Plan your luxury charter in the Galapagos
Galapagos is an isolated tropical paradise where your imagination can run wild! When on this grand adventure, you are invited to imagine dinosaurs roaming free alongside penguins waddling past sunbathing seals.
This isn't fantasy; this is the Galapagos Islands, a jewel in the crown of our planet, some 1,000 kilometres off the coast of Ecuador. A longtime bucket list destination, the Galapagos offers an unparalleled experience, teeming with exotic wildlife on land, sea and air. It is little wonder that these islands have garnered World Heritage status.
Our guests often describe these enchanting islands as a land that time forgot, surrounded by almost prehistoric creatures. Imagine seeing giant tortoises, some over 100 years old, stalking a landscape seemingly unchanged since the dawn of time.
We’ll cover everything you need to know when exploring the islands. We'll look at how to prepare, the logistics between islands, and what delights await when travelling by yacht.
Access to Galapagos Islands like never before
Unlike other idyllic islands, access to this archipelago paradise is restricted to ensure its preservation. This is where a YPI steps in. With our charter yachts, we have secured every permit and certification required by the Galapagos authorities & the National Park, for near-frictionless travel.
A YPI charter yacht vacation offers more than just comfort, but a level of luxury not seen before in these islands. It's an epic exploration for the discerning traveller.
Unforgettable Encounters
Many arrive picturing dramatic scenery and iconic wildlife. Instead, there is a focus on smaller inhabitants - reptiles, birds, and marine life. Expect encounters with the legendary giant tortoises, a variety of iguanas, penguins, sea lions, and exquisite bird species such as boobies and finches. Underwater life explodes with vibrant fish, rays, sharks, and turtles.
When’s the best time for a Galapagos charter?
While the Galapagos straddles the equator, the island’s weather can be surprisingly variable. The islands can experience two distinct seasons:-
A Galapagos dry season is naturally between June to November. Enjoy cooler temperatures since the Humboldt Current moves in (73-76°F/22°C-24°C). Expect cloudier skies. However, the season’s colder waters are ideal for spotting certain sharks and penguins.
The wet season is between December to May. Warmer temperatures (76-79°F/24°C-26°C), calmer seas, the occasional rain and warm crystal-clear water mean perfect conditions for snorkelling.
There's perhaps really no "bad" time to visit the Galapagos. However, experts recommend December to May, since there is a combination of warm weather and better sea conditions for snorkelling.
Getting ready for the Galapagos
Packing for your Galapagos adventure requires a balance between comfort, sun protection, and adaptable for all the activities you'll encounter. Sturdy waterproof shoes are essential for navigating rocky coastlines and wet landings. A pair of comfortable walking shoes are essential for exploring uneven terrain.
For cooler evenings at higher altitudes, it's a good idea to pack an extra layer, like a fleece jacket, Long trousers are recommended for some excursions, especially those involving sun protection or encounters with prickly vegetation. Consider convertible hiking trousers that change into shorts, offering versatility for both hikes and the warmer weather.
Since the Galapagos is a protected region of the world, using biodegradable sunscreen is great for the environment and native coral. Finally, travel with all the essential swimming gear for those refreshing dips in the crystal-clear blue waters.
Relaxation? Be Ready for Adventure!
The Galapagos is for active explorers, not for those necessarily seeking onboard yacht relaxation.
Our chartered yachts cruise islands at night so you can start your day early in the morning, joining multiple expeditions daily, and a packed schedule with exploration hikes, snorkelling adventures, informative talks, and briefings. Many expeditions involve navigating lava fields, rocky terrain, and steep climbs.
Our client experience teams will tailor your itinerary with the most passionate expedition teams to guide you through the Galapagos Islands’ treasures.
From the first day, our team will bring you close to the famous iconic giant tortoises of the highlands of Santa Cruz. Learn more about Galapagos wildlife conservation from the Charles Darwin Research Station at the National Park HQ. Visit the peaceful and unspoiled volcanic-shaped twin sinkholes of Los Gemelos, where dense vegetation and trees can shelter many bird species ranging from Darwin Finches to the Galapagos Dove.
Along the journey, your charter itinerary will take you to see a plethora of diverse animal life, including Pintail ducks and lagoons teeming with flamingos, Green Sea Turtles, and bright yellow land iguanas. On the final day, you can see the iconic birds like the Blue Footed Boobies of North Seymour Island.
With all this wildlife along with stunning backdrops shaped by volcanic activity, the Galapagos is certainly an adventurer's paradise.
Chartering out a yacht
We craft your adventure in the Galapagos Islands, free from the constraints of rigid schedules. Packed with the must-see sights of the archipelago, it eliminates the hassle of island-hopping logistics, allowing you to focus on pure discovery. Immerse yourself knowing every detail is meticulously planned by us.
Led by an experienced captain, our yachts are fully manned with professional crews. Our yachting experience also come with a private chef who will curate exceptional gourmet cuisine tailored to your preference, using the finest local ingredients. Onboard privacy is respected throughout, making our Galapagos private cruise charters ideal for families and groups.
Private yachts to the Galapagos
The classic yacht EVOLUTION cruises with the lines and style of the Roaring 20's, while offering the finest amenities and services of the modern age. Meticulously refurbished in 2017, she offers 16 ensuite staterooms, maintained to the highest standards, for up to 32 charter guests. Enjoy a sense of relaxed freedom on board with a 360-degree exterior walkaround, refurbished spacious suites and a foredeck Jacuzzi.
Built by the legendary Camper & Nicholsons, GRACE captures all the glamour of its former famous guest, Princess Grace Kelly. This historic ship has since been completely rebuilt and refurbished. With a capacity of 16 guests, a crew of 11 and a guest-to-guide ratio of 8 to 1, you are assured of a personal and luxurious journey. The yacht has nine staterooms and suites, is 44 metres long and has a beam of 7 metres. She underwent her last refit in 2023. Cruising on Grace allows guests to experience the Galapagos with the added luxury and comfort of modern amenities such as a foredeck Jacuzzi and water sports equipment.
Award-winning superyacht GRACE has been renewed from bow to stern and continues to be updated with features that make her the perfect home away from home in the Galapagos. Refined yet adventurous and agile, it’s no wonder Princess Grace Kelly selected this ship for her honeymoon.
Modern 31m catamaran TIP TOP II offers a unique Galapagos experience in comfort and stability. The yacht has 10 air-conditioned ensuite cabins for 16 guests, all on the main and upper decks to maximise natural light, views of the islands and wildlife viewing. A sun deck with space for sunbathing and relaxing, a forward observation lounge and an upper deck bar provide ample space for socialising. Guests are looked after by an experienced and highly recommended crew of eight, including a bilingual naturalist guide and an experienced international chef.
Launched in 2006, the 38m TIP TOP IV has been designed to meet the highest standards of comfort for guests exploring the Galapagos Islands. Accommodation is for 16 guests in 10 ensuite, air-conditioned cabins. All cabins can be converted to king-size on request. On deck, guests can relax on a spacious sundeck or escape to an additional sunbathing area on the foredeck. A saloon and dining room are ideal for relaxing evenings after days of island exploration.
Ready to Embark?
If you're a discerning traveller seeking unparalleled luxury amidst the wonders of a Galapagos charter, then why wait? Contact YPI Charter Broker team today and start planning your unforgettable once-in-a-lifetime experience. If you would like to get in touch directly, please call +377 99 99 97 97 or contact us by email at charter@ypiyachts.com