In just thirty seconds, Chris Schalkx had his first encounter with a Galápagos resident after landing at Seymour Ecological Airport. A land iguana—native to the islands—lounged casually in the arrivals terminal, its scaly skin stretched over its frame, sporting an expression only a mother could love.
It was a fitting prelude to an expedition through the eastern Galápagos aboard the newly launched Galápagos Explorer, a luxury expedition yacht. This venture marked the brand’s first foray into cruising, expanding its portfolio of high-end lodges in Africa, Chile, and Bhutan. For CEO Joss Kent, the move was a natural progression. “We've long wanted to establish a presence in the Galápagos,” he said. “Every island is uniquely distinct, so to truly appreciate the region’s diversity, you need to explore a wide area. Our guests wake up in a different location each day.”
That diversity was evident the next morning upon arrival at San Cristóbal Island. Despite traveling only a few hours from North Seymour’s rust-colored, palo santo-dotted terrain, the landscape was entirely transformed. Towering tuff cliffs rose like layered cake, while a winding path cut through barren hills. Sea lions squabbled in the distance as the group’s guide, local naturalist Daniel Sánchez, explained the geological processes behind the archipelago’s formation—volcanic activity over a hotspot, erosion, and oceanic currents—all of which shaped the ecosystems that captivated Charles Darwin in 1835.
The Galápagos seemed to be a haven for nature’s curiosities. Red- and blue-footed boobies made their appearance, while on Española Island, marine iguanas with mottled red and green skin huddled together like oversized Christmas sweaters. Moments later, an albatross nearly crash-landed at Schalkx’s feet—a rare, yet not unheard-of, occurrence, Sánchez reassured. Stranger creatures awaited at Bartolomé Island, where Galápagos penguins and sea lions swam alongside snorkelers. In Santa Cruz’s highlands, giant tortoises grazed at a slow, deliberate pace, each bite accompanied by a deep, audible puff—reminders of the centuries they had witnessed.
Despite the Galápagos National Park’s protection since 1959, threats persist. Invasive species, such as predatory rats or crop-destroying snails, pose risks to native wildlife, while human activities—including fishing, farming, and increasing tourism—endanger species like the scalloped hammerhead shark and the pink land iguana.
Unlike the larger 100-passenger cruise ships that traverse the region, the Galápagos Explorer accommodates just 12 guests in six elegant cabins decorated with vintage maps and wildlife illustrations. This smaller size allows for a top-tier guide-to-guest ratio of one to six, ensuring a more immersive experience.
“We’re conducting a comprehensive impact assessment of the regions and communities we touch,” Kent shared. Conservation initiatives already underway include the Galápagos Whale Shark Project, support for the Pescado Azul Women’s Association (which champions artisanal fishing), and the expansion of their marine conservation program, Oceans Without Borders, into South America. The company has also identified a reforestation site on Santa Cruz to plant indigenous trees, aiding ecosystem restoration, preventing soil erosion, and offsetting the yacht’s carbon footprint.
A running joke among the crew was that they were all “endemic” to the Galápagos. From chef Adrian Segura, who delighted guests with local dishes like empanadas and seco de pollo, to bartender Adrián Tenorio, whose post-hot-tub piña coladas were a highlight, the team took immense pride in their island roots.
As Schalkx waited at the airport for his departure, a familiar figure made an unexpected reappearance: a land iguana—possibly the same one from his arrival—sauntered into the lounge as if it had its own boarding pass. It clambered onto a rattan sofa before slipping into the women’s restroom. Moments later, a security guard emerged, wrestling the uncooperative reptile, which hissed and thrashed—a stark reminder of the ongoing tension between humans and nature. A fitting farewell from the Galápagos.
