A Paradise Beyond Imagination: Exploring the Galapagos Islands on a Luxury Motorized Yacht

Ever since my early school days and fascination with the groundbreaking scientific discoveries of Charles Darwin, I’ve always harbored a strong desire to embark upon travel to the Galapagos Islands, located six hundred miles off the coast of Ecuador.

These remote islands which offer a unique blend of stark natural beauty, and close encounters with abundant marine wildlife, have captured my attention as well as many other adventurous travelers. I finally had the opportunity to embark on this once-in-a-lifetime journey, exploring the Galapagos Islands aboard a luxury motorized yacht that took me and nine other passengers on an island-hopping adventure.

Setting Sail for the Galapagos

My journey began with a flight from Quito, the capital of Ecuador to San Cristobal which is one of the main islands in the Galapagos archipelago. On the flight, I encountered most of my fellow passengers who would be sailing on our motor yacht. We all quickly bonded together, eager to set sail and explore the Galapagos Islands, each of us brimming with excitement and anticipation. This group of individuals consisted of a diverse mix of world travelers, bringing interesting perspectives and backgrounds to the trip.

Upon arrival at San Cristobal airport, I met our naturalist Javier and two other crew members who took our small group of ten passengers all together to begin our island explorations onboard the luxury motor vessel, Ocean Spray.  With our naturalist, Javier, and twelve crew members, this adventure would be with a well-rounded group of individuals all looking forward to having personal encounters with land, and marine wildlife in an unspoiled natural setting.

Our itinerary promised such a journey through some of the most remarkable islands that make up the Galapagos archipelago. Each island had its unique character and offered a different perspective on the incredible biodiversity of the region.

During the afternoon on the first day, our party went ashore on Los Lobos island and trekked a narrow trail to reach the volcanic-formed rocky shoreline to see wind-hovering frigate birds, grounded blue-footed boobies, and soaring solitary giant albatrosses. Later we reached a sea lion colony located on a small white sandy beach and observed a small seal pup wandering desperately trying to find its mother. The surrounding wildlife seemed so tame and inquisitive but we kept a distance of six feet as a precaution.

On the following day our boat anchored close to Fernandina Island, one of the most pristine and untouched islands in the Galapagos which became another intriguing encounter on our voyage. Here, we encountered colonies of marine iguanas, the only iguanas in the world that have adapted to life in the sea. It became a surreal experience to snorkel alongside these unique creatures as they foraged for algae on the ocean floor. It is one of only two islands to have fresh water but also is noted for its stark beauty and exotic vegetation along the coastal shore.

I had a wonderful opportunity to observe a small flock of pink flamingos wading in the tranquil still water at sunset.  The changing early evening light makes the walk magical while wandering past mangrove trees and hiking to the white sandy beach.  I marvel at seeing the fiery Sally Lightfoot crabs scurrying across black lava rock and a large marine iguana warming in the sun near a barren, volcanic outcrop.  Yet one of the best moments is seeing a group of stingrays coming almost onshore in search of food.

As we explored each island, our comfortable boat provided a sense of intimacy with the natural world around us. We could anchor close to remote coves and beaches, avoiding any crowds that sometimes descend from larger vessels. This further allowed us to immerse ourselves fully in the untouched beauty of the Galapagos.

Snorkeling in an Underwater World of Wonders

One of the main draws of the Galapagos Islands is the incredible marine life that inhabits its waters. Snorkeling here is like entering a surreal underwater wonderland, and every dip beneath the surface holds the promise of a new, awe-inspiring encounter.

One of the most memorable snorkeling experiences on the voyage took place at Kicker Rock, a dramatic rock formation rising out of the sea. After our rubber zodiac boat had cast off from the motor yacht  Ocean Spray, I soon began swimming alongside graceful hammerhead sharks, colorful reef fish, and curious sea turtles. It became an adrenaline-pumping adventure that left me in awe of the ocean’s diversity. For those onboard less adventurous, the shallow waters along the nearby sandy inlet also provide an opportunity to snorkel to see colorful reef fish and playful inquisitive seals. 

Each day brought new opportunities to explore the remarkable underwater realm, and our boat allowed us to reach remote snorkeling sites that larger vessels couldn’t access. The clarity of the water and the sheer diversity of marine life made every day an adventure in itself.

Culinary Delights on the High Seas

While the Galapagos Islands are renowned for sheer natural beauty and diverse wildlife, the culinary experiences on our motorized yacht proved equally outstanding. Our onboard chef worked magic in the galley, creating dishes that surprised and delighted all of us at every meal.

Fresh seafood proved to be one of the culinary highlights. It was not uncommon for our chef to prepare the catch of the day, which might include a deliciously grilled grouper, yellowfin tuna, or large prawns, all locally caught. On one occasion I had a delicious local crab dish served with a cool glass or two of chilled Chablis. 

Dining on the open deck under the starlit Galapagos sky, with the gentle rocking of the boat, added a touch of magic to each meal.

Conclusion: A Journey Beyond Imagination

Exploring the Galapagos Islands by a luxury motorized boat exceeded all my expectations. The intimate size of our vessel allowed for meaningful connections with fellow travelers and crew members, creating a sense of camaraderie that made the adventure even more special.

The islands themselves, each with their unique landscapes and wildlife, left an indelible mark on my imagination. Snorkeling in the pristine waters of the Galapagos truly became a unique experience, with encounters with hammerhead sharks, sea lions, sea turtles, and marine iguanas etching unforgettable memories into my mind.

The culinary experiences onboard our yacht added an unexpected layer of luxury to our adventure. Our chef’s talent and creativity turned each meal into a gourmet delight, making our journey truly exceptional.

The Galapagos Islands are a natural wonder, a place where time seems to stand still, and the connection between humanity and the natural world is palpable. My journey to these enchanted islands reaffirmed the importance of preserving such pristine ecosystems for future generations to appreciate and cherish.

As I left the Galapagos Islands behind, I carried with me not only the memories of breathtaking landscapes and incredible wildlife but also a renewed sense of responsibility to protect and preserve this fragile paradise. The Galapagos Islands are a gift to the world, and I am grateful to have had the opportunity to explore them on the Ocean Spray, a journey that will forever hold such wonderful memories.

Golden Galapagos Cruises has a fleet of four luxury catamarans including M/S Ocean Spray for wildlife encounters, guided expeditions, and personal adventures to view unique species. Fifteen expeditions can be arranged from four – to fourteen-day trips.