Quasar Expeditions

The story of Quasar Expeditions begins not with a business plan, but with a love story and a shared passion. In the 1960s, a teenage Dolores Gangotena visited the Galapagos Islands on a school trip, an experience that changed her life. Years later, she and her husband, Eduardo Diez, a boat enthusiast, combined their passions to create Quasar Expeditions in 1986. They were pioneers, creating one of the first companies to offer adventure cruises in an archipelago previously accessible mainly by naval cargo ships. Their mission was to provide transformative travel experiences, moving beyond simple tourism. In its early days, the family-owned company faced challenges, particularly in finding qualified staff from a small local population, requiring them to train their crew extensively. For two decades, they grew the operation significantly before shifting focus in 2007 to smaller, more personalized tours on their distinct yachts. This strategy allowed for more intimate wildlife encounters and off-the-beaten-path exploration. Instead of an IPO or venture capital, Quasar's major financial event came in April 2024, when it secured $14 million in financing from IDB Invest and Blue Earth Capital. This funding was earmarked for sustainable growth, including the launch of a new hybrid-propulsion vessel, the M/Y Conservation, reinforcing their commitment to preserving the unique ecosystem that inspired their journey. Today, the Ecuadorian-owned company has expanded its safari-style adventures to Patagonia, Peru, and mainland Ecuador, but its heart remains in the Galapagos.