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Ecoventura was thrilled to host Jack Grove — world-renowned marine biologist, expedition leader, photographer, and author of The Fishes of the Galápagos Islands — on two of our recent cruises: September 23rd (Itinerary B) and September 30th (Itinerary A) on our luxury vessel, the MV Origin.

During each of these very special departures, Jack accompanied guests on all land and sea excursions to provide insights into the marine life and wildlife habitat in the Galapagos Islands.  Photo: Jack with Captain Gerardo Duran

His evening lectures and photo sharing allowed guests to ask questions and to better understand the unique and precious environment of the islands.  Photo: Jack with naturalist Gustavo Castro

(Photo Credit: Jack Grove)

We are also thrilled to announce that we will be hosting Jack Grove again in 2019 on the new MV Theory: December 1st-8th and December 8th-15th, 2019. Please contact our team to book your Galapagos departure with Jack Grove.  These departures are not offered in combination with the Fall Promotion. Join us on both back-to-back departures and receive a 5% discount on both weeks!

Please enjoy the photos and guest reviews of these adventure-filled departures with Jack Grove below…

“I’m back from the Galapagos and I want to send a big thank you for the opportunity to cruise aboard the MV Origin. While I’m sure the experience is amazing every departure, I feel especially lucky to have been joined by our experienced guides, Gustavo & Billy, as well as have Marine Biologist and Galapagos expert, Jack Grove, on my trip. Jack is a walking encyclopedia and was nicely complemented by Billy and Gustavo’s knowledge and enthusiasm. The ship crew astounded me with their level of experience and knowledge, and their humor and attention to detail.

And the food! Every meal was a true delight, and I appreciated the staff’s ease with accommodating my vegetarian diet, as well as other special diets… The ship itself is on par with its guides and crew; understated luxury is apparent throughout (many of my fellow passengers noted they had chosen the trip for the look of the ship alone). The operations were seamless, and the cadence of day-to-day activities and meals was spot-on. Everything was on-time, with enough time to transition, and the crew and guides worked very nicely with each other… I especially enjoyed our 5th day, which went from the black lava rock of Fernandina to snorkeling nearby with marine iguanas, followed by opportunities in Tagus Cove to kayak/SUP, enjoy a glass-bottom boat ride, and take a “power hike” – I slept well that night!… My praise for this trip and ship is unending, and I’m very excited about the launch of Theory, whose reputation now proceeds her. Thank you again for helping create an unforgettable experience in the Galapagos (and my first trip to South America).” – Mary Kohut, AdventureSmith Explorations

(Photo Credit: Jack Grove)

(Jack Grove at the shipyard of the MV Theory in Guayaquil — currently under construction)

“I really enjoyed the trip, and can happily say it was the best experience in the Galapagos yet for me! The boat is perfect, the crew super, and the guides (Gustavo and Billy) were the best possible, both individually and together. The fellow passengers were fun too, and we all got along great. Jack Grove was an added bonus, and a very enjoyable person to dine with too. I really enjoyed his stories. The captain was a classic gentleman and a scholar with perfect English and a down-to-earth nature that made the excursion that much better. Having a captain’s table and dinner with the captain is an excellent idea that we all appreciated. I will definitely be selling more of the MV Origin!!!” – Jeff B.

(Photo Credit: Jack Grove)

“The MV Origin is beautiful. The staff was great, and our guides (including Jack Grove) were very professional and knowledgeable. The trip was everything we had hoped for. I will definitely recommend your company to anyone who’s thinking of going to the Galápagos. Thanks again for everything.” – Tali and Jeff

“The (MV Origin) is amazing! It was a nice group of shipmates. I know one of the guides and the guest lecturer Jack Grove from old times. I am feeling guilty about not bringing the Mrs., but it means I was able to concentrate on my photography.” – David H.

Thank you, Jack, for providing lifelong memories to our passengers on these special departures!