Oniric | Why us?

Oniric, from the Greek “Oneirikos”, refers to a dreamlike or unreal event. Completely in tune with our brand name, we aim to provide unique experiences by connecting explorers with unforgettable encounters in the magical natural places we visit. All this while fulfilling a mission of contributing to conservation efforts and minimizing our operational footprint.

Since we started sailing in 2007, we have become one of the largest and most ecofriendly cruise operators in the Galapagos, with a fleet of small boats offering safari-style cruises, reaching all remote corners of these enchanted islands with almost daily departures.

Conservation is not a luxury, but an ethical responsibility

We wish to contribute to mitigate climate change and its exponential negative effects on the Galapagos islands by offering our customers green and low-carbon alternatives to cruising. Therefore, we are investing part of our revenue in pioneering projects focused on these three areas of work:

Sustainability and resource efficiency onboard

During 2021 we started the energetic transition of our fleet, with the Archipel I vessel serving as a pilot for this long term endeavor. We are improving energy efficiency and reducing the use of fossil fuels through the installation of electric systems automated by artificial intelligence (AI), sourcing energy from solar panels, and using only state-of-the-art materials at the dry dock.

Galapagos ecosystems conservation

Thanks to choosing Oniric Safari Cruises as your Galapagos tour operator, you are directly contributing to the funding of Galapagos conservation NGOs, such as the Charles Darwin Foundation, Galapagos Conservation Trust, IGTOA, and the Galapagos Whale Shark Project. These organizations protect the vulnerable ecosystems of Galapagos by conserving species, restoring habitats and driving sustainable solutions.

Social and communitarian development

In a geographically-isolated place like the Galapagos, our touristic operation is the most effective economic activity to foster communitarian development, by providing locals with higher-paying jobs, access to better education and technology, and creating a sense of ownership and responsibility over the protection of the islands.

Your cruising with Oniric makes a difference

You can track each month our progress towards the donation goal for sustainable causes at the bar below:

2022

2021

*We update this chart monthly

In the first quarter of 2022, we will fulfil our commitment made last year with the Charles Darwin Foundation and donate the second instalment of 10,000 US$ to support their crucial biological research.
As of January 2022, we have budgeted a 30.000 US$ contribution to be distributed during the year among Galapagos NGOs. The final beneficiaries will be selected upon an analysis of the archipelago’s most pressing necessities and scope of impact.
One of the organizations likely to receive funds is the Galapagos Conservation Trust. We established a relationship with this UK-based charity during 2021, and are convinced of their ability to carry out pioneering projects such as building a genetic library of all species of the Galapagos, mapping the movement of plastic pollution on ocean currents, and educating local children to cultivate a more environmentally-responsible generation.

Throughout 2021, we invested approximately 30,000 US$ at the dry dock to install on our Archipel I vessel navigation equipment powered by solar energy, electrical systems that use AI to minimize energy waste, and painted it with a biodegradable, non-toxic solution, designed to enhance the glide of the hull through the water, reducing fuel consumption.
In June 2021, we donated 10,000 US$ to the Charles Darwin Foundation, an NGO that for 60 years has been the main advisor to the Ecuadorian government for the technical and scientific management of the Galapagos ecosystems. It was the first of a long-term sponsorship programme.
In April 2021, we operated a non-profit sailing (valued at around 15,000 US$) of our Aqua yacht for a research expedition made by the Georgia Aquarium and the Galapagos Whale Shark Project. From this collaboration, scientists learnt more about the migratory behaviours of marine species along the Galapagos-Cocos ridge swimway. These findings were later discussed at the COP26 convention in Glasgow, UK, leading to the expansion of the Galapagos Marine Reserve by 60.000 miles in November 2021.

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