Encantada Galapagos Cruise

--- decommissioned in March 2018 ---

A Galápagos Cruise on board the Encantada

Budget

What we love about the Encantada

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Unfortunately, the beautiful "Encantada" was decommissioned in March 2018 and will sail other parts of the world now. Please click here for comparable economic cruises to the Galápagos Islands.If you still want to read on about the Encantada, this was our product description of this beautiful sailship: Previously known in the Islands as “The Little Red Sailboat”, visiting the Galápagos on this 69ft schooner is pure romance! With a maximum of only 12 guests - yet a crew of 6 - you get luxury levels of service and attention at a budget-friendly price. Almost all the boats in the Galápagos fleet accommodate 16 guests, some higher end vessels have 14 guests, but a cruise on Encantada will see you among only 12 companions for a truly intimate view of the archipelago. You’ll get a very personal view of the Islands from your bilingual National Park naturalist guide who would normally work with larger groups, and the crew on board become more like friends as they look after you during your trip. There are 6 cabins on Encantada, all living up to your expectations of the age of sail with traditional wooden bunks and hand-crafted wooden furniture and fittings. Despite her smaller size and traditional looks every cabin enjoys air conditioning and a private en suite bathroom with hot water. Culinary secret The lounge and dining area are full of natural wood and classic example of the boatbuilders craft. Dining onboard is relaxed and sociable, with all guests enjoying one large table the conversation flows as easily as the beer and wine! There is also an al fresco dining table on the stern deck where you can eat and enjoy the cool sea breezes. What Encantada’s kitchen may lack in size it more than makes up for in the talents of its chef. The food on Encantada is consistently praised by our guests, and some who’ve traveled on the luxury boats in the Galápagos fleet have felt it was just as good! The sun deck is large enough for sitting and relaxing as well as simply lying in the sun. When the night comes, there is nowhere better in Galápagos to be than on the open deck of “The Little Red Boat” with the sails up and the stars out. The naturalist itineraries are varied, and some venture further north than most of the fleet. Thanks to her smaller size, Encantada can visit places larger vessels can’t. Our comments The romance of a traditional motor sailboat, the intimacy of only 12 guests, the ability to visit places larger boats can’t, and budget friendly prices… this a lot to this little red boat! We can’t get enough of the food on Encantada, and in our opinion we think the “sacrifice” of a smaller cabin is more than worth it considering the benefits

Amenities on board the Encantada

Travel for good: Each booking supports Ventura's Conservation Project.

English guides

Water, Coffee, Tea & fresh juices

Wetsuits

All meals

Air conditioning & private bathroom

Transfers to and from ship

Snorkel gear (free of charge)

Single cabin without supplement

Food & Drinks on board the Encantada

The food on our Galapágos Cruises is among the very best you will find in South America. Most of the on-board chefs are internationally trained and have prior experience working in the best hotels and restaurants in Ecuador and indeed around the world.

You can expect a first-class selection of food, including a good variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, locally sourced poultry and fish/seafood, rice and pasta dishes. Most boats will always include some typical Ecuadorian dishes on the menu during your cruise. If you have specific dietary requirements then these can usually be accommodated by the chef providing you have given advance notice. Please make sure you tell us about any allergies or dietary requirements you have at the time you book with us. If you leave it until you arrive at the dockside, then it may well be impossible to accommodate your needs.

Most boats serve a range of options at meal times in a relaxed buffet-style. At the first class and luxury end of the market, some boats have more formal dining where you will be served at your seat. However the atmosphere is always relaxed on board our cruises, and never stuffy or formal.

Sustainable Tourism

"At Galapatours we love and respect the pristine ecosystems and fascinating wildlife of the Galápagos Islands, and we insist that our cruise partners do too. To protect the archipelago all our cruise vessels must have sophisticated water filtration systems, modern efficient engines, and strict maintenance schedules to minimize pollution.\n\nThe Galápagos National Park authority also defines exact cruising routes that dictate which ships can visit highlights at specific times, as well as limiting passenger numbers. These measures ensure that animals and habitats are not disturbed by too many visitors.\n\nAt Galapatours, we prioritize the preservation of the Galápagos Islands' pristine ecosystems and remarkable wildlife. Our commitment extends beyond the mandatory environmental standards for cruise vessels in the region: A portion of your trip price now contributes to our Conservation Project. This initiative empowers local communities to protect their territory, engage in reforestation, and prepare for long-term environmental stewardship. This way, your trip contributes to environmental protection and truly shows how travel can be a force for good! And you can also play your part by traveling responsibly and following our Eco Guidelines during your stay. Click here to find out more about these guidelines, our commitment to sustainable tourism, and the Galápagos National Park rules."

Technical details of Encantada

Budget

Type

Small Yacht

Capacity

12 Length

69ft / 21m

Electricity

110 Volts

Beam

17ft / 5m

Cruising speed

7 knots

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Encantada Galapagos Cruise

--- decommissioned in March 2018 ---