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Click on the links below to view
the yachts in each class: The Galapagos Islands, located 600 miles west of Ecuador and spanning the Equator, enchanted Herman Melville and Charles Darwin. You’ll be similarly moved. Walking among and photographing wild birds and animals which never learned to fear humans is a revelation and a daily delight. You’ll take home treasured portraits of boobies, marine iguanas, waved albatross, Galapagos hawks, sea lions, flamingos, giant tortoises and much much more. Swim and relax on white sand beaches, snorkel amid underwater volcanic formations – often accompanied by penguins or baby sea lions!
Customize
your own Galapagos Nature Cruise (click here to view the yachts) We work directly with a variety of boat companies, and are familiar with most of the yachts in Galapagos. We’ve seen many of them first-hand, cruised on some, and visit the islands regularly to update our information. We have selected the yachts listed here as the best yachts in each category, those that we use regularly and that meet our standards of safety, quality and reliability.
A Galapagos cruise is very different from "cruising" as you may understand it. This is not like a Caribbean cruise or any cruise from a cruise line where life centers around the boat, where you mainly enjoy all the activities and amenities these boats offer; where your accommodations, comfort and ship style are of the utmost importance. A Galapagos cruise is more aptly named a "naturalist cruise." The purpose is to view the spectacular wildlife of these vibrant islands. The yachts themselves take on a much less important role. Even the word yacht takes on a different connotation in the Galapagos. While most of the expensive and "luxurious" Galapagos yachts are beautifully appointed with dark woods and pleasant décor, and are roomier than other classes of Galapagos yacht, they should not be compared to a major cruise-line ship. Few yachts (except the larger yachts) offer "activities," apart from evening slide presentations of your next day’s island visits; the largest vessels have a pool or hot tub and a small boutique. The largest yachts hold 100 passengers. But most of the yachts range from 16-50 passengers (small yachts compared to cruise ships.) Levels below "Deluxe" offer cleanliness and comfort, but are smaller, fairly plain, with few frills. It’s really important to understand these differences and to appreciate that the emphasis is on the nature and wildlife experience rather than the boat experience. Below are explanations of the class categories:
Medium: Large: Decide whether you like the intimacy and coziness of a small yacht, or if you prefer more space to roam. Families with children usually prefer the larger ships since they have more space and variety of common areas. There are pros and cons to each. Smaller yachts can anchor closer to the beaches and require fewer panga (dinghy or Zodiac) disembarkments. You tend to feel more motion in wavy seas. Common areas are fewer and smaller. But there’s a sense of intimacy, a family feel shared with the other passengers and the crew. Small yachts are excellent for small group and family charters. Most medium to large ships will have a doctor or infirmary on board. Smaller boats would have a medical kit and someone trained in CPR. On larger boats you hear less engine noise, and feel less motion from the waves. There are more amenities such as a library, VCR,
wireless, many decks for different viewing vantage points, on-board activities, hot-tub, swimming pool, the best guides. With more passengers, disembarkments may take
a little longer, the dining room is fuller. Whatever size yacht, naturalist groups are no larger than 16 passengers per one naturalist guide. We have divided our yachts into three different classifications: Superior, Superior-Plus and Deluxe . Please note, these are not the same classifications used by the Galapagos yacht operators.The size of the yacht does not necessarily determine the class or comfort level. Boats of similar size are found across most or all classes and price categories. In general, the higher price yachts have better guides, itineraries and amenities. Most yachts are motor-cruisers, but there are several sailing yachts and some are catamarans. Sailing yachts also range in size and class, from small 8-passenger sailboats to large 3-masted schooners. Most of the time auxiliary motor power is used in order to adhere to the schedule, but when the wind is right, you may cruise under sail. Generally the cabins and common areas in sailing yachts are smaller than in motor-cruisers. Superior Class- 8-day cruises range from $1590 per person in a double cabin to $2200. The yachts we use in this category range from about 66’ to 75 feet in length, and carry 16 passengers. These yachts are simple in decor with few amenities. All of these yachts have some form of air conditioning. The quality is less robust than in higher classes. Cabins are small with private toilet/showers with hot water. Most have bunk beds with single or double lowers and single uppers. Very good value. Less experienced guides. Superior-Plus Class - most yachts are 16-passenger yachts. 8-day cruises range from $1910-2419, with lengths between 70-80' feet. Common areas and cabins are somewhat more spacious and more comfortable than Superior Class, yet most have bunk beds. Hot water and A/C works well. Deluxe Class - These are the best yachts in Galapagos. There is the widest range of sizes and styles. Most of the mid-size and large ships fall into this category, and there are quite a few. But there are also many 16-20 passenger yachts. 8-day cruises range from $2500 to $4850 per person in a double cabin. In size, they range from 83 feet to 300 feet long. These boats all have the best operating air conditioning, reliable hot water, the best guides and food, tasteful decor, more space and comfort, and the best guides in Galapagos. Many yachts offer a choice of cabin sizes and prices, deck levels and styles. Some yachts offer suites, quads, triple and single cabins. The large ships have a doctor on board and small infirmary, small gift shop, wireless access, small gym, jacuzzi, conference room, wet suits and good quality snorkel equipment for rental or for free. Please bear in mind that Galapagos boats are operating back-to-back cruises in an archipelago almost 1,000 km out in the Pacific Ocean. When mechanical systems break, the crew may not be able to fix things immediately. They do an able job under adverse conditions. Occasionally it can happen that the yacht you have booked will be substituted for another one of similar size and class, or upgraded. This would only happen with the passengers’ safety in mind. Your comprehension and flexibility is appreciated. | |
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Andean
Treks, Inc.,
32 Russell Ave., Watertown, MA 02472 © 2000-2004, Andean Treks, Inc. All rights reserved. |
Let us help you choose the yacht that’s best for you for a Galapagos Cruise. We’ve been sending people to these enchanting islands since 1983. Now as before, the Galapagos continue to enthrall our passengers.
