Home to one of the most pristine natural ecosystems on earth, the Galapagos is a strictly protected region that can only be visited on a guided land or sea-based tour with accredited naturalist guides. Between its visiting limitations and remote Pacific Ocean location, the Galapagos is a highly exclusive place to explore. A luxury location such as this should be matched with luxury transport and accommodation, which is why the Galapagos offers a host of the world’s most indulgent yacht and catamaran cruises. We have highlighted the very best of these on our list of top Galapagos tours for seniors, prioritizing space, stability, and personal service. Soon enough, you could be enjoying views of the archipelago from the jacuzzi on your suite’s private balcony on board a 16-suite mega catamaran from one of our many luxury Galapagos tours.
7-Night Galapagos Horizon Cruise
Join the elegant Galapagos Horizon for an adventurous 8-day/7-night cruise around the eastern islands. Begin at the Interpretation Center on San Cristobal for an introductory insight into the Galapagos’ history and conservation initiatives. Then, the Horizon navigates the Santa Cruz, Bartholomew, and North Seymour islands amongst others in search of the Galapagos’ wonderful endemic wildlife. And yes, boobies, albatross, storm petrels, tortoises, sharks, and sea lions are all on the cards.
From island to island, this cruise promises a new adventure. Your dedicated Horizon naturalist guide will lead you in search of manta rays, turtles, and hammerhead sharks on a dinghy around Kicker Rock. Then you’ll wind your way through the mangroves of Darwin Bay by kayak, hike to the summit of a volcano for views of Pinnacle Rock, and get up close to giant turtles at the Charles Darwin Research Station. Between each of its thoughtfully curated activities, the Horizon’s 8-day cruise ensures you see the Galapagos’ full spectrum of splendor.
As the only trimaran in the Galapagos, the Horizon makes this unmissable destination equally accessible to senior travelers who may not be so steady on their feet. As well as exceptional stability, the Horizon prioritizes luxury and comfort. On board, there are only eight spacious suites, each with a private balcony for an intimate and personalized experience. From the suites to the lounge, bar, al fresco dining room, and solarium, the Horizon exudes an understated elegance that creates an indulgent yet relaxed atmosphere.
7-Night Cormorant II Cruise
If only the best of the best is good enough for you, then we recommend the Cormorant II. This gorgeous vessel is not only the biggest and newest catamaran in the Galapagos, it’s perhaps the most beautiful. With 16 extra spacious suites (each featuring a jacuzzi), it is also just as intimate as our other recommended vessels. Inspired by the white sand beaches and aqua waters of Darwin Bay, the interiors take a fresh, modern, and simplistic approach using shades of sand, aqua, and mid-blue.
The Cormorant II offers two eight-day cruises, one focusing on the Galapagos’ big islands like Isabela, Santa Cruz, and Santiago whilst the other focuses on its smaller, harder-to-reach islands. For those interested in exploring the archipelago’s main highlights, we recommend the big islands cruise. The itinerary begins with a bang at the Charles Darwin Research Station where you get up close to a giant tortoise followed by a hike through the underground lava tubes of the lush Santa Cruz highlands. Afterward, navigate Isabela’s swamps and mangroves before discovering the reef sharks, penguins, and turtles of its turquoise reefs.
As the cruise continues, you’ll get the opportunity to hike up Bartholomew Island to see Pinnacle Rock, snorkel in Elizabeth Bay, and wander through the lava fields of Sulivan Bay. Best of all, you’ll stop by Ferdinanda Island which has never been invaded by foreign species, meaning it boasts one of the world’s most pristine ecosystems. At every step of the itinerary, the Cormorant II’s naturalist guide will be on hand to ensure you make the most of every wildlife-spotting opportunity.
Land-based Galapagos Adventures by Pikaia Lodge
Since there are strict measures in place restricting development in the Galapagos’ inhabited areas to sustain their sensitive ecosystems, there are few hotels in the region. As the most luxurious and eco-conscious of them all, the Pikaia Lodge (a Relais & Chateaux property) is by far our favorite.
The lodge is perched on the edge of an extinct volcanic crater with views across the savannah and tropical forests of Santa Cruz. The floor-to-ceiling windows throughout the suites, lounges, bar, spa, gym, and restaurant serving artistic Ecuadorian fare ensure you never miss it. With an infinity pool to boot, Pikaia is the perfect place for those who want to take the Galapagos at a slower pace by combining the excitement of the excursions with the bliss of a remote retreat.
For days when you’re able to peel yourself away from your sunbed, the lodge offers a full spectrum of Galapagos activities such as hiking, kayaking, sport fishing, and scuba-diving. If you’re worried about missing out on the incredible Galapagos destinations only reachable by boat, don’t be — the luxury lodge even has its own yachts to sail you across the archipelago. Be ready to explore the region’s most remote beaches, lava fields, reefs, and volcanoes on small group day tours. Whether you embark on a land or sea excursion, a private naturalist guide will accompany you to help you discover the Galapagos’ endemic flora and fauna.
14-Night Aqua Mare East & West Galapagos Expedition
The Aqua Mare is the pinnacle of style and exclusivity in the Galapagos cruise industry. She was dreamed up by famous yacht designer Francois Zuretti who fitted her top-to-toe with walnut paneled walls and luxurious soft cream furnishings to create that classic exploration-style yachting experience. As a 50-meter superyacht, the Aqua Mare has 30% more indoor volume than most yachts her size, yet she has only seven suites (measuring up to 80sqm) making her the most spacious ship at sea.
Between her 16-guest capacity and 1:1 guest-to-crew ratio, the Aqua Mare provides a personal service beyond any other. Amongst the crew are two naturalist guides which allow the guests to enjoy their excursions in smaller groups than most cruises and fully relish in their expert knowledge. The superyacht’s crew also includes a top chef to deliver world-class dishes curated by celebrity chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino.
Aqua Mare is one of the few Galapagos cruises to offer a 14-day itinerary. It covers everything from the must-see sights of the biggest islands to the little known are rarely visited sights of the smaller islands for the ultimate bucket list expedition. Expect to swim with sea lions by Rabida Island, snorkel with hammerhead sharks at Darwin Bay, and spot blue and red-footed boobies on Genovesa. The unique landscapes of each destination spanning pink sand beaches to vast red lava fields and bright turquoise reefs will continue to enthrall you along the way. During your downtime, you’ll have the added luxury of enjoying Aqua Mare’s panoramic lounge, outdoor jacuzzi, and shaded swim platform.
4-Night Elite Galapagos Cruise
Although the Galapagos’ bountiful landscapes are bursting with extraordinary flora and fauna that you could spend months exploring, the gorgeous Elite catamaran fits its main highlights into a 4-night cruise. After flying into Baltra Island, you’ll board the 38-meter catamaran and get acclimated as it sails to your first destination, the Charles Darwin Research Station on Santa Cruz island.
When boarding, you’ll be welcomed by a modern yet classy elegance throughout its suites and social spaces with dark blue, chestnut, and sandy tones laced in its hard and soft furnishings. The result is a light and calming environment that immediately invites you to unwind and make yourself at home. Between the eight king-sized suites with private balconies, an open lounge and dining room, and quiet terraces with a whirlpool and wildlife viewing platform, it’s easy to do just that. We predict, however, you might just spend all of your time on Elite’s extra-spacious sundeck complete with a jacuzzi, cocktail bar, and sun loungers. Yes, it might just be the best sundeck at sea in the Galapagos.
On day two, Elite arrives at Genovesa where you’ll go birdwatching and snorkeling amongst sharks and turtles in Darwin Bay followed by a panga ride past Buccaneer Cove to Foamy Beach (the sea lion’s favorite) and a coastal hike along Puertas Egas on day three. The following day is all about wildlife spotting on the beaches, dunes, forests, and highlands of Santa Cruz. On your final day, you’ll get to see the very best of the Galapagos’ endemic species on a hiking and snorkeling excursion on Lobos Island. Benefitting from two naturalist guides between 16 guests, every excursion is deeply personal and enriching.
Find out more about our senior Galapagos tours in 2024
These are just some of the life-changing Galapagos cruises and hotel stays we have on offer at Totally Latin America. While each of them adds something unique to your Galapagos vacation, they all have something in common. An undeniable luxury that spans everything from the interiors to the experiences and service. To find the one that best suits you, get in touch with us here.
