Danubio Azul Galápagos Cruise

The Danubio Azul is a budget class yacht with amazing service on board. She offers some superb naturalist itineraries, including some of the more intimate and less frequented sites the Galápagos have to offer.

The vessel carries complimentary snorkels and wetsuits, and is equipped with two tenders (or "pangas"). With a maximum of 14 guests, as opposed to the more common 16, the Danubio Azul really does give you are more intimate and friendly experience.

We personally cruised with this vessel. Featuring 5 double cabins, each with air-conditioning and en suite bathrooms, the Danubio Azul features modern, bright and comfortable decor throughout. The cabins were spacious and clean, and all of them had functioning air-conditioners and hot water, and we slept wonderfully on comfortable beds.

We chose a five-day cruise that included South Plaza, Santa Fe, San Cristóbal, Floreana and Bartolome - an exceptional itinerary for a short cruise. The captain, cook and guide were extremely friendly and very attentive, as were the two other staff on board. The food was first class with a really excellent variety - something you would only expect on much more expensive classes of vessel.

At Galapatours we were impressed by the Danubio Azul and its staff The Danubio Azul Yacht is one of the smallest and most intimate vessels on the Galápagos Islands with only 5 cabins (up to 14 people) that makes for an ideal cruise experience for families or friends. All in all, this ship, the cabins, the meals, the itineraries and the staff are a perfect combination to visit the Galápagos Islands with an intimate setting.

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.

The 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.

But at Galapatours we like to go even further. We voluntarily offset all the CO2 emissions of every cruise we sell - at no cost to you. 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.

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.