integrity yacht for charter in the galapagos
DESCRIPTION
Yacht INTEGRITY sleeps 16 guests in 9 cabins and is available for charter in the beautiful exotic islands of the Galapagos year round. Clients have the opportunity to view amazing wildlife such as whales, dolphins, fur seals, marine iguanas, frigate birds, and also swim and snorkel with sea lions and penguins. The Galapagos is only 1 of 2 places on the earth where you can view giant tortoises in the wild! This is an exciting adventure for all active clients! http://www.northropandjohnson.com/yachts-for-charter/475-IntegrityTRANSCRIPT
integrityluxury yachting in the galápagos islands
3Left: Magnificent Frigatebird, Genovesa. Above clockwise from upper right: Giant tortoise, Santa Cruz; Sally-lightfoot crab, Urbina Bay; marine iguana feeding underwater; Galápagos dove, Española
only the few plants and animals that can survive long, waterless journeys or
that can fly will reach volcanic specks like
the arid Galápagos Islands, 600 miles
west of mainland Ecuador. Tortoises,
lizards, seabirds, and a handful of land
birds were favored; most terrestrial
mammals had no chance. Without land
predators, the surviving species lost — to
delight of visitors — any fear of land
mammals, including humans.
The Galápagos, home to endemic species including Giant Tortoises, doves and marine iguanas
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the integrity, a 141 ft. luxury yacht, carries 16 passengers in uncompro-
mising comfort and safety through the
Galápagos Islands.
From the swimming platform aft to the
extended bow for whale and dolphin
watching, every inch of the Integrity was
designed to enhance your Galápagos
experience.
All staterooms have private en suite
facilities including shower, lavatory and
vanity, and individual climate controls.
The Salon and Sun Deck lounges provide
the perfect place for you to relax and
gather for refreshments from the bars.
Soaking in the Sun Deck spa while cruis-
ing past volcanic shores is a unique treat.
The Integrity carries a fleet of sea kayaks,
perfect for exploring the Islands’ shore-
lines, inlets, bays and quiet coves.
Luxurious and intimate, the Integrity
is an ideal choice for your Galápagos
adventure.
integrity –a perfect choice for galápagos
Top: Integrity stern, James Bay, Santiago. Bottom: Penguin colony at Sombrero Chino with Integrity in the back-ground. Right: Integrity and real rainbow in front of frigate and booby colony, Darwin Bay, Genovesa.
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integrity – that’s what the galápagos resident and owner Rolf Sievers is all
about. Immigrating from Germany with
his father and mother at age 20, he
helped his family scratch out a homestead
in the rough volcanic land long before
such luxuries as electricity, running water
or medical services came to Galápagos.
Rolf’s first paid job ($80 per month) was
tending the seismograph at the Charles
Darwin Station in 1964. Soon Rolf be-
came manager of the Station, a position
he held for a decade before resigning
in 1978 to start small yacht tours of the
Galápagos Islands.
Today, more than 40 years later, he and
his wife reside in the Santa Cruz Highlands.
His two sons, Dirk and Christian, both
university graduates, live in the village
of Puerto Ayora and together, the family
owns, operates, and maintains the yachts
Integrity and Reina Silvia. The German
penchant for perfection is much in evi-
dence — all systems work all of the time.
Rolf Sievers and family–perfectionists in the art of Galápagos cruising
Left: MV Integrity. Clockwise from upper left: the Sievers’ original house in Galápagos; Rolf, Christian, Rosaura and Dirk Sievers; Rolf as director of the Charles Darwin Station; an early photo of Christian, Rosaura and Dirk.
if you have Integrity, nothing else matters; if you don’t have Integrity, nothing else matters.
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cruising with a few like-minded travelers on a luxurious yacht among
the Galápagos Islands is an exclusive,
private, and personal experience. You
can savor the joys of the natural world
without dozens of others around you.
With such a small group, going ashore is
quick, easy, and uncomplicated. Impor-
tantly, you are close to your guide—you
can hear the descriptions of the ecosys-
tems, flora, fauna, geology, and ocean-
ography, and can have your questions
heard and answered.
A yacht can visit more of the smaller,
intimate sites than the large ships can.
Flexible daily activity schedules accom-
the small yacht Galápagos experience
modate serendipitous moments like the
sighting of whales, orcas, Mola mola,
penguins, and schools of dolphins. Shore
visits are adjustable to reflect tempera-
ture concerns, group energy, and interest
levels.
Clockwise from upper right: No waiting—all guests can ride in just two pangas; Small group arriving onto empty shores, Genovesa. Right: Your small group aglow in the magic light of a Bartolomé sunset.
If you seek a rich, personal connection
with nature, don’t want to interact with
48-96 others, then planning your Galá-
pagos experience aboard the 16-passen-
ger yacht Integrity may just be the right
choice for you.
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there is arguably no place where wild
creatures are as fearless of humans as
they are in the Galápagos Islands. For
the traveler, this means an experience
and relationship with wildlife like no
where else on earth. Whether it’s watch-
ing a curious Galápagos Hawk from just
a few feet away or going nose-to-nose
with a playful sea lion pup, a visit to
the Galápagos guarantees a myriad of
profound wildlife interactions.
This is what makes the Galápagos such
an incredible destination and one that
will touch your life forever.
Incomparable Closeness
Left: Swimming with sea turtles, Isabela. Clockwise from upper right: Dolphins playing with the panga; Curious Galápagos Hawk, Bartolomé; Sea lion and guests, Fernandina; Taking marine iguana portraits, Fernandina
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even though you are kept busy with snorkeling, kayaking and shore visits,
there is ample space and plenty of time
to be alone. Let the spa soothe your
cares, read in a chaise lounge, sip your
favorite beverage at the bar, write in your
trip journal, download your photos, or
just disappear into your air-conditioned
stateroom for a restorative nap. If you’ve
forgotten how to relax, look to the sea
lions for lessons.
Rest, relaxation and fun— important goals of your trip
Clockwise from upper right: Relaxing on the Sun Deck; Catching a quiet moment together; Kayaking to bob-bies, penguins and pelicans, Isabela; Sharing laughs. Right: A very special sea lion encounter, Española.
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when you travel on the integrity, you are assured of spending time with
exceptional teachers selected for their
knowledge, experience and especially
for their ability to help you learn about
the incomparable flora, fauna, and rich
cultural history.
Our guides share scientific and histori-
cal knowledge blended with insights and
humorous tidbits gained through years
of interpreting the natural and cultural
history of these remote, special places.
Articulate and personable, the guides
aboard the Integrity are fun too!
“I can’t say enough about Richard Polatty.
A consummate guide the likes of which
I’ve never seen before. Deeply knowledge-
able about everything Galápagos but
never overbearing. A wonderfully outgoing
personality helps a lot too. He obviously
loves what he’s doing.” — Peter Kibbee,
Washington, DC
“What amazed me most about the guides
is that they were always willing and excited
to teach and answer questions. They
are truly gifted and giving.” — Kathleen
Kaufman, Santa Monica, CA
Exceptional teachers
Left: Guide Richard Polatty giving a lecture on plate tectonics. Top: Guide Jan Post pointing out rays in the shal-lows, Floreana. Bottom: Guide Tanya Helmig explaining tortoise migration patterns, Isabela.
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the integrity team will take good care
of you. Comfort, service, peace and
quiet, spacious cabins with all ameni-
ties — this is the Integrity’s recipe for
a complete and carefree getaway.
Your needs are anticipated and quietly
provided, whether at anchor or while
cruising smoothly from island to island.
The Integrity team earned the coveted
“Galápagos Quality Gold Seal” in 2012
for their dedication to safety, service,
environmental practices, and above all,
to the Galápagos Islands.
care, service and attention to detail—that’s integrity
“The service was incredible. Every need
was met, and then some! We couldn’t
believe how nice it was to be greeted with
a cold wet towel and a cold drink each
time we returned from a jaunt......just those
little touches were so appreciated and so
welcome! “ — Cathy Enright and Walton
Reeves, Atlanta GA
“Crew were excellent-very nice and
obviously a great team- really helpful with
fitting me out with snorkeling equipment, a
walking stick, etc.” — Elaine Cook, High
Wycombe, Bucks, UK
Clockwise from upper left: Crew serenading guests; Friendly, courteous service is the norm on Integrity; Helping hands always present, Galápagos Gold. Right: “Dry Landing” at
Iconic view across Bartolomé to Sullivan Bay on Santiago—your reward for walking to the top of Bartolomé
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the integrity owners, like our guests, enjoy dining well. They know that food
is an important part of any vacation so
their talented chefs work magic in the
galley creating new taste sensations and
surprising twists on old favorites.
Menus are varied and healthy. Special
diets are easily accommodated and chil-
dren’s favorites are always available.
You dine at intimate tables of six and
enjoy barbecues of local specialties on
the sun deck as you revel in the sunset
with the obligatory sun downers.
Breakfast is buffet style with cereals,
juices, fresh fruit, toast, muffins, hot
items and eggs cooked to order. Fresh
brewed coffee, a selection of teas, milk
and cocoa are served. Lunch and dinner
are served in several, elegantly plated
courses and often start with a soup,
followed by salads and a main course
of fish, chicken, beef, seafood and a
vegetarian option. And there’s always
dessert, coffee and tea.
vacation and fine food— they go hand in hand
Clockwise from top: lunch served between shore visits; fresh ceviche; chef plating starter; Poached pear desert; Grilling on the Sun Deck. Right: Dining area on Integrity—you won’t miss a view.
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the spacious salon with comfortable
wrap-around seating is bathed in natu-
ral light, perfect for reading a selection
from the yacht’s library or listening to
lectures on Galápagos natural history,
geology and the evening briefing.
A wide-screen media center is avail-
able for viewing your personal photog-
raphy or naturalist’s presentations.
The Main Bar offers a wide variety of
beers and wines from throughout South
America. You may also enjoy a hand
crafted cocktail created by one of the
skilled bartenders.
In the Main Deck entry, snacks, refresh-
ments and hand towels are ready for
you when you return from shore visits
and snorkeling.
Left: Salon and dining view. Above, clockwise from upper right: Salon bar service; Salon and diners; Post-shore-visit service, snacks and drinks in the Main Deck entry; Salon with view to library, coffee bar and rear entry
interior spaces: salon, lounge, bar and entry
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on the partially-covered sun deck
are a full service bar, cafe tables and
chairs, cushioned lounges, and spa. It
is the prime place to watch the Galápa-
gos roll by while underway, catch up on
reading, nap, have a drink at sunset,
and stargaze at night.
Forward of the pilot house is the popular
“Rolf’s Roost,” a circular lounge where
guests enjoy sun downers and hors
d’oeuvres while watching Frigatebirds
soar in the golden evening light. It’s a
great location for whale-watching, too.
At the bow is a viewing platform where
guests can look directly down onto
dolphins surfing the bow wave below or
bioluminescence at night.
Above, clockwise from upper right: Sipping drinks and soaking up the sun at the spa; Rolf’s Roost; Reading on the Sun Deck; Sun Deck cafe tables, bar and guest frigate. Right: Scanning for whales from the spa deck.
outdoor spaces: sun deck and rolf’s roost
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your stay on the integrity will be in
the most comfortable and luxurious state-
rooms of any yacht in the Islands. Simple
and tasteful, the décor features hardwood
hand harvested by Rolf Sievers.
The king-bedded, 350 ft2 Owner’s
Suite spans the Main Deck from port to
starboard. With picture windows on both
sides, you will experience unobstructed
views of the Islands. This luxurious
suite has ample seating in addition to
a writing desk with chair. Enjoy plenty
of storage, individual climate controls,
large-screen entertainment center, satel-
lite phone and spacious bathroom.
Left: Owner’s Suite king bed and lounge seating. Above, clockwise from upper right: Writing desk on starboard side; View to port side of suite, showing wrap-around lounge seating; Native wood cabinets and entrance.
spacious stateroomsowner’s suite
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single & queen staterooms
the integrity offers you one queen-bedded, 150 ft2 stateroom with all the
amenities of our Standard Staterooms:
picture windows, full bath, table and
chairs, entertainment center, and mini-
bar.
The Integrity also offers the option of a
120 ft2 Single Stateroom. This comfort-
able stateroom has one twin bed with
private facilities, large picture windows,
a writing table, entertainment center, and
a mini bar.
.
Above, clockwise from upper right: Writing desk in Single Stateroom; Honeymoon touch in Queen Stateroom; Single Stateroom entrance and storage; Single Stateroom twin bed; Stateroom bath. Right: Queen Stateroom
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standard staterooms
the integrity offers six 150 ft2
Standard Staterooms. These can be
configured with one king bed or two twin
beds. It’s a delight to wake to views of
the Galápagos through the large picture
windows.
Each Standard Stateroom offers a table
with chairs, plenty of storage, a stocked
mini bar, individual climate controls, a
satellite phone and entertainment center.
The en suite bathroom facilities have a full
sized shower, lavatory, toilet and storage
cabinet.
Left: Standard Stateroom configured with twin beds. Above, clockwise from upper right: Standard Stateroom configured with a king bed; Table and seating; Seating and bath door; Entry, storage and mini-bar.
32 33
integrity, the only galápagos yacht equipped with stabilizers, was built in the
US and completely refitted and remod-
eled for Galápagos cruising in 2005 by
the Sievers themselves. Regular upgrades
keep the Integrity in top shape.
Two electronically controlled, vibration
isolated Detroit/MTU 4-stroke diesel
engines, provide smooth, economical and
green cruising. Two generators provide
sufficient electrical power to easily support
yacht systems
Excellence inside and out
type motor-yacht
length & beam 141 ft x 24 ft
speed 12 knots
stabilizers yes
air conditioning individually controlled
guests 16
crew + naturalist 11
CD-DVD en suite
cell/satellite phone en suite
kayaks 6-8
SpaBar
Zodiak
ZodiakCovered Deck
Sun Deck
Grill
Sun Deck
DiningSalon
Bar
Library Guide
Captain
Rolf’s
RoostB
ridg
e
Galley
Salon Deck
1 - Suite
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
2
Crew
Reception
Swim Platform
Main Deck
the air conditioning, walk-in freezer and
refrigerator, extensive electronic systems,
the 5000-gallon-per-day water mak-
ers, the on-board waste-water treatment
plant, and keep the spa hot for you.
The Integrity is the most environmentally
conscious yacht in Galápagos, earning
the Galápagos Quality Gold Seal for its
practices.
Clockwise from upper right: Captain at the helm—all Integrity captains have years of experience piloting in Galápagos; one of the two Detroit/MTU diesel engines; Integrity underway. Right: Integrity deck plans
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Yacht itineraries
cruising itineraries for the integrity (and for all vessels) are set by the Galá-
pagos National Park Service. No yacht
may visit any visitor site more than once
in two weeks’ time in order to reduce
visitor impact on “over loved” sites. The
Sievers family has selected two of the
most compelling itineraries possible for
the Integrity.
By starting cruises in Puerto Ayora, the
Integrity can visit a greater number of the
most rewarding visitor sites on outly-
ing islands, an option not available on
almost any other yacht.
The Western Route features the younger,
volcanically active Islands of Isabela and
Fernandina, whereas the Eastern Route
features the older Islands of Española,
San Cristóbal and Genovesa. On many
islands you will visit more than one site,
and there are many opportunities around
these islands to snorkel and kayak.
western route: Santa Cruz (several sites before board-
ing Integrity), Floreana (4 sites), Isabela
(5 sites), Fernandina (1 site), Santiago (3
sites), Santa Cruz north shore (2 sites),
North Seymour (1 site), Baltra (1 site)
eastern route: Santa Cruz (several sites before board-
ing), Española (3 sites), San Cristóbal
(3 sites), Santa Fé (1 site), South Plaza
(1 site), Genovesa (2 sites), Santiago (1
site), Bartolomé (2 sites), Rábida (1 site),
Sombrero Chino (1 site), Baltra (1 site)
Clockwise from top: Integrity at Kicker Rock; Red-footed Booby on Genovesa; Curious Galápagos Hawk, no telephoto lens needed; Snorkelers giving their “two-thumbs-up” review. Right: Integrity routes map.
fernandina
isabela
floreana
española
san cristóbal
santa fé
plazas
genovesa
marchena
pinta
santa cruz
baltra
santiago
rábida
pinzón
Integrity Routes Keywestern route eastern route
north seymour
bartolomé
Cover: Integrity at Punta Vicente Roca, Isabela. Here: Integrity anchored between North Plazas and South Plazas. © 2012. Photos: Weston Walker-Knoblich, Christian Sievers, Bill Roberson, Mallori Abbott, Marika Roberson, Nicole Churchill, Laura Wilson, Phillip Yip, Wes Walker