Curator’s statement
Expedition travel is often framed as a conquest of the elements. At Mardensa, we see it as a surrender to them. Trade 3,000-passenger ships for intimate, 16-guest luxury yachts—moving through the volcanic archipelago of the Galápagos not as tourists, but as quiet observers of a living laboratory. This is a journey designed for the seeker who finds luxury in the absence of a crowd and the presence of the primordial.
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Where to stay on the Galápagos Islands
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Things to do on the Galápagos Islands
Akhil Verma
Deep-water snorkeling in the Devil’s Crown: We bypass the shallow beaches for the volcanic crater of the Devil’s Crown. Swimming alongside eagle rays and sea lions in this sapphire-blue theater is a lesson in the fluid grace of nature.
The “Silent Row” through Black Turtle Cove: I prioritize expeditions that utilize electric zodiacs or kayaks. Drifting through the mangroves in total silence allows you to hear the rhythmic breath of sea turtles surfacing—a meditative connection to the “Slow-Burn” philosophy.
Geological storytelling on Fernandina: Walk across the youngest island in the chain. We focus on the “pioneer” species and the raw, frozen-in-time lava fields that look like a piece of modern art.
Stargazing from the Sky Deck: In the equatorial Pacific, the sky is split perfectly between the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. I curate voyages that include an onboard astronomer to map the constellations from the perspective of the world’s most remote waters.
Places to eat & drink on the Galápagos Islands
Sam Szuchan
Catch-of-the-Day Ceviche (Aboard the Origin by Ecoventura): The Al Fresco Sun Deck: As a member of Relais & Châteaux, the Origin’s culinary program is the gold standard. This meal is a masterclass in transparency, with fish sourced directly from the Galápagos artisanal fishing fleet.
Volcanic Terroir Tasting: Anker by URKO (Puerto Ayora): This is the most avant-garde “land-based” dining experience in the islands. Anker serves as a sister restaurant to the world-renowned URKO in Quito, specializing in a “tasting menu by ecosystem” that features rare high-altitude volcanic wines and local Santa Cruz cheeses.
The Captain’s “Blue Hour” Toast: The Beagle Grill (Aboard Silver Origin): This is Silversea’s signature outdoor venue. The “Blue Hour” here is a ritualized transition from expedition to elegance, featuring sophisticated Andean-inspired cocktails as the ship anchors in a new volcanic caldera.
Farm-to-Table at Montemar Eco-Luxury (Santa Cruz): The Kitchen at Montemar: Unlike a traditional restaurant, this is a private immersion. You dine within an organic coffee plantation where the “Giant Tortoise Friendly” coffee is grown, harvested, and roasted on-site, paired with ingredients from their bio-dynamic gardens.
Need to know
The motion myth: Many fear the small ship means more movement. In the Galápagos, our selected catamarans use twin-hull stability to ensure a smooth, wellness-focused sleep. If you are prone to motion, I recommend the September–November window when the Humboldt Current is active but the luxury stabilizers on our preferred fleet are at their most effective.
Packing for the Wet Landing: Expedition travel requires a specific wardrobe. I suggest high-end, quick-dry technical gear in the Mardensa palette—muted tones of slate, sand, and navy. Pro-tip: Invest in a pair of professional-grade amphibious shoes. The transition from zodiac to volcanic rock should be as seamless as the rest of your journey.
The Mardensa Tip: The true luxury of a small ship is the flexible itinerary. Because we are only 16 guests, the Captain can pivot. If a pod of Orcas is spotted three miles out, we don’t follow a schedule. We follow the magic. Stay present, keep your binoculars within reach, and let the schedule dissolve.
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