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: 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.