The Galapagos archipelago is an awe-inspiring, one-of-a-kind destination. No other place on Earth offers travelers the opportunity to get so close to such a wide variety of wildlife, sea life, and gorgeous landscapes. That natural beauty is independent and strong, and it’s simply our privilege as visitors to the Islands to get to enjoy them...with the correct Galapagos yacht.
But what about the parts of your trip that can be controlled? What about the yacht you take to the Galapagos?
While a trip to the Galapagos is certainly not about the boat you take, that vessel can either detract from or enhance the experience of your adventure—which is why picking the right one is so important.
So what do you look for when selecting the right yacht company for the best Galapagos cruise? Here are some of the most important factors, as selected by our Galapagos and sailing experts and confirmed by our previous passengers.
Plenty of Outdoor Space
The climate of the Galapagos is widely considered to be ideal, with an average high air temperature of 82 degrees Fahrenheit. So why would travelers want to be stuck inside a highly enclosed ship?
Strangely, many Galapagos yachts are clad in smoked glass, with very little outdoor space and shade and even less visibility from inside the boat. This makes photos of the surrounding landscape difficult, and lounging out on the deck of the boat under the pleasant sun impossible.
Look for a yacht that offers plenty of space outdoors and under shade. Remember that you are on the equator, and that shade is as important as outdoor space. The best yachts have plenty of open space to relax in comfort, because their owners recognize that comfortable, well designed and attractive outdoor spaces are critical to having the trip of lifetime.
High Mobility and Walkability
When you’re living aboard a boat for a week or longer, it can be easy to feel trapped if the yacht isn’t designed for freedom. That’s particularly true considering that more and more Galapagos luxury cruise boats are being designed with the inability to let passengers walk around the entire circumference of the deck. In fact, many constrain passengers to the aft as the only available outdoor space.
Imagine hearing your captain over the intercom, saying, “I know you can’t see them, but I thought you’d like to know that a huge school of dolphins is ahead of us and some are surfing the bow wake?”
You shouldn’t have to have experiences like this described to you—you want to see them for yourself. That’s why you want a yacht that allows you to walk around the entire perimeter of the vessel, allowing you to enjoy every sunset, every breaching whale, every pod of dolphins, every passing sea turtle, and every gorgeously unobstructed view of the Islands and their spectacular volcanoes.
The Advantage of Single-Hulled Yachts
Catamarans (boats with two or three separate hulls) used to be extremely popular in the Galapagos, but they come with a problem. Their raised underside results in waves that crash into the bottom surface with a great deal of pressure, resulting in a loud and shaking slam. The entire vessel becomes like a drum being played by the ocean. Typically, this happens when the yacht is sailing into an opposing sea. In the Galapagos, that happens when you from one island to another... at night when you’re trying to sleep.
But on single-hull or monohulled yachts, such as those used by Quasar, this doesn’t happen. Why? There’s no raised underside where it can occur.
And because monohulled yachts are heavier than catamarans, they cut through opposing seas more smoothly. If you’re looking for a smoother, gentler, and quieter sailing experience, opt for a single hulled yacht.
Cabins vs. Common Spaces
When it comes to choosing a cabin, it’s important to remember that location matters. If you’re sensitive to motion, you’ll want to be closer to the fulcrum of the Galapagos yacht. Comfort is also important—your days will be full of activities, so you’ll want to ensure that your sleep is comfortable and restful. Otherwise, your cabin is mainly a place to sleep and change clothes.
Common spaces, on the other hand, we’ll find you spending much more of your time. That’s why it’s so important to pick a yacht that offers:
- Both indoor and outdoor or indoor-outdoor dining areas.
- An outdoor saloon under shade with plenty of space and comfortable deck furniture.
- An attractive bar.
- An outside deck that stretches all the way around the yacht.
- A comfortable main saloon where you will have your briefings. Also, a good place to relax at night.
- A large jacuzzi or hot tub. This is for warming up after snorkeling, so look for those large enough to accommodate multiple passengers.
- Sun deck with comfortable lounge furniture and shade.
