Harv Notes: Choosing a Galapagos Cruise

Origin, Theory & Evolve are identical 20-passenger luxury yachts that represent some of the finest options in Galapagos small ship cruising. Blending tasteful design, luxurious amenities (the vessels are Relais and Chateaux designated) and sustainability, "OTE" offer the future of Galapagos cruising today. A 20 guest maximum means two private guides (for a ratio of no more than 10 guests to a guide) and the vessels also feature additional perks uncommon to Galapagos cruises like triple occupancy cabins, an onboard concierge, open bar, a glass-bottom zodiac, and more!

A luxurious 20-passenger motor yacht, Infinity was designed with an intimate Galapagos experience in mind. With two large suites and eight cabins, some of which are interconnected, all with panoramic windows and personal balconies, guests feel right at home. Travelers can choose from 4, 5, and 8-day itineraries that are all full of adventure. Infinity features spacious social areas, such as an al fresco dining area, barbecue area, and living room, ensuring that guests will feel comfortable during their entire journey.

The Cormorant II is a brand new luxury mega-catamaran which began sailing in 2023. Equipped with ample cabins and the most sophisticated design, Cormorant II aims to provide the smoothest of sailing throughout the Galapagos archipelago. Additionally, spacious social areas include two well-attended bars, briefing room, indoor dining room, alfresco dining area, and a panoramic sundeck with a jacuzzi. Cormorant II is certain to be one of the top small-ship luxury vessels in the Galapagos.

The modern and tastefully-appointed 16-passenger Treasure Catamaran is one of the top First Class options in the Galapagos Islands. Staterooms are spacious with large windows and private balconies and there are several indoor and outdoor common areas to relax and occupy downtime between island visits. Guiding on Treasure is always top-notch too, making Treasure a perennial favorite and one of the best small-ship values in the Galapagos.

Welcome aboard the Solaris Yacht. This beautiful and modern yacht comprises comfort and relaxation into one. There’s also a special and unique feature that can’t be underestimated: This Galapagos cruise is 100% solo traveller friendly. Forget about single supplement headaches and join this cruise in one of the 5 main deck single cabins! Furthermore, the highly-trained crew & cruise director, assisted by an experienced naturalist guide, will be ready to serve your every need, making your stay as comfortable as possible.

A beautiful, 48-passenger luxury expedition yacht, La Pinta’s modern design offers plenty of style and comfort throughout its interior and exterior spaces. The ship's size is great for those looking for a vessel with a bit more space than most of the smaller yachts, while still maintaining an intimate atmosphere. Sustainable sailing is a big component of La Pinta’s operations, too, and the vessel takes several measures to help safeguard the ecosystem.

The Natural Paradise Luxury Yacht is an intimate, top-end vessel that can comfortably hold up to 16 passengers on 8, 5, and 4-day Galapagos cruises. Travelers can pick from 9 different spacious and comfortable cabins that include suites with balconies overlooking the ocean, junior suites, and staterooms, all featuring large bathrooms, air-conditioning, and luxury amenities. The yacht has spacious common areas and a modern design built to provide comfort and safety in all conditions.

A modern luxury Trimaran, Horizon is one of the top small luxury vessels in the Galapagos Islands. Guests are treated to top-level on board services, guiding and cuisine and spacious cabin sizes. Each cabin also has a private balcony. The ship also offers a lovely sundeck, al-fresco dining, teak decking and an array of other on board amenities.

Grand Majestic is the only modern charter yacht cruising the Galapagos. This elegant yacht is the fastest in the Islands and offers high-quality service, a Master Suite and luxurious social areas. A number of the staterooms are located on the boats lower deck, however, they are quite spacious for Galapagos standards and have nice large porthole windows, making them one of the best value options for a cabin on a luxury level small ship in the Galapagos. Common areas are ample and the vessel offers indoor and al-fresco dining as well as a well-appointed sundeck.

Nostalgia and history in motion - guests who cruise aboard the Grace will experience the Galapagos Islands the way Darwin did in the past: personally and privately, but with the added distinction, comfort, and elegance of today. Refined yet adventurous and agile, it’s no wonder Princess Grace Kelly selected this ship for her royal honeymoon. With a focus on Galapagos immersion, this 16-Guest yacht offers expanded deck space, stabilizers for smooth cruising, experienced naturalist guides, and itineraries crafted for maximum wildlife encounters.

A 32-passenger expedition vessel designed to allow you to experience the Galapagos in spacious comfort and privacy. The Evolution cruises the archipelago with the lines and style of the roaring 20’s, while offering the finest amenities and service of modern times. Enjoy a sense of relaxed freedom on board the Evolution with 360-degree exterior walk-arounds, recently renovated spacious suites, and unparalleled familial hospitality. Darwin’s discoveries are brought to life by naturalist guides with 15+ years of experience.

Originally built as a private luxury yacht, the M/Y Passion has been completely refurbished while still retaining many of its original elegant features such as its marble bathrooms and teak wood decks that make this vessel one of a kind. Passion, originally named Bellisima (“beautiful” in Italian), offers a sense of relaxed refinement and exclusivity, as the boat was never before used for tourism. Passion is 159 feet (48.5 meters) in length and is spread over four decks.