Galapagos: a once-in-a-lifetime luxury journey to experience rare and unique wildlife

It is easy to imagine why the Galapagos Islands are one of the top places to visit of many experienced travelers. Online, you can see many articles, reviews and photos of this exotic paradise, but the truth is, that none of them will really do justice to what you see in reality.

When researching online, you will find that some travelers decide to visit the Galapagos with a land-based itinerary and stay at hotels; whilst others make the correct choice and they decide to explore these lovely islands on board of a luxury cruise, yacht or catamaran.

However, it is clear that nobody goes to the Galapagos only to sunbathe on the boat deck and dive all day long… travelers to Galapagos want to explore, and the best way to do this is on board of a cruise, taking you to all the possible sites and with an experienced guide that will take you to some of the most stunning places on planet Earth.

The programs usually include hiking through ancient lava trails, where you will find prehistoric reptiles such as giant Galapagos tortoises, exotic birds such as the blue-footed booby, Galapagos penguins, endemic marine and terrestrial iguanas, cormorants and albatrosses… just to mention a few.

While marveling at the diversity of the marine and terrestrial life of these paradise islands, you will be able to enjoy maximum comfort, style, service, and safety, onboard a luxury boat or cruise. I have personally selected the best five “floating luxury hotels” which will make your Galapagos adventure an out of the ordinary experience.

La Pinta

The most emblematic luxury cruise would be La Pinta, the result of five decades of experience in the Galapagos Islands, the experience will be oriented to your needs and based on suggestions made by captains, expedition leaders, leaders of large hotels and guests over the years.

It is one of the most modern yachts and has capacity for 48 people, large social areas, covered with gazebo, windows in the cabins, jacuzzi, gym, kayaks, glass floor in certain areas, solarium, chairs for sunbathing. Ideal for travelers looking for a sophisticated experience around the Islands.

Silver Galapagos

I would say, the best Galapagos experience, for those who have the time and the money is Silver Galapagos, it is Silver’s smallest boat and it combines incomparable shore excursions, high-level talks and multiple Zodiac landings with accommodation in luxurious suites, some of them with balconies and of course, high-end wine and food during the entire the cruise experience.

Integrity

Integrity is a 141-foot luxury yacht customized to carry 16 adventurers in comfort, safety, and style. Integrity has been cruising the waters of Galapagos since April 2005. Built-in the US, conforming to the rigorous standards of cruises in the Galapagos. All systems, including motors, transmissions, electronics, stabilizers, water filtration, and sterilization are new, as is interior decoration and furniture.

Petrel Cruise

The Petrel Cruise is a luxury catamaran that started operating in September 2015. It is designed as a catamaran to provide great stability and style.

Fast, elegant and silent, this motor catamaran takes its name from the beautiful Galápagos bird. It has spacious cabins with a private balcony and a spacious lounge and relaxation areas. The huge terrace has a jacuzzi, the ideal place for watching whales and dolphins, sunrise, sunset, and unequal landscapes.

What I like the most besides having a private balcony? The crew aboard the Petrel has been carefully trained to guarantee the best onboard experience. A knowledgeable bilingual naturalist guide will accompany you during all land excursions.

Stella Maris

Stella Maris is the “only luxury boat based in the Galapagos Islands”. It has all the necessary facilities to serve the most diverse and demanding customers. With capacity for 14 guests and a modern and elegant style, the Stella Maris offers an itinerary of 8 days / 7 nights in the Galapagos Islands, taking you to impressive islands of volcanic environments, as I mentioned before, which exhibit impressive landscapes, as well as one of the largest and most diverse samples of wildlife on Earth.

This cruise through the central and eastern islands of the archipelago will allow you to know the most memorable sites, both in the water and on land. And, of course, as in all the cruises, an expert naturalist certified by the National Park will accompany you on land excursions to explore the islands.

In conclusion, Galapagos Islands are a top destination to include in any luxury globetrotters bucket list, if not included yet, due to its singularity that cannot be found anywhere else in the world; unique wildlife and flora, unforgettable beaches and sunsets, the feeling of being in another world with “strange creatures”, and the luxurious experience on board of a yacht or luxury cruise make Galapagos Islands a trendy destination for luxury adventurers.

Tip: for any of the yachts you choose or experience you choose, make sure that you get the most out of it with a good travel consultant to help you plan and experience the real Galapagos Islands; we suggest to reserve six or nine months in advance, especially for holiday periods such as Christmas and New Year.

By Carmen Caballero from exotiktraveler.com