Voices! Dolores Diaz and the Art of Responsible Expeditions in Galapagos
Founded in 1986 by Dolores Diez and her husband, Quasar Expeditions has emerged at a time when the Galápagos Islands were still largely unknown to international travelers—and far more difficult to navigate than they are today.
Through Quasar Expeditions, Dolores Diaz marked four decades of pioneering exploration in one of the world’s most fragile ecosystems, and the business stands today as a rare example of a travel company shaped as much by conviction as by experience. What began as a bold vision to create intimate, meaningful journeys through the archipelago has evolved into a globally recognized benchmark for low-impact luxury travel.
Yet despite its growth, Quasar has remained firmly anchored to its founding philosophy: that true luxury lies not in excess, but in care, connection, and respect for place.
In this interview, Dolores Diaz is sharing how a family-founded vision has evolved into one of the world’s leading examples of low-impact luxury. From the early days of operating in a remote and challenging destination to guiding a new generation of travelers seeking deeper meaning and connection, she explores how Quasar has remained true to its founding philosophy while continuously adapting to the expectations of modern explorers.
Quasar Expeditions marks 40 years this year—what does this milestone represent for you and the company today?
Celebrating 40 years of Quasar Expeditions is incredibly meaningful to me. It represents both a personal and professional achievement for myself and my husband because when we started, operating in the Galápagos was far more challenging than it is today. Looking back, it has truly been an extraordinary journey.
What makes this anniversary especially emotional is seeing our children, the next generation, carrying the business forward. That was always our dream, and now that it is happening, I feel immensely proud. So, this milestone is not just about longevity, it is about resilience, family, and the continuation of a vision that began four decades ago.
How has the original vision of Dolores Diez shaped the company’s identity over the decades?
My original vision has been at the heart of Quasar’s identity for the past four decades. When we founded the company, our dream was to create a family business that would be known for showcasing the extraordinary nature of the Galápagos in a truly special way.
From the start, we were intentional about the experience we wanted to offer: journeys aboard elegant, safe, and distinctive vessels where guests would feel well cared for, and genuinely at home. That philosophy has remained constant over the years, and I believe it is one of the key reasons Quasar continues to stand apart.
What is most meaningful is that, even after 40 years, our founding vision continues to guide everything we do. There is a tremendous source of pride to see that the values we built Quasar on still define the company today and remain one of the main reasons travelers choose to journey with us.
In what ways has Quasar remained true to its founding philosophy while adapting to modern travelers’ expectations?
Over the years, we have stayed true to the philosophy we started with: to create a company for travelers who seek exceptional service, comfort, and care, while always placing nature, discovery, and authentic exploration at the heart of the experience. That founding vision has never changed.
At the same time, our guests have evolved. Today’s travelers expect greater personalization, more thoughtful detail, and a higher standard of service. Our challenge has been to meet those expectations while remaining true to the essence of Quasar.
Today, our vessels offer beautiful design, refined amenities, and all the comforts discerning travelers appreciate, but they are never the centerpiece of the journey. They are meant to enhance the experience, not define it. The true focus has always been what happens beyond the ship: exploring the islands in the spirit of Darwin, nearly two centuries later, guided by the knowledge, care, and expertise of the finest naturalists in the Galápagos.
I believe we’ve achieved that balance. We’ve adapted thoughtfully, enhancing the experience without losing the essence of what defines Quasar: a deeply personal, comfortable, and transformational way to explore the Galápagos.
Sustainability has been at the core of Quasar since its inception—how do you define “low-impact luxury” in practice?
For us, “low-impact luxury” has always meant finding the right balance between offering an exceptional guest experience and protecting the environment that makes that experience possible.
Forty years ago, I believed (and still do today) that sustainable, responsible travel is the only way to preserve the Galápagos. That conviction is one of the reasons my husband and I founded Quasar. We understood from the beginning that the right kind of tourism could help protect the islands from overfishing and other uncontrolled forms of resource extraction.
In practice, low-impact luxury means constantly evolving: introducing new ideas, refining our operations, and paying close attention to every detail so that we minimize our footprint in the islands while still providing the level of comfort, care, and service our guests expect.
That balance has only been possible because of the extraordinary team behind Quasar. Across every part of the company, there is a shared commitment to innovation, responsibility, and preservation, always with the goal of safeguarding the Galápagos as much as possible.
Ultimately, low-impact luxury means creating something beautiful, meaningful, and deeply personal for our guests, while ensuring that the Galápagos remain protected for our grandchildren and beyond.
How does your collaboration with the Galápagos National Park influence your operations and guest experience?
Our close collaboration with the Galápagos National Park and the Charles Darwin Foundation has been incredibly important to Quasar over the years. From the very beginning, being deeply involved in this environment has allowed us to build strong, trusted relationships with both organizations.
Through this collaboration, we’ve gained valuable guidance on how to minimize our impact on the islands and operate as responsibly as possible. At the same time, we’ve been able to contribute from our own experience, sharing insights based on our guests and operations that can help inform policies and regulations designed to protect the Galápagos.
This exchange has been tremendously valuable. It not only strengthens how we operate as a company, but also enhances the experience we offer our guests, ensuring that every journey is aligned with the highest standards of conservation, education, and respect for this extraordinary destination.
What are the biggest challenges in preserving such a fragile ecosystem while welcoming international travelers?
One of the greatest challenges is finding the right balance between sharing the Galápagos with the world and protecting what makes it so extraordinary in the first place.
The more people who wish to experience the islands, the greater the responsibility to manage that visitation with care, discipline, and respect. The Galápagos is not a destination that can absorb tourism in the same way as others. It requires strict rules, thoughtful operations, and a deep commitment from everyone involved, from authorities and operators to the travelers themselves.
For us, education is one of the most powerful tools we have. During the time guests are with us, we help them understand not only the beauty of the islands, but also the importance of preserving them, respecting guidelines, minimizing impact, and recognizing that we are visitors in a very delicate environment.
At the same time, the challenge is also operational. It means constantly evolving, adopting new technologies, refining how we operate, and making decisions that prioritize long-term preservation over short-term convenience. It also means sometimes asking guests to accept certain limitations, because in a place like the Galápagos, those boundaries are essential.
Ultimately, preserving a fragile ecosystem while welcoming travelers is only possible when everyone shares the same sense of responsibility. When that happens, tourism becomes part of the solution, not the problem, and that was our founding belief for Quasar four decades ago.
How do you ensure that guests leave not only inspired, but also more conscious about conservation?
We ensure that guests leave not only inspired, but also more conscious about conservation by making education and awareness part of the journey itself. During the seven nights they are typically with us, our naturalist guides and onboard team help them understand not only the extraordinary beauty of the Galápagos, but also the importance of protecting such a fragile ecosystem.
Through daily interaction, expert interpretation, and a strong emphasis on respecting rules and regulations, guests come to see conservation not as an abstract idea, but as a personal responsibility. By the end of the experience, many leave feeling profoundly moved, and also more aware of what they can do in their own lives to help protect the natural world.
That is something we hear often from our guests: that their time in the Galápagos changed the way they think about conservation. To me, that is one of the most meaningful outcomes of the journey, helping turn our guests into true ambassadors for the Galápagos and for a more sustainable way of living.
Quasar emphasizes small-group travel—how does this approach transform the way guests experience the Galápagos?
Small-group travel has always been at the heart of Quasar’s philosophy. From the beginning, our goal was to share the Galápagos in the same intimate, immersive way that I first came to know the islands myself, and we have remained true to that vision for 40 years.
As the company grew, the size of our yachts grew as well. We began in 1986 with an eight-passenger yacht and, over time, expanded until we eventually operated a 48-passenger ship. But after some years, we chose to let it go, because we realized that even 48 guests was not ideal in a destination as intimate and fragile as the Galápagos. It was not the kind of experience we wanted to offer, nor was it consistent with the minimal impact we have always believed in. That experience reaffirmed something very important to us: the Galápagos is best experienced in smaller groups.
It influences everything we do—from the way our vessels are designed to the way our naturalist guides and crew engage with guests. Every element is intended to make the journey more interactive, more personal, and more connected to the natural world around them.
I truly believe this transforms the experience. Traveling in small groups allows guests to engage more deeply, learn more meaningfully, and experience the Galápagos in a way that feels both authentic and unforgettable. After all these years, I remain convinced that it is the very best way to discover the islands.
Your journeys are often compared to the explorations of Charles Darwin—what does that mean in today’s context?
Our journeys are often compared to Charles Darwin’s exploration because, in many ways, they follow the same spirit of discovery and understanding. Through our carefully designed itineraries and, most importantly, through the guidance of our expert naturalists, guests are able to experience the Galápagos in a way that brings the concept of evolution to life.
Darwin’s voyage aboard the HMS Beagle lasted five years, yet he spent only about two weeks in the Galápagos. Even so, it was the profound impression of these islands that helped inspire the theory of evolution that would change the way the world understood life on Earth. I believe the Galápagos still holds that same transformative power today. It has the ability to reshape the way people see the natural world and their place within it.
That is why so many of our guests, even those who have traveled to all seven continents and seen so much of the world, often place their Galápagos journey with Quasar at the very top of their list.
It is one thing to learn about evolution as an idea. It is something entirely different to witness it firsthand, to observe the wildlife, see their behaviors up close, and understand how species have adapted over time in such an extraordinary environment. That direct, personal, and deeply interactive experience is what makes the journey with Quasar so powerful.
How do vessels like Quasar Grace and Quasar Evolution enhance the sense of intimacy and immersion?
Our signature vessels enhance intimacy and immersion because they are designed entirely around the Galápagos and the small-group experience. On both yachts, guests are never far from the extraordinary nature of the Galápagos. Whether observing whales, orcas, dolphins, or other marine life from our 360-degree walkaround decks or the many shaded outdoor spaces, guests are always close to the action, fully immersed and connected to the world unfolding around them.
What makes the experience truly special is how immediate and responsive it is. When something remarkable occurs, our crew is ready at once, launching the Zodiacs and bringing guests closer so they can experience these moments firsthand. This becomes very difficult on the larger ships, however on ours nothing is distant or passive; it is direct, interactive, and deeply engaging. We always prioritize making sure our guests live every moment the islands have to offer.
The small number of guests on board creates a very personal and meaningful social experience. Over the course of a week, guests naturally form close connections with one another, often becoming genuine friends. It is something we hear time and again, that the relationships formed during the journey last well beyond the trip itself, sometimes for a lifetime.
That is one of the true luxuries of small-ship travel. It brings together like-minded travelers who share similar values and curiosity, creating a deeper connection not only with the destination, but also with one another. And with a guest-to-crew ratio that is nearly one to one on both yachts, the level of care, attentiveness, and personalization we are able to offer is truly exceptional.
In the end, it is this rare combination of immersion in nature and meaningful human connection, with both fellow guests and our crew, that makes the experience so distinctive. As one of our guests beautifully said, “We came for the wildlife, but we fell in love with the people.”
What defines a truly transformative wildlife encounter for your guests?
A truly transformative wildlife encounter is one that feels direct, personal, and deeply immersive—one in which we are unmistakably visitors in the animal kingdom, and the experience unfolds on nature’s terms, not our own. In the Galápagos, snorkeling is perhaps the most powerful expression of that.
Being in the water, surrounded by marine life, allows our guests to experience nature in a completely different way. It is not something they simply observe from a distance, it is something they become part of. That level of interaction leaves a lasting impression and often changes the way they see the natural world.
For many, it is also a moment of transformation in how they perceive wildlife. Animals that are often misunderstood, like sharks, are suddenly seen in a new light. Fear is replaced by curiosity, respect, and admiration. Guests begin to understand the richness and balance of life beneath the surface.
And what is so special about the Galápagos is that it offers these encounters in such a pure and accessible way. Many guests come with a certain hesitation about the wild or the ocean, but they leave with a profound appreciation for it, having experienced firsthand just how extraordinary, vibrant, and alive it truly is.
That is what defines a transformative encounter: when a moment in nature not only inspires awe, but shifts perspective and creates a lasting connection to the world around us.
How has the perception of the Galápagos as a destination evolved since Quasar was founded in 1986?
Since Quasar was founded in 1986, the perception of the Galápagos has changed profoundly. For those of us who have lived this journey from the beginning, those changes have been both rewarding and, at times, concerning. From the start, our mission was to help place the Galápagos on the map for travelers who valued true exploration rooted in responsibility and sustainability.
It may be hard to imagine now, but in 1986 the Galápagos was still relatively unknown to much of the world. Today, the islands are far more widely recognized and deeply desired as a travel destination. That growing visibility has brought greater appreciation for their extraordinary beauty and significance, but it has also made the responsibility to protect them more important than ever.
One of the most encouraging changes has been the growing commitment to conservation. Over the years, the Galápagos National Park, the Charles Darwin Foundation, and responsible operators have worked together to create better practices and more thoughtful ways of operating, always with the goal of reducing environmental impact.
At the same time, increased visitation inevitably brings greater pressure on such a fragile ecosystem. The more people who wish to experience the Galápagos, the more important it becomes that tourism is managed with great care, discipline, and responsibility.
My hope is that the way tourism operates in the Galápagos will continue to evolve and improve, and that everyone involved will truly understand the extraordinary value of these islands. Only through thoughtful stewardship can we ensure the Galápagos continue to serve as a global benchmark for how national parks should be protected and preserved.
Do you believe luxury travel is becoming more responsible, or is there still a gap between intention and action?
I think both travelers and operators are making an effort, but there is still a significant gap, and much of that disconnect comes down to friction. I believe most travelers do want to make more responsible choices, but in reality, decisions are still shaped by what feels simplest, most affordable, and easiest to understand. Even when people care about sustainability, they often default to what feels most familiar and effortless.
That tension exists across the travel industry. Responsible travel often requires more restraint, clearer boundaries, and fewer excesses than traditional luxury has promised. At Quasar, especially in a place as fragile as the Galápagos, those choices are not drawbacks. they are essential to protecting what makes the destination worth experiencing.
Another challenge is the gap between messaging and action. Many brands speak about purpose, but far fewer are transparent about the standards they uphold or the trade-offs they make to protect a place. That is why sustainability must be communicated clearly and specifically, so travelers understand the choices behind the experience.
Ultimately, the future of sustainable travel depends on making responsible choices easier to understand, easier to trust, and easier to embrace. That is how intention turns into action.
What sets South America apart as a destination for experiential, nature-driven travel?
It’s the richness and the diversity of its natural world, much of which still feels genuinely wild, authentic, and relatively undiscovered. So many countries across South America have something exceptional to offer, from extraordinary wildlife and dramatic landscapes to deeply rooted cultures and a strong sense of place. The region offers remarkable landscapes and nature-based destinations that, even today, remain far less visited than many other iconic places around the world.
I believe Latin America is poised to become one of the most sought-after regions in luxury travel over the next decade, especially for travelers seeking meaningful, nature-driven experiences. More and more discerning guests are looking for destinations where nature is not only beautiful, but also preserved in a way that feels unique and real.
What are your priorities for the next chapter of Quasar Expeditions?
Our priority for the next chapter of Quasar Expeditions is to continue leading the way in the Galápagos by redefining what truly low-impact operations look like.
One of the most important steps in that direction is the introduction of our new yacht, Quasar Conservation, which will operate with hybrid propulsion technology. It will be the first vessel of its kind in the Galápagos, reducing fuel consumption by up to 30% compared to the next most efficient yachts currently operating in the islands. For us, this is not just an innovation, it is a statement of intent.
Our hope is that this becomes a catalyst for change across the region, encouraging other operators to follow a similar path, and demonstrating to authorities that the future of tourism in the Galápagos should move toward hybrid and eventually fully electric operations.
Looking ahead, our goal is to transition our entire fleet in that direction. We are actively working toward it, and we are optimistic that this vision will become a reality. Ultimately, our focus remains the same: to continue pioneering a more responsible, forward-thinking way of exploring one of the most extraordinary places on Earth.
If you could describe the Quasar experience in one sentence, what would it be?
Adventure that stays with you for a lifetime.
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