galapagos explorer

Travel like a private party on Galapagos Explorer, a 12-guest luxury yacht offering hyper-personalized service and flexible, small-group excursions.

$10.950

USD

starting at

I

DAYS

8 -15

Class: Luxury

Type: Expedition Yacht

Capacity (guests): 12

Highlights:

• Ultra-private 12-guest configuration

• Panoramic lounges & sundeck hot tub

• Tailored land & water experiences

Fresh from a comprehensive refit, Galapagos Explorer is an intimate 12-guest Galapagos luxury yacht where service feels personal and unhurried.

With two National Park–licensed naturalist guides for a tiny group, every outing becomes a close-up wildlife moment with blue-footed boobies, marine iguanas, and sea turtles, without the crowds.

On board, the vibe is relaxed club-yacht: cozy cabins, sunny deck spaces, and thoughtful touches that make travel easy.

This is an ideal small-ship Galapagos cruise for couples, families, and private charters seeking flexible pacing, excellent guiding, and front-row access to the islands’ best snorkeling and shore excursions.

overview

Cozy, well-equipped cabins; social lounge and sun deck; compact footprint for nimble access.

• Welcoming Spaces

• Four luxury cabins and two suites

• Hot tub, sundeck, ocean bar, outdoor dining area

• Perfect option for private charter

• Ideal for multigenerational families, friends and groups

• Crew-to-guest ratio exceeding 1:1

suites & layout

Deluxe View Suite

Luxury View Suite

Luxury Suite

life on board

Mornings begin with soft light on lava shores and a quick briefing before Zodiac rides to secluded landing sites. After a guided walk, slip into the water for effortless snorkeling with sea lions and reef fish, or choose a slower coastal Zodiac tour for photography. Back aboard, linger over a leisurely lunch on deck, then unwind with a book or a nap in the breeze.

Evenings bring golden-hour sunsets, friendly recap sessions with your guides, and an unhurried dinner under equatorial stars; the easy rhythm that makes a small-ship Galapagos expedition feel both adventurous and wonderfully personal.

itineraries & dates

Multiple 7 - 15 day routes rotate through eastern/western islands depending on date.

JAN    FEB    MAR    APR    MAY    JUN

JUL    AUG    SEP     OCT    NOV    DEC

Sundeck Outdoor Lounge

Sundeck Hot tub

Alfresco Bar

Dining Area

• Guiding: Typically 2 naturalist guides (for just 12 guests)

• Daily Excursions: Zodiacs, guided hikes, snorkeling

• Gear: Snorkel sets & wetsuits (loan)

• Charters: Full-yacht charters on request

services & experiences

• Tiny Group, Big Access
  With just 12 guests and two National Park–licensed naturalist guides, this small-ship luxury yacht keeps groups intimate, ideal for close, unhurried encounters with blue-footed boobies, marine iguanas, and sea turtles.

• Pace Options Daily
  Most days offer easy / moderate / active choices—short coastal walks, Zodiac coastline tours for photographers, or effortless snorkeling with sea lions. You can dial the adventure up or down without missing the highlights.

• Seasons & Sea Conditions (Year-Round Destination)
  Dec–May: warmer water, calmer seas, prime for snorkeling and lush landscapes.
  Jun–Nov: cooler water, nutrient-rich currents peak marine life action (penguins, cormorants).

• Connectivity & Digital Detox
  Wi-Fi can be limited/intermittent at sea. Download playlists, books, and camera backups before you sail, and enjoy Milky Way skies from the sun deck of your Galapagos yacht.

• Families & Private Charters
  The 12-guest size is perfect for multi-gen trips and private charters. Ask about recommended ages, cabin pairings, and weeks that are especially family-friendly.

good to know

faqs

How far in advance should I book Galapagos Explorer?
With only 12 guests and two guides, prime dates on this luxury yacht can fill 9–12 months ahead (holidays even earlier). If you want specific cabins or a private charter, place a courtesy hold as soon as you have tentative dates.

Which itinerary is best—central/eastern or western/northern?
It depends on your Galapagos wildlife wish-list.

• Central/Eastern often features white-sand bays, nesting blue-footed boobies, and classic snorkeling sites.

• Western/Northern (Isabela/Fernandina) brings dramatic lava shores and prolific marine life—including penguins and flightless cormorants.
  Tell us your priorities and travel window; we will match the route and dates that fit you best.

Can you accommodate dietary needs and special requests?
Yes. As a small-ship Galapagos luxury yacht with just 12 guests, Galapagos Explorer is flexible with dietary requirements (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, allergies) and can often tailor meal times around excursion schedules. Tell us your needs in advance so the chef and crew can stock appropriately and personalize your Galapagos cruise experience.

• Air ticket to and from Galapagos.

• Administration fee

• Champagne, cognac, fine wines and premium brand spirits

• Signature shop purchases

• Park Fees (subject to change)

  • Park Fee: USD 200 per person per stay

  • Migratory Card: USD 20 per person per stay

• Items of personal nature

• Gratuities

• Travel Insurance

• Accommodation​ on the yacht

• Three meals daily, soft drinks, house wines, local brand spirit and beers, teas and coffees

• Guides' Journal with regional information and wildlife illustrations

• Area map with Star Birds checklist

• Internet (via Starlink)

• Limited laundry

• Road transfers to and from Baltra Airport

• Daily excursions

• Activities Included ​

• All excursions including panga tours, hikes, island visits, beach walks, visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station, sea kayaking and snorkelling (included snorkelling gear: short wetsuit, mask, snorkel and fins)​

inclusions

not included

Plan with Galapagos Inspīrāre, specialists in tailor-made Galapagos journeys with local insight and curated luxury partners.