Chile
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Luxury Yacht Charter Guide to the Galapagos Islands
Darwin’s delights can be found on the utterly unique world that is the Galapagos Islands. Sitting 500 miles from Ecuador and home to over a hundred endemic species, chartering a yacht to the Galapagos Islands is like plunging right in to a David Attenborough documentary. Those who are seeking something entirely different to the gauzy blues and paradise painted isles of the Caribbean, will find the glory of the Galapagos a breath of fresh air. Moon like terrain, the fluorescent shock of pink flamingos, and ancient giant tortoises roaming free – you can’t get any closer to nature than on the spellbinding shores of the Galapagos Islands.
Reasons to Charter a Yacht in the Galapagos Islands
Epic Wildlife Encounters
The giant Galapagos tortoise is one of a million reasons to set sail on a yacht charter to these shores. There is something divinely special about witnessing wildlife up close and the Galapagos is still one of those rare places where the human footprint is barely a shadow in the sand. Along with tortoises the size of small people, you can encounter iguanas, hammerhead sharks, seals, rare eagles and scores upon scores of exotic birds. Island safaris don’t come finer than chartering the Galapagos Islands.
Daring Hiking Trails
You could spend forever on a boat sailing around the splendour of the Galapagos Islands. But, when you want to step ashore you will find incredible hiking trails that cut deep into calderas, craggy coastal roads, virginal forests, and even wavy onyx lava fields. Hiking in the Galapagos goes beyond the usual foray of footpaths and gifts you the unexpected around every corner.
Untouched Islands
Yacht chartering in the Galapagos Islands is unrivalled anywhere else in the whole world. These islands have barely been touched by man – you won’t find boutique hotels, resorts or restaurants. Instead, you will find UNESCO protected visions of beauty. You can graze along the famed Tortuga Bay Beach circled with sharks, watch the playful penguins on Isabela, and listen to the mockingbirds on Espanola.
Unique Beaches
Sure, the Caribbean may boast swaying hammocks, pink sands and palms – but paradise can become a dime a dozen experience. Chartering the Galapagos Islands shows you a different side to coastal life. Here you will see blood red sands on Rabida, rose gold coves on Bartolome, and abandoned post boxes in their dozens on Floreana.
Where to Visit in the Galapagos Islands
Santa Cruz
Ease yourself into the bounty of the Galapagos Islands by starting your yacht charter in Santa Cruz. The most developed of all the islands; you can visit the Charles Darwin research centre to top up your understanding of these lands before ducking into the art galleries and seafood restaurants scattered around the town. Don’t leave without visiting the El Chato Tortoise Reserve for your first face to face encounter with these mega land creatures, some of whom are centuries old.
Punta Suarez
On the island of Espanola you will find Punta Suarez, hailed as one of the busiest wave albatross breeding grounds in the whole of the world. Visiting between April and November may offer you the chance to watch the fascinating mating dance which can last for days. Away from the chatter and snowy feathers of the Albatross, Espanola boasts four million years of history beneath her belt. Hike around to find the lava lizards, hear the honk of sea lions, and take the trail past the blue footed boobies.
Santa Fe Island
If you have dreamed of swimming with sea lions, then Santa Fe Island should be at the top of your bucket list when it comes to yacht chartering the Galapagos. Snorkelling the tantalising turquoise waters introduces you to a world of barking seal pups, winding eels, drifting rays and all kinds of fish and urchins. Most of these creatures will eye you up casually, unhindered by your presence as they go about their daily routines. If you don’t want to get your hair wet, then kayaking along the shores where the sea lions honk and flop on the beaches is also a beautiful treat.
Floreana Island
The tiny isolated island of Floreana captures everything to adore about the Galapagos. The all-star line up from Mother Nature will showcase the usual sea lions, tortoises, iguanas, and more. Floreana is home to a fascinating history – from pirate caves to baronesses moving to these remote shores with dual lovers – the colourful tales match the landscape of jewelled waters, red mangroves and brooding volcanoes. Yet, it’s the senses of pure unhindered isolation that marks Floreana out. Watching darkness spill across this island from the deck of your own luxury yacht is one of those moments that will stay etched in your memory.
When to Charter a Yacht in the Galapagos Islands
Cool and dry or warm and wet – planning your yacht charter in the Galapagos Islands is easy when you only have to split your decision. Between the months of June to November you will find lower temperatures and less chance of rain. From December to June the sea and air both start thickening with warmth and rain becomes more likely. Popular consensus is that the wetter warmer months are better for visiting as the seas boast better clarity for diving. January and February sees the tortoises and turtles start to hatch their eggs whereas June, July and August bring humpback whales to the waters and sea lion breeding time.
