Origin and Theory

The Islands of the Galapagos

Rating: Prestige Price from: From £6440pp for 8 days

highlights

Sundeck with jacuzzi, hammocks and BBQ
Opportunities for snorkelling, kayaking and paddle-boarding
2 naturalist guides for up to 20 passengers
Excellent eco credentials
Explore in a glass bottom boat
Gym and yoga facilities
Alcoholic drinks included

Origin and Theory overview

Origin entered service in 2016 and Theory in 2019. They are identical in design and are two of the most fuel efficient vessels in the Galapagos. Each elegant motor yacht provides comfortable accommodation for up to 20 passengers in spacious staterooms and has a dedicated crew of 13 including two naturalist guides. Both vessels operate two alternating seven night cruise itineraries, each of which visits several islands. They carry snorkelling equipment, kayaks and stand-up paddle boards, so you can explore by water and on land during your cruise.

Social areas on board include a large lounge and bar that spans the width of the vessel, an indoor dining area and a deck for outdoor meals, all on the Darwin Deck. From here steps lead up to the Sundeck with an open air lounge with chairs, daybeds and hammocks, a grill for barbecues and a bar, At the stern of Beagle Deck there is a jacuzzi. Throughout there is a great feeling of space.

The ten staterooms are on Beagle Deck. Large windows fill the rooms with light and have the benefit of climate control so you can maintain the exact temperature you wish. The impressive facilities include a TV with pre-loaded films, espresso coffee and tea maker, safe and battery charging points, and there is ample space for storing belongings. Each stateroom has a well designed en-suite shower room supplied with toiletries, as well as a bathrobe and slippers to make you feel at home.

details

Operates: All year

Class: Prestige

Specifications: Origin and Theory are 43 metre motor yachts with a cruising speed of 12 knots.

Cabins: The ten staterooms include twins, doubles and two triples and are all on Beagle Deck. They have air conditioning, large windows and en-suite shower rooms. Average cabins size is 13.5 square metres. Maximum passenger capacity is 20.

Facilities & Crew: The sundeck has open and shaded areas for sunbathing and sitting, a bar and a BBQ. The large lounge and dining room are on Darwin Deck, which also has some outside seating. There is a small library on Beagle Deck plus an outdoor deck and Jacuzzi, and the gym is on Finch Deck. Origin carries snorkelling gear, kayaks and stand-up paddle boards, and a glass bottom boat, free for passengers to use. The crew of 14 comprises a captain, concierge, 2 chefs, a waiter, barman, cabin steward, chief engineer, electrician, 1st, 2nd and 3rd mates and 2 naturalist guides.

Itineraries: Origin and Theory both offer two alternating seven-day itineraries, one taking in the southern and central islands and the other western and northern. Both cruise itineraries start and end in San Cristobal.

Children: Children aged 12 years and over are welcome on standard cruises. Origin and Theory offers family cruises during the school holidays with special activities and guides for children aged seven and upwards.

Health: The Galapagos Islands are not a malarial area.

Communication: There is no internet access at present though there are plans to introduce Wi-Fi (charges will apply).