Travelers choose the Aida Maria for its unbeatable combination of authentic local experience and exceptional value – this 16-passenger yacht was built right in the Galápagos by a family with deep island roots since the 1930s. The ship strikes the perfect balance between affordability and comfort, featuring 8 air-conditioned double cabins with private bathrooms, stunning polished wood interiors, and two sundecks for wildlife viewing. What sets Aida Maria apart is her incredible itinerary flexibility with 6 different routes ranging from short trips to a comprehensive 15-day adventure, all designed to maximize wildlife encounters. With a crew-to-guest ratio of 1:2, you’ll receive personalized service from passionate local staff and National Park-certified naturalist guides, while the onboard chef creates both regional specialties and international favorites using fresh local ingredients – making this an unbeatable choice for travelers seeking genuine authenticity without breaking the budget.

Many love the Angelito for its unmatched family dedication and intimate wildlife experiences – this family-owned yacht has been lovingly operated since 1992 with at least one family member aboard every trip to ensure exceptional standards. The 16-passenger vessel features 8 bright, air-conditioned double cabins with private bathrooms and large windows for stunning sea views, plus beautifully finished communal areas with panoramic windows and a spacious upper sundeck. What makes Angelito special is their quality-over-quantity philosophy, offering long and intimate wildlife encounters rather than rushing between sites, guided by some of the Galápagos’ most experienced naturalists including Maya with over 30 years of expertise. With complimentary beverages, internationally-trained chefs serving Ecuadorian specialties, and a crew-to-guest ratio of 1:2, Angelito delivers first-class passion at budget-class prices for nature lovers seeking authentic, unhurried Galápagos encounters.

The Aqua stands out as the ONLY authorized Galápagos cruise ship offering both naturalist and diving tours, making it a game-changer for adventure seekers wanting maximum flexibility without the premium price tag. This spacious 3-deck motor yacht accommodates 16 guests in comfortable air-conditioned cabins with private bathrooms, featuring traditional bunks and either portholes or windows depending on deck level, all decorated in bright, natural wood styling after a complete 2015 refurbishment. The ship’s secret weapon is its exceptional chef – guests consistently rave about the outstanding international and Ecuadorian cuisine served in the air-conditioned dining room, often citing meals as a trip highlight. With well-appointed communal areas including a library, games, TV/DVD player, well-stocked bar, and spacious upper sun deck, plus the flexibility to enjoy both wildlife encounters and world-class diving experiences on the same voyage, Aqua delivers unbeatable value for budget-conscious travelers seeking adventure variety and culinary excellence in the Galápagos.

What makes the Danubio Azul special is its ultra-intimate setting with just 14 guests maximum (compared to the typical 16), creating a more personal and friendly atmosphere that’s perfect for families or close friends exploring together on their Galápagos cruise. This compact yacht features 5 spacious, air-conditioned double cabins with en-suite bathrooms, modern bright decor, and comfortable beds that ensure restful nights after adventure-filled days. The vessel excels at accessing more intimate and less frequented Galápagos sites, equipped with complimentary snorkels, wetsuits, and two pangas for seamless exploration. What truly sets Danubio Azul apart is its exceptional staff-to-guest ratio and first-class cuisine that rivals much more expensive vessels – the captain, cook, naturalist guide, and crew provide attentive, friendly service while the internationally-trained chef creates an impressive variety of fresh, locally-sourced meals including Ecuadorian specialties. With carefully crafted itineraries featuring highlights like South Plaza, Santa Fe, and Bartolome, this small but mighty yacht delivers an intimate, high-quality Galápagos experience at budget-friendly prices.

The Golondrina delivers some of the most interesting itineraries in the tourist class fleet, making it an exceptional choice for travelers who want to discover the true essence of the Galápagos islands without formal constraints. This charming motor yacht with classic lines creates a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere where guests can socialize in the main lounge and dining area, enjoy outdoor spaces both covered and sunny, or even take an adventurous leap from the top sundeck into the Pacific Ocean. Accommodating guests in 8 cabins with traditional wooden twin bunks, individual air conditioning, and private bathrooms with hot water showers, the ship provides comfortable refuge after exciting daily excursions. The dedicated crew of 5 includes a bilingual naturalist guide who leads island visits, panga explorations, swimming, and snorkeling adventures using complimentary equipment, while daily fresh towels and plentiful buffet-style meals keep everyone well-cared for.

The Galápagos Aggressor stands out as the ultimate liveaboard diving experience, offering exclusive access to world-famous Darwin and Wolf islands where divers encounter hammerhead sharks, whale sharks, and massive tuna schools in one of the planet’s most thrilling underwater destinations. This purpose-built diving vessel operates under strict Galápagos National Park regulations with a brand new compliant itinerary that maximizes your underwater adventures through up to four daily dives, plus two night dives and two land excursions per week. Departing every Thursday from Baltra, the Aggressor takes advantage of Ecuador’s 2016 marine sanctuary creation around Darwin and Wolf, protecting 15,000 square miles of pristine waters where 32% of the Galápagos marine environment remains off-limits to fishing. The expanded itinerary now includes exciting new diving areas like Bartolome Punta, Cousins Rock, and Cabo Douglas, while still featuring the iconic Darwin Arch and opportunities to dive alongside playful sea lions.

Named after Charles Darwin’s famous vessel, The Beagle offers a uniquely romantic and authentic sailing experience aboard a magnificent 105ft steel-hulled brigantine with stunning teak decking, originally built in England and now family-owned in the Galápagos. This classic motor-sail yacht provides an intimate atmosphere perfect for special occasions like anniversaries or romantic getaways, featuring six beautifully-appointed air-conditioned cabins with solid wood fixtures, double lower bunks, single uppers, and private en-suite bathrooms with hot water showers. What sets The Beagle apart are her exclusive privileges earned through excellent reputation – she’s the ONLY vessel permitted to snorkel at Fernandina’s Punta Espinoza, plus she carries four double kayaks (expandable to eight with advance notice) for unique paddling adventures. The warm, inviting communal areas feature beautiful teak furniture, a cozy salon with library and games, plus spacious outdoor decks perfect for enjoying the mix of Ecuadorian and international cuisine served both indoors and al fresco.

Bonita earns its reputation as a fleet favorite by being among the first yachts custom-designed specifically for Galápagos cruising, with the exceptional practice of annual refurbishments ensuring you’ll always enjoy one of the best-presented vessels in its class. This greatly maintained 16-guest yacht features beautiful handcrafted teak fixtures and polished brass fittings in traditional nautical style, with every air-conditioned cabin offering outside views, private bathrooms with luxury biodegradable cosmetics, hairdryers, ample storage, and intercom systems. The smaller guest-to-guide ratio means more personalized attention from bilingual naturalist guides who lead incredible expeditions including shore landings, kayaking, snorkeling, and beach visits using complimentary gear including wetsuits and stand-up paddle boards. Guests enjoy sumptuous international and local cuisine prepared by highly skilled chefs using fresh local ingredients, served in the cozy dining room, while the lounge area with panoramic windows, library, and TV provides perfect relaxation between adventures.

Built in 1990, the Estrella Del Mar masterfully uses her space to create a surprisingly roomy feel for 16 guests, offering the perfect balance between comfort and excellent value without sacrificing essential amenities. The yacht features eight twin-bunk cabins (four lower deck for those prone to motion sickness, four upper deck with larger vista windows), all with en-suite bathrooms, air conditioning, and daily housekeeping service including both bathroom and beach towels. What makes Estrella Del Mar special is her focus on relaxed socializing through beautiful polished wood communal spaces, including a lounge with panoramic windows and a huge horseshoe-shaped couch perfect for evening relaxation and naturalist briefings, plus a cozy bar serving local and imported beverages. The consistently praised chef creates delicious international and local dishes served both buffet and menu style, while the pleasant sundeck offers both shaded and sunny lounging areas for watching islands drift by or stargazing.

The Galaxy Orion redefines intimate luxury with its 2022 meticulous renovation, accommodating just 14 guests with an exceptional crew-to-guest ratio of 8 staff members plus a knowledgeable bilingual naturalist guide for truly personalized service. This premier motor yacht features eight thoughtfully designed staterooms across three decks – four double matrimonial cabins on the upper deck perfect for couples, one versatile main deck cabin configurable as double or matrimonial, and four flexible lower deck cabins ideal for families or friends traveling together. Each air-conditioned stateroom includes private facilities, ample storage, and large windows framing breathtaking Galápagos seascapes, while guests enjoy freshly prepared gourmet cuisine blending local flavors with international dishes in the comfortable lounge designed for relaxation and socializing. The Galaxy Orion excels in adventure variety with comprehensive activities including snorkeling in crystal-clear waters, kayaking along scenic coastlines, panga rides to secluded areas, and hiking through diverse landscapes to encounter endemic species.

The Motor Catamaran Anahi showcases the superior advantages of catamaran design with exceptional stability, speed, and spaciousness that lets you see more during your Galápagos cruise while enjoying a wonderfully calm experience. Built specifically for the islands in 2006, this first-class vessel combines modern engineering with luxurious natural wood finishes including beautiful teak decks, accommodating just 16 passengers in 6 cozy twin-bed cabins with en-suite bathrooms and large windows, plus two spectacular upper deck suites featuring king-size beds and wall-to-wall windows with remarkable bow views. What sets Anahi apart is her vast open stern deck with fantastic alfresco bar, outdoor dining under shady canopies, and a 6-person jacuzzi perfect for sunset watching – amenities rarely found in this cruise class. The catamaran’s generous space extends to spacious indoor lounge and dining areas, an unobstructed top sundeck with comfortable loungers and faux-grass flooring, plus gourmet-quality cuisine served buffet or full-service style by the attentive 9-person crew who service cabins multiple times daily.

The Beluga embodies classic motor yacht elegance with stunning traditional lines enhanced by modern equipment including fin keels for superior stability, making it perfect for comfortable Galápagos cruising with a maximum of 16 guests ensuring exceptional service levels. This SmartPlanet-certified vessel for sustainable operations offers thoughtful accommodation across lower deck cabins (ideal for motion-sensitive travelers with traditional portholes) and upper deck cabins featuring panoramic windows with dual-aspect sea and island views, including one special triple-occupancy cabin perfect for families. All cabins feature twin or double beds, bright neutral décor with traditional wood fittings, private bathrooms, air conditioning, luxurious linens, and designer eco-friendly toiletries, while the fully air-conditioned communal areas showcase beautiful wood fixtures with panoramic windows in the salon and dining room.

The Cachalote Explorer represents a brilliant concept – transforming a rugged Canadian fishing boat into a stunning first-class Galápagos vessel with exceptional stability built for rough seas and spacious accommodations that surpass many purpose-built ships in her class. Launched in 2018 after an extensive bespoke conversion, this unique 88-foot yacht accommodates just 16 guests in some of the most innovative and beautiful cabins seen in the Galápagos fleet, featuring modern design with “floating” washbasins, exquisite wood paneling, state-of-the-art shower fittings, and choice of double, twin, or bunk configurations. The generous communal areas include a full-width saloon where guests enjoy excellent meals from the head chef showcasing local and international delicacies, while abundant outdoor spaces offer an open upper sun deck, shaded main aft deck, and forward bow viewing deck perfect for whale and dolphin spotting. Her compact size allows access to smaller, more select coves and inlets unavailable to larger vessels, with carefully designed “Tower” and “Fernandina” itineraries (6, 8, or remarkable 15-day combinations) covering central-northern-southern islands or western-central focus respectively.

The Calipso has undergone a stunning transformation – not just refurbished but virtually rebuilt into the only vessel alternating between naturalist and dive cruises, creating more space for naturalist guests to enjoy above-surface Galápagos wonders. This reinvented yacht now features ten extremely comfortable cabins accommodating 16 guests with some of the chicest, most stylish décor in the fleet – more hotel suite than boat cabin with beautiful modern wooden furniture, contemporary design, fantastic panoramic windows, and luxurious en-suite bathrooms featuring rainfall showers and porcelain fixtures. Each individually air-conditioned stateroom includes plush linens, high-quality toiletries, accent lighting, multiple power points with dedicated USB charging, and personal TVs, while the stunning common areas showcase beautiful contemporary wooden flooring, light-colored furniture, comfortable sofas, relaxed dining areas, and a chic bar. The expansive outdoor spaces include a unique dive deck perfect for quiet contemplation, plus a huge sun deck with comfortable loungers, alfresco bar, barbecue station, additional dining area, and a jacuzzi hot tub for equatorial stargazing.

The custom-built Reina Silvia Voyager catamaran brings thoroughly modern 21st-century comfort to the timeless wonder of Galápagos wildlife encounters, accommodating 16 passengers with exceptional stability and spaciousness that catamarans are renowned for. This contemporary vessel features nine thoughtfully designed cabins across main and upper decks, with most including private balconies – four main deck twin cabins with balconies, two upper deck twin cabins with balconies, two upper deck single cabins with balconies, plus one double cabin without balcony for flexible accommodation options. The yacht’s impressive outdoor spaces include a spacious sun deck with covered areas, comfortable seating and lounge chairs, plus a barbecue area and relaxing jacuzzi for enjoying equatorial sunsets, while the covered upper deck bar and seating area provides perfect spots for socializing.

The 50-meter Aqua Mare stands as the first true superyacht in the Galápagos Islands, delivering an iconic once-in-a-lifetime adventure elevated to unprecedented luxury levels with 30% more indoor volume than most yachts her size. This Italian CRN Yacht masterpiece features seven large Zuretti-designed suites including an extraordinary 80-square-meter Owner’s Suite with exclusive steward service, showcasing signature Italian mega yacht craftsmanship with original custom interiors by renowned designer François Zuretti and timeless exterior styling by Studio Scanu. Built in 1998 and enhanced through a sophisticated 2021 refurbishment led by Aqua Expeditions Director Birgit Galli Zugaro, the vessel expanded from five elegant staterooms to seven spacious cabins while maintaining her distinguished pedigree and contemporary sophistication. What sets Aqua Mare apart is her unmatched service excellence – accommodating just 16 guests with two dedicated naturalist guides plus the islands’ most exclusive one-to-one crew-to-guest ratio, ensuring the most personalized Galápagos experience possible.

The Galápagos Elite, launched in June 2019, represents cutting-edge luxury with her completely custom-designed twin-hull catamaran configuration providing exceptional stability, fuel efficiency, and cruising speed that delivers a far smoother ride than traditional single-hull vessels. This state-of-the-art yacht features panoramic glass walls (not just windows) in every suite that bring the outside in each morning with spectacular new views, plus luxurious accommodations including opulent premium suites with increased space throughout all social areas. The Elite’s standout features include advanced power plant, navigation and safety equipment making her the safest and most reliable ship in the fleet, plus expansive outdoor spaces with a huge semi-shaded sky deck, delightful alfresco dining area, and supremely comfortable saloon and bar. Culinary experiences are elevated to new heights with three stunning daily meals using only the freshest local produce – relaxed buffet-style breakfasts and lunches, plus elegant evening dining served in the stunning sky deck alfresco area, with chefs accommodating all dietary requirements and child-friendly options for families.

Launched in August 2019, the Celebrity Flora has completely rewritten Galápagos luxury as the most luxurious and high-tech large yacht in the fleet, featuring revolutionary all-suite accommodation where every cabin includes personal suite attendants, private balconies, mini-bars, in-room filtered water systems, 24-hour in-suite service, and state-of-the-art room automation systems putting full amenity control at your fingertips. Thoughtful touches abound with complimentary binoculars, sunglasses, sunscreen, lip balm, aloe vera soother, and even pillow menus for perfect sleep, while upgrade options include Premium and Royal Suites, plus the remarkable full-width Penthouse Suite with floor-to-ceiling windows and private balcony, or innovative “infinity balconies” that convert rooms into breathtaking Galápagos openings at the touch of a button.

The Grand Majestic, designed and built in the USA in 2018, stands as the first MegaYacht in the Galápagos fleet, constructed to the same exacting specifications as the world’s best private luxury yachts while boasting the fleet’s fastest speed at 25 knots – meaning more time experiencing the islands and less time traveling between sites. With only 8 luxuriously appointed cabins featuring panoramic windows, designer fabrics, highest quality fittings, stunning bathrooms, climate control, luxury linens, and finest toiletries, this intimate vessel provides superb levels of space and light, crowned by the grand master suite’s enormous 400 square feet perfect for once-in-a-lifetime celebrations. The spectacular communal spaces include a luxurious al fresco sundeck dining area with stunning views for enjoying finest Ecuadorian and international cuisine, plus main deck indoor dining, extensively stocked bar, and wonderfully comfortable saloon with stunning communal leather sofa for pre-dinner relaxation or naturalist briefings. The standout large jacuzzi hot tub on the sundeck creates a remarkable setting for enjoying equatorial night skies, while charter options provide VIP private use experiences.

The Silver Galápagos represents the pinnacle of luxury expedition cruising as a full-size 100-passenger vessel designed specifically for Galápagos touring, operated by world-renowned luxury cruise leaders who’ve created one of the most luxurious ways to experience the islands. This 290-foot by 50-foot ship offers stunning all-suite accommodation across 5 decks with an exceptional 75 crew members serving just 100 passengers – delivering the highest crew ratio in the Galápagos fleet at 1:1.3 and ensuring every suite includes butler service comparable to the world’s finest 5-star hotels. The sumptuous suites feature beautiful beige, cream, and blue décor emphasizing light and space, all with panoramic sea and island views, while Veranda and Silver suites include glass sliding doors opening onto private balconies, plus independent climate control, marble en-suite bathrooms, flat screen TVs, minibars, unlimited WiFi, and top-end suites offering complimentary sparkling wines and personal espresso machines.