Estrella del Mar Galapagos Cruise

Yolita II

Yolita II is a mid-range Galapagos yacht with a valuable built-in advantage: her itineraries include the domestic flights from Quito to the islands and back. That makes the total trip easier to compare before you even look at cabins, and it fits her whole personality: practical comfort, clear value and a relaxed shipboard rhythm rather than polished luxury. She was purpose-built for Galapagos cruising, with spacious cabins, bright shared areas and enough deck space for the pauses between walks, snorkeling outings and panga rides. We particularly like her for guests who want a fresh, uncomplicated ship with an attentive crew and a social atmosphere that feels easy from the first briefing. The cabins remain a real strength for this class. They come with twin or double beds, large windows, pale wood finishes, neutral fabrics, private bathrooms with hot showers, individual air conditioning and 110V power. If you are prone to motion, a lower-deck cabin can be the calmer choice; if views matter more, upper-deck cabins give you larger windows over the sea and islands. The lounge continues the airy style, with big L-shaped leather couches, a library, board games and space for daily naturalist briefings. Days on Yolita II are about seeing the islands well, then coming back to a yacht that is easy to settle into. The dining area has panoramic windows and circular tables, the chef usually serves relaxed buffet-style local and international dishes, and the bar offers local and imported drinks. Outside, one sundeck is shaded for post-excursion snacks, while the upper deck is open for sun and stars. Choose Yolita II if you want included Quito flight logistics, practical comfort and itinerary flexibility; choose another yacht if private balconies, boutique design or a more luxurious onboard feel matter more.

Humboldt Explorer

Humboldt Explorer is not a normal Galapagos cruise yacht with diving added on the side. She is a serious specialist dive vessel, and that is exactly why we like her for experienced divers who still want real comfort between demanding underwater days. Her eight air-conditioned cabins sit on the main and lower decks for stability, with private bathrooms, flat-screen TVs, panoramic windows and flexible queen or twin setups in most rooms. The heart of the ship is the dive operation. The large dive deck has the practical things divers notice immediately: a bathroom, a big camera table with charging station, individual storage, and separate rinse bins for cameras and gear. Dives are run from two large pangas that are easy to board from the dive deck, with specialist dive guides working on board in rotation. This is a proper Galapagos dive platform, not a casual snorkel boat. The important fit point is experience. Humboldt Explorer dives are often advanced, with currents and conditions that can be challenging but highly rewarding. Guests need internationally recognized open-water certification, should be experienced, are recommended to have more than 100 logged dives, and must have completed at least one dive within the six months before boarding. After diving, the ship becomes pleasantly comfortable: a partially shaded sundeck with Jacuzzi, a salon with dining and bar, and a crew led by experienced captains Carlos and Jorge. We especially like the combination of serious dive setup and softer onboard touches, including Roberto's varied cooking and local beers included in the package.

Fragata

Fragata is one of the few owner-operated yachts in the Galapagos fleet, and that matters more than it sounds. We like her most for travelers who want the islands, the crew and the shared cruise rhythm to feel warm and personal. This 75ft motor yacht is not glossy or formal, but bright, comfortable and looked after by a team that clearly takes pride in the ship. The atmosphere on board is social in the best way. Honey-colored wood, fresh soft furnishings and a large lounge sofa create a natural meeting point for guide briefings, a drink from the bar or evening conversations about the day’s wildlife. The dining room keeps that same informal mood, with two large oval tables where meals naturally become part of the shared cruise experience. Cabins are spread over two of the four decks and offer twin or double accommodation. All have individual air conditioning, private bathrooms with full-size showers, wood floors and bright finishes. Outside, the full upper sundeck gives you shaded loungers or open equatorial sun, while the rear diving platform makes getting in and out of the water much easier after snorkeling. Fragata carries snorkeling equipment, with wetsuits available to hire on request. With 16 guests, eight crew and a bilingual naturalist guide, she suits travelers who value warm service and active Galapagos days. Choose another yacht if you want private balconies, contemporary boutique interiors or a more luxurious onboard style.

Bonita

Bonita is one of our favorite yachts in the Galápagos fleet, because it was among the first to be custom-designed for cruising the amazing Galápagos Islands. Because Bonita features accommodation for a maximum of 16 guests, she carries 1 qualified naturalist guide. This means you will get a much smaller guest to guide ratio than most other ships in the fleet. The operator of Bonita refurbishes the yacht every year. This is exceptional, and it means you are always assured of enjoying one of the best-presented yachts in its class. The passenger accommodation is fitted out in the traditional nautical style, with beautiful handcrafted teak fixtures and polished brass fittings. Every cabin features an outside view, and is equipped with either a double bed or twin beds. Each is fully air-conditioned and has a private bathroom with shower. Luxury biodegradable cosmetics are supplied, and additional features includes a hairdryer, plenty of closet and drawer storage, and an intercom. Meals are taken in the cozy dining room. You'll be served a sumptuous selection of international and local dishes, cooked using the freshest local ingredients by your highly skilled chef. There's also a lounge and conference area where the naturalist guides will brief you on some of the amazing sites you will be seeing, and you can relax here and watch TV or choose a book from the library while the islands glide past the panoramic windows. Bonita features a wonderful sundeck. It's the perfect place to catch some equatorial rays while you sip a cocktail, or to come up at night and watch the spectacle as the stars are revealed in the clear Galápagos skies above. Your bilingual naturalist guides know the islands, the habitats, and the wildlife intimately. They will lead you on a variety of incredible expeditions including shore landings, kayaking adventures, snorkeling, beach visits, and more. Snorkel gear, wetsuits, and stand-up paddle boards are also available for guests to use free of charge. Bonita is a truly remarkable ship! The owners lavish such care and attention on the ship that she always look as good as new. We love the fact that Bonita includes complimentary wetsuits and SUPs. For families with young teenagers, this could be the perfect option, and the chefs on board will always provide a kid-friendly menu option if you don't have adventurous eaters.