"The rapids, guide, organization and food were great! Thanks to Barefoot for an unforgetable experience!"

— Gina Cicerone, Fundacion VASE

Barefoot Expeditions

Barefoot Expeditions: Experience Freedom

Galapagos Islands

galapagosislands

The rich and varied life on the islands inspired Charles Darwin when he visited the Galapagos in 1835 were the basis for his ideas, which eventually lead to his theory of the evolution of species. The creatures that are unique include the Galapagos giant tortoise, the marine iguanas, whales, dolphins, sea lions, fur seals, penguins, cormorants and many species of finches. Darwin described many of them and their characteristics in detail and these are still used as examples for biologists learning about evolution today.

The majority of the visitors choose an organized cruise and it is the most recommended way to discover the Galapagos island: you can choose your ideal boat and itinerary according to your budget and individual interests and you get to see a maximum of the islands as you are doing the majority of sailing night and visit the different islands during the day. Generally you visit two sites per day: a walk early in the morning with snorkelling afterwards, you have lunch as you cruise to the next site, snorkelling in the afternoon and a walk at the second site.

Even the economic boats offer great service and food, the luxurious ones sometimes even have a jacuzzi on board – you don´t have to organize anything and can just enjoy your stay!

Changes of cruise itineraries in 2012

Since January 2012, there are new regulations in the Galapagos National Park for cruises between the islands: a vessel cannot visit the island more than once within a 15-day period on their itinerary. Any change bears advantages and disadvantages, but the fact is that islands that were less featured in the past, but are highly recommended (Genovesa, Isabella or Fernandina) can now be visited.

Each boat has been assigned a 15 day itinerary, which they can split into different shorter ones:

Two 8 day itineraries (mostly Northern and Central Islands on the first 8 days and Southern and East islands on the next 8 days), which can be combined to a 15-day itinerary
Depending in which days they make port on San Cristobal or Santa Cruz (the islands that have airports), the vessels offer 4, 5 or 6-day itineraries – generally any combination of itineraries as long as they abide to the 15 days regulation.

ANGELITO I - TOURIST CLASS

Galapagos Cruises Tourist Class

The Angelito (built in 1992) is almost a floating mini-hotel, with four sundecks that serve as patios, an elegant and well-lit dining deck with bar, and handsome wooden interior. Each cabin has upper and lower berths and is attached to its own full-bath with hot shower. Its superb service is ensured by the fact that one of Angelito's owners always skippers the craft. Fully air-conditioned and meeting all standard safety regulations, this little angel of a yacht tours through the Islands with pleasure. The yacht is considered a family boat and does accept young children aboard.

The Majestic was built in 2013 and is the newest boat in Galapagos! It was specifially designed and built to cruise the Galapagos islands. The first class yacht offers 9 double cabins and ample social social areas including a superb sundeck with a large Jacuzzi. The hand-picked guides are highly experienced and trained to make your Galapagos experience a memorable one.

The Grand Odyssey is a 138ft. deluxe motor yacht build in 2011, where everything is done to guarantee the highest level of service. Of all the yachts having a similar size, the Grand Odyssey offers the best comfort – it has very spacious, modern suites and beautiful social areas. The Grand Odyssey is the perfect yacht for those who look for an exclusive cruise with all the luxurious details, but prefer small, individual groups instead of being on one of the huge cruise vessels.

The Island Hopping individual & flexible tours are semi-private tours that can start any day of the week according to your individual needs. Choose your favorite tour from a variety of itineraries and accommodation according to your budget :-) Ideal for those who don´t want to be on board during the entire tour! Transportation between islands is by public speed boat or by plane. Passengers will be combined with other groups for certain activities. Tours can depart any day with a minimum of 2 passengers.

Land Dive Mix 5 or 8 days

Land Dive Mix

Galápagos has been rated among the top dive destinations of the world! The different currents, hot and cold, passing through the Galápagos Marine Reserve (the second largest in the world) make the marine wildlife really interesting! The Land Dive Mix tours enable you to explore the best of the underwater world in Galapagos and also the islands itself - choose between a 5 or 8-day tour and accommodation according to your needs and budget! Our diving partner in Galapagos fills all security requirements and works with the best dive masters available. This tour also offers great options for co-travellers that don´t want to dive!!!

The Multisport Island Hopping tours of 5 or 8 days are active land-based Galapagos tours that give you a great opportunity to discover the best of the islands and be active practising different types of sports every day - snorkeling, biking, hiking, kayaking, surrounded by beautiful landscapes and close to wildlife. Galapagos island hopping at its best :-)

What are the differences between the boat classes?

TOURIST CLASS:

The target groups of these boats are generally travellers with a limited budget like backpackers or students. They offer only basic services and if you book a tour on a tourist class boat, you should be prepared that you don´t have the same comforts and standards as on a more expensive yacht. Cabins are generally very small.

TOURIST SUPERIOR CLASS:

These boats offer an affordable, but not too basic way to discover Galápagos. They provide average/mid-range services (cabin size, meals, guide level, comfort), are rather small, but more comfortable than the Tourist Class boats. Tourist Superior class boats have a capacity of between 12 and 16 passengers. They provide double cabins with private bathroom and mostly air-condition.

FIRST CLASS:

Within the first class option, there is a wide range and tourist can choose between a little bit more basic boats or more luxurious vessels offering superior service and more space. They have larger cabins and a choice of bed types (twin, bunk, or double). The First Class yachts have more spacious lounges, decks and dining areas for a more comfortable experience. Please ask your Barefoot sales agent about the different options!

LUXURY CLASS
The luxury class boats offer more space in cabins and social areas, are generally more stable due to their size, have the best and most experienced naturalist guides and offer a great level of service and excellent food. Some have special extras like a Jacuzzi on board. In this category you can choose between large cruise ships with a capacity of up to 100 passengers or smaller, more private vessels.

With multiple lodges on multiple islands, the Red Mangrove island hopping tours offer you the epitome of land-based programs with lots of great activities, comfortable accommodations, excellent service and lots of flexibility! Discover three of the unique Galapagos volcanic islands: Santa Cruz, Isabela and Floreana, and their splendid places where the wildlife does not know fear of human visitors.

The Encantada has been affectionately dubbed "The little red sailboat" due to her candy apple red color and gracious white sails. It is very popular and often recommended: it offers good service and a private and cozy atmosphere, because there is only space for 12 people on the boat. The itineraries offer a lot of variety as well as dive options on some of the 8-day tours.

The Tip Top IV is the younger sister of Tip Top II and III and the flagship of the Tip Top Fleet. The yacht was designed and constructed in 2006 to offer the highest level of security and is therefore the newest and most luxurious of the three boats.

The Island Hopping on a budget tour has fixed departures once or twice a month and you go on tour with other fellow travellers to explore the magic of each island. You can choose between a 5- or 6-day tour including the highlands of all the four inhabited islands (San Cristobal, Isabela, Santa Cruz & Floreana) and a 7- or 8-day tour which additionally takes you to one or more of the uninhabited islands. Transport between the islands is by private speed boat, accommodation is in hostels or hotels on the islands. Ideal for those who don´t want to be on board during the entire tour and are looking for a competitive price!

SAMBA - TOURIST CLASS

Galapagos Cruises Tourist Class

Dutch built with teak decks in 1966 as a luxury private yacht, the Samba is now a perfectly well converted cruise boat specialized for Galapagos Islands vacations. The SAMBA accommodates 14 guests, a perfect number to enjoy the magic of the Islands with privacy and flexibility. Its crew is professional, experienced and friendly. Samba is generally highly recommended because of its great onboard service and itinerary.

The First Class yacht Tip Top III was designed and constructed in 2001 and redesigned in 2008 to offer the highest level of security and comfort to its guests. It is the sister boat of Tip Top II and offers very reliable service at good prices as well.

The Tip Top II is the eldest of the experienced Tip Top fleet providing comfortable first-class sailing at competitive prices. The yacht was completely redesigned in 2011. The Tip Top II runs an interesting alternating itinerary - one week to the north/west islands, one week covering the south and central area. These itineraries can also be combined into a comprehensive 15 day trip!

The Galapagos Odyssey operating since 2008 was built to fulfill the highest expectations of any traveler seeking to experience the Galapagos Islands in the most exclusive way. It offers four comfortable decks and the cabins are very spacious by Galapagos standards. A special feature on the sundeck is definitely the hot tub!

The Galapagos Voyager offers nice comfort and style and a cozy and pleasant small group atmosphere and is a great affordable yacht in its class. This yacht runs a lot of different attractive itineraries. The yacht has very ample social areas with great ocean views.

Yacht Fragata is a modern, spacious and comfortable motor yacht with good service and all-round facilities. Fragata accommodates 16 passengers in cozy double and single cabins. 20 years of experience and a qualified crew guarantee safety, seriousness and comfort.

The Beluga is an elegant motor yacht providing a lot of space and great service. With panoramic windows in the salon and great deck space, Beluga is a fantastic way to cruise the islands in speed and style. The itinerary is fantastic and enables you to see a maximum of islands during the cruise in the most luxurious and comfortable way!

Cachalote I is a beautifully decorated motor/sailer built in 2002. It has a very good reputation among passengers, two excellent itineraries and a very cozy atmosphere. There is plenty of deck space on 3 different wooden decks with seats and cushions.　

The Nemo II yacht is a large trans-oceanic catamaran that gets great customer reviews for its modern and sleek style and private atmosphere (has room for 12 passengers). The Nemo is wonderfully stable and runs an interesting alternating Galapagos itinerary - one week to the south, one week to the north and west.

The Galaxy is a modern yacht build in 2007, which is beautifully furnished and provides a lot of space. It offers great service and a high level of comfort – that is why it is regularly highly recommended by guests.