This Luxury Travel Company Is Launching Its First Expedition Yacht to the Galápagos — and the 7-night Journey Includes Snorkeling, Hiking, and Birdwatching

Meet the new andBeyond Galapagos Explorer, a 12-passenger, 124-foot expedition yacht.

You might be familiar with andBeyond for its luxury safari lodges and camps across Africa. Or you might know it for its adventures in Asia and South America. But for the first time ever, the luxury travel company is dipping its toes into yachting with the launch of andBeyond Galapagos Explorer.

The new 124-foot yacht is due to set sail in June, taking up to 12 guests on two seven-night itineraries through the Galápagos Islands, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a favorite destination of wildlife lovers. The first explores the volcanic archipelago's eastern islands, including Floreana, Española, and San Cristóbal, while the second targets the western islands of Isabella, Fernandina, and Santiago.

Throughout each itinerary will be ample opportunities for snorkeling, kayaking, and hiking with expert guides, not to mention wildlife viewing of some of the islands' most famous inhabitants, including blue-footed boobies, marine iguanas, and sea lions. Both itineraries will also include visits to the Charles Darwin Research Station, the Fausto Llerena Breeding Centre, and the Tortoise Reserve El Chato to see giant tortoises and learn about ecological preservation in the islands.

“A uniquely biodiverse environment with the highest number of endemic species in the world, the Galapagos is a natural choice for the further expansion of our portfolio in South America," andBeyond Executive Chairman and CEO Joss Kent said in a statement obtained by Travel + Leisure. "We are absolutely thrilled to finally have the opportunity to bring our brand of responsible tourism to this precious part of the world, which the Ecuadorian government has protected from over-tourism by strictly limiting the number of operating licenses issued."

Though the off-ship experiences in the Galápagos might be the primary draw to these journeys,  onboard experience on Galapagos Explorer is nothing short of spectacular, too. Guests are accommodated in four en-suite cabins and two double-en-suite suites, each decorated with maps of the Galápagos and illustrations of local flora and fauna.

Shared spaces onboard include indoor and outdoor lounges, a dining room serving menus inspired by Ecuadorian ingredients, and a sun deck with a hot tub. And it's worth mentioning that on Galapagos Explorer journeys, all meals and beverages (including local spirits, beers, and house wines), limited laundry services, Starlink WiFi, and snorkel gear rentals (including a short wetsuit) are covered by the rate.

“We have long believed that the best way to encourage our guests to help protect the world’s wild places is for our skilled guides to help travelers not only fall in love with those places, but also to gain an understanding of the threats that they are facing," said Kent. "This is what we are aiming to do through the introduction of our luxury yacht, where two knowledgeable guides will host just twelve guests, showcasing the wonder and mystery of this exceptional destination.”

Rates for a seven-night cruise start at $10,950 per person; book now at andbeyond.com.

For more Travel & Leisure news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!

Read the original article on Travel & Leisure.