A NEW luxury charter yacht, M/Y Passion, is launching in the Galapagos this week and is available to book through Latin America specialist Pura Aventura
Previously privately owned and not used for tourism, it has undergone a complete refit and, when launched, will be the most spacious yacht per passenger in the Galapagos at 48.5 meters in length and covering four decks. Though enormous, M/Y Passion will sleep just 12 passengers, meaning there is plenty of space to spread out.
Thomas Power, founder of Pura Aventura, commented on the new arrival: “Most boats in the Galapagos carry 16 or more passengers, so the beauty of M/Y Passion is that by accommodating only 12 passengers it is within private charter reach for a family group or group of friends. Other 12 passenger boats in the Galapagos are small and fairly basic, so this boat will fill a gap in the market for premium small passenger number ships.”
The yacht is owned by the Angermeyer family, one of the original families on the islands. They are embedded in the islands’ economy – notably with the Angermeyer Inn, which they helped set up with the local fishermen’s wives to give them a source of income away from extractive fishing.
A vessel of great character, M/Y Passion will offer a sense of refinement and exclusivity, while providing all modern passenger comforts. Accommodation is in four spacious staterooms, each with private bathroom and bathtub, and two suites with two bathrooms – his and hers. The yacht also boasts a panoramic sky lounge with bar, dining room, and sun deck with loungers and Jacuzzi. A staff ratio of one crew member per guest ensures the service is second-to-none, whilst the first-class kitchen will offer gourmet breakfasts, lunches and dinners.
There will be two seven-night itineraries to choose from aboard M/Y Passion:
- The East route will take in Black Turtle Cove, Darwin Bay, El Barranco, Bartolome, Sullivan Bay, Santa Cruz Highlands, Plaza Sur, Sante Fe, Islet Gardner, Punta Suarez and Lava Tunnels.
- Highlights on the West itinerary will include Charles Darwin Station, Punta Cormorant, Devil’s Crown, Post Office Bay, Punta Moreno, Urbina Bay, Tagus Cove, Punta Vicente Roca, Punta Albemarle, Espumilla Beach, Puerto Egas and North Seymour.
Prices are from £3,998pp based on two sharing for a 7-night cruise including all meals with Pura Aventura (01273 676712, pura-aventura.com). A private charter is available from £47,976 for a 7-night cruise for 12 people. Flights are extra.
