Galapagos Islands Cruising

TRACING DARWINS FOOTSTEPS

A live-aboard yacht cruise is without a doubt the most popular and recommended way to visit the islands. Quite simply you are able to see a lot more of what the islands have to offer and can visit the very best of the tourist sites available.

YACHT CATEGORIES
Happy Gringo work together with over fifty different Galapagos boat owners in total, all of whom operate both reliable and trustworthy tours. We mostly sell the smaller yachts (capacity for 8 to 16 passengers) for a more intimate island experience, and have divided these yachts into 4 different categories:

Follow each link for a list of yachts in each category and more detailed information. Each agency has its own system for classifying yachts; our system is unique to others because we have chosen category names that we consider describe the boats better than those traditionally used, and we classify boats based not only on on-board services but also on past client recommendations and feedback that we receive. As such we consider that ours is the most unbiased and informative system available in the market.

TOUR DURATION
Cruises are of 4, 5 or 8 days in duration. The 8-day trips are most popular as obviously you get to see a greater variety of wildlife, but the 4 and 5 day trips also give a great introduction to the islands. Usually the 4 and 5 day trips are joined together to make the full 8-day trip with a return to the central island of Santa cruz in the middle.

ITINERARIES
There are many variations in cruise itineraries as each boat has permissions to visit different islands. Typical variations are the southern loop (may include Floreana, Santa Fe, Plazas, San Cristobal, Espanola) which is generally considered a little better for wildlife, and the northern loop (may include Bartolome, Santiago, Rabida, Sombrero Chino, Genovesa, North Seymour) which affords some wonderful volcanic landscapes. An 8-day trip will usually run both loops together giving an excellent all-round appreciation of the islands. Some of the Comfortable and Luxury Gringo yachts also head out west to visit Isabela and Fernandina islands too.

INCLUSIONS
Cruise prices include twin-cabin accommodation, 3 meals per day and island excursions with an English-speaking naturalist guide. Price exclusions include the airfare, national park entry, bar drinks and tips.

Galapagos Islands Cruise

Standard Galapagos Yachts
FOR REGULAR SAILORS

Each agency has its own system for classifying yachts; our system is unique to others because we have chosen category names that we consider describe the boats better than those traditionally used, and we classify boats based not only on on-board services offered but also on past client recommendations and feedback. As such we consider that ours is the most unbiased and informative system available today.Standard Galapagos cruises are a step up from the Basic Galapagos options and generally offer excellent value for money andhave all of the basic on-board services (air conditioning, hot water, private bathroom). Itineraries typically cover the standard north and south loops but some also run up to Genovesa which is rich in bird life and a little off of the beaten tourist path. Yachts are generally attractive and overall service should be of a reasonable level. Guides are of level II standard.

Standard Galapagos class boats are very popular with travellers who want to see the islands with a few creature comforts, but don't need the added luxuries of the higher class boats.

Yacht	Style	Cap´y	Guide	Dive	HW	AC	PB	Price	Recommended
Aida Maria	MY	16	II	-				$$$$
Angelique	MS	16	II	-				$$$$
Angelito	MY	16	II or III	-		Central		$$$
Darwin	MY	16	II	-				$$
Encantada	MS	12	II	-				$$
Floreana	MY	16	II	-				$$$
Guantanamera	MY	16	II	-				$$$
Spondylus	MY	16	II	-				$$$$	Out of operation

	Means sometimes recommended by past clients
	Means often recommended
	Means almost always recommended