972 km off the coast of Ecuador is the second largest marine reserve on the planet, the Galapagos Islands, declared a biosphere reserve and a World Heritage Site for its exceptional natural importance. More than 233 islands, islets and rocks of volcanic origin make up this archipelago that remained isolated for a long time due to the strong currents that made navigation difficult to reach them, which has allowed it to preserve a unique fauna in the world with a large number of endemic species.
Wild life emerges in the form of giant tortoises, sea lions, iguanas, flamingos... it is a natural paradise that impresses anyone, we could almost imagine what Darwin himself felt when he discovered such a marvel in 1835, five weeks were enough for him came to understand the evolution of certain animals, which would allow him, a posteriori, to shape his work The Origin of Species.
And despite what it seems, tourism is welcome, as it is an important source of income that allows, precisely, to protect the biodiversity of the islands. But we are talking about sustainable and responsible tourism: the authorities only allow a maximum number of visitors per day, and you cannot see them for free, you must go in a group or with an authorized guide. Once there, you have to stay in one of the hotels on the four inhabited islands. And, or organized excursions are booked, or you travel by boat to go from island to island.
This last option is offered by the Quasar Expeditions agency, which specializes in organizing luxury adventure trips to remote destinations for small groups, and by boat. And for her trips around the Galapagos, she does so on a historic yacht called Grace in honor of one of its illustrious owners, recently renovated from bow to stern so that her 16 passengers do not lack for anything. The price per person is around 8,000 euros a week.
The history of this ship began in 1928, when the Argentine millionaire, Santiago Soulas, commissioned the English shipyards Camper
The Royal Navy stripped it of furniture and panelling, and rigged it so that it could carry weapons. In 1941 she broke down and she had to be repaired, on her return to sea she became an annex to the Royal Navy Hospital under the name HMS Noir. She remained so until the end of the war, when she returned to the Southampton Dockyards to be restored and returned to her owner, Sir George Tilley. Upon her death, the businessman Aristotle Onassis acquired it and renamed it Arion again. She owned the yacht for just over three years, hosting countless celebrities on board.
But the tycoon, in January 1956, shortly after learning of Prince Rainier's engagement to Grace Kelly, decided to give it to him for his imminent wedding. The ship is renamed by Rainier as Deo Juvante II ("With the help of God", Grimaldi house motto). The couple enjoyed their honeymoon aboard the ship.
Just two years later, it was sold to Milica Banac, the wife of an important shipowner. Daska would be her new name. The yacht sailed near Monaco for two years before the charter business of Crest Shipping bought it and took it to the Bahamas in 1960.
Around 1975, Vassilios (Bill) Lefakinis, owner of Valef Yachts in Greece, bought the yacht at the iconic Athens Hilton Hotel. He quickly changed her name to Angela in honor of her mother. The ship was available for charter for a short time in the Caribbean. Two years later she sailed to the Middle East to help evacuate people during the Lebanese civil war. Lefakinis revamped her before returning her to the charter market, until she was sold in 1982.
It reverted to Daska in 1983 before it was seized by the Jamaican government for non-payment of taxes. In 1985, John Issa, president of SuperClubs, discovered it at auction, reconditioned it, and named it after one of his daughters, M/Y Zein. Finally, in 2007, Quasar Expeditions acquired the M/Y Zein and renamed it the M/Y Grace: a name that would take it back to its history and to its most elegant times.
All cabins on the ship, including the master suite, have windows for guests to enjoy the sun and views of the islands. Rooms with wooden floors and paneling, decorated in warm, ocher and gray colours, with private bathrooms decorated in black slate and white details, all in a very elegant style.
Inside the boat there is a small coffee room equipped with television and bar service, as well as a dining room with air conditioning, but there is also an outdoor dining room to enjoy the beautiful sunsets, in addition, in the upper part is located a sky lounge bar with tables and sofas, and in the bow there is a jacuzzi with some loungers for sunbathing.
Do not forget about the gastronomic experience. Dishes carefully prepared by famous chefs who pay homage to these lands and who use local products to prepare them. An unforgettable menu.
Passengers will enjoy all kinds of activities during the trip: snorkeling, kayaking, zodiac rides, hiking, bird watching, stargazing, diving, and excursions in one of the most beautiful places in the world.
