From March, the operator will offer cruises aboard Ecoventura’s latest vessel, MV Theory.

Theory mimics sister ship MV Origin, also offered by Sunvil. Both Origin and Theory have been awarded Relais & Chateaux certification.

Passengers have the choice of two week-long cruises departing San Cristobal: a southern/central route or a western/northern route, both highlighting the best of the islands’ striking landscapes to its wide array of wildlife.

On the southern/central route, passengers can hike and go birdwatching at Punta Pitt, spot sea lions at sandy Gardner Bay, go looking for turtles and rays at Devil’s Crown Rocks, and explore the rock formations and lava tunnels at Puerto Ayora.

The western/northern route, meanwhile, takes in Darwin Bay, home to the islands’ wallow-tailed and lava gulls, and offers opportunities to see flamingos at Las Bachas and navigate the caves of Vicente Roca where penguins dive for fish.

Sunvil also offers a two-week cruise combining the best of both itineraries.

Theory features 10 deluxe en-suite rooms with panoramic views, sundeck, Jacuzzi and loungers, indoor lounge and bar, gym and library. Mod-cons include air conditioning and Apple TV access.

Launching March 3, a seven-night cruise aboard MV Theory including full-board accommodation, twice-daily guided shore excursions, transfers and return flights to San Cristobal from mainland Ecuador, leads in from £6,054pp based on two sharing.