3 Glorious Ships That Will Complete Your Galapagos Getaway
Is there any activity more quintessentially luxurious than a leisure cruise on a gorgeous body of water? Yes! A leisure cruise around the Galapagos Islands. Located in the Pacific Ocean roughly 1,000 km off the coast of Ecuador, this breathtaking volcanic archipelago is a popular destination for adventurous travelers eager to immerse themselves in natural wonders and exotic wildlife. There are plenty of things to do on dry land. Still, an equal supply of exciting water activities, making it the perfect spot for avid scuba divers, snorkelers, fishermen, and boating enthusiasts. One thing you simply cannot leave off your Galapagos travel itinerary is a day of exploring the archipelago’s surroundings by boat. Not sure where to begin? We’ve come up with a list of some of the top boating excursions for visitors to the Galapagos Islands.
The Galaxy Diver
If you love boating and scuba diving you’ll be pleased to discover you get the best of both worlds on the Galaxy Diver. This 30-meter long, 12-passenger cruise ship is outfitted with an 8-person crew and 2 dive masters ready to guide you along your scuba diving journey. Upon stepping foot on this sleek ship, you’ll be greeted by beautiful, modern interior designs that create an atmosphere of luxury. Cool off in the interior lounge with a refreshing beverage of choice and scenic views from the expansive windows. The outdoor lounge, located on the upper deck of the ship, is just as inviting. Relax on the comfy sofas underneath the covering (or step out into the sun to work on your tan) and take in the views of the natural paradise. Need to take a nap or plan to cruise the ship overnight? The cozy cabins are complete with private bathrooms, air conditioning, all the modern amenities, and ultra soft beds that will have you believing you're sleeping on a cloud.
We haven't even gotten to the good part yet: all the diving. The Galaxy Driver can take you through diving sites across the region, including Douglas Cape, Wolf Island, Vicente Roca Point, and Cousins Rock. The best time to spot rare, exotic marine life is from December to June, so try to plan your diving adventure within those months. Diving in the Galapagos during the wet season also means you’ll experience calmer waters and clear visibility. First time diving? Have a fear of sharks? Put your mind at ease knowing you can download the Shark Scan App on your phone to monitor any underwater life in the Marine Reserve.
The Alya
If diving is less of a priority for you and you’d prefer an authentic luxury experience, the Alya is the ship for you. The exquisite design of the ship matches the ambiance of the Enchanted Islands. This 9-cabin ship can fit up to 16 passengers and comes with nine crew members and one guide ready to create an unforgettable experience for you. The Alya is built with a living room, sundeck, al fresco area, dining room, and bar. The ship also comes with the MYDAS app to ensure you get all the comforts of home, including blockbuster movies to watch when you curl up in your private cabin bed at the end of the day. On the Alya, you can choose to simply enjoy the ship for what it is (an unbeatable luxury experience) or add on some adrenaline-inducing water activities like kayaking, snorkeling, paddleboarding, or taking a ride on a panga, an inflated zodiac that gives you an even closer upfront look at exotic marine life.
And last, but certainly not least, is the Bonita yacht, the ideal option for adventurers looking for a Galapagos sailing experience at an affordable rate. Onboard, you’ll find ample indoor and outdoor spaces designed to fit up to 16 passengers. Eight crew members and one guide will be there to greet you with a delicious cocktail as you step foot on the main deck. Cool off in the air-conditioned living room and drink in the views of the surrounding waters and islands through the panoramic windows. When you get hungry, you can make your way to the dining room where three square meals and plenty of snacks are served each day (the menu also includes options for vegans and vegetarians). Aside from touring waters filled with some of the rarest aquatic creatures in the world, one of the best ways to experience the Galapagos is by watching the sunset from the yacht’s deck. After a long day of sailing the seas and jumping in the water to snorkel, kayak, or paddleboard, make your way to your private cabin for the best sleep of your life.
Ready to start planning your Galapagos getaway? Eager to put a boating excursion on your travel itinerary or find the best scuba diving adventures around the island? Contact the team at Liquid Diving Adventures today!