Encantada Galapagos Cruise

Aida Maria

Aida Maria is the Galápagos yacht we recommend when the islands—not a glossy floating hotel—should lead the decision. Built on Santa Cruz and warmly traditional in feel, she has the kind of real small-yacht character that is increasingly hard to find: wood-panelled shared spaces, sea air on deck and just 16 guests. We would put her on the shortlist for travellers who want to spend their energy choosing the right islands and returning each evening to a relaxed, sociable base rather than a ship designed to be the attraction itself. Her eight cabins are honest, compact, fixed-bunk cabins with air conditioning and private bathrooms. The wood finish, made-up beds and small windows or portholes give them warmth; the photographs also make clear that they are for sleeping and recharging, not for spreading out with large luggage. That is a useful distinction, not a hidden compromise. Four cabins are on the lower deck, two on the main deck and two above, so we would always talk through cabin position with you if quiet sleep, less motion or a little more daylight will shape your enjoyment of the trip. This is where Aida Maria becomes more interesting than her simple exterior suggests. Her current programme reaches from four to 15 days, giving you a meaningful choice of Galápagos experiences: the north and central islands for Genovesa's birdlife, Bartolomé and Sullivan Bay; southern routes for Floreana, Devil's Crown and Española; or a longer westward circuit towards Isabela, Fernandina and Vicente Roca. National Park rules, weather and operations always govern the final routing, but the range makes it possible to choose the kind of archipelago you most want to experience—not simply the next available departure. On board, the rhythm is pleasantly unforced: a shared long-table dining room, time outdoors between landings and the naturalist's evening context for the day ahead. We see Aida Maria as a particularly good fit for curious, active travellers who value local character, strong route choice and an intimate onboard atmosphere. Choose a newer yacht instead if large contemporary cabins, abundant private space or a reliably quiet night at sea are central to your holiday; choose Aida Maria if the prospect of the right islands outweighs the need for a resort-like ship.

Danubio Azul

Danubio Azul is a compact Galápagos yacht for travellers who prefer an intimate group and active days in the islands. She carries a maximum of 14 guests and offers both naturalist and diving itineraries, so the trip can be shaped around wildlife, visitor sites or time underwater. The onboard setup is simple and practical: air-conditioned en-suite cabins, a sun deck, dining room and bar, small library, al-fresco dining and a dedicated dive deck. Two pangas support island landings, while kayaks and snorkelling equipment make it easy to keep exploring between walks and water activities. Choose Danubio Azul if a smaller group, active programme and an uncomplicated yacht feel right for you. Consider another vessel if you are looking for a more polished luxury experience or larger onboard spaces.

Darwin

Darwin is a small, budget-conscious Galapagos yacht for travelers who care more about wildlife days than polished interiors. She is not trying to compete with the newer luxury catamarans, and that is exactly why some travelers consider her: the mood is simple, friendly and focused on getting you out into the islands. The yacht was built in Galapagos and has a practical small-boat feel, with en-suite cabins, air conditioning and shared spaces that are modest rather than showy. The sun deck is the place to be between excursions, especially when the ship is moving between visitor sites and the islands begin to change shape around you. We suggest Darwin only to travelers who are comfortable with a more traditional budget vessel and who understand the trade-off: lower cost and a small group atmosphere, but less cabin space, less contemporary design and fewer onboard amenities. If your priority is a balcony cabin, a jacuzzi, a large lounge or a refined food program, another Galapagos ship will suit you better. If your priority is an accessible wildlife cruise with a relaxed shipboard rhythm, Darwin can make sense.

Golondrina

Golondrina is one of our more affordable ways to experience the Galápagos—and its relaxed, sociable character is the point. This 16-guest yacht is a particularly good fit for backpackers, younger travellers and anyone who would rather share the trip with an easy-going, younger crew and crowd than pay for polished formality. Life on board is simple and friendly: a wood-panelled lounge and bar, outdoor areas for swapping stories after excursions, and a sun deck for the sea breeze. The eight air-conditioned twin-bunk cabins are straightforward rather than luxurious, each with a private bathroom and hot-water shower. What makes Golondrina especially appealing is the itinerary choice. Depending on the departure, her four-, five- and eight-day routes combine active days of hiking, swimming, snorkelling and panga rides with visitor sites such as Vicente Roca, Fernandina, Tagus Cove, Chinese Hat, Bartolomé and Kicker Rock. A bilingual naturalist guide leads the excursions, while the small scale keeps the atmosphere personal. Choose Golondrina if you want the islands, an active programme and sociable company at a sensible price. Consider a different yacht if a quieter, more refined cabin experience or a high-end dining programme matters more to you.