The Galápagos Islands Private Luxury Holidays 2022/2023

The marine life is just as impressive as the wildlife on dry land, so you can grab a snorkel and play with the sea-lions if that takes your fancy. Alternatively swim with the dolphins and you might also be rewarded with a glimpse of whales, sharks and manta rays.

If you have taken the opportunity on enjoying your holiday in the Galápagos by private boat you are in for a treat as this is by far the best way to see the different species on each island. We prefer the smaller yachts as they can often head to less frequented landing sites which are not accessible to larger ships. These small yachts and catamarans also offer a friendly, convivial atmosphere on-board with a small number of fellow travellers or make perfect vessels for private charter when travelling with your family or group of friends.

However, we are always happy to advise on larger vessels if you prefer more facilities or greater stability in the water. The catamarans and yachts we recommend feature first-rate expert guides, many with PhD's in their specialist fields and an excellent naturalist-to-client ratio.

We also ensure that all of these yachts take their social and environmental responsibilities very seriously in order to conserve the fragile nature of the archipelago. Many have voluntarily qualified for the ecological certification developed by the Rain-forest Alliance, such as Smart Voyager.

The Galápagos Islands are rightly considered to be one of the world’s most spectacular wildlife destinations and we usually tailor sailings from 7–14 days, depending on the other locations you may like to explore on a mainland Ecuador, although there are shorter cruises from four days if you don’t have much time.

We will always ensure that you get to see the species that interest you, in the way that suits you best and on the very best boat available, so that your Galápagos holiday will be something that you remember and cherish for years to come. We personally select the right itinerary for you from the hundreds on offer which is very important since the Park regulations were changed in 2012.

As we are fortunate enough to have been on many Galápagos holidays, we are as a result very well qualified to talk you through exactly what you can expect to see and when, as well as how so we’ll make sure that your Galápagos holiday experience is beyond any expectation you may of had. As an addition, Peru also makes for a great holiday destination in combination with Galápagos Islands.

For something a bit different or for a wonderful extension to a naturalist cruise around the islands, we can arrange island-hopping and walking tours, concentrating not just on the wildlife but on the geology and history of the islands, enabling you to explore the highlands as well as the coast.

For expert divers we can recommend live-aboard dive boats that take you to the outer islands, for some of the most memorable diving you’ll ever experience.

Is this type of holiday good for families and are there age restrictions?

Fabulous for children! Of all ages!  And we can provide a kids club on certain boats, too. We can also provide a kids’ menu. Certain nights can be designated for watching films and children will be given journals and the explanations will be engaging and inclusive.

Obviously, it depends upon your children and their attention spans, but we normally recommend these trips for children from 7 years and upwards. Children will learn about navigational charts, how to read the night sky, there will be games (and board games too), plus dressing up for the younger ones. There will be talent shows and drawing contests (please note – these are just some ideas – of course, your children do not have to partake in any of this whatsoever!).

When is the best time of year?

The Galápagos Islands are good at any time of year. However, we tend to say that our least favourite month is September as the waters can get really choppy. But it all depends upon what you are interested in seeing! For example, the Albatrosses return from early April where one can see their courtship rituals, and then of course, the whales are easier seen from around mid-July.

We would love to hear from you. To find out more about tailormade private Galápagos holidays or to obtain inspiration for a holiday, please contact us by phone or e-mail, or complete our online enquiry form.