Galapagos Islands
Galapagos Islands Yacht Charter Guide
Sailing to the Galapagos Islands is like stepping back in time. Incredible and varied volcanic scenery, remote bays, and untouched landscapes are beautiful sights from the water. On land, the iguanas, monitor lizards, and giant tortoises amble around the national parks creating a prehistoric atmosphere. Most of the remarkable islands are uninhabited, so a luxury charter yacht is a way to make the most of your Galapagos experience. The natural beauty is complemented by a fascinating culture and a number of high-quality restaurants and resorts if you feel like a night on land. Filled with highly acclaimed diving sites, wonderful hiking, and picturesque bays, this isolated destination is a must for adventurous travelers and wildlife lovers.
Best Time To Visit: The Galapagos is a year-round destination, though May to December tends to be the drier months.
Key Cruising Areas: The islands of the Galapagos are very remote, but with 13 main islands, six small islands, and hundreds of islets you will find plenty of options for cruising.
Don’t Miss: The island of Rabida is a truly unique experience and a must-do during a Galapagos cruise. Perfect for hiking and spotting unusual flora and species including blue-footed boobies, brown pelicans, and sea lions, the real surprise is the unbelievable dark red sand of the beaches. A spectacular sight!
Best Spots for Wining and Dining: Puerto Ayora offers many high-quality dining options. For a fine-dining take on island food book a table at Anker mar to Table on Puerto Ayora. The highly acclaimed ceviche must be tasted, and all food is locally sourced and incredibly fresh. Try some green plantains and finish with a light banana mousse.
Best Local Dish: The food is reminiscent of the Pacific with fresh, tropical seafood on every menu. Order the octopus pasta at La Casa de Marita, a hotel hidden in the palm trees on Isabela Island.
Local Culture: The Galapagos Islands are so culturally diverse that they are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visit caves carved into the rocks by pirates on Floreana Island. Sail to Puerto Ayora to see the Darwin Centre and the beautiful Galeria Aymara.
Best Beach:Â Bartolome beach is home to the iconic Pinnacle Rock. Enjoy spectacular scenery as you relax on the pink sand of the crescent-shaped bay. Great for snorkeling, you are likely to see turtles, as well as penguins and sea lions sunbathing on the rocks.
IYC recommends: Explore Isabela Island, one of the most volcanically active places in the world. Step ashore onto an idyllic beach, with kilometers of white sand dotted with iguanas. Grab a drink at the Iguana Bar before wandering into town, where you will pass saltwater pools filled with bathing flamingos. Take a tour of the incredible volcanic landscape – lava arches over lagoons, pink and black mountains, and intriguing caves.
More To Explore
It isn’t a surprise that luxury yacht charter vacations offer sun-soaked coastlines and secluded anchorages in some of the most picturesque parts of the world, but they can also provide access to some of the planet’s most remote wilderness areas: the places where rare wildlife encounters and unforgettable natural experiences await.A wildlife-focused yacht charter gives guests a front-row seat to nature’s best moments in some of the most incredible destinations. Whether you explore the volcanic landscapes of the Galapagos Islands, spot polar bears in Svalbard, swim with whale sharks in Baja California, or witness the vast penguin colonies of Antarctica, there are various wildlife experiences to discover.Thanks to today’s modern explorer yachts with their range, comfort and capabilities, you can now easily venture far from traditional cruising grounds to discover the more remote destinations where nature is fully in the spotlight. Here are some of the best destinations for a wildlife-focused yacht charter for 2026 and beyond:
Imagine stepping straight from the deck and plunging into the underwater world without dealing with the equipment or logistics that come with scuba diving. When diving from a luxury yacht charter, that’s exactly what can happen.A yacht charter opens the door to a whole host of diving opportunities. Whether drifting alongside abundant marine life, exploring vibrant reefs and intriguing shipwrecks, or navigating technical cave systems, there are countless worldwide scuba diving destinations to enjoy on a yacht charter.No matter if it’s your first foray into the sport or you are looking for an exciting challenge, diving can be enjoyed by a range of abilities. As well as the convenience factor, you will also benefit from personalized touches and a comfort level adjusted to you and your group when diving. You may opt for a completely dive-focused itinerary for the week or dives that accompany other water- and shore-based adventures. The beauty of a yacht charter is that flexibility remains key. So, if you are considering adding scuba diving to your next yacht charter itinerary, here is everything you should know about how to get under the hull:
Choosing a yachting destination is typically left to the long-standing favorites of summer in the Mediterranean and winter in the Caribbean. And while these destinations consistently rank at the top of yachting hotspots for good reason, they are just the beginning of what the world’s oceans have to offer.Some of the most exciting yachting experiences can be found on lesser-visited routes. These destinations offer a chance to cruise the world’s most dramatic landscapes, spot endemic wildlife, experience exclusivity, and soak up diverse cultures and histories.Here are some of our favorite off-the-radar destinations to explore on a yacht charter, and when to visit: