Embarkation/Disembarkation: The journey to the expedition ship proves an adventure in itself, consisting of several bus rides and smaller boat trips before reaching Yacht La Pinta. The 48-passenger vessel treated us like family from the get-go, inviting every passenger into the main room for a meet-and-greet before letting us discover our cabins and unpack.

As an appropriate farewell to the deep waters of the Galápagos Islands, we took a Zodiac vessel back to Puerto Ayora, admiring Yacht La Pinta one last time while also looking around for any last glimpses of the islands’ diverse marine life below the surface. Staff transported our luggage separately, which waited for us at our hotel on the island.

Guest Quarters: Contrary to what many might think, an expedition ship doesn’t in any way mean roughing it. My cabin was spacious, sleek and modern, with a tall window looking out to the bright blue water below. Several informative booklets and a bag to carry essentials when on excursions sat on my bed. I woke each morning excited to open my curtain and see what view awaited me that day. A comfortable and spacious bed for two flanked by small tables and reading lights was much appreciated after
each long day exploring the islands, while a long desk with many outlets doubled as both a workstation and table to place my makeup and jewelry. The desk faced a large mirror with an extra light for getting ready in the mornings and before dinner.

© Metropolitan Touring

Two small wardrobes let me hang some clothes, while an extra chair provided the ideal spot to lay out my outfits for each subsequent day. The bathroom was also spacious for the size of the ship, with plenty of storage space and a separate shower with Mashpi Magnolia amenities inspired by the tree of the same name discovered in Ecuador’s Chocó cloud forest.

Services/Amenities: The ship encourages exploration both on and off the boat. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are all served in the main dining room, featuring rotating selections of dishes. Some mornings I woke to find an American-style breakfast available, while one evening we dined on Ecuadorian food. A fine selection of wines at dinner paired well with each dish. In addition to the dining room, the ship’s terrace offered the perfect spot to unwind and take in the sunset. The terrace offers bites and craft cocktails as well as a Jacuzzi (which is relaxing on the muscles after an active day on the islands).

© Aoife O’Riordan

A lounge and bar, which also crafts delicious tipples, served as our nightly gathering spot to discuss activities and experiences for the next day. It was also the location for evening presentations on different Galápagos topics, from discerning the difference between sea lions and seals to learning about sharks found around the islands. The lounge also offers an all-day coffee machine and snacks. The ship offers WiFi although, as one may expect, you don’t use it much because your day is filled with adventures and meeting fellow passengers.

Ports of Call: Metropolitan Touring, the brand behind Yacht La Pinta, offers different itineraries depending on your interests. My trip covered Santa Cruz Island, Bartolome and Santiago Island, and Genovesa Island. Each island is just as unique and diverse as the next. From sea lions basking in the sun or competing in a humorous battle for beach territory to blue-footed boobies wooing one another and penguins darting beneath the waves for fish, the Galápagos Islands is truly its own universe.

Excursions embrace the beauty and biodiversity of the islands, including snorkeling above reefs and around white-tipped sharks or within a sunken caldera, touring in a glass-bottomed boat along the steep rocks searching for tropical fish, hiking across black volcanic terrain, and searching for elusive creatures that even the most seasoned of wildlife lovers could only dream of seeing.

TOP TAKEAWAYS:

• The intimate size of the ship lets you enjoy a relaxed, crowd-free adventure in the Galápagos Islands. As one of only a few ships allowed to operate in the islands, it makes the most of each day.
• Immersive shore excursions don’t get any more up close and personal than this. Galápagos wildlife famously do not fear humans, so expect sea lion pups or curious birds to come up to you.
• Onboard staff feel like family. One of the cabin managers made sure we came back to our cabins each day with a fun towel animal; my favorite was a penguin. Authentic Ecuadorian chocolate is also placed bedside each night.