The Real Deal Behind Galapagos Vessel Size (Vol. I)

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Those out there proclaim that Galapagos ship size can make or break a trip in the enchanted isles. We’re here to tell you otherwise. Read on to discover what myths you should consider when choosing Galapagos vessels based on size alone.

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GALAPAGOS VESSEL SIZE = LEVEL OF INTIMACY

Some Say: True intimacy can only be found on smaller yachts.
We Believe:
 Intimacy is the ability to unwind more easily – to be alone with your thoughts, to have a quiet moment with a loved one, to read a book, or to enjoy the sunset. Medium and Larger expedition vessels provide ample space for this exact level of intimacy. You may often find that you have some of the communal areas entirely to yourselves!

Santa Cruz Ii Cruise's Solarium
After A Great Day Of Exploration, Our Solarium With A Beautiful View Awaits!

Get ready to explore the Galapagos Islands in the comfort of Our Expedition Cruises!

Out of Many, One

Some Say: You will feel like a passenger, not a mega cruise ship guest.

We Believe: It’s our job – and our pleasure – to ensure every guest on our vessels thoroughly enjoys their journey with us, and with a 3:2 guest-crew ratio, you know you’ll be pampered. The word passenger is practically non-existent in our vocabulary. We tend to every need – comfort, dietary, activity, or health-related – as if each individual were a guest of honor aboard. We spare no effort or expense in guaranteeing our guests experience the best and most comfortable stay possible.

Main Deck Restaurant Isabela Yacht
Couple Dinner At Main Deck Restaurant Isabela Yacht

Stranger Danger?

Some Say: You will be surrounded by strangers.
We Believe: You must charter an entire, smaller yacht for yourself and a group of close friends to avoid constantly being surrounded by strangers on a vessel with limited space. Smaller ships inherently offer less room for personal space. However, larger ships provide guests with the added benefit of finding ample space and solitude should they need a break from socializing with other guests.


Despite the size of the ship, it’s crucial to remember that shared experiences with strangers, friends, and family can foster connections in unexpected ways. Why should we fear being in the company of fellow humans on an extraordinary trip? In places like the Galapagos, experiencing the new and excellent collectively unites us; there’s always a conversation, fresh perspectives to share, and memories to create together. You can choose when to engage in these shared experiences on expedition vessels.

Santa Cruz's Guest Observing A Flightless Cormorant On Fernandina Island.
Our Guests Observed A Flightless Cormorant During Their Visit On Fernandina Island.

The Bigger They Are, The Less They Rock

Some Say: Large ships will still rock on rough seas.
We Say: Large ships are less prone to the movement of the ocean and its currents than smaller vessels. Large vessels, or “Expedition Vessels” known in the Galapagos, are way more stable due to their sheer size. Passengers experience the motion of the waves much less on expedition vessels than on smaller ships. The smaller the ship, the more prone and susceptible they are to be moved dramatically with each gentle push of a current or a small wave smack. Physics is key in dispelling this myth: The greater the size of the ship in the water, the more stable it is.

Yacht La Pinta
La Pinta Yacht, Kayaking On The Galapagos Islands

Some Say: Cruise Ships must cater to many passengers, often using pre-cooked ingredients.
We Say:
It’s important to remember that we are not a cruise ship. In a traditional sense of the term, zero cruise ships are allowed in the Galapagos. Secondly, only the best is served on this expedition vessel. Our meals are prepared daily using primarily fresh ingredients. With top-tier chefs under the direction of a Le Cordon Bleu-trained gastronomic director and quality ingredients sourced both locally and from the mainland with our own dedicated logistics operations, the food prepared aboard our ships is on par with some of the best culinary experiences that can be found over on the mainland.
Click here for Part II

Javier Garcia

Eduardo Silva

Carolina Escobar

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Javier Garcia

Eduardo Silva

Carolina Escobar

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Updated:December 4, 2023

Published:June 29, 2017

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