The Alya Galapagos Cruise is a luxurious small-ship experience aboard a modern 16-guest catamaran designed for stability, panoramic views, and refined onboard living. With expansive social areas, private balconies in most cabins, and a layout that brings the natural beauty of the Galapagos Islands front and center, Alya offers an engaging balance of wildlife exploration and comfortable cruising.
This intimate vessel combines daily guided shore excursions with ample time to relax on the sun deck, unwind in the Jacuzzi, or enjoy scenic navigation between islands. Diverse itinerary lengths — featuring 5-day and 6-day options — allow travelers to choose the route that best matches their timing and wildlife interests. Given the small guest count and the popularity of certain departures, early booking is advised to secure preferred cabin categories.
Alya’s cabins are thoughtfully designed to feel open, welcoming, and connected to the surrounding seascape. The catamaran features nine well-appointed cabins, most of which include private balconies and panoramic windows. Approximately eight cabins with private balcony access provide unobstructed views of island approaches and scenic navigation passages.
Cabins average around 18–22 m² (195–240 ft²) in size — generous compared with many other 16-guest yachts — and offer flexible bedding (king or twin), individual climate control, private bathrooms with hot water, safes, and modern amenities. Private balcony access adds a valuable dimension to the onboard experience, allowing guests to enjoy sunrise coffee or sunset views without leaving their suite.
This configuration supports both comfort and a sense of personal space, making Alya an appealing choice for travelers who value suite quality and indoor-outdoor connection.
The Alya cruise is ideal for travelers seeking an intimate and comfortable Galapagos experience with a small group and refined onboard vibe. It appeals especially to couples, small groups of friends, and families who want elevated details like private balconies, panoramic living spaces, and attentive naturalist guidance.
Alya’s pacing suits travelers who appreciate a balanced schedule — combining guided wildlife landings, snorkeling, beach walks, and kayaking with time to unwind on deck or in social spaces. For those seeking highly expedition-intensive hiking programs or a larger social ship environment, other vessels may be more appropriate, but guests focused on comfort and scenic cruising often find Alya well matched to their expectations.
Travelers frequently choose Alya for its smooth blend of comfort, wildlife immersion, and flexible route options. The catamaran’s twin-hull design allows for stable navigation even in open water, while the open sundeck and Jacuzzi create inviting outdoor gathering points between excursions.
Many guests highlight the panoramic balcony experience as a standout feature — providing private, front-row views of island approaches and dramatic sunsets. Daily activities are led by certified bilingual naturalist guides who tailor excursions to each itinerary’s focus, making each day both informative and engaging. Combined with attentive service and quality cuisine, Alya delivers a small-group cruise experience that is both relaxing and memorable.
Life aboard Alya follows a comfortable expedition rhythm: early mornings typically begin with a guided wildlife landing or snorkeling activity timed with local animal behavior. Afterward, guests return onboard for meals and rest periods while the vessel transits to the next destination.
Afternoons often include a second excursion — such as coastal hikes, panga rides, or optional kayaking — followed by scenic navigation time. The sundeck, Jacuzzi, and outdoor dining areas provide ideal settings to relax, socialize, or absorb panoramic views during the day. Evenings begin with a briefing on the next day’s activities and conclude with dinner and social time in relaxed yet elegant surroundings.
This flow blends active exploration with meaningful downtime, suitable for travelers who want both engagement and comfort.
A six-day journey focusing on the western region’s unique volcanic scenery and marine life. This route offers opportunities to encounter penguins, flightless cormorants, and nutrient-rich waters that support diverse underwater life — an excellent choice for nature enthusiasts.
Arrival in Baltra airport and transfer to the Alia Galapagos boat. Briefing on board about the yacht and the islands.
Visit this site as your first stop on the islands with chances to appecciratt nature and see the giant tortoises in their natural habitat, embrace yourself for the next days on board of the Alia Galapagos yacht where you will have a trip of a life-time.
Wildlife you might see today: Giant tortoises, finches, and various types of Galapagos birds.
Moreno Point: Beautiful rocky shores where penguins and shore birds, including blue herons, are usually spotted.
Elizabeth Bay: As you enter the bay, hawks soar overhead and schools of fish can be seen swimming beneath the surface.
Galapagos Wildlife: Rays, flightless cormorants, penguins, pelicans, lava herons.
Urbina Bay: The waters at this amazing Galapagos visitor site are a good place to see turtles and rays. Ashore you'll find a short trail leading to a coral reef.
Fernandina Island - Espinosa Point: A narrow stretch of land where hundreds of marine iguanas gather largely on black lava rocks, snorkeling and hiking will take place with chances to see lots of wildlife.
Galapagos Wildlife you might see today: Giant tortoises, land iguanas, and flightless cormorants, penguins, sea turtles.
Tagus Cove: A day for a great opportunity to see penguins as well as marine iguanas, Sally Light-foot crabs and sea lions.
Vicente Roca Point: At this site included on your Alia Galapagos cruise tour, you will visit the remnants of an ancient volcano form two turquoise coves with a bay protected from ocean swells.
The Galapagos species you can see today include: whales, dolphins, sea lions, tunas, Blue-footed and Nazca boobies, pelicans.
Espumilla Beach: The salt-lake crater that is now home to white-cheeked pintails and the occasional flamingo, the island was explored by Darwin in 1835. Nearby is Sugarloaf Hill, or Pan de Azúcar, a tuff cone 395 m (1,295 feet) high.
Egas Port: A Galapagos highlight! the trail leads to the coastline with gorgeous tide pools and grottos full of fauna.
Wildlife you can see today: Green sea turtles, penguins and reef sharks.
Bachas Beach, is located on the north shore of Santa Cruz which is a swimming beach. One of the few remnants of the U.S. military bases in the islands can be found in this important and small island of the Galapagos.
This itinerary explores the wildlife-dense southern islands, known for dramatic beaches, endemic species, and varied coastal ecosystems. Travelers on this route experience classic Galapagos wildlife encounters and diverse environments within a well-paced multi-day program.
After checking in on board of the Alia catamaran, you will be visiting North Seymour Island, where your luxurious tour on board of the Alia Galapagos takes you to explore the rocky coast, passing colonies of blue-footed boobies and magnificent frigate birds.
Galapagos Wildlife you might see today: Frigate birds, blue-footed boobies, land and marine iguanas.
South Plazas are two small islands together which are home to colonies of land iguanas as well as colonies of sea lions, views of the surroundings are breathtaking.
Santa Fe is one of the most diverse islands in the Galapagos, home to colonies of land iguanas, Galapagos hawks, sea lions, marine iguanas and other species, here you will have the chance to hike, and also snorkel close to wildlife . It is also a very good site to see the species of thick cacti of the islands.
Galapagos Wildlife: Land Iguanas, marine iguanas, birds, sea lions, hawks, marine turtles among others.
Interpretation Center: A series of interactive exhibits providing information about the history and biodiversity of the Galapagos.
Lobos Island will allow you to do some incredible snorkeling along with species of the area and with schools of fish, during a panga ride you will also be able to see the land wildlife and amazing flora of the area.
Galapagos Wildlife and species: Galapagos Hawks, sea lions, marine iguanas, colorful fish, Galapagos snakes.
Gardner Bay has a magnificent beach with turquoise waters. The bay is home of a large colony of sea lions and lots of marine wildlife you will have the opportunity to hike and also to snorkel to appreciate all the surrounding diversity.
Suarez Point is one of the most outstanding wildlife areas of the archipelago with a huge diversity of land and marine wildlife you will also be snorkeling and trekking with your English speaking guide who will share interesting facts about the species you will see in the area.
Galapagos Wildlife you might see today: Frigate birds, blue-footed boobies, land and marine iguanas waved albatross, sea lions, tropical birds, and more.
Cormorant point is famous for its green colored beaches, located to the west side of the island, you will have the chance to explore its waters while snorkeling, and you will also get to explore the small trails close to the beach which are home to amazing species of wildlife.
Devil's Crown is an extraordinary site considered among the best places in the world for snorkeling, its rocky formations and location give this site a unique advantage for concentration of marine wildlife, snorkeling and yachting in the area will be a highlight of the Alia cruise itinerary.
To wrap up the day you will be visiting Cerro Alieri, hiking will take place here where you will be able to see endemic flora including trees and shrubs.
Galapagos Wildlife: Schools of fish, pelicans, sea lions, tropical birds, frigates, iguanas, Green sea turtles, and others.
On this day we will be visiting the highlands of Santa Cruz island, an amazing site home to giant tortoises in their natural habitat, after a short hike and plenty of chances for taking pictures, we will organize a transfer to Baltra airport on time for your flight back to Ecuador mainland. This will put an end to your Galapagos cruise tour with Alia Yacht.
Wildlife you might see today: Giant Tortoises, birds and others.
This five-day itinerary highlights the northern visitor sites of the archipelago, known for seabird colonies, iconic landscapes, and excellent snorkeling experiences. Expect visits to islands rich in birdlife, volcanic formations, and scenic shores — perfect for those seeking a compact but rewarding introduction to the Galapagos.
Arrival at Baltra airport and transfer to the boat. Briefing on board of the Alia Galapagos catamaran about the boat and the islands.
North Seymour Island: Explore the rocky coast, where you will be able to observe various colonies of blue-footed boobies and frigate birds.
Galapagos Wildlife you might see today: Frigate birds, blue-footed boobies, land and marine iguanas.
Darwin Bay: This amazing Galapagos visitor site, includes a coral beach where a 750 meter trail takes you through incredible areas full with colonies of birds.
Prince Phillip's Steps: An extraordinary steep path leads through a seabird colony full of life, up to cliffs that are 25 meters high.
Galapagos species: Lava Gulls, lava Herons, Swallow-tailed Gulls, Great Frigate birds and Red-footed Boobies.
Sullivan Bay: On this day of your Alia Galapagos Tour, you will visit a coral beach landing leads you towards a lava field, volcanic landscapes dominate this site where chances for great photos are possible.
Pinnacle Rock: Bartholomew is home of the Pinnacle Rock: the most famous view in the Galapagos Islands because of the lookout point from where it is easy to observe the nearby islands.
Wildlife for this visitor site: Green sea turtles, penguins and reef sharks.
Chinese Hat: It is located north Santa Cruz Island and consists of various lava formations that will let you see from up close how the islands were initially form, wildlife and especially bird life can be seen all over the islet which is shaped as a Chinese Hat if seen from far away.
Mosquera: The islet is located between North Seymour and Santa Cruz and it is home to a large colony of sea lions, the white sand beach provides a lovely landscape ideal to finish your day for your on your Galapagos cruise tour.
Galapagos Wildlife you might see today: Sea turtles, lack-finned reef shark, the white-tipped reef shark, and the Galapagos sharks.
It is the main research station and breeding center of the Galapagos islands, where giant tortoises, land iguanas and other species that were at some point in danger are kept in captivity. After the visit to Charles Darwin Stattion, we will have a land transfer to the Baltra airport for your flight out which will finalize your Galapagos cruise itinerary on board of the Alia Catamaran.
Galapagos species: Giant Tortoises, land iguanas, birds, and others.
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Year of construction: 2017
Type: Luxury Motor Catamaran
Length: 105 ft (32 m)
Beam: 43 ft (13 m)
Draft: 5,6 ft (1.70 m)
Cruising Speed: 12 knots
Capacity: 16 passengers
Crew: 8 members + 1 bilingual guide
Electric Power: 110V and 220V
Accommodation
Main Deck:
