The top 6 luxury cruises in the Galápagos Islands for private charter

Chartering a boat in the Galápagos Islands offers several unique advantages for experiencing one of the world’s most incredible natural habitats.

Chartering a boat provides a more comfortable and private experience. You can avoid the crowds and enjoy the tranquillity of the islands with just your family or friends. They are perfect for multi-generational travel.

Chartering a boat in the Galápagos can make your trip not just a vacation, but a personalized adventure that’s both luxurious and intimately connected with nature.

Below are the top 6 small boats for private charter in the islands

The Grace

Embark on an unforgettable journey aboard the Grace Yacht, where luxury intertwines with history amidst the breathtaking Galapagos Islands. With its remarkable crew-to-passenger ratio, spacious cabins, and elegant design, The Grace stands as a pinnacle of maritime excellence in this renowned archipelago. Manned by a team of seasoned naturalists boasting an average of 15 years of Galapagos guiding experience, The Grace ensures unparalleled service and expertise throughout your voyage.

Crafted for both speed and stability, The Grace features a distinctive stabilizer system, ensuring smooth sailing between islands while enhancing your overall experience. Its leisure areas offer a sanctuary of comfort and relaxation, from the expansive lounge adorned with plush seating to the inviting bar and entertainment facilities. Delight in al fresco dining on the deck, or unwind in the sun deck’s hot tub as you soak in the picturesque vistas.

Comprising nine opulent cabins across two decks, The Grace epitomizes luxury at sea. The Albert Deck houses two Twin Suites and two Master Suites, each boasting ocean-view windows, alongside the captain’s bridge and al-fresco amenities. On the Monaco Deck, discover the lavish Grace Kelly Suite, complemented by interior lounges and dining areas. Below, the Carolina Deck features four Premium Staterooms, complete with ocean-view port-holes for an immersive maritime experience.

Experience the Galapagos like never before with The Grace Yacht’s exclusive eight-day itineraries, each offering a distinct exploration of this extraordinary destination. Combine both for a comprehensive 15-day cruise, crafted to immerse you in the wonders of the Galapagos Islands.

A 7-night charter of the Grace costs USD $173,200.

Origin, Theory, and Evolve

Origin, Theory, and Evolve are three identical luxury yachts, redefining opulent cruising in the Galapagos Islands as the sole Relais & Chateaux-affiliated vessels in the region. These sleek, modern yachts resemble floating boutique hotels, meticulously designed to prioritize comfort, safety, and ecological sustainability. They feature spacious staterooms with sweeping panoramic views, and provide world-class dining experiences. Each yacht offers a seamless blend of sophisticated design, luxurious amenities, and commitment to environmental care, ensuring a memorable and unparalleled cruising experience. The highly skilled 13-member Ecuadorian crew on each yacht includes a seasoned captain, a dedicated concierge, and two expert naturalist guides, maintaining the lowest guide-to-guest ratio in the Galapagos. This knowledgeable team enriches the journey by sharing their passion and insights about the islands. With a capacity of just 20 guests per yacht, these vessels offer an intimate connection with the Galapagos’ unforgettable landscapes and wildlife.

Each day in the Galapagos presents new adventures, whether it’s guided walks along untouched beaches, traversing volcanic formations, or exploring lush vegetation. Guests can immerse themselves in the marine world through Zodiac trips, glass-bottom boat tours, snorkelling, paddle boarding, or kayaking. The itineraries showcase the best of the Galapagos, from its fascinating wildlife and dramatic scenery to its vibrant marine ecosystems and compelling history.

The yachts boast ten deluxe staterooms each, designed for comfort and elegance. Large windows offer expansive sea views, and the rooms are equipped with climate control, luxurious bedding, private modern bathrooms, and ample storage. Each cabin features a variety of high-end amenities including a vanity area, a flat-screen TV, docking stations, and a personal espresso machine. The bathrooms are fitted with rainfall showers and stocked with eco-friendly toiletries.

Dining on the yachts meets the exquisite standards of Relais & Chateaux, with dishes prepared by skilled chefs using fresh, local ingredients. The sophisticated dining area allows for both private and communal seating arrangements. Guests can enjoy themed dining experiences, such as cooking demonstrations and BBQ lunches on the sundeck, which is also perfect for relaxing with its shaded day beds, hammocks, and a wet bar. An open bar policy includes a wide selection of drinks, and an indoor bar serves specialty cocktails.

Social areas on the yacht include a lounge for evening briefings and films, a library with books on the Galapagos and Darwin, and a boutique selling quality local crafts. For relaxation, there’s a Jacuzzi and a fitness centre equipped with modern gym facilities. Wi-Fi is available on board, though it is limited to one PIN per cabin and may carry an additional charge.

Origin, Theory, and Evolve offer two distinct itineraries that capture the essence of the Galapagos, from its rich biodiversity and stunning vistas to its intriguing marine life and historical significance. Guests can opt for a comprehensive 7-night tour of selected islands or a two-week journey exploring the entire archipelago.

A 7-night charter of the Origin, Theory, or Evolve costs USD $199,000

Aqua Mare

The Aqua Mare is a yacht offering an exclusive and luxurious cruising experience in the Galapagos Islands. This vessel is designed to provide a high level of comfort, elegance, and personalized service, setting it apart as one of the most prestigious options for exploring the unique archipelago.

The Aqua Mare boasts spacious and opulently furnished suites, each crafted to offer privacy and panoramic views of the surrounding seascape. The interiors are tastefully decorated, blending modern luxury with practical design elements that enhance the onboard experience. The yacht accommodates a limited number of guests, ensuring a more intimate and serene atmosphere, which is ideal for those seeking a personalized adventure.

Onboard amenities include a large sundeck with a Jacuzzi, loungers, and an al fresco dining area where guests can savour meals while surrounded by the breathtaking natural beauty of the islands. The yacht also features a well-appointed lounge and bar area, perfect for socializing or relaxing after a day of excursions.

Dining on the Aqua Mare is a culinary journey, with menus featuring a variety of international and local dishes prepared by skilled chefs using fresh, high-quality ingredients. The emphasis is on creating a dining experience that complements the exotic locale, with options that cater to various dietary preferences and tastes.

The Aqua Mare is not just about luxury and comfort; it also focuses on providing enriching experiences. The yacht is equipped with kayaks, snorkelling gear, and a glass-bottom boat, allowing guests to explore the marine environment closely. Additionally, expert naturalist guides accompany the guests, offering insights into the rich biodiversity and geological features of the Galapagos, ensuring that each excursion is informative and engaging.

Overall, the Aqua Mare redefines luxury cruising in the Galapagos, combining the allure of discovery with the comforts of modern luxury, making it an exceptional choice for discerning travellers seeking to explore the islands in style.

A 7-night charter of the Aqua Mare costs USD $209,000.

Galaxy Sirius

The luxurious Galaxy Sirius catamaran, with its sleek design and dark colour palette, stands out as a premier choice for an exclusive experience in the Galapagos Islands. Named after the brightest star in the night sky, the Sirius lives up to its namesake with a dazzling exterior and equally impressive interior. It accommodates 16 passengers in nine elegant cabins, ensuring personalized service from its 12 crew members, including an experienced cruise director and two knowledgeable naturalist guides. The ship’s top-notch amenities provide unmatched comfort, making it an ideal base for your adventure in the islands.

The Galaxy Sirius features nine beautifully appointed staterooms, designed to ensure a restful sleep with plush furnishings, luxurious twin or king-size beds, and most featuring private balconies. The rooms are equipped with large windows, air conditioning, ensuite bathrooms, and premium toiletries. The main deck hosts four balcony cabins, an additional cabin without a balcony at the bow, alongside the dining room, coffee station, living room, bar, and cozy outdoor seating at the rear. The upper deck includes the bridge, four more balcony cabins, and an outdoor alfresco area. The sun deck above is a prime spot for relaxation, with a spacious solarium, Jacuzzi, and lounging chairs.

The inviting living room offers a relaxing space to socialize with fellow travellers, while the alfresco lounge allows for immersive enjoyment of the Galapagos’ stunning vistas. The dining room presents an elegant setting to enjoy the exquisite meals prepared by expert chefs, and the sun deck is an ideal place to feel the sea breeze, stargaze, or bask in the sun while admiring the panoramic views.

Guests aboard the Galaxy Sirius can partake in various activities, including snorkelling, kayaking, and paddle-boarding, to explore the captivating marine environment of the Galapagos. Panga rides provide an exciting way to see the diverse shorelines and marine settings up close, and hiking excursions offer vibrant encounters with the archipelago’s unique flora and fauna.

With the guidance of expert naturalist guides, guests are taken to prime locations for safely observing the islands’ unique wildlife, contributing to a truly memorable experience. The Galaxy Sirius offers three distinct itineraries: a 5-day journey to the southern islands and two 6-day voyages to either the western or northern islands, each promising an unforgettable adventure with sightings of marine iguanas, giant tortoises, and blue-footed boobies.

In summary, the Galaxy Sirius catamaran provides a superb and stylish way to explore the Galapagos, equipped with luxurious facilities, expert guides, and exceptional cuisine, ensuring an extraordinary travel experience.

A 5-night charter of the Galaxy Sirius costs USD $89,680.

Endemic

The Endemic is a luxury catamaran specifically designed for cruising the Galapagos Islands. Its construction and design are tailored to enhance the exploration experience in this unique archipelago. As a modern and sophisticated vessel, the Endemic offers spacious and comfortable accommodations, which include panoramic suites with private balconies, providing unobstructed views of the islands and the ocean.

The interior of the yacht is elegantly appointed, featuring contemporary décor with a light and airy ambiance. The common areas are designed for relaxation and social interaction, including a stylish lounge where guests can attend naturalist briefings or enjoy leisure activities. The dining area serves gourmet meals prepared with fresh, local ingredients, accommodating dietary preferences and offering a taste of the local cuisine alongside international dishes.

On the upper deck, the Endemic features a sundeck with a Jacuzzi and sun loungers, where guests can unwind under the sun while soaking in the breathtaking scenery. This area is also ideal for star-gazing at night due to the minimal light pollution in the Galapagos.

The Endemic is equipped with kayaks, snorkelling gear, and a glass-bottom boat, allowing guests to explore the marine environment up close. The yacht operates with a high crew-to-guest ratio, ensuring personalized service. Each cruise is accompanied by experienced naturalist guides who provide insightful commentary and lead excursions to various islands, each with its own unique ecosystem and wildlife.

Overall, the Endemic is known for its intimate and luxurious atmosphere, offering an unparalleled way to experience the natural beauty and ecological wonders of the Galapagos Islands.

A 7-night charter of the Endemic costs USD $141,690.

Cormorant II

The luxurious Cormorant II, a cutting-edge mega-catamaran, glides effortlessly through the Galapagos’ volcanic landscapes, teeming with life and ripe for adventure. Equipped with the latest navigation technology, the yacht features exclusive amenities such as a gym, Jacuzzi, satellite internet, and suites with 180° panoramic lounges and private balconies, some even boasting their own Jacuzzis. The Cormorant II features a total of nine elegantly designed suites. The expansive Premium Suites on the Upper Deck, with their floor-to-ceiling windows, immerse guests in sunlight while offering unmatched views of the islands and wildlife, providing a serene outdoor retreat.

The Cormorant II also offers interconnected suites on the Main Deck, ideal for families or groups, furnished in a contemporary style that combines comfort with functionality. With a capacity for sixteen passengers, the yacht ensures a personalized service experience, overseen by a nine-member crew and a dedicated cruise director who ensures smooth operations. Onshore, a knowledgeable bilingual naturalist guide leads captivating excursions, enriching the journey with detailed insights into the local fauna and landscapes.

Social spaces on the Main Deck, including a saloon and dining area that opens onto a porch, offer the perfect blend of indoor and outdoor relaxation. The Upper Deck invites guests to stay active in the gym or unwind in the lounge with its dramatic views. The Sundeck, equipped with a Jacuzzi and bar, is an inviting spot for relaxation under the sun.

Despite its size, the Cormorant II promises an eco-friendly, nearly silent cruise experience, offering stability and comfort even in choppy waters.

A 7-night charter of the Cormorant II costs USD $144,450.

Simon Williams

Simon Williams is Director of Humboldt Travel. Humboldt Travel is a luxury travel company specialising in tailor made holidays to Latin America, Africa and Asia. If you would like to be a guest blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog in order to raise your profile, please contact us.