Review: Galapagos Explorer | Travel News

Name of ship: Galapagos Explorer

Passenger occupancy: 12

Itinerary: Galápagos Islands, eastern or western route

What is this cruise known for?

 

The Galapagos Explorer offers a unique way to experience the Galápagos Islands, waking up in a different location each day and getting up close with the region’s incredible biodiversity. Though the ship itself has a long history sailing these waters, it now focuses on providing small-group, nature-focused expeditions through one of the world’s most extraordinary ecosystems.

About the Ship

 

Previously known as Stella Maris, the Galapagos Explorer is a 138-meter, three-deck expedition yacht that has been thoughtfully redesigned. The ship blends modern comfort with local character, featuring Ecuadorian-inspired design touches such as natural wood finishes, textiles, and traditional basketry. With just six staterooms, the yacht feels more like a boutique floating hotel. Guests enjoy a cozy lounge and dining area, a sun deck with loungers and a Jacuzzi, and several quiet corners for reading or relaxing. The small capacity—just 12 passengers—ensures an intimate atmosphere and highly personalized excursions, with an impressive guide-to-guest ratio of 1:6.

Who Travels on Board?

 

The ship welcomes a mix of travelers—couples, friends, solo adventurers, and occasionally extended families. With shared daily excursions and communal dining, it’s easy to strike up conversations and form connections. It’s common for guests to push tables together during dinner or gather at the bar after a long day of exploration.

Cabins

 

The six spacious cabins feature warm, Galápagos-inspired interiors, decorated with vintage-style maps and scientific wildlife prints. Natural rattan, wooden accents, and bold tropical fabrics create a relaxed, upscale vibe. All cabins come with en-suite bathrooms equipped with rain showers, and ample storage space to unpack and settle in comfortably.

Among the options are two suites, main deck staterooms with large windows, and lower-deck cabins with portholes near the engine room, which can be a bit noisier. The main deck cabins strike a nice balance between price and comfort, offering a great view and easy access to shared spaces.

The Crew

 

The crew of 14 is welcoming, knowledgeable, and passionate about the Galápagos. Many are locals who bring personal stories and deep insights into life on the islands, enriching the guest experience both on board and ashore.

Food & Drink

 

Meals are served either in the indoor dining area or outside on the upper deck, depending on the weather. Breakfast begins with a buffet of cereals, fruit, yogurt, and freshly baked pan de yuca, with eggs or pancakes made to order. Lunches and dinners vary, including seafood barbecues or three-course meals inspired by Ecuadorian cuisine—dishes like seco de pollo, hornado, and fresh ceviche. Evenings bring cocktails at the bar with snacks like mini quesadillas or samosas, and a curated selection of South American wines rounds out the experience. A cookie jar is always available for those in-between cravings.

Spa and Relaxation

 

There is no formal spa on board, but the Jacuzzi tub on the top deck offers a relaxing way to unwind after excursions.

Onboard Activities

 

Daily life centers around the natural environment. Mornings and evenings typically include briefings or talks on topics such as geology or native bird species. In between landings, guests often relax with a drink, enjoy the sun deck, take a soak in the Jacuzzi, or curl up with a book.

Family Friendliness

 

The ship is best suited for families with older children. Teenagers will love the wildlife encounters, such as snorkeling with sea lions or spotting giant tortoises. However, there are no designated areas for younger children, no kids’ club, and shared spaces limit separation from other guests. Children aged 12 and up are allowed on regular sailings, while private charters can accommodate kids as young as seven.

Destinations & Excursions

 

The Galapagos Explorer sails exclusively throughout the Galápagos Islands, alternating between eastern and western routes. All itineraries include a stop in Santa Cruz to visit the Charles Darwin Research Station. Whether trekking across volcanic landscapes or strolling pristine beaches filled with iguanas and sea lions, every excursion reveals something new. Underwater experiences are just as thrilling—highlights include swimming with hammerhead sharks at Genovesa Island or snorkeling alongside penguins near the dramatic cliffs of Bartolomé Island.

Sustainability

 

Efforts to reduce environmental impact are built into the ship’s operations. Local ingredients are prioritized in the kitchen, and single-use plastics are avoided. Guests receive reusable water bottles to keep and are encouraged to be mindful of the fragile ecosystem. Future plans aim to support conservation initiatives in the region, further enhancing the vessel’s eco-conscious mission.