Humboldt Explorer Galapagos Diving Liveaboard

Fragata

Fragata is a classic 16-guest yacht for travellers who want the Galapagos days—and the people sharing them—to matter more than contemporary boutique design. We would put her on the shortlist for curious, sociable travellers who enjoy an active rhythm ashore and in the water, followed by an informal evening with the guide and fellow guests. Eight cabins, a lounge, shared dining room, bar and sundeck keep the experience genuinely small-scale. The route choice is one of Fragata’s strongest advantages. Longer northern and central sailings can combine Genovesa’s seabird colonies and Bartolomé’s volcanic scenery with Española, Floreana or North Seymour. Western itineraries bring the younger volcanic landscapes of Isabela and Fernandina into focus, while shorter central routes connect places such as Chinese Hat, Rábida, Dragon Hill and Black Turtle Cove. The exact visitor sites depend on your selected itinerary and can change for operational reasons, but the rhythm is consistently expedition-led: guided landings, panga rides and snorkelling rather than days built around shipboard entertainment. Cabins have individual air conditioning and private bathrooms, but choosing their position deserves attention: the established layout distinguishes lower-deck twins from upper-deck convertible cabins, and the upper category can carry a supplement. Outside, the rear platform makes the transition from snorkelling back to the yacht practical, while the sundeck gives you space to watch the islands pass. Choose Fragata for a warm, straightforward small-yacht atmosphere and meaningful route choice. Consider a newer catamaran instead if a private balcony, a spacious contemporary suite or continuous high-speed connectivity is central to your trip.

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.

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.

Estrella del Mar

Estrella del Mar is the kind of Galapagos yacht we like for travelers who want the islands to take priority over luxury design. Built in 1990 and limited to 16 guests, she is not trying to be a boutique yacht; her strength is a comfortable, social, good-value cruise with enough space to relax between landings, snorkels and naturalist briefings. The eight cabins are all twin-bunk style, split between lower and upper decks, with private bathrooms and air conditioning. If you are sensitive to motion, we would usually look first at the lower-deck cabins, where movement is felt less; the larger-than-usual portholes and light decor help them feel brighter than many lower cabins in this category. Upper-deck cabins have larger windows and a sunnier morning feel. Housekeeping is attentive, and the practical inclusions matter: bathroom towels, beach towels, snorkeling gear and complimentary wetsuit hire are all part of the package. The shared spaces are where Estrella del Mar feels especially pleasant for the price. The lounge has polished wood, panoramic windows and a large horseshoe sofa that works well for guide briefings and evening conversations. Meals are served around small tables in the wood-trimmed dining area, and the chef is one of the points guests often praise. Outside, the sundeck gives you both shade and full equatorial sun, whether you want to watch the islands pass by or step out at night for the stars. Choose Estrella del Mar if you want value, comfort, good service and proper Galapagos guiding on seven- or ten-day routes. Choose another yacht if you dislike bunk beds, want private balconies or expect a contemporary luxury atmosphere.