Yacht Charter Galapagos

The Galapagos Islands are located in the Pacific Ocean, about 1,000 kilometers (620 miles) off the coast of Ecuador in South America. The archipelago consists of 12 main islands and several smaller islands and islets. The Galapagos Islands are renowned for their unique biodiversity and played a significant role in Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution by natural selection.

The cost of a luxury Galapagos Islands yacht charter with Northrop & Johnson starts at around US$50,000. We have access to a superb selection of luxury yachts for charter, including motor yachts, eco-friendly sailing yachts, and catamarans. Our yachts for charter in the Galapagos Islands boast luxury interiors, excellent onboard amenities, flexible cabin configurations, and a professional crew. If you want to explore one of the world’s most fascinating destinations, contact Northrop & Johnson. Our Galapagos experience is unmatched and we offer an unparalleled service, ensuring every detail, including micro ones, is expertly taken care of, ensuring a seamless vacation experience.

The Galapagos Islands are a year-round destination; however, the best time to cruise the Galapagos Islands is from December to May, which coincides with the warm season. During these months, you can expect excellent weather and superb ocean conditions, which are ideal for snorkeling and scuba diving. If chartering from June to November, you can expect cooler conditions and choppy seas. However, the cooler, nutrient-rich waters also mean this is an excellent time for seeing a superb selection of marine life and endemic species.

The Galapagos Islands boasts incredible wildlife, including 27 endemic species. Indeed, nowhere else in the world can you see such a high concentration of unique wildlife. Just some of the endemic species include:

• Giant Galapagos Tortoise
• Marine Iguanas
• Galapagos Finches
• Flightless Cormorant
• Galapagos Fur Seal
• Blue Footed Boobies

The best way to explore the Galapagos Islands’ diverse wildlife is with a private naturalist guide. When you book a luxury Galapagos yacht charter with Northrop & Johnson, you will enjoy a highly personalized service, including private guided tours. Contact our team today or browse our luxury crewed boats for rent.

Absolutely, the Galapagos Islands is a fantastic destination for snorkeling and diving, known for its incredible marine life, including ultra-rare marine iguanas, manta rays, sharks, turtles, dolphins, eels, and sea lions. Some of the best spots include:

• Cape Douglas, Fernandina Island
• Pitt Point, San Cristobal Island
• El Arco, Darwin Island
• Roca Redonda, Isabela Island
• Kicker Rock

There are two airports on the Galapagos Islands: Seymour Airport and San Cristobal Airport. Both of these airports can accommodate private jets. If flying via commercial airline, you will first have to fly into mainland Ecuador to Quito Airport or Guayaquil Airport. When you book a luxury yacht charter with Northrop & Johnson, we will help arrange transportation to and from your private crewed yacht. Contact our team today to learn more about our private crewed Galapagos charters.

As the Galapagos Islands are a national park, there are no marinas. There are three ports, including one with a fuel terminal and multiple anchorages. Your captain will boast in-depth destination expertise and will be familiar with where to anchor the yacht during your luxury yacht charter.

Some of the best things to see and do in the Galapagos Islands include:

• Visit Tortuga Bay on Santa Cruz Island, which provides the opportunity to see the famed Galapagos’ marine turtles
• Tender ashore to La Loberia beach on San Cristobal Islands, which is home to playful sea lions
• Hike the Galapagos National Park with a private naturalist guide and witness incredible flora and fauna
• Explore Dragon Hill on Santa Cruz Island, home to multiple bird species and prehistoric-looking land iguanas.
• Sink below the waves at the Black Turtle Cove Marine Sanctuary and enjoy close encounters with incredible marine life, such as sea turtles, eagle rays, and sharks.
• Trek the Sierra Negra volcano on Isabela Island, which reaches an altitude of 1,124 meters. Hike or horse ride around the crater and the black and red lava fields and enjoy awe-inspiring views.
• Cruise to San Cristobal harbor and explore the pretty pastel-colored cafes where you can sip on delicious Ecuadorian coffee.
• Explore Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz and sample the local food and cocktails at the local eateries and bars that line Avenida Charles Darwin.

There’s a superb selection of luxury boats for charter, especially when you book a luxury yacht charter with Northrop & Johnson. Types of vessels available for charter in the Galapagos Islands include motor yachts, sailing yachts, superyachts, and catamarans, including both motor and sailing cats. Our yachts boast luxurious onboard amenities, multiple cabins that can be configured to meet your needs, and a dedicated crew, offering a heightened level of personal service and ensuring an incredible vacation experience.

Yes, there are very strict guidelines about yacht charters in the Galapagos. Some charter yachts may be able to cruise the area but cannot visit islands directly. Your Northrop & Johnson Galapagos charter broker will be able to make all arrangements, including organizing tours on a licensed vessel where necessary.

The Galapagos Islands are ideal for family groups, including families with children. The Galapagos offers superb wildlife that will fascinate all age groups, as well as wonderful outdoor activities, including hiking, kayaking, biking, snorkeling, diving, horseriding, and surfing. Of course, you’ll also get to enjoy all the comforts of your private yacht, including a dedicated crew, spectacular onboard amenities, and a private chef. Cruising the stunning coastlines of the Galapagos and enjoying quality time on the water makes for a fantastic family holiday. If you want to enjoy a luxury trip to the Galapagos, contact Northrop & Johnson.