American
Kestrel

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In 1986 we were a young couple with a dream that was simple enough: we wanted to show the treasures of the Galapagos Islands to the world. We believed then that through sustainable tourism we could keep these islands intact and we decided to set out on the most memorable voyage of our lives. We employed a wonderful team, most of us really uncertain of the outcome of this crazy endeavor, and somehow we expected everyone to eliminate the impossible from our ideas and turn them into something magical. 30 years later, having gone through good and bad times, we are happy to say that our dream worked out.

30 years have passed since we laid the first foundations for the company that today you know as Quasar Expeditions. Some of you have been with us since the days of Quasar Nautica and we hold very fond memories of all who have been with us since the beginning. We know today that no matter how much time has passed since the day we started, no matter what took place in the interim, there are so many things we can never assign to oblivion and our memories can never rub away.

We are very happy for the memories we have created in these 30 years. We are happy and blessed to have had such great people working along our side from the beginning. Some are no longer with us, but they hold a special place in our hearts and we are forever grateful for their contributions.

The truth is we would not be here today if it wasn't for our valued clients. We want to thank you all for another wonderful year and we welcome an even better 2016.

Expect some exciting announcements and events in this new year that marks a huge milestone for our company.

With lots of love,

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From Russian oligarchs to Middle Eastern oil barons to American movie stars, having a yacht seems de rigueur for the super-rich, even in the current economic climate. But the phenomenon of outsized personalities buying bloated boats is nothing new.

For boating enthusiasts, Quasar Expeditions offers weeklong cruises for less than one-tenth the price someone might pay for the honor of borrowing Vajoliroja. On the Grace, which was constructed in the era in which Depp’s pretends to have been made, guests can cruise the Galapagos from the comfort of the same decks once graced by the likes of Aristotle Onassis, Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier of Monaco.

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The nine-suite M/Y Grace was a gift from Aristotle Onassis to Princess Grace and Prince Rainier of Monaco. Following a full refurbishment, it now offers 10-day, nine island trips for up to 18-guests. Kayaks are available for excursions and penguins are often spotted swimming underneath.

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From modern day divas to past princesses, you could be sunning yourself aboard Grace Kelly's iconic honeymoon yacht M/Y Grace -- as it tours the Galapagos Islands.The charming yacht was given to Prince Rainier and Princess Grace of Monaco as a wedding present from shipping mogul Aristotle Onassis in the 1950s, with the royal couple spending their honeymoon sailing it along the stunning Italian coast.

Today the iconic boat has been refitted with nine luxury staterooms and a top deck hot tub. Guests can enjoy fine dining as they meander past Ecuador's remarkable islands teeming with unusual wildlife such as giant tortoises and marine iguanas. 

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The payoff for traveling to this archipelago 600 miles off Ecuador's coast? For starters, face time with prehistoric marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies, and red-pouched frigate birds. At Puerto Ayora's Tortuga Bay, you can snorkel and sunbathe with indigenous tortoises, sea lions, and lava gulls.

Where to Stay: A stay on Quasar Expedition's recently revamped 32-passenger M/V Evolution luxury yacht comes with expert naturalist guides and glass-bottomed kayaks for underwater sightseeing.

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A wedding gift from Aristotle Onassis, Princess Grace of Monaco's honeymoon yacht, re-named "MY Grace" after her late owner, reflects Grace Kelly's own elegance and beauty. The indulgent onboard service, coupled with a remarkable nature and wildlife experience, is unlike anything currently offered in the Galapagos. This cruise is the ideal holiday option for couples, families and private charters.

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The first company to introduce smaller yachts to navigate Darwin’s favorite islands, Quasar has been in operation for over 25 years, and the M/V Evolution’s 16 revamped staterooms are now outfitted with modern amenities, crisp white linens, carved wood headboards and bathrooms with marble countertops.

Offering an intimate cruising experience for just 32 guests, the vessel boasts dedicated naturalist guides who lead two, sometimes three, expeditions a day, such as hiking Floreana Island or snorkeling Devil’s Crown to glimpse the abundant wildlife unique to the Galapagos.

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"Who wants to be a millionaire?” sing Frank Sinatra and Celeste Holm in High Society. “Who wants to journey on a gigantic yacht?” “Do I want a yacht? Oh, how I do not.” Well, maybe those two didn’t, but their co-star Grace Kelly was certainly partial to a yacht. Just a few weeks after she had finished making the film, she became Her Serene Highness Princess Grace of Monaco and honeymooned for seven weeks aboard the 145ft Deo Juvante II, given as a wedding gift to her and Prince Rainier by Aristotle Onassis.

Now that same yacht, renamed Grace and the very picture of elegance, just like its illustrious former owner, is plying the waters of the Galápagos Islands off Ecuador, the place where Darwin was inspired to devise his theory of evolution by means of natural selection . 

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The yacht Aristotle Onassis presented to Prince Rainier and Princess Grace of Monaco as a wedding gift in 1956, now sails the Galapagos Islands as Quasar Expedition’s M/Y Grace. The vessel dates back to an era of elegance and provides travelers with an intimate and luxurious way to experience the natural wonders of one of the most incredible places on Earth.

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