted with elegant staterooms, panoramic windows, marble finishes, and thoughtful touches: a well-stocked library, a sundeck with daybeds and shaded lounges, a Jacuzzi, fitness amenities, and a refined dining experience featuring open bar, handcrafted cocktails, wine pairing , and fresh local ingredients.
Guests who wish for even greater exclusivity can opt for premium suites, private guides, or tailor-made wellness programs.
2. Conservation is built in—not bolted on
To be a top-tier expedition line today requires more than naturalist briefings. Ecoventura has invested in long-term ecological stewardship:
- On San Cristóbal Island, we established a recycling facility in 2022. In 2024 alone, it processed over 13,000 pounds of material, alleviating the burden on local waste infrastructure.
- In 2017, we forged a groundbreaking partnership with the CDF and the Galapagos National Park Service to establish the Galapagos Biodiversity & Education for Sustainability Fund (GBESF). This collaborative effort is focused on protecting the rare, often endemic wildlife and flora, and preserving our unparalleled ecosystem for future generations.
- In 2024, we launched a new project aimed at ecosystem restoration and land stewardship in the highlands of Santa Cruz Island. With the goal of planting at least 1100 trees within the first year, each representing a passenger who can participate in the activity during the cruise.
These and all of our current efforts ensure your journey leaves a positive legacy, not just memories.
3. Intimacy, flexibility, and genuine human connection
Because our ships are small, we can curate more personal experiences. Naturalists accompany you ashore in small groups. Itineraries adapt to conditions on the ground. Meals become moments of conversation. This kind of flexibility and warmth is rare—and it’s precisely what many of our guests say they prize most.
What Guests Over 65 Will Appreciate Most
If you belong to the distinguished 65+ travel cohort, your priorities often go beyond the usual promotional speak. Here’s what tends to matter most—and how Ecoventura delivers:
- Comfort with dignity: Our staterooms and public spaces are designed for ease—spacious layouts, elegant furnishings, minimal steps, and attentive service.
- Pace that invites discovery: We don’t race through ports. We linger. We observe. We listen. Each landing is curated to enrich, not exhaust.
- Cultural depth: In addition to wildlife, our guides illuminate the human stories of the Galápagos—how communities adapt, how conservation unfolds, how science and local heritage intersect.
- Health, safety, and assurance: Every operational protocol—medical readiness, environmental safeguards, safety drills—is built to give you confidence so you can immerse yourself wholeheartedly.
- Fellow travelers of kindred spirit: With a small ship and mature clientele, you’ll find yourself among like-minded travelers who bring experience, curiosity, and appreciation for subtle luxury.
A Recognition That Reaffirms Our Mission
Being ranked #2 by Condé Nast Traveler in the Expedition Cruise category is more than an honorific—it’s a reaffirmation of Ecoventura’s mission: to offer transformative travel experiences that balance elegance, intimacy, and environmental purpose.
For seasoned travelers who have seen much, yet still yearn to be surprised—who seek not just a vacation but a deeper journey—this recognition signals one thing clearly: join us aboard, and journey differently.
