Equinox Galapagos Cruise

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.

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.

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.

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.