Octavio Chauca
About Octavio
Andres Paez is the Business Developer for Hermes Galapagos Catamaran and works within Via Natura, the Ecuadorian company committed to sustainable tourism that owns and operates the vessel. Via Natura’s General Manager is Esteban Velazquez; Andres is the partnership and commercial counterpart for distributors like Voyagers.
Professional Background
- Founder & Owner of Ocean Spray
- Former Fisherman Turned Tourism Entrepreneur
- Creator of the Ocean Spray Catamaran
- Advocate for the Next Generation of Galápagos Tourism
Ocean Spray took four years to build and was launched into the Guayas River. Octavio describes that moment in his own words:
"Seeing it float for the first time was not just an achievement, it was the realization of a profound dream."
Ocean Spray Today
The ship has since become the engine of a broader livelihood. Octavio reports that Ocean Spray helps more than 250 families. Its itineraries run from four to eight days; a representative price point is USD 6,190 for the six-day West itinerary.
Legacy & Next Generation
Next Project: Grand Ocean Spray
His next project is the Grand Ocean Spray, a larger vessel that will include a spa and a nursing area, with his son Therry slated to serve as cruise director. Octavio frames the handover plainly:
"That motivates me even more because I know he won't lose his roots, and I will leave this new ship to them as an inheritance."
A Message for the Next Generation
His favorite island is Isabela. His closing message to the next generation of Galápagos operators:
"Keep going, tourism is something that teaches us, and as residents of the Galapagos, we must not be left behind."