Galapagos: In Darwin’s Footsteps
Galapagos Odyssey on an exclusive small luxury yacht
From February 1st 2011, Galapagos Odyssey launched a brand new Luxury cruise on the M/Y Grand Odyssey in the Galapagos National Park, touring locations as Dragon Hill, Black Turtle Cove, Chinese Hat, Prince Phillip's Steps, Darwin Bay, White Tipped Reef Shark Canal, Sierra Negra Volcano, Isla Lobos...
The new yacht combines luxury, privacy and comfort in the marvelous setting of the Galapagos Islands. M/Y Grand Odyssey has a capacity for 16 passengers, it features 8 spacious Galapagos & Matrimonial suites (25 sq m) and 1 Odyssey Suite (35 q m) equipped with panoramic windows to enjoy the wonderful landscapes of the islands, private bathroom, hot/cold water, air conditioning with independent controls, minibar, TV. Twin beds or one faux queen bed and connected suites for families. Local and International dishes especially designed by the on-board chef, are served in the cozy atmosphere of the dining room. The yacht offer a large solarium with shaded and uncovered areas, two Jacuzzis, comfortable sun loungers and a Mini Spa offering therapies and massages. Social areas include Saloon, mini library and video library and a play zone for kids (during family departures). Snorkeling equipment and kayaks are available without any extra charge. M/Y Grand Odyssey comply with local and international safety regulations and sustainable practices to protect the fragility of the archipelago.
Galapagos explorations from Pikaia Lodge & Pikaia I yacht
Pikaia Lodge Explorations are carefully designed to combine a unique blend of physical activities, adventure, scenic variety, science and superb comfort, allowing guests to explore the natural wonders of the Galapagos archipelago as never before. Guests can experience Pikaia Lodge for the full seven-night package, or a four-night or three-night experience. The exploration package gives guests a delectable combination of local land and sea explorations with full day sailing adventures on our yacht, the Pikaia I. Land programs are divided into morning and afternoon explorations in small, personal groups. Each morning experienced guides plan exploration options based on satellite weather imagery and tides charts. Programs incorporate hiking, kayaking, snorkeling, visiting beaches, volcanic craters or lava tunnels; looking for giant tortoises and endemic wildlife; visiting the Charles Darwin Scientific Research Center and the unique “lonesome George” giant tortoise at the National Park; or visiting organic coffee farms in the highlands to see how settlers live. Half-day tours also include an authentic fishing tour experience on a 35 foot fishing boat, the Pikaia II. A maximum of eight guests will join Galapagos fishermen sharing their traditional fishing techniques. Guests can catch-and-release, or choose their favorite fish to take back to the lodge for chefs to prepare it for dinner. After fishing they can snorkel or swim in untouched and secluded lagoons and beaches.
Day cruises on the 100 foot M/V Pikaia I: the vessel offeres a luxurious, safe and relaxing day tour experience to some of the best Galapagos National Park visitor sites and beaches. Pikaia I yacht offers guests full-day tours with private, air-conditioned rooms with ensuite bathrooms for resting between sailings, large open sun decks, a shadow deck, hot tub and a spacious dinning and living room. Guests are served meals throughout the day; from a full English breakfast, through a buffet lunch, to tropical fruits and cocktails to sip on as the sun sets on the way home.
Pikaia Lodge’s secluded location is perfect for peaceful nature walks, jogging and mountain biking. More than 3.5 km of internal private paths wind past our giant tortoise reserve and reforested endemic forests with rare and fearless endemic birds.
A New Step in The Evolution of Environmentally Sustainable Tourism: Pikaia Lodge aims to become the first LEED-certified carbon-neutral luxury lodge in Ecuador and set a new benchmark for eco-lodges. Pikaia Lodge has been designed and will be built, equipped and operated inaccordance with LEED specifications. Once operating in 2013, we aim to be awarded and hold the highest LEED Platinum certification.
