Alya is a luxury Galapagos catamaran for just 16 guests, with spacious cabins of up to 22 m², private balconies, an outdoor jacuzzi and Starlink Wi-Fi. It sails 5 and 6-day North, West and South itineraries from Baltra with a bilingual naturalist guide. Cruises from US$4,600 per person.
Let’s talk about your tripAlya at a glance
| Category | Luxury |
| Vessel type | Motor catamaran, built in 2017 |
| Capacity | 16 guests in 9 cabins, 8 with private balcony |
| Crew | 9 crew members, a cruise director and a bilingual naturalist guide |
| Size | 31.5 m (103 ft) long, 12.5 m (41 ft) beam; cruising speed 12 knots |
| Itineraries | North (A) 5 days; West (B) and South (C) 6 days |
| Embarkation | Baltra Airport |
| Departures | Monday, Thursday and Saturday, depending on the itinerary |
Cabins on board the Alya
All 9 cabins have a private bathroom with shower, air conditioning, a safe box, a hair dryer, bathrobes and eco-friendly amenities.
- Main deck cabins 2 to 5: 22 m² (237 ft²), twin or matrimonial beds and a private balcony.
- Upper deck cabins 6 to 9: 18 m² (194 ft²), twin or matrimonial beds and a private balcony.
- Main deck cabin 1: matrimonial bed.
Alya deck plans
Life on board
Guests share a living room with a coffee station, a bar and restaurant, a dining room with ocean views, a sundeck and an outdoor jacuzzi. Vegetarian and vegan options are available, and Wi-Fi is provided via Starlink (connection can be intermittent in remote areas).
Each day includes guided excursions with your naturalist guide: hikes, snorkeling, sea kayaking, paddle boarding and dinghy rides. Snorkeling gear and wetsuits are included.
Alya itineraries
- North (A), 5 days (Thursday to Monday): Santa Cruz (Black Turtle Cove, Charles Darwin Station), Genovesa (Darwin Bay, El Barranco), Santiago (Sullivan Bay), Bartolomé, Chinese Hat and Mosquera. Best for seabird colonies and the Pinnacle Rock view.
- West (B), 6 days (Monday to Saturday): Santa Cruz (Highlands, Bachas Beach), Isabela (Moreno Point, Elizabeth Bay, Urbina Bay, Tagus Cove, Vicente Roca Point), Fernandina (Espinoza Point) and Santiago (Espumilla Beach, Egas Port). Best for penguins, flightless cormorants and marine iguanas.
- South (C), 6 days (Saturday to Thursday): North Seymour, South Plaza, Santa Fe, San Cristóbal (Kicker Rock, Lobos Island), Española (Gardner Bay, Suárez Point), Floreana and the Santa Cruz Highlands. Best for waved albatross (April to December) and sea lions.
See the day-by-day program and route maps in the Itineraries tab below. Consecutive routes combine into 10 or 11-day cruises.
Is the Alya right for you?
- Couples: large cabins with private balconies and an outdoor jacuzzi.
- Active travelers: kayaking and paddle boarding on top of hikes and snorkeling.
- Remote workers and connected travelers: Starlink Wi-Fi on board.
- Want to compare? See yachts and prices in our Galapagos cruises table or browse more luxury Galapagos cruises.
- Sister ship: the Eco Galaxy catamaran is a good alternative if your dates are full.
Frequently asked questions about the Alya
How many guests does the Alya carry?
Up to 16 guests in 9 cabins. Eight cabins have a private balcony, and a crew of nine, a cruise director and a bilingual naturalist guide look after the group.
Which itineraries does the Alya sail?
Three routes from Baltra: North (A, 5 days, Thursday to Monday), West (B, 6 days, Monday to Saturday) and South (C, 6 days, Saturday to Thursday). Consecutive routes combine into 10 or 11-day cruises.
How much does an Alya cruise cost?
2026 rates start at US$4,600 per person for the 5-day North itinerary and US$5,700 for the 6-day West and South itineraries. Ask us for current deals and last-minute availability.
Is the Alya good for people who get seasick?
As a catamaran, the Alya has twin hulls that make it more stable than a monohull yacht of similar size. If you are prone to seasickness, we still recommend bringing motion-sickness medication.
What is included in the price?
All meals and snacks after activities, non-alcoholic drinks, guided excursions with a bilingual naturalist guide, airport transfers in Galapagos, snorkeling gear and wetsuits. Flights, the park entrance fee, the transit control card, alcohol, tips and travel insurance are not included.
What our travelers say
Reviews from travelers who booked their Galapagos trip with Nature Galapagos & Ecuador on Tripadvisor.
Plan your Alya cruise
As a local operator in Ecuador since 2006, we help you choose the right dates, cabin and itinerary, and can add flights, hotels in Quito or a tour in the Ecuadorian Amazon or Andes.
Before you travel, check the requirements to enter Galapagos and our Galapagos packing list.
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