Fragata Galapagos Cruise

Aggressor III

Aggressor III is the liveaboard we would shortlist for confident divers who want most of their Galapagos week to happen below the surface. This is not a naturalist cruise with a few token dives: the 16-guest yacht is organized around tender diving, with up to four dives on active days and Darwin and Wolf possible when the seasonal National Park schedule permits. Our travelers most often praise the welcoming crew, clean boat, safety-minded operation and easy rhythm between dives. Most dives leave from small tenders, while equipment has a dedicated place on the dive deck. Freshwater showers and warm towels are waiting after a dive; the hot tub and covered deck are natural places to compare encounters with hammerheads, rays or sea lions. Land visits at Bartolomé and in the Santa Cruz highlands add context, but diving remains the purpose of the week. Our advice: choose Aggressor III if you are an experienced diver comfortable with currents, cooler water and buddy-team responsibility. If you are traveling with non-divers, prefer gentle conditions or want long days ashore, a naturalist yacht will suit you better.

Yolita II

Yolita II is one of the yachts we shortlist when the islands themselves matter more than boutique interiors. G Adventures has built the experience around active, small-group exploration: no more than 16 travelers, an expert naturalist guide and routes that can reach the extraordinary western landscapes of Isabela and Fernandina. On longer sailings, Genovesa's seabird colonies, Bartolome's volcanic viewpoint and the southern wildlife sites of Espanola and Floreana can all enter the picture. The exact islands depend on the itinerary you choose, and that choice matters far more here than a decorative difference between ships. What makes Yolita II especially easy to recommend is the combination of space and practical logistics. Her eight guest cabins are split evenly between the Main and Upper Decks, with twin lower beds that can be joined as a double when requested before the tour, private bathrooms and individual air-conditioning. The cabins feel genuinely roomy for a 16-guest yacht, while the outdoor lounge and broad sun deck give everyone somewhere to decompress after a landing, snorkel or panga ride. Cabin allocation is made by the operator, so we would not choose Yolita II for a traveler who needs one guaranteed cabin number or complete protection from engine noise. The current Quito-to-Quito programs also make the real trip cost easier to understand: domestic flights to the islands and Quito hotel nights are built into the packaged itineraries we sell. Back on board, recent travelers repeatedly praise the guide, crew and food, and the shared dining room creates an easy, sociable end to the day. Book Yolita II if you want serious route coverage, a relaxed small-group atmosphere and comfortable cabins without paying primarily for contemporary luxury design. Consider a newer balcony catamaran if private outdoor space and hotel-style interiors are essential.

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.

Humboldt Explorer

Humboldt Explorer is not a conventional Galapagos cruise yacht with diving added on the side. We recommend her to experienced divers who want the Galapagos marine programme to be the whole reason for the journey. Completely renovated in March 2023, this 16-guest liveaboard combines a proven, diver-first setup with comfortable recovery space between demanding days in the water. The route is the real prize. Darwin and Wolf anchor the programme, while western sites can include Cabo Marshall, Punta Vicente Roca and Cabo Douglas. Depending on itinerary, transit time, weather and National Park rules, days may involve up to four panga-based dives. These are places where strong currents, colder water and rougher seas are part of the attraction as well as the challenge; hammerheads and other pelagic encounters are possibilities, never promises. The practical dive deck is what makes Humboldt Explorer stand out to us: two pangas, individual gear storage, a large camera table with charging points and separate rinse bins keep a full dive day organised. Afterwards, the shaded and open sundeck, Jacuzzi, salon, dining area and bar offer the right kind of comfort rather than resort-style distraction. The eight en-suite, air-conditioned cabins were refreshed in the renovation. Two main-deck cabins have panoramic windows; six lower-deck cabins use elevated windows. Cabins 3 and 4 are fixed twins, while the others can be arranged as queen or twin. Book Humboldt Explorer if you are a confident diver who values rare-site access, capable logistics and an established liveaboard atmosphere over contemporary luxury styling. Consider a naturalist cruise or a less intensive programme if diving is only one of several interests, if a non-diving companion wants a broad shore programme, or if repeated dives, long transits and energetic sea conditions are not part of the experience you want.