Silversea – Silver Origin – Galápagos

From the moment you embark on Silver Origin in San Cristóbal; you’ll see she’s big on creature comforts and luxuries. Appreciate the personal and convivial atmosphere as you experience the very height of experiential travel in the Galápagos Islands in the company of up to 99 like-minded guests. 

Not only was Silver Origin designed especially for the bio-diversity of the Galápagos Islands and built around her guests; but mindful travel is at the forefront of her design and centres around five specific pillars:

Sustainability: Silver Origin has the lowest possible carbon footprint; from her state-of-the-art technology, dynamic positioning system, and advanced propulsion system to a fresh water purification system and the Silversea Fund for the Galápagos.

Destination Onboard: You won’t miss a single view on Silver Origin thanks to the large floor-to-ceiling windows, uninterrupted vistas from the Observation and Star Gazing Platform, and your suite’s glass horizon balcony.

Expedition Experience: Silver Origin’s guides are experts in their field and certified by the National Park of the Galápagos; complemented by the innovative Basecamp ‘knowledge lounge’ and the most personalised on-shore experience with the highest number of Zodiacs® per guest in the region.

Authentic Local Culture: Taste truly authentic Ecuadorian recipes aboard Silver Origin; created using fresh local ingredients and accompanied by the best regional wines. You can even learn how to create and recreate the dishes at home at live gourmet preparation sessions and seminars.

Comfort and Service: Silversea’s unparalleled luxury and industry-leading personalised service with butler service in every suite and the highest ratio of crew per guest in the Galápagos region; make your stay aboard Silver Origin as enjoyable as your visit to the islands themselves.

Silver Origin sets sail on a plethora of seven-night round-trip itineraries from San Cristóbal around the 19-island archipelago of the Galápagos Islands; each one packed to the brim with awe-inspiring experiences. From climbing the famed Prince Philip’s Steps and snorkelling with Green Sea Turtles at Darwin Bay on Genovesa; seeing Marine Iguanas and sharks at Fernandina’s Punta Mangle; and taking The Coffee Walk in Santa Cruz’s Montemar to catching sight of Galápagos Hawks at Espanola’s Gardner Bay and meeting giant tortoises at San Cristóbal’s Rodriguez Breeding Centre.

Not forgetting witnessing the obelisk-like Kicker Rock and Buccaneer Cove’s Bishop’s Rock; encountering Flightless Cormorants at Isabela’s Punta Vicente Roca, Galápagos Sea Lions at Fernandina’s Punta Espinoza, and Galápagos Penguins at Isabela’s Tagus Cove; taking a Zodiac cruise through Elizabeth Bay’s mangroves and seeing the Blue-footed Boobies atop Las Marielas; and visiting Santa Cruz’s prestigious Charles Darwin Research Centre and Fausto Llerena Breeding Centre’s giant tortoises and land iguanas.

Spend your daytimes immersing yourself in exhilarating explorations; from complimentary Zodiac tours, snorkelling, and kayaking to nature hikes led by Silversea’s naturalist experts and certified guides. Back on board you can pamper your mind and body with a massage in the Beauty Spa, keep in shape in the Fitness Room, or simply take in the views from the Observation Lounge.

Evenings often start with drinks in the Exploration Lounge for a brief recap of the day’s highlights and a briefing on what lies ahead from the Expedition Team. A tasty dinner of local and international cuisine is served in The Restaurant or perhaps enjoy the optional ‘Hot Rocks’ experience at The Grill? Later cosy up around the fire pit, socialise with your fellow travellers over a gin and tonic or two, and look ahead to a good night’s sleep in your luxury suite to prepare you for your next adventure.

Peter Shanks - Silversea’s Managing Director – UK, Ireland, Middle East, and Africa – recently travelled to the Galápagos to experience two back-to-back week-long cruises aboard Silver Origin with his wife, Lesley. He summed up his ‘trip of a lifetime’ by saying “Our cruise around Galápagos was three life-changing experiences every day: one nature, one snorkelling, one the vistas. You know when something incredible happens, an involuntary noise comes out of your body? It was a burst of happiness.”