Evolution

Choose the Evolution if you are seeking a premier Galapagos experience from a top-rated ship. The food, service and guides aboard the Evolution consistently receive especially high praise. This unique small ship has all the modern amenities and loving attention to detail in its design, yet retains the adventurous atmosphere of a smaller boat. Her unique size for the Galapagos (32 guests) allows her to disembark all passengers together, no matter where they land, since certain National Park visitor sites cap visitors at 32. She is lauded for her safety, and is the smallest ship in the Galapagos to staff a doctor aboard.

AdventureSmith Explorations’ expedition cruise experts have been aboard the Evolution firsthand. Read our expert-written MV Evolution Galapagos Review or find more about the M/V Evolution below. Then contact our experts to compare the Evolution with other Galapagos cruise ships, yachts and catamarans offering Galapagos cruises.

Evolution features an indoor lounge for lectures, slideshows and films. The ship also contains a library with a wide range of books, movies and board games. The ship is large enough to allow for two separate briefing spaces, great for trips where families are aboard.

The yacht features both inside and al-fresco dining areas and an outside, covered sky deck lounge on the stern of the Albatross Deck with a bar and nautical-themed furniture. The bow of the yacht features the hot tub with lounge chairs for sunbathing and wildlife viewing and ample outside deck space.

There is a boutique on board for purchasing amenities and souvenirs and a reception area where the cruise director can always be found. The yacht features a fully-equipped infirmary with a doctor on board at all times, along with a defibrillator. And satellite internet is available in common areas.

The Evolution is plastic free thanks to her state-of-the-art water filtering system; no more plastic bottles. She boasts a complete wastewater treatment plant on board as well as an oil-filtering system geared towards making a positive difference regarding waste.

All meals are served in either the inside dining room or the equally elegant al-fresco dining area at the stern of the yacht. Breakfast and lunch are served buffet style, while dinner is served a-la-carte, all prepared by specially trained chefs. Meals are served in healthy quantities and in a variety of menus with tropical exotic fruits always available. Vegetarian, lacto-ovo-intolerant and other special menus are available upon request. On family-oriented departures, special children’s menus are also offered, and families can often dine separately outside to allow for wiggle room.

Hors d’oeuvres are normally served along with local juices as a welcome treat twice a day upon return to Evolution following daily Galapagos Island visits and snorkeling outings.

Water (sparkling or still), soft drinks, juices, and non-premium wine, beer and signature cocktails are available free of charge. A self-service coffee and tea station is open between 6:30am and 11:00pm. Cookies, crackers, chocolates and instant coffee are available 24 hours a day. 

Sea kayaks, snorkeling gear and shortie wetsuits are available on board free of charge. A professional crew of 18 plus three naturalist guides, one doctor and one cruise director ensure attentive service. The three onboard dinghies can accommodate all 32 guests at once. The aft Boarding Deck enables easy loading and unloading for off-vessel adventures via the dinghies. For family cruises, the Evolution offers activities like stargazing and movie nights.