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Help Choosing Between Ecoventura and Elite for Family trip

Boulder, Colorado
136 posts
11 helpful votes
Help Choosing Between Ecoventura and Elite for Family trip

Hi everyone!

We’re planning a 7-night trip to the Galapagos June 2025 and trying to decide between two boats for our family of three (including our 10-year-old). We're looking at Ecoventura (particularly the Origin, Theory, or Evolve vessels) and the Golden Galapagos Elite. I’d love some advice from those who’ve experienced either (or both) boats!

Here are the pros and cons I've gathered so far:

Ecoventura: Pros:

One of the most experienced operators in the Galapagos with over 30 years in the industry.

Extremely luxurious experience with impeccable cuisine, service, and amenities.

Cabins are beautifully appointed and include thoughtful touches like complimentary binoculars and in-room coffee stations.

Offers two guides per vessel (1 guide per 10 passengers), so smaller, more intimate excursion groups.

Very family-friendly, which is a huge plus for us.

Alcohol included.

The focus isn’t just on onboard luxury but also on delivering an exceptional Galapagos experience with a balance of land excursions and time on the ship.

20-passenger vessels, which feel small but not too small, and great for intimate trips.

Cons:

Cabins are smaller, around 140 sq. ft., and no balconies. It seems like a tight fit for a family of 3.

Price is a higher.

Elite: Pros:

Cabins are quite spacious, around 344 sq. ft., and all have private balconies.

Double cabin that connects with a single cabin, which is a great option for families.

The overall comfort onboard is close to that of Ecoventura.

Cons:

While the accommodations and food are close to Ecoventura’s level, the quality of Naturalist Guides is not as high.

Only 1 guide per 16 passengers, so larger excursion groups.

The focus is much more on the ship and its onboard comforts rather than on the overall Galapagos experience and time off the ship.

Has only been in business for about 6 years.

Food is not as good.

Alcohol is not included.

Does anyone have firsthand experience with these boats? What do you think would be the best option for a family of three, especially considering our 10-year-old?

Any insights or suggestions would be greatly appreciated! Thank you!

1 reply
Tucson, Arizona
Destination Expert
for Quito, Ecuador
15,627 posts
137 helpful votes
1. Re: Help Choosing Between Ecoventura and Elite for Family trip

You're only going to be sleeping in the cabins, so forget about the size. Focus instead on the itineraries rather than the onboard stuff. You want to get to the more remote sites and not repeat any (which happens on some boats that offer short cruises, return to port to pick up/drop off passengers for the second leg).

The low passenger-to-guide ratio is typical for Ecoventura (having cruised on one of their boats many years ago) and I can vouch that it is really nice to be in a smaller group.

Golden Galapagos is affiliated with Columbus Travel, a longtime, reputable agency. So I wouldn't be concerned about their length in business.

Lots of people ask questions here, but few bother to write reviews. You can type the name of the boat in the Search box above. Even if you don't find an actual review, you can read the answers to the many questions.

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