Galapagos - Cruises
Endemic
A small ship bringing serious style to expedition cruising
This all-suites ship is an idyllic vessel on which to explore the waters surrounding the astonishing Galápagos Islands. After spending days on land, meeting blue-footed boobies and sea lions and giant tortoises, you’ll be able to return to relax in your spacious bedroom complete with balcony and writing desk.
Life on board is dreamy, with an open-air lounge, an outdoor hot tub and a sun terrace to keep you occupied, and for those seeking a little more adventure, there’s snorkelling gear to borrow as you swim around the boat. Alternatively, take to the water in your own vessel with one of the on-board kayaks, which will help you get closer to the islands’ incredible and wild coastlines.
Families are well looked after on board, too, with a TV room for when you’re cruising between islands, and special kids’ meals prepared for younger travellers. The crew are experts in their field, with naturalists and wildlife guides to school you on the region’s incredible flora and fauna, and the chefs prepare fantastic food to please all palates.
Highlights
Intimate expedition ship
Kayaking & snorkelling from the boat
Outdoor hot tub & sundeck
Suites all have balconies
Indoor & outdoor dining options
The impact of your stay:
- They actively support local communities by sourcing products locally and participating in the Women in Sustainability Entrepreneurship (WISE) project in the Galapagos. Their commitment to gender equality is evident with 64% of staff being women, and their policies promote inclusion. Over 80% of their suppliers are local eco-friendly providers, and 95% of our crew members are native Galapagueños, contributing to the islands’ economy.
- Endemic & Elite stand out as responsible cruise operators in the Galapagos, actively contributing to the protection of the oceans. Through a strategic partnership with the Galapagos Conservation Trust, they are dedicated to combating overfishing, illegal fishing, and plastic pollution.
- Endemic & Elite proudly supports the Charles Darwin Foundation ‘Adopt a Species’ programme, contributing to crucial research and monitoring efforts in the Galápagos Islands. By backing this initiative, the cruise operator actively participates in the conservation of diverse species, underscoring their commitment to preserving the unique biodiversity of this iconic archipelago.
Trip Inspiration
Plan your trip to the Galapagos Islands
Whatever you want from your adventure to the Galápagos Islands, our team of expert travel designers are ready to help.
Places to combine the Endemic with
The Cloud Forests
Set into one of the planet’s most important bio-regions, the futuristic Mashpi Lodge powered with 100% hydroelectricity really is a ‘contemporary cocoon in the clouds’.
Praised for its ecological and contemporary design by being nominated for the likes of Wallpaper’s Design Awards, Mashpi’s steel and glass creation sits amongst 3,200 acres of pristine rainforest on a bluff that commands stunning views over the lush valleys, cloud forests and hills of the Tumbez-Choco-Darien bio-region (otherwise known as the Chocó) in Ecuador.
The 20 rooms and three suites are spacious and simply modern in decoration, with floor to ceiling windows that keep your attention on what’s outside rather than what’s in.
The restaurant has been thoughtfully constructed with two-storey high ceilings and windows for walls so again you feel constantly in touch with the forest, whilst dining on local produce from exotic fruits blended with more savoury dishes and organic ingredients to home made chocolate. There is also a terrace with pergola roof for incredible views over the jungle canopy, perhaps spotting one or two of its creatures.
Daily wildlife expeditions and nature excursions are led by the lodge’s team of Ecuadorian biologists and things like wellington boots and rain ponchos are provided.
The aerial tram from the lodge allow for deeper daily explorations into the forest, and comes with an observation tower and Life Centre which has butterfly farms and terrariums for a really close up look to these species. Hikes, bathing in waterfalls and rivers are very much part of the Mashpi experience too.
