"You are never too old to set a new goal or dream a new dream" - C.S. Lewis
For some people, retirement represents a time to slow down and relax after a lifetime of hard work. For others, suddenly freed from the shackles of a career, retirement is the start of a new adventure; a stage in life when having the time and the funds can make it possible to transform dreams into reality.
If you fall into the second camp, you’ve come to the right place. We can guarantee that a luxury expedition sailing around the Galápagos Islands ticks a lot of boxes for retirees. Offering a heady blend of wildlife, scenery and adventure, a voyage with Ecoventura is everything a classic retirement trip should be.
But of course, after years of toil, the Galapagos isn't a bad place to enjoy the easy life either. With a jacuzzi on the sun deck of our immaculately appointed luxury expedition yachts, an open bar, food worthy of a Relais and Chateaux property, and week-long itineraries where you can do as little or as much as you like, if you are looking to take it easy, we've got you covered!
As the last of the baby boomers turn 60, we reflect on the draw of this extraordinary archipelago and why you too might like to consider putting the Galápagos at the top of your bucket list, either to celebrate the start of your retirement, or to mark a big occasion such as a 60th birthday!
Where, what and why
The volcanic Galápagos Islands are situated six hundred miles off the coast of Ecuador. 97% of the landmass was designated a national park in 1959, with over 3,000 square miles of islands and islets protected today. The waters around the Galapagos form the Galápagos Marine Reserve, designed to protect the abundant marine life that live in these nutrient-rich seas. In fact, the marine reserve was recently expanded to further strengthen marine conservation efforts and protect resident and migratory creatures around the islands.
Consequently, the archipelago is home to some of the world’s most unique and diverse wildlife and scenery. From unusual birds to magnificent marine life and remarkable mammals, visitors are always amazed at how close they are able to get to these famously fearless locals, many of which can be found nowhere else on earth.
When to visit
The islands can be visited at any time of the year, during which there are two seasons: the warmest season runs from December to May, whilst between June and November the temperatures are relatively cooler, but ocean currents and breeding cycles may mean this is the perfect time to marvel at the islands’ marine life. Ultimately the Galapagos are a truly year-round destination, with its equatorial location ensuring balmy temperatures in all months.
Luxury without compromise
Our luxury expedition yachts take a maximum of 20 guests, allowing for greater flexibility when choosing how to spend your time and ensuring an intimate, personalised service. With a dedicated team of staff on hand 24/7, your every need is catered for and nothing is ever too much trouble. You will be accommodated in beautifully appointed, spacious designer staterooms, kitted out with everything you would expect from any Relais & Chateaux property, with stunning ocean views to top it all off!
Communal areas on-board include a comfortable lounge for briefings, lectures and socializing, while our elegant boutique sells locally produced crafts and souvenirs and our well-stocked on-board library provides an array of reading options. All guests have access to our open bar, replete with delicious hand-mixed cocktails, red, white and sparkling wines and beers.
Our team of chefs go above and beyond to produce top quality menus using the finest, freshest, locally sourced ingredients. Over 50% of ingredients come from the islands themselves, with a seasonal menu to minimise any impact on the local environment.
The partially shaded sun deck features a BBQ grill and flexible dining areas, day beds, chaise longues and a jacuzzi –the perfect place for unwinding on your journey through across the seas.
Energize, explore and engage
Energetic guests are welcome to keep active on-board by taking advantage of our fully-equipped gym, but with so much to do and see on and around the islands, you may struggle to find time for the treadmill. Activities are many and varied – you’ll be transported by panga (our inflatable Zodiacs) from your yacht to explore the islands.
Excursions range from fascinating guided nature walks and snorkeling alongside marine iguanas, sea lions, penguins and an abundance of tropical fish, to stand up paddle boarding and kayaking with sea turtles, not to mention mesmerizing dolphin and whale watching trips at certain times of the year, as well as visits to giant tortoise breeding centres and other conservation projects.
A trip to the tortoise sanctuary at Santa Cruz is particularly fitting, as it is a chance to learn about one of the Galapagos' most famous retirees, a giant tortoise named Diego. He played a crucial role in helping to bring his subspecies of Española giant tortoises back from the brink, fathering hundreds of offspring as part of a major breeding project. He is now happily enjoying his own retirement back on his native island of Española.
Photography opportunities abound wherever you look. Our team of experienced guides will take you to the hidden corners of the archipelago, providing you, and the small number of others with you on the expedition, with the greatest chances of capturing the best of the Galápagos scenery and wildlife.
Be the architect of your own destiny
A trip to the magical Galápagos leaves guests of all ages in awe. At Ecoventura we pride ourselves on our exceptional customer service and offer understated luxury in a relaxed and laid back environment. The joy of joining us as a retiree is that you have complete control over how you spend your time and can choose how much or how little you do, on and off-board. For any guests seeking a unique experience to make their retirement adventure extra special we are delighted to put together a bespoke package to suit you.
We are passionate about our little corner of paradise and would love to welcome you onto one of our luxury vessels. Contact us today and let us help you to plan an unparalleled voyage of discovery.
"Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter" - Mark Twain
