The Samba Galapagos Cruise offers one of the most authentic small-ship expedition experiences in the Galapagos Islands. This classic motorsailer is designed for travelers who prioritize wildlife immersion, route depth, and a traditional seafaring atmosphere over formality or luxury.
With a very limited number of guests onboard, Samba creates an intimate and social environment where daily exploration takes center stage. The vessel’s compact size allows access to a wide range of visitor sites while maintaining the flexibility and maneuverability needed for smooth island navigation. Certified bilingual naturalist guides lead all excursions, offering insightful interpretation of wildlife behavior, volcanic geology, and conservation efforts throughout the archipelago.
Samba operates two carefully designed 8-day itineraries that provide comprehensive island coverage, making it an ideal choice for travelers seeking a full, immersive Galapagos expedition experience.
Samba offers a selection of comfortable yet simple cabins designed for expedition-focused travelers. Cabins are equipped with private bathrooms, air conditioning, and practical storage for multi-day cruising. While the vessel maintains a traditional nautical character, accommodations provide everything needed for a restful stay after active days exploring the islands.
Cabins are compact and efficiently arranged, reflecting the vessel’s expedition style. The emphasis is on functionality, cleanliness, and comfort rather than high-end luxury. Guests who value experience over extravagance consistently find Samba’s accommodations more than sufficient for an immersive week of island exploration.
Discount for children under 12 years old 10%
Single supplement 50%
Discount for children under 12 years old 10%
Single supplement 50%
Samba is best suited for travelers who want a genuine, expedition-style Galapagos experience. It appeals to adventurous couples, solo travelers, photographers, and nature enthusiasts who value wildlife encounters and itinerary depth over luxury amenities.
This cruise is especially attractive to guests who appreciate a traditional sailing ambiance and a close-knit onboard atmosphere. With a small group size and two full 8-day itineraries, Samba is ideal for travelers who want maximum island coverage, strong naturalist interpretation, and a socially engaging environment.
Travelers choose Samba for its authentic expedition feel and excellent itinerary design. The vessel’s size fosters camaraderie among guests, and the small-group excursions enhance wildlife encounters by allowing more personal interaction with the guide.
The two 8-day itineraries provide comprehensive exploration across multiple ecological zones of the archipelago, ensuring varied landscapes and marine environments. Daily activities include guided walks through volcanic terrain, snorkeling in wildlife-rich waters, and panga rides along dramatic coastlines.
Samba’s charm lies in its simplicity and purpose: delivering an immersive, education-driven Galapagos adventure with an emphasis on conservation, biodiversity, and meaningful exploration.
Life aboard Samba follows a classic expedition rhythm. Early mornings often begin with a wildlife landing or panga ride when animal activity is at its peak. After breakfast onboard, the vessel navigates to the next visitor site, providing scenic cruising time ideal for photography and wildlife spotting from the deck.
Afternoons typically include snorkeling sessions or additional guided hikes. Evenings are relaxed and social, with daily briefings outlining the following day’s activities. The intimate guest group naturally encourages conversation and shared reflection, creating a warm and community-oriented atmosphere.
Because of its size and sailing character, Samba offers a closer connection to the sea, wind, and surrounding environment — something many travelers find deeply rewarding.
This eight-day itinerary explores the dramatic western islands and northern wildlife zones. Guests encounter volcanic landscapes, rich marine habitats, and significant seabird colonies while enjoying extensive snorkeling and guided shore landings across varied ecological settings.
Arrival at the Galapagos islands and transfer to the Samba Galapagos sailor yacht.
Mosquera: The island consists is a long narrow stretch of white sand, rocks, and tide pools.
Galapagos Wildlife you might see today: Sea lions, lava gulls, coastal birds, and Sally Lightfoot crabs.
Darwin Bay: The path leads into the stunning lookout point where is possible to see the cliff and the lake with abundant birdlife.
Prince Phillip's Steps: The lava formations of the cliff are perfect nesting sites for the red-footed boobies and can be see from up close.
Wildlife: Storm Petrels, Short-eared Owl, Lava Gulls, lava Herons, Swallow-tailed Gulls, Great Frigate birds and Red-footed Boobies.
Punta Mejia: one of the best sites in the Archipelago to snorkel. Apart from great fish diversity, rays, reef sharks and sea turtles are often seen.
Playa Negra: snorkel around recently formed lava grotto where marine iguanas feed.
Wildlife you might see today: Bottlenose dolphins and other cetaceans, sea turtles, sea lions, rays, sharks.
Punta Albemarle: Here are some remains of a radar built by the US government during World War II and is possible to see marine iguanas around the area.
Punta Vicente Roca: The Geological formations make a perfect place for birds to nest. The water us reach in nutrients and attracts many species of marine life.
Wildlife you might see today: Marine iguanas, whales, dolphins, sea lions, tunas, Blue-footed and Nazca boobies, pelicans.
Punta Espinosa: The most pristine site in the Galapagos and only visitor point in Fernandina Island. Here can be seen the flightless cormorant in the shores.
Urbina Bay: In the arid area of Urbina Bay can be seen giant tortoises and land iguanas. The coral reef at sea level is the highlight of the visit.
Galapagos Wildlife you might see today: Giant tortoises, land iguanas, and flightless cormorants, penguins, sea turtles.
Elizabeth Bay: The clear waters in this bay allow to see schools of fish can and it is possible to swimg with penguins.
Punta Moreno: The lava flows form lagoons where many shorebirds gather, her can be seen species as the storm petrel and flightless cormorants.
Wildlife you might see today: Rays, flightless cormorants, penguins, pelicans, lava herons.
Asilo de la Paz: Here we will learn about the story of the Wittmers and the source of sweet water of the island. Cerro Alieri: a good number of steps will take us to a breathtaking view.
Loberia: Named after the large colony of sea lions, there is also a good site to see the fur seals.
Wildlife you can see today: Sea Lions and more.
Santa Cruz Highlands: In the highest side of Santa Cruz can be found the giant tortoises in the wild.
Galapagos Wildlife: Vermilion Flycatcher or one of Darwin’s finches, Giant tortoises in the wild.
The second eight-day program focuses on central and southern islands, combining coastal hikes, endemic wildlife observation, and diverse marine environments. This itinerary offers a balanced mix of geological contrasts and close-up animal encounters, delivering a complete Galapagos experience.
Baltra Island: Arrival in Baltra airport.
Santa Cruz Highlands: The highlands are located in the northern part of the island and can reach elevations up to 1500 mt. Charles Darwin Station: An organization that provides scientific assistance to ensure the proper preservation of the Galapagos.
Galapagos Wildlife you might see today: Vermilion Flycatcher or one of Darwin’s finches, Giant tortoises in the wild.
Punta Cormorant: Cormorant Point offers a trail overlooking a saltwater lagoon that is a favorite of flamingos. Champion Islet: a great place to dive along with sea lions and tropical fish.
Post Office Bay: A white-sand beach where in the past sailors used to leave and receive their letters in a barrel. Baroness Lookout Point: easy trails for exploring the flora and fauna of Floreana.
Wildlife you might see today: Pintail ducks, stilts, Large-billed Flycatchers, Flamingoes, Rays, Sea Lions.
Punta Suarez: Suarez Point is one of the most outstanding wildlife areas of the archipelago. The famous attraction is the magnificent blowhole, spurting water high into the air.
Gardner Bay: Gardner Bay has a magnificent beach with turquoise waters. The bay is home of a large colony of sea lions.
Wildlife you might see today: Galapagos Hawks, Española Mockingbirds, Waved Albatross, sea lions.
Isla Lobos: This small island is named after the sea lions that rest and play on its rocky shores. Kicker Rock: Leon Dormido is comprised of two rocks which jut out of the ocean and is home to a large colony of seabirds. Kayaking and scuba diving allow visitors to spot a variety of marine life.
Punta Pitt: Here there are endemic species such as lava lizards and red-footed boobies.
Galapagos Wildlife: : Red-footed, Blue-footed and Nazca boobies, Storm Petrels, Sea Lions, Fur seals, Frigate birds.
Santa Fe - Barrington Bay: a white sand beach with calm turquoise waters. Endemic land iguanas are often seen.
South Plazas: has one of the largest populations of land iguanas in the Galápagos. Punta Carrion: creates a sheltered lagoon with beautiful turquoise water. During this visit you can snorkel.
Wildlife you might see today: Land and marine iguanas, Galapagos Hawks, Red-billed tropic birds and swallow-tailed gulls.
Chinese Hat: The landing is on a beautiful crescent-shaped beach, home to sea lions and Sally Lightfoot crabs.
Bartolome: is home of the Pinnacle Rock, the most famous view in the Galapagos Islands.
Galapagos Wildlife you might see today: Sea lions, Green Sea Turtle, Galapagos penguins, Spotted Eagle Rays and Black-tipped Sharks.
James Bay: also known as Puerto Egas, the trail leads to the coastline with gorgeous tide pools and grottos full of fauna.
Rabida Island: is one of the most colorful and volcanic varied islands in the archipelago as well as a great snorkeling site. We get ready for the next and last day on board of the Samba Yacht.
Wildlife you might see today: Marine Iguanas, Blue-footed and Nazca boobies, Galapagos Doves.
North Seymour Island: Explore the rocky coast, passing colonies of blue-footed boobies and magnificent frigate birds. Transfer to the Airport.
Galapagos Wildlife you can see today: Frigate birds, blue-footed boobies, land and marine iguanas.
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Capacity: 14 Passengers
Type: steel-hulled motor yacht with stabilizing sail
LOA: 78 ft. / 23.77 m.
Beam: 18 ft. / 5.48 m.
Displacement: 134 tons
Engines: Very efficient Twin DAV diesel engines 280 HP-CUMMINS that only use a remarkable 6 gallons of diesel every hour!
Range: 2.500 miles
Speed: 8.5 knots cruising
Sail: Steadying sails
Accommodations: 6 air-conditioned double cabins and 1 exterior double bed cabin, all with private bathrooms and hot water. An ample dining-room/salon connects to an outdoor dining facility with large tables, 32″ High Definition LCD TV, DVD video equipment, sound-system, mini-library with books and videos and a small bar.
Crew: 6 + licensed Naturalist Guide.
Navigation: Furuno Navnet Radar, Plotter and Sonar, GPS, VHF & SSB radios, two tenders with outboard motor.
Safety: One self-contained 20-passenger life raft, EPIRB, two bi-directional VHF emergency-radios, one VHF (Motorola) wide-range radio, VHF and HF radios and one cell-phone communication system, life jackets, fire extinguishers, safety smoke and fire detectors and overhead sprinkler systems, A.B.C fire-control system and CO2 bank for the engine room.
