Outstanding learning experience and opportunity to hike, swim & snorkel in a pristine natural environment in the company of fantastic naturalist/guides. The ship was beautifully appointed and service was excellent. Our expedition leader Emma Ridley was professional, well-organized and extremely personable. The zodiac drivers were amazingly skillful. I especially appreciated the emphasis on safety, and the care all guests received, from the senior citizens to the youngest children. And all the animals & birds lived up to expectations!!! Loved those Sally Lightfoot crabs! The meals were delicious, with local flavors and more than sufficient variety. I did the western itinerary and I would love to do the eastern itinerary. All transfers and connections were efficiently handled. Fine hotel in Guayaquil for first & last nights. Entertainment was not cruise ship style (comedians, magicians, musical revues) - instead we had lectures, slide shows, a "crossing the Equator" party, and some folkloric/traditional musicians and dancers. The lounge was equipped with multiple plasma screens which could be viewed from all seats. All transfer points & connections efficiently handled. System for assigning snorkel gear was very well organized - the plan was to keep the same items for personal use for the entire cruise. The total experience was fantastic, but the naturalist/guides stand out for their contribution to the excellence of the entire cruise.