Why charter a yacht in Galapagos?


Diving amongst sharks

Well, you're looking at one of the best-kept secrets in the Galapagos Islands: your own private yacht with a crew and guide that is dedicated to making a tour around the Galapagos the most unique and unforgettable vacation you've ever had!

A private yacht charter is like staying at an exclusive villa and being spoilt by a staff that works ceaselessly to make sure you have everything. Unlike a villa where you're stuck in the same place, though, these yachts cruise around the unique Galapagos Islands. You will continuously visit new islands, make landings, and see for yourselves the incredible wildlife and scenery of these Enchanted Isles. 

A Galapagos yacht charter is perfect for families, special occasions, for groups, and for meetings and incentives.

Many boats are available for charter, as well as offering standard departures for individuals. Charter prices look expensive, but are definitely economical if you have a group or large family. Pricing typically is such that it is cheaper to charter if you can fill more than 70-80% of the boat’s capacity. 

There other major advantages to chartering: you have the boat to yourselves, you can set your own routine, you may be able to adjust the itinerary with suitable advance notice, and you can involve a specially-selected guide or tour leader. (Note that all itineraries, and changes, must be given prior approval by the park authorities).

What type of live-aboard boat?

a) Smaller yachts, larger cruise ships
The only boats you can use are those licensed for operation in Galapagos. These do not include international yachts or cruise ships, which are not permitted to cruise the islands. Until a few years ago the Galapagos boats were broadly divided into two categories: large cruise ships taking up to 80-100 passengers, and smaller yachts and motor cruisers with up to 20 passengers. Recently an intermediate category has emerged, taking 40-50 passengers, which provides a compromise between size and intimacy.

There is a complete range, from 100 passenger ships down to 4-cabin boats, and from sailing yachts to motor cruisers. Look carefully at descriptions and pictures, and consider whether they fit with what you like. As generalities, smaller yachts tend to have smaller cabins, smaller groups per guide, and be more sensitive to sea conditions. Larger cruise ships have more activities, less intimacy, larger shore groups when visiting islands, and be slightly more regimented.

Sailing yachts provide a photogenic and attractive way to cruise around the islands. Against this, they can move more when the sails are up and some people may suffer from seasickness in the first couple of days. 

b) Quality & price
Obviously there are boats and prices to meet all wallets. Price and quality tend to go together. This should not be the only criterion, as satisfaction obviously also comes from the guide(s), crew and your fellow passengers, as well as the island visits.

c) General & special interests
Most departures are aimed at general interests. For divers, photographers, naturalists, and birders, it is important to check that the boat – and the particular itinerary – is suitable. The advantage of chartering a boat is that you can often customize as you want.

d) Family
Some boats and sailings are suitable for, and welcome, children. This is particularly the case with larger cruise ships, and a few operators are introducing a number of family-designated departures for smaller boats during the year. Another alternative is to charter a yacht. Generally children under 7 years are not allowed on the boats, as the restrictive regime of the nature reserve is not really suitable for them. Medical facilities on Galapagos are suitable only for first-aid, so you may need to return to the mainland in the event of medical problems.

How long: 3 nights, 4 nights, 7 nights, or longer?
Trips of varying duration are offered, the shortest being 3 nights. Shorter trips make sense if you are traveling within a tight budget, have limited time, or fear you will not enjoy a longer trip. Otherwise a week, or even longer, is really the ideal length. As each island differs in ecosystem, scenery and wildlife, this not only gives you time enough to see and enjoy the variety of Galapagos, but also lets you wind-down and recover from the time and effort you took to arrive in the first place. For a naturalist, birdwatcher, diver or photographer, a week is really a minimum.

When: Low or high season, rainy or dry season?

The high season is December to Easter, and June to August. Prices are higher than at low season, and typically coincide more with US and European vacation peaks than with Galapagos weather seasons. It is therefore worth studying to see what timing makes most sense for your trip, taking into account pricing and weather factors.

From a weather viewpoint there are two seasons, the rainy season from January to June, and the dry season June-December. Weather during the rainy season has warm sunny periods interspersed with showers and sometimes downpours. February is the hottest month during the year. Water temperatures are 23-24°C, best for diving and snorkeling.

The dry season is sunny, with some mist and is generally cooler. Wind makes the sea choppy increasingly from July to October and cools the water temperature to 20°C. From a wildlife viewpoint, breeding times vary but the wildlife is always present with the exception of the waved albatross, which leave in mid-December and return in late March.

How does payment work?

If a boat is not chartered, it will be taking individual travelers. Galapagos cruises are popular, and since passengers start booking well in advance (often up to a year ahead or more), the best way to secure a charter is to plan and book as far ahead as possible. This does not mean that chartering within a shorter time frame is impossible, but you will find that there are fewer available dates.

Payment varies according to the operator, but typically involves a deposit (around 10%) at the time of booking, a second payment of 10-20% 120-180 days ahead of departure, and the balance 45-60 days before departure. You should look at individual boat terms and conditions, particularly with respect to cancellation. If in doubt, please contact us. Otherwise see payments for detail on how to pay.