Set along the equator, some 600 miles off the South
American coast of Ecuador, is a crown jewel of the natural world. The
Galápagos Islands live up to our dreams of a sheltered place far removed
from the usual concerns. The skies are almost always sunny, and the sea breezes
create that perfect air temperature that instantly relaxes the body. The ocean
is an ever inviting turquoise blue, matched by long sandy beaches of crystal
white, pink, volcanic black and looking-glass green. There are crystal coves
and mangrove lagoons.
That's just for starters. What will make your visit
here truly exceptional are the many opportunities for close up encounters with
wildlife. The islands and surrounding waters are quite literally teaming with
exotic and colorful creatures that have never learned to fear humans. This
translates into a series of daily peak experiences including snorkeling with
playful sea lions, tracking giant tortoise and trading stares with unconcerned
iguanas. Bird life is abundant, varied and fearless. You may have to give way
as a blue footed booby crosses your path, or have the opportunity to observe a
Galápagos hawk perched just a few steps away, as an albatross launches
itself off a cliff on a journey that will encompass thousands of miles.
The environment beneath the ocean surface is
extraordinary, with large tropical and cold water fish found swimming together.
Pacific green sea turtles, Galápagos penguins and rays are underwater
passers-by while dolphins, whales and whale sharks are frequent visitors to the
archipelago. The young Charles Darwin, fresh from university, visited here in
1835 during the voyage of the HMS Beagle. Darwin maintained that the
Galápagos was the source of his ideas and research for The Origin of
Species. Many of the discoveries he came upon are still in evidence, including
the volcanic, island-constructing wonderland of sculpted lava flows, giant lava
tubes and crystal inlets shaped by eruption and erosion.
The Galápagos seas tend to be very calm, making
travel by yacht the ideal and often only way to see the most the islands have
to offer. This is just one reason why our small vessel cruises focus on the
natural history of the islands and have remain the most sought after trips in
the islands for nearly 20 years. There are no large cruise vessel crowds
descending upon a single iguana on our voyages. Our yachts are recognized
worldwide for their seaworthiness, comfort and luxury.
Each is tailored for a one of a kind uncrowded and
flexible experience for wildlife enthusiastas, photographers, active
adventurers, divers, families, birdwatchers, sea kayakers and anyone seeking a
cruise like no other. All of our yachts have private bathrooms, hot showers and
air conditioning. We offer both hearty and gourmet meals. There is plenty of
space to stretch out either in the sun or under shade to relax in the
comfortable marine atmosphere.
Our philosophy and approach has resulted in attracting
a team of the very best guides the Galápagos National Park has to offer.
Each has spent years studying biological and earth sciences at university,
combined with years of experience leading trips in the Galápagos
Islands. They are personable, interesting and entertaining individuals intent
on conveying their deep understanding and love of their treasured island
archipelago. They will leave you in admiration of the natural wonders of the
Galápagos and the planet we call home.
Which Itinerary is Best for You:
Because the Galápagos Islands are situated on
the equator, they are a true year-round destination. The following are the
types of departures we offer:
Naturalist Departures
This is the
most popular way to experience the Galápagos Islands. After all, the
islands are one of the world's natural wonders and the place where Charles
Darwin did his field work. Naturalist cruises include easy hikes and panga
rides as well as the opportunity to go swimming, snorkeling and sea kayaking;
all of which are optional. The Galápagos are a natural paradise where
the creatures have little or no fear of humans, making it ideal to interact in
diverse habitats. All of this translates into great fun, excellent photography
and the feeling that you are a star in your own nature show. Our friendly
guides are highly educated and experienced in the natural history of the
islands and will open up a world of wonders for you.
 |
Diving Departures
The
Galápagos is recognized as one of the top dive destinations in the
world. It is also one of the best values in diving, as well as being one of the
best places to dive with larger animals. The creation of the Galápagos
National Park has helped ensure that these waters remain among the healthiest
in the world. Two of our yachts, the Lammer Law and the Mistral, are fully
outfitted for diving. Our special dive itineraries offer 2 to 3 dives a day,
with the possibility of night diving. Dive itineraries feature special visits
to Wolf & Darwin Islands. Our dive masters are skilled and knowledgeable.
You will also have plenty of opportunities to see the wonders on land.
Warning: Diving the Galápagos is for certified
divers with open water dive experience only.
Active Departures
If you are looking
for something somewhat more physical, consider one of our active departures.
These trips feature longer, more difficult hikes with more opportunities to go
snorkeling and sea kayaking. If you are looking to dive in the Galápagos
but don't want a full-on dive trip, or if you are part of a couple where only
one person dives, this is an ideal trip. Certified divers will have the
opportunity to dive up to 3 times during the trip to no more than 45 feet (dive
locations at the dive master's discretion). This way you will get to experience
the unparalleled richness of the underwater reserve while not missing the
wonders topside. These departures are ideal for active adults who want the most
from every moment, and for adventure seeking families.
 |
Family Departures
The
Galápagos provide an exceptional opportunity for parents, children and
grandparents alike to enjoy the trip of a lifetime together with activities
tailored to each. Children are especially enriched by the natural living legacy
of the archipelago, where science suddenly becomes fun and accessible. Where
else can kids safely get so close to so many animals: swimming with sea lions
and penguins in the morning or posing with red-footed boobies or an ET
look-alike giant tortoise in the afternoon? These departures feature
presentations and activities geared toward children of all ages. We provide
kid's meals and many special events including star gazing and movie night. A
special kid's workbook insures children will get credit for their trip when
they return to class. We invite your family to experience a paradise with a
full range of exceptional experiences for all, yet parents can relax and return
refreshed. Let the animals watch your kids for a change.
 |
Bird Watching Departures (including Mainland
Ecuador & the Amazon)
Any trip to the Galápagos is going
to be a birder's trip of a lifetime. We have taken it a step further by
developing an itinerary specifically focused on the best landings for birders
and then combined it with a trip to mainland Ecuador, which qualifies as one of
the best birding destinations in the world. Our itinerary is certain to add
length to your species list. One little known destination qualifies as
hummingbird capital of the world. The highlands offer a chance to spot condors.
An add-on will take you to some of the best reserves in the Ecuadorian
Amazon.
 |
Sea Kayaking Departures
While we
carry sea kayaks on board most of our yachts with time available for paddling,
we have also developed a special itinerary for dedicated groups of sea
kayakers. At one time the Lammer Law was the largest trimaran in the world. Its
design makes for a very stable platform in the already calm Galápagos
seas. Her sundeck encompasses most of the yacht's exterior, making her an ideal
mother ship for stowing and launching sea kayaks on our special paddling
itinerary. While the itinerary is not full-on expeditions (many sites do not
permit sea kayaks to land and there are no places were kayakers are allowed to
camp in the park), it is the ideal way for paddlers to experience the land and
marine environments of the archipelago.
Prices:
When we prepare a quote for you we will include the
following:
