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Enchanted Galapagos Islands

Ultimate Wildlife Encounters Aboard The Yacht Samba
Duration: 18 days / 17 nights with 15 days/ 14 nights on board the Samba in the Galapagos
* additional options available
Group Size: 14 max
Begins, Ends In: Quito, Ecuador
Tour Type: All inclusive

Explore and Photograph in the enchanted Galapagos Islands aboard the yacht Samba with photographer/naturalist Hugh Rose and outstanding Galapagos Guide Juan Manuel Salcedo. Fly into Quito and spend two nights in the historical “Old City”, with a comfortable hotel near the Quito Airport.

An early morning short flight (included) takes us to the Galapagos Islands where we board the Samba for a 14 night/15-day cruise around the tropical island archipelago paradise of the Galapagos.

Daily visits to land, allow you to observe and photograph the abundant terrestrial wildlife that has no fear of humans, while daily snorkel outings take you into the marine ecosystem to be surrounded by tropical fish, and marine wildlife such as, sea turtles, dolphins, and friendly sea lions.

At the end of your voyage return to Quito where you can be tested for Covid-19 before departing on your flight home. Either spend a night at a hotel located adjacent to the airport and fly home the next day or take a red eye flight home this night after testing. If you plan on visiting another destination in Ecuador or South America accommodations can be organized near the Quito Airport.

Tour Details

April 6 - 22, 2025

Cost: $11,995
Guided by: Hugh Rose
Spaces: Available

April 6 - 15, 2025

Cost: $7,595
Guided by: Hugh Rose
Spaces: Available

April 13 - 22, 2025

Cost: $7,595
Guided by: Hugh Rose
Spaces: Available

Questions? Contact Us

Tour Highlights

  • Visit the same Islands and walk the same beaches where Charles Darwin spent time in 1835, observing the unique creatures of the Galapagos, which eventually led him to formulate his theory of evolution and write the historical scientific work “The Origin of the Species”.
  • Watch as blue-footed boobies perform their courtship dance and display their blue feet to each other
  • Sit quietly as a wild giant tortoise that may be so old it was roaming the Islands when Darwin visited in 1835, lumbers past you on a forest trail
  • Snorkel with friendly Galapagos sea lions and hundreds of pacific green sea turtles!
  • Watch from underwater as the world’s only tropical penguin (the Galapagos penguin) plucks small fish from the water inches from your mask
  • Watch the world’s only marine lizard, (the Galapagos marine iguana) both on land basking in the sun and in the water while snorkeling, grazing on algae
  • Watch for the elusive “Green Flash” at sunset as you enjoy an end of the day cocktail on the deck of the Samba
  • Encounter a blue whale, the largest vertebrate to ever roam the planet
  • Experience the magic and tranquility of this tropical archipelago on a small boat far away from any crowds
Oceanic Forces & Enchanted Land
Explore The Galapagos Islands
Galapagos Yacht Samba

M/Y Samba

A Graceful 78-Foot Motor Yacht of European Vintage Tourist Superior
  • There is no better yacht to experience the mystical isolation of the Galapagos on, than this sturdy, stately and very comfortable motor-vessel. The SAMBA is a true European Dutch classic and best in her class.
  • A great ocean-going vessel with her specially designed high bow, she provides safe crossings and boasts a special stabilizing sail.
  • Her main salon and aft dining facilities make her socially versatile while top-side settees and a flush and ample forward deck provide great getaways or extra space for group activities such as stargazing, whale watching or simply sunbathing.
  • The SAMBA accommodates 14 guests, a perfect number to enjoy the magic of the Islands with privacy and flexibility. Its professional, experienced and friendly crew and naturalist guide are devoted to go the extra mile to make your journey a trip of a lifetime.
  • She is a graceful, top-quality craft and very environmentally friendly as well as socially responsible. She is locally owned and all the crew members are from the Galapagos.
  • The crew are committed to redefine your idea of quality of experience and excellence of service.

Accommodations

Six air-conditioned double cabins on deck 1 and 1 double bed cabin on deck 3, all with private bathrooms and hot water.

Equipment

Very efficient Twin DAV diesel engines 280 HP-CUMMINS that only use a remarkable 6 gallons of diesel per hour! Two generators each of 21 & 12.5 kW for 110 V & 220V A/C and 12V & 24V D/C, Furuno Navnet Radar, Plotter and Sonar, GPS, VHF & SSB radios, two tenders with outboard motors, 32’ High Definition LCD TV, DVD video equipment.

Specifications

Length: L.O.A.* 78 feet / 23 meters
Beam: 18 feet / 5.4 meters
Tonnage: 134 tons
Speed: 8.5 knots
Range: 2.500 miles
Sail: Steadying sails
Water capacity: 1.500 gallons and water maker
Electric Power Supply: 110V & 220V (A/C)
*L.O.A.: length overall

Safety Equipment

One self-contained 20-passenger life raft, EPIRB (Emergency Positioning Indicating Radio Beacon), two bi-directional VHF emergency-radios, one VHF (Motorola) wide-range radio, VHF and HF radios and one cell-phone communication system, life jackets, fire extinguishers, safety smoke and fire detectors and overhead sprinkler systems, A.B.C fire-control system and CO2 bank for the engine room.

Juan Manuel Salcedo

Juan Manuel Salcedo

Juan Manuel Salcedo was born in the Galápagos Islands. He grew up in Puerto Ayora, on Santa Cruz Island, living and learning in the outdoor evolutionary lab of the Galápagos.…

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Hugh Rose

Hugh Rose

Hugh Rose has photographed and lived in northern climates most of his life with the latter part of it in Alaska. Compelled by Alaska’s natural beauty, he left a 10-year…

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Gear, Equipment & Clothing

We will supply a comprehensive PDF that details our recommendations for camera gear and clothing after booking.

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