Galaxy Orion Galápagos Cruise
The ship with the best service in Galápagos
A Galápagos Cruise on board the Galaxy Orion
13 Reviews
What we love about the Galaxy Orion
Spectacular panoramic upper-deck bar
Only 6 staterooms means an exclusive cruise experience
Fantastic bow pulpit and stern swimming platform
Elegant comfort and great value
Featuring just 6 staterooms, the classic motor yacht layout of Galaxy Diver promise a particularly intimate and exclusive Galápagos discovery experience. A crew of 8 gives her one of the highest staff-to-guest ratios of all the boats in the Galápagos fleet. Unique features such as her swim platform and enclosed panoramic upper deck bar set her aside from many of the other vessels in her class that tend to share layouts and designs.
Exclusive Comfort The 6 staterooms are very welcoming, furnished very comfortably using neutral cream and beige fabrics and wall finishes, contrasting with beautiful rich honey-colored woods. The large windows or generous portholes admit plenty of light and the ambience is one of an understatedly elegant home-from-home.
All staterooms enjoy private en suite bathrooms with full size showers and hair dryer. Other amenities include independent air conditioning, telephone with international satellite service, TV and DVD player. All beds can be configured as either twins or doubles to your liking. The 4 lower-deck staterooms include hidden “Pullman” style beds and can be configured for triple occupancy at your request.
Best view in the house Communal areas on board continue the elegant decor themes of soft whites, creams and beiges contrasted with more beautiful wood. The central lounge and dining saloon has panoramic windows along both sides offering superb views while you relax on the comfortable sofas, enjoy a book from the library or dine with your fellow guests, enjoying the excellent cuisine from the boat’s chefs.
This is also a wonderful space in which to learn more about the ecology and wildlife of the Galápagos from your bilingual naturalist guide, who uses the on board video projector to full effect to maximise your enjoyment of your daily excursions. Finally, the well-stocked corner bar means you never have to walk very far to find a refreshing drink or a well-deserved nightcap.
Closer to the ocean Outside, Galaxy Diver once again offers some unique features not found on other vessels. To the stern there is a swimming platform, which as well as providing easy access to the sea for snorkeling and swimming also means transfers to and from boats to shore are easy and safe. At the other end of the boat the wonderful extended bow pulpit makes the perfect place to spot dolphins and other marine life.
On the upper deck is the jewel in Galaxy Diver’s crown - the circular panoramic bar. Fully enclosed in glass that can be slid open to allow cooling breezes, yet closed against any chills, this wonderful space with it’s circular sofa offers you almost 360 degree views over the ocean and the Islands. This is the perfect place for chatting with friends old and new as the sun goes down to meet the horizon.
You’ll cruise the Galápagos in comfort, enjoying tasteful cuisine, informative lectures by the certified bilingual naturalist guide, and curling up in the library to read or watch nature films. The six staterooms have twin or king-sized beds, and four rooms include a hidden berth for the third member of your party. All accommodations have air conditioning and a large, en-suite bathroom with full-size shower.
The Galaxy Diver offers an eight-day excursion through the western part of the Galápagos archipelago, and an eight-day itinerary that takes in the eastern islands. Snorkeling gear and kayaks will help you in your explorations of the islands.
Our comments Elegance, class, comfort and value - Galaxy Diver does have it all. We adore the circular bar on the top deck with its sociable circular sofa and informal lounging cushions - the views are wonderful. With only 6 staterooms, Galaxy Diver offers you a really intimate Galápagos experience, and this locally owned and managed boat is highly respected amongst the Islands for the warmth of her welcome and the quality of her excursions.
We had a fantastic talk with Captain Julio, who's been in charge here for 27 years! He told us how his vessel has been chartered by both Richard Gere and Angelina Jolie. Well, if it's good enough for them… Pablo the chef prepares a wide variety of Ecuadorian dishes, but also classic French and Italian as well. He tells us that Mr Gere was particularly fond of his chocolate mousse! Fully refurbished in 2015, Galaxy Diver looks amazing and is remarkably stable in the water for a single hull ship. The barman Ronald also serves complimentary soft drinks and beer - the only boat we know of that does this.
Amenities on board the Galaxy Orion
Internet/Wifi
All meals
Transfers to and from ship
Snorkel gear (free of charge)
Travel for good: Your Each booking contributes to Ventura’s Conservation Project.
Kayaks on board
Air conditioning & private bathroom
Water, Coffee, Tea & fresh juices
-20% for children ≤ 12
1 free night in hotel prior to flight (only if booking flights with us)
English guides
Food & Drinks on board the Galaxy Orion
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.
Sustainable Tourism
At Galapatours we love and respect the pristine ecosystems and fascinating wildlife of the Galápagos Islands. To protect the archipelago, all vessels in Galápagos must have sophisticated water filtration systems, modern, efficient engines, and strict maintenance schedules to minimize pollution. Furthermore, The Galápagos National Park authority defines exact cruising routes that dictate which ships can visit which highlights at what day and time, as well as limiting passenger numbers.
Our commitment extends beyond the mandatory environmental standards for cruise vessels in the region: A portion of your trip price now contributes to our Conservation Project. This initiative empowers local communities to protect their territory, engage in reforestation, and prepare for long-term environmental stewardship. This way, your trip contributes to environmental protection and truly shows how travel can be a force for good! 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.