The well-being and safety of our guests continue to be one of our top priorities. While we have always maintained very rigorous health and hygiene guidelines, since the pandemic, cleaning procedures have been enhanced according to biosecurity standards set by the World Health Organization (WHO), Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA) Health & Safety guidelines, and SAFE TRAVELS approved by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC).
Covid-Friendly Guest Experience
Upon arrival, guests will receive a hot hand towel with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer ingredient and hand luggage, backpacks and bags will be gently sprayed with a disinfecting mist. All cabin amenities will be thoroughly disinfected prior to each cruise. Guests will receive a personal bottle of hand sanitizer and, to avoid any cross-contamination. Hand-sanitizing stations are placed throughout all social areas of our yachts, with additional signage throughout guest and staff areas to remind everyone of important health and hygiene protocols. During the welcome briefing, the biosafety measures to follow during the cruise will be explained.
All excursions have a maximum of 10 guests that are accompanied by 2 crew members and 1 naturalist guide. All of our expedition equipment is undergoing deep cleaning and disinfection procedures (and will be disinfected after every activity). The use of face masks is left to the discretion of our guests.
There is a sign-up sheet available with the Concierge, so the gym can be deep cleaned within 30 minutes with ozone between usage. Only four guests are permitted in the Jacuzzi at any one time.
Our cruises lend themselves to social distancing as our itineraries are designed to avoid crossing with other visitors to the islands. To reinforce this our Captains will also be in contact with other vessels to avoid coinciding in locations at the same time to avoid agglomerations.
Cleaning and Disinfection Procedures
Cleaning products approved by the Galapagos National Park, which are effective against viruses, bacteria and other airborne and bloodborne pathogens are being used in all yachts. We have increased the frequency of deep-cleaning, while disinfecting with ozone machines (HEPA filters) all common areas, public spaces and guests’ cabins (in addition to crew quarters), with an emphasis on high-contact surfaces such as stair railings, doorknobs, coffee stations, water dispensers, coffee tables, dining and bar surfaces, social area restrooms, jacuzzi and sun deck areas. Shoe disinfection trays have been placed at the entrance of each yacht. Crew members follow strict cleaning and sanitation charts in every stateroom and social area. We have intensified and increased the cleaning of air conditioning recirculation filters every week, to guarantee the proper operation of the system, prior to each cruise.
Food & Beverage
We continue to reinforce our methods of identifying and managing food safety-related risk, including Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP), as well as the cleanliness and disinfection of our dining areas, bars and kitchens.
We have emphasized the cleaning and disinfection of kitchens and bars, with strict food safety standards. We follow a disinfection process in all the tableware, glassware and cutlery, as well as the utensils used by our concierges and waiters during the service. Service personnel will adhere to strict security procedures while serving all food and drinks. The kitchen will be disinfected with ozone 3 times per week and only authorized crew members will be allowed to enter the kitchen during their working hours.
Mandatory Procedures Followed by Our Crew
The crew arriving from the continent will have to pass all the controls and procedures established by the local Galapagos airports. They will follow complete disinfection procedures before boarding Ecoventura’s yachts. All crew members will be closely monitored on a daily basis for any symptoms (including a temperature reading) while aboard. They have received detailed training on Ecoventura’s sanitation protocols, in addition to learning how to identify flu or virus-like symptoms, and follow procedures as stated in the ISM (International Safety Management) manual. Hand hygiene is the main measure of prevention and control of infection, and will be done with water and soap, following the right technique of the World Health Organization.
Management of Air Circulation
