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Wildlife Worldwide
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01962 302 086
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Wildlife cruise vessels

We offer a wide range of vessels to suit all needs, and can advise which vessels will suit your requirements. A taster is below, however please talk to us and we will help guide you and find the best option for you.

Vessel classification

Vessels are classified by levels of comfort, the most common being tourist class, the most simple; first class, rather more comfortable; and deluxe, the most comfortable of all. Intermediate classifications are occasionally used such as tourist-superior or first-superior.

Vessels also vary in size from small, with 12 to 16 passengers, to medium, with 20 to 50 passengers, to large, with 90 or more passengers.

Small vessels are more numerous and therefore generally cheaper, although this does depend on how well appointed they are. For instance, some such as the Mary Anne are very exclusive and therefore costly. In our view, small vessels also offer the most responsible and intimate wildlife experience – see island hopping.

Medium-sized deluxe boats tend to be the most expensive – for example, La Pinta. Large vessels such as Santa Cruz often cost less.

Mary Anne
Santa Cruz
Nemo II sun deck
La Pinta

Beds and bathrooms

All vessels that we recommend have cabins with private bathroom, air-conditioning and one or more exterior windows. All cabins have double or twin beds (bunk berths are increasingly rare).

Very few vessels have single cabins, and if they do there will only be one or very occasionally two at the most. However some vessel operators try to match single travellers with another single traveller of the same sex, so both can avoid having to pay an expensive single supplement. Otherwise, if you would like a single cabin, you will have to cover the cost of the second berth in a twin or double cabin, albeit at a slightly discounted rate.

Safety

All vessels have high safety standards and carry the modern navigational, communications and emergency equipment required by law. Experienced crews consist of captain, engineer, one or more deckhands, cook, waiting/cabin staff, barman, etc.

Leisure facilities

Larger vessels may offer comforts such as a jacuzzi or plunge pool, or services such as a satellite internet connection (albeit intermittent). Most vessels carry a small library of wildlife field guides, relevant publications and DVDs.

Snorkelling and diving equipment

Many vessels offer snorkelling equipment (wetsuit, fins, mask and snorkel) for hire, however if you have your own mask and snorkel, we recommend you bring these along to ensure a good fit.

Some vessels in the Galapagos carry scuba-diving equipment and have a qualified divemaster aboard, and a few are specialised liveaboard dive vessels.

Food on board

All meals are served on board. Vessels are equipped with refrigeration units but rarely go more than four or five days without reprovisioning, so there is no shortage of fresh produce. The standard of catering is generally high, and you are unlikely to go hungry. Most special diets can be accommodated with advance notice.