by Sarah Kuta
Last updated: 11:35 AM ET, Thu July 18, 2024
If you’ve always had the Galápagos Islands on your travel bucket list, there’s never been a better time to book a trip with AdventureSmith Explorations.
The small-ship cruise line is helping travelers make the most of their time in the Galápagos with new ships and premier experiences.
“This is an exciting time to plan travel to the Galápagos Islands,” says Todd Smith, AdventureSmith Explorations founder and president, who also serves as an elected board member for the International Galapagos Tour Operators Association. “After a multi-year lull, we’re seeing a boom in new or renovated ships accessing the region—particularly in the luxury space.”
There’s still time to plan a Galápagos trip this year, and travelers can choose from several new vessels. The 16-guest Cormorant II, for example, launched in 2023 and offers some of the largest suites in the region—including massive balconies and private hot tubs. Another new vessel, the Galapagos Angel, launched in 2024. The 16-guest, carbon-neutral ship feels like a private yacht, with al fresco dining areas and a Jacuzzi.
Though wildlife and outdoor adventures are main attractions in the Galápagos, there’s also plenty for foodies to enjoy. For example, the 20-guest Evolve and its sister ships, Origin and Theory, are hosting special epicurean sailings this year in honor of the 70th anniversary of Relais & Châteaux. AdventureSmith Explorations also has a new Western Islands itinerary that includes a stop at Montemar, a private tortoise sanctuary that offers coffee-tasting experiences.
For travelers who like to plan ahead, there’s the new 20-guest Hermes mega-catamaran to look forward to. Slated to launch in the spring of 2025, the vessel has 24/7 butler service, a spa and luxurious in-room amenities. The newly refurbished 48-guest National Geographic Gemini and the 16-guest National Geographic Delfina (formerly Celebrity Xploration) will also debut next spring.
“The Delfina catamaran is a notable new arrival, filling a niche for high-level educational experiences on smaller Galápagos ships,” says Smith. “While many 16-passenger ships are available, none of them have the National Geographic touch that the Delfina now brings to this smaller capacity.”
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