In the tourism industry, innovation has become an essential tool for standing out in the market. And in the world of cruises, this principle is gaining momentum to create increasingly sophisticated, sustainable infrastructures focused on offering the best experience for travelers.
This vision gave rise to Grand Ocean Spray, the new project by Camilo Chauca, its creator and founder, who today shares with us how he is once again pursuing a new dream with more luxury, innovation, and sustainability.
If you believe in dreams and would like to learn more about Grand Ocean Spray, keep reading this blog!
Key takeaways
- Camilo Chauca began his career in tourism as a fisherman, until tourists began to arrive and his life changed.
- Caracha was Camilo Chauca's first boat, used for daily transportation.
- With his first savings and the help of the National Financial Corporation, he managed to obtain a loan to finance the construction of the Ocean Spray.
- Ocean Spray was Camilo Chauca's first cruise ship and one of the first to explore the Galapagos Islands.
- Now, Camilo is focused on the future and is betting on a new dream: The Grand Ocean Spray, a new version of the previous boat but with more luxury, sustainability, and the ability to continue from generation to generation.
Table of content
- Camilo Chauca's start in the world of tourism
• Arrival of tourists in San Cristóbal
• Caracha: Camilo's first creation inspired by his son. - The creation of a new dream: Ocean Spray
• His first travelers: locals and non-locals
• Camilo Chauca's new dream: Ocean Spray - Ocean Spray: The secret to success according to Camilo Chauca
• The secret to Ocean Spray: Quality service - Ocean Spray's successes and challenges
• Financing: his main challenge - Focus on sustainability
• Sustainability practices aboard the Ocean Spray
• Crew committed to caring for the environment - The Best of the Galápagos Islands by Camilo Chauca
- Camilo's favorite place in the Galápagos Islands
• His favorite moment in the Galapagos Islands - Camilo Chauca currently appears in SCAPE magazine
• The Grand Ocean Spray: his new dream come true
• Message for dreamers and travelers - FAQs
• Who is Camilo Chauca?
• What were the main obstacles for Camilo?
• What is the difference between the Ocean Spray and the Grand Ocean Spray?
• Where can I check the availability of the Grand Ocean Spray and other options in the Galapagos?
Camilo Chauca's start in the world of tourism
Camilo Chauca began working as a fisherman, never imagining that the first tourists to arrive on the island of San Cristóbal would change his world.
Arrival of tourists in San Cristóbal
Camilo Chauca started out working as a fisherman. However, thanks to the opening of flights to the island of San Cristóbal and the arrival of new tourists, he realized that this market was still untapped, so he decided to take advantage of it.
Caracha: Camilo's first creation inspired by his son.
In 1989, Camilo decided to build his first 10-meter boat to transport travelers from one island to another. Caracha was inspired by the name of his first son, Camilo Raimondi Chauca.
Caracha was a great success, as this small boat allowed both locals and domestic tourists from Cuenca or other parts of Ecuador to explore the Galapagos Islands. However, that was only the beginning of his dream.
The creation of a new dream: Ocean Spray
Camilo Chauca achieved great success with Caracha, and his first customers helped him further consolidate his position in the tourism industry.
His first travelers: locals and non-locals
At first, the first customers who arrived on the island of San Cristóbal were local tourists from Cuenca or Ecuador who wanted to explore the Galápagos Islands.
Later, tour operators began to create packages that incorporated tourist hospitality for travelers, allowing them not only to explore the islands but also to extend their stay by getting to know the flora and fauna of this tourist destination.
Camilo Chauca's new dream: Ocean Spray
Once Camilo Chauca saw the great potential that Caracha had, he wanted to dream even bigger. That's how he began building a luxury cruise ship: Ocean Spray.
This cruise ship was built with the profits he made from daily excursions and also with the support of the National Financial Corporation. It became one of the best catamarans chosen by select travelers who enjoy luxury.
“Seeing it set sail for the first time was a dream come true,” said Camilo.
Ocean Spray: The secret to success according to Camilo Chauca
Ocean Spray has been hugely successful since its inception, and its founder reveals the secret behind its success.
The secret to Ocean Spray: Quality service
Quality service and customer focus are priorities in tourism. Camilo mentions that “a satisfied customer will return and leave good reviews.”
That's why Ocean Spray is known not only for meeting the expectations of its travelers, but for exceeding them. This cruise line is known for going above and beyond with attention to detail, personal commitment, and offering the best experience to every traveler.
In fact, each itinerary is tailored to offer the best experience to each passenger and achieve the goal of exceeding expectations.
Ocean Spray's successes and challenges
Although Ocean Spray was hugely successful, Octavio also faced certain difficulties, but he did not give up.
Financing: his main challenge
Camilo was always committed to fulfilling his dream. However, on a number of occasions, financing for new projects or implementations at Ocean Spray was his main challenge.
Nevertheless, he never gave up. Today, Ocean Spray offers exclusive itineraries ranging from 4 to 8 days, focused on providing the best experience, making it one of the preferred cruise options for travelers.
Even Camilo, with tears in his eyes, said: “I have no words to describe how I feel when I hear people say that Ocean Spray is one of the best.”
Focus on sustainability
Sustainability is currently one of the qualities most valued by today's travelers, and Ocean Spray is also characterized by this approach.
Sustainability practices aboard the Ocean Spray
For Camilo Chauca, focusing on the environment is important to providing a good experience for his travelers. That is why an onboard control system was implemented on the Ocean Spray, focused on the storage of supplies to avoid possible failures later on.
Crew committed to caring for the environment
The Ocean Spray team is aware of the importance of including environmental management in most of the actions they carry out. That is why, on each visit, they try to preserve each of the islands.
The Best of the Galápagos Islands by Camilo Chauca
Since childhood, Camilo has had a strong connection to the Galápagos Islands, and now he opens his heart to tell us more about his love for them.
Camilo's favorite place in the Galápagos Islands
Each of the islands has something special that characterizes it. When we asked Camilo which was his favorite island, he had a hard time choosing. But he recommends Isabela Island as his favorite because of the diversity of ecosystems and wildlife that travelers can find there.
His favorite moment in the Galapagos Islands
There are moments that mark a lifetime and remain etched in the heart. For Camilo, one of those moments was the launch of the Ocean Spray, and he shares with us an image that captures that unforgettable moment.
In the image, you can see Camilo Chauca with his two sons, Camilo and Therry.
After four years of effort, dedication, and shared dreams, the day finally arrived when the boat touched the waters of the Guayas River.
“Seeing it float for the first time was not just an achievement, it was the realization of a deep dream,” Octavio recalled.
Camilo Chauca currently appears in SCAPE magazine
Camilo Chauca was recently interviewed for a magazine called SCAPE and expressed his sincere gratitude, as this is the first time he has been recognized by other media outlets.
The Grand Ocean Spray: his new dream come true
In the launch of this magazine, he also shares that the Ocean Spray will soon be retired from service, but a new cruise ship will be created.
This cruise ship will be the Grand Ocean Spray, a new, more luxurious, higher-end version that will exceed travelers' expectations. It will feature solar panels, a nursing area, and many other areas that we will announce as soon as we have the scoop.
Message for dreamers and travelers
Finally, in Octavio magazine, he sends a message to visionary entrepreneurs like himself, telling them to “never give up and that as residents of the Galapagos, we must not be left behind.”
And for travelers, he encourages them to visit the Galapagos Islands and be part of history.
Are you ready to learn more about the Grand Ocean Spray? We will have more news coming soon.
FAQs
Who is Camilo Chauca?
Camilo Chauca is a visionary, dreamer, entrepreneur, and believer in Ocean Spray, and now he is betting on a new dream with Grand Ocean Spray.
What were the main obstacles for Camilo?
Lack of funding was one of the main challenges he faced over time. However, Camilo never gave up and fought for his dreams until he achieved them.
What is the difference between the Ocean Spray and the Grand Ocean Spray?
The main difference is the size. The new Grand Ocean Spray will be larger and will have solar panels, a nursing area, and many more areas to continue offering quality service.
Where can I check the availability of the Grand Ocean Spray and other options in the Galapagos?
You can currently check the rates for the Grand Ocean Spray in the “Rates” section of our website and get an idea of the prices for this cruise for next year.
