Why Cruise The Galapagos?
Considering that ten of the 13 major islands are only accessible by sea, a cruise is by far the best way to explore the Galapagos, rather than being based at a lodge on an island. It allows you to go further and explore a greater diversity of spectacular sights and fauna. Due to the long distances involved, most of the cruising will take place at night, and during the day you can enjoy a mix of shore landings, snorkelling trips and zodiac rides, ensuring you experience a variety of marine and wildlife.
AQUA MARE
SUPERYACHT
One of the newer superyachts to join the cruise market in the Galapagos, Aqua Mare had her inaugural voyage in June 2022. Although welcoming just 16 guests, Aqua Mare feels spacious – in fact Aqua Mare has 30% more indoor volume than most yachts her size and the interiors feel slick and contemporary, marking a shift away from the traditional style of many of the Galapagos’ vessels.
The yacht also has a jacuzzi deck with adjoining al fresco BBQ area, a sundeck, swim platform and three dining rooms, headed up by renowned Peruvian consulting chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino.
This sleek superyacht, crafted by Italian luxury mega yacht builders represents a more modern way to cruise the Galapagos and aboard Aqua Mare, you gain access to the most remote, uninhabited islands and to the heart of what the Galapagos is all about.
With a highly personalised experience, you’ll be face to face with the Galapagos’ famously fearless residents by zodiac boat trip, kayak, snorkelling trip or hiking the volcanic islands.
“A more modern way to cruise the Galapagos, Aqua Mare is sleek superyacht, crafted by Italian mega yacht builders."
ORIGIN, THEORY & EVOLVE
ECOVENTURA'S FLEET
Three identical ships, Origin, Theory & Evolve are Ecoventura’s fleet, spacious 142-foot-long yachts with plenty of room amid its cabins, sundeck, bar area, gym and library and offers a perhaps more immersive trip than other operators – the perfect choice for the serious wildlife-lover. With a week on board, the experience is a true safari-on-sea with passionate guides and experts to help seek out the volcanic islands’ endemic species with time to access some of the more remote spots. With up to three activities each day, guests are kept busy, and in between chef-prepared meals are waiting for you to ensure your energy levels are kept topped up.
Each evening there are briefings to inform on the next day’s agenda, including what equipment will be needed – the ships have a vast quota of kit, all in great condition be it wetsuits, snorkels, kayaks and paddle boards; even your cabin is furnished with slippers, dressing gowns and Panama hats. And of course, onboard naturalists can answer all your pressing questions. All you need to do is absorb this extraordinary landscape, spotting giant tortoise, Galapagos penguin, Galapagos sea lion, Galapagos fur seal and marine iguana among many, many others.
“Origin, Theory and Evolve ships are spacious, 142-foot-long yachts which means plenty of room for everyone to spread out in the cabins, sundeck, bar area, gym and library.”
LA PINTA
FAMILY FAVOURITE
Sophisticated La Pinta is a spacious vessel with 24 cabins and makes a great choice for families as many of the rooms can be inner connecting, so it’s easy for families to share and experience the wonder of the Galapagos together. All the cabins also benefit from floor-to-ceiling windows which means you can still gaze at the volcanic landscapes during down-time in your room.
Each night aboard La Pinta, you’ll receive briefings for the next day’s excursions so you can feel fully ready and prepared for exploring the primeval Galapagos, knowing that everything has been thought through from your equipment to the animals you may encounter in each spot.
Nature lectures also help set the scene and explain why the Galapagos were the inspiration for Darwin’s Theory of Evolution. During the day, meet the Galapagos’ fearless species such as blue-footed boobies, marine iguanas, white-tipped sharks, penguins, seals and more.
"With species here found nowhere else on earth, share the wonder of the Galapagos with your family on an unforgettable trip."
INTEGRITY
SMALL & STYLISH
Small and perfectly formed, stylish yacht Integrity is 141-foot long with only a maximum of 16 passengers on board, meaning your trip to the Galapagos will be intimate and small-scale, allowing you a truly personalised experience.
Cabins are a mix of staterooms and owner’s suites, both of which come with writing desks to note down the important animal spots of the day and picture windows to let the dramatic Galapagos scenery in, including sunrises from bed. The top deck with jacuzzi and bar is a great place for sunset, chatting with fellow guests about the astonishing wildlife you’ve seen. During the day, immerse yourself in the scenery – swimming, diving, snorkelling and kayaking plus boat trips to islands for hikes. Be amazed by the curious creatures you encounter such as giant tortoises, penguins, frigatebirds, fur seals, blue-footed boobies and magenta-hued crabs.
"With just 16 passengers on board, cruising the Galapagos Islands on Integrity feels like being on private yacht - with top-class service to match."
