The Beluga is a small but surprisingly spacious and comfortable, first-superior class, motor yacht carrying 16 passengers in eight double or twin cabins. The vessel is air-conditioned throughout, and facilities include a lounge, bar, dining area and plenty of deck space. The crew of ten includes a naturalist guide. Find Out More
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.
10 recommended wildlife cruise vessels. Please contact us for further suggestions.
This intimate and luxurious superyacht boasts custom-designed interiors, a sun deck with outdoor dining, a panoramic indoor lounge and a lower deck swim platform. With seven individually designed cabins and a timeless, yet contemporary, style throughout, Aqua Mare is a superb luxurious choice. Find Out More
Origin, Theory & Evolve are luxury expedition yachts, boasting superb social areas including a comfortable lounge, a stylish bar where you can unwind, and a relaxing library. On the sundeck there are daybeds and a hot tub. Cabins are sophisticated and spacious and enjoy panoramic views. Find Out More
A first class catamaran, Analí ensures maximum stability, providing a safe and comfortable cruising experience in the Galapagos Islands. This vessel features eight cabins, all with large windows, offering stunning views of the islands. All cabins have private bathrooms, storage space for luggage and air-conditioning. Find Out More
This charming vessel provides comfortable accommodation for your exploration of the Galapagos Islands. With a maximum of 16 passengers, in eight well-appointed cabins, this small-ship offers an intimate sailing experience and all the amenities you would expect of a high-quality motor vessel. Find Out More
Anahi is a power catamaran yacht, which provides great stability, and is the ideal vessel for passengers with little or no experience at sea. Eight cabins equipped with portrait windows, air-conditioning, lower berths, and a private bathroom, provide comfortable accommodation for Galapagos cruises. Find Out More
The Nemo II is a first class sail catamaran accommodating a maximum of 12 passengers in six tastefully designed cabins, each slightly different in size and configuration. There is a common area both inside and out, as well as a small sun deck complete with lounge chairs, and a small bar. Find Out More
For the ultimate treat, this deluxe class motor cruiser is the ideal choice. Its 24 spacious cabins with floor-to-ceiling windows can hold 48 passengers; triple and interconnecting cabins are available for families. La Pinta carries a glass-bottomed boat and sea kayaks, and the crew includes four naturalist guides. Find Out More
The Santa Cruz II is an elegant vessel, which carries 90 passengers in 50 modern cabins. Air conditioned throughout, facilities across the five spacious decks include indoor and outdoor dining, a lounge bar, library, a gym and two hot tubs overlooking the ocean. Activities include kayaking and snorkelling. Find Out More
Passion is a luxury motor yacht, accommodating only 14 passengers in seven boutique-style cabins, each individually crafted. Fully air-conditioned and with a hot tub on the top deck, this vessel provides a spacious and comfortable accommodation for your Galapagos adventure. Find Out More
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.
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.