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Alya

A smooth riding and luxurious catamaran offering 5 and 6 day cruises in the Galapagos Islands.

Overview

The Alya yacht is a luxury-class catamaran offering fascinating Galapagos cruising on a selection of 5 and 6-day itineraries around the islands. With 9 beautifully designed cabins, personalized onboard service, and fantastic indoor and outdoor social areas, your expectations of cruise comfort and relaxation will surely be surpassed. Certified guides will introduce you to the most breathtaking Galapagos sites with thrilling complete itineraries combining hiking, snorkeling, and kayaking.

The Jewel Of Galapagos

Unique and exclusive design features can be found in every detail of the 16-passenger Alya catamaran, throughout the cabins and social areas. The boat’s molten glass decorations are inspired by the natural harmony and colors of the sky, sea, and earth that you will see as you cruise the enchanting waters of the Galapagos archipelago.

In the dining room area, the most delicious menu of local and international dishes is cooked by professional chefs. There are plenty of opportunities for post-dinner relaxation as well, in the jacuzzi, lounge, or just enjoying a drink from one of the catamaran’s two bars.

All of the nine spacious yet cozy en-suite cabins have ocean views, eight of which also boast stunning private balconies, so you can feel in the midst of nature at every point of your navigation, and may even spot dolphins and manta rays playing in the water from the comfort of your room. The other cabin, despite not having a balcony, is comfortably one of the best options for solo travelers in the islands, being equally spacious with a large matrimonial bed, and yet no single supplement is applicable.

Explore The Islands

The Alya’s eight crew members and bilingual, certified naturalist guide will make your journey through the Galapagos Islands a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Their expert knowledge of the islands, waters, flora, and fauna that makes the Galapagos National Park such a singular destination is unparalleled. The guides will introduce you to many endemic species of plants and animals as you take part in authorized hikes through these protected lands.

No trip to these islands is complete without joining the wildlife in the water and getting a close view of the turtles, fish, sea lions, and dolphins in their natural habitat. The boat is equipped with high-quality snorkeling equipment and wetsuits as well as kayaks, dinghies, and paddle-boards, so you can tour the crystal clear sea any way you choose.

Home Away From Home

Sharing this adventure with just 16 guests onboard the Alya catamaran will make for an enriching and enjoyable voyage that you will never forget. The luxurious and comfortable social areas on the boat are the perfect place to share your experiences with your fellow travelers and make new friends. After the day’s excursions, you can settle in for a movie night in the lounge, sign in to the all-new Mydas App, which offers onboard entertainment such as movies, digital books, and educational material, or swap stories over a delicious meal and a signature cocktail.

As well as your time spent exploring the islands, kayaking through the clear waters, and birdwatching from Alya’s sundeck, the friendly crew and experienced cruise director aim to make your trip even more enjoyable with cooking classes, theme nights, and personalized service to make you feel completely at home.

Itineraries & Prices

All itineraries are subject to change due to seasonal weather conditions (and resultant variations in river and tributary water levels) affecting accessibility to locations. Thus navigation routes, times and excursions may need to be modified at the cruise captain’s or your guide's discretion.

1 / 3
5-Day A
6-Day B
6-Day C

5 Day - Northern & Central Islands

itinerary map

Embarkation

AM: Today you will arrive to begin your experience at Baltra Airport. Here you will be received and transferred to the cruise port. A small ride will follow as we welcome you onboard the Alya Catamaran.

PM: Your very first lunch will be served on board. After lunch, our first visit is to Black Turtle Cove which is situated in the northern region of Santa Cruz. This bay is surrounded by mangroves and is accessible by dinghy only. The shallow cove is a safe refuge for marine life. Black-tip reef sharks, marine turtles, and a variety of rays are often spotted here. We then return to the Alya for dinner.

Alya's 5-Day Itinerary Day One - Embarkation.
Location
Baltra - Santa Cruz
Day
1 / 5

Darwin Bay & Prince Phillip’s Steps

AM: We begin the day with breakfast before our first excursion. Our visit to Darwin Bay includes short walks, photography, swimming, snorkeling. Genovesa is a small island in the north of the Galapagos. Our unloading in Darwin Bay will be wet. Near the beach is a mangrove swamp where we will find: a colony of frigates, marine iguanas, red-footed boobies and mask boobies, the great terrestrial finch, seagulls, herons, and cactus finch. Following the land visit, our passengers can enjoy a swim in the bay. Snacks and refreshments are available. Afterward, we will enjoy lunch on board.

PM: Here, we will go for a walk on the Barranco path, also known as Prince Phillip’s Steps. On our journey, we will observe tropical birds, petrels, common frigate, red-foot boobies, mask boobies, doves, and finches. Dinner will be served back on board.

Alya's 5-Day Itinerary Day Two - Finch Sighting.
Location
Genovesa
Day
2 / 5

Sullivan Bay & Bartolome Island

AM: We begin the day with breakfast before our first excursion at Sullivan Bay. Virtually uneroded lava flows cover an extensive area of this island. Lava pahoehoe (basaltic lava that has a smooth, billowy, undulating, or ropy surface), hornitos, and mollugo can be seen. Snacks and refreshing beverages await you onboard the ship. Lunch will be served on board.

PM: This afternoon we visit Bartolome Island. Activities on this island include walking, swimming, snorkeling, and photography. We will follow a path to the top (114m) where we can see pioneering plants. The island has been formed by cones, lava pipes where lava once flowed. Following the wet landing at the beach, we will follow a path through mangrove swamps and sand dune vegetation, to the south beach. At the north beach, guests can enjoy swimming and snorkeling. From the top of Bartolome, we will be able to see the islands of Santiago, Rabida, and Isabela. We will see penguins in the Rock Pinnacle. Dinner will be served on board.

Alya's 5-Day Itinerary Day Three - Galapagos Beach.
Location
Santiago
Day
3 / 5

Dragon Hill, Chinese Hat Islet & Mosquera Islet

AM: We begin the day with breakfast before our first excursion at Chinese Hat, a small islet located near the south-east coast of Santiago. It’s shaped like a Chinese hat when seen from afar. On the west side, you can see pillow-type lava formations, which are an indicator that the flows were formed under the sea and have been raised upward. This visit provides an excellent opportunity for the interpretation of geological features such as lava tubes and lava flows. The trail is 700 m (round trip) and the minimum time it takes for this trek is 30 minutes. Afterward, we return to the Alya and enjoy lunch.

PM: Mosquera Islet is located between Baltra Island and North Seymour. Here, we find the biggest sea lion colony; it is also possible to observe several species of birds. Enjoy the white sand beach. Return to the Alya for dinner.

Alya's 5-Day Itinerary Day Four - Sea Lion Sighting.
Location
Santa Cruz - Mosquera
Day
4 / 5

Disembarkation

AM: We begin the day with breakfast before our first excursion. After breakfast, we will visit Charles Darwin Station, located in the main port on Santa Cruz Island. We take a private bus to the entrance of the breeding center where we will see tortoises and land iguanas in captivity. This center is the main breeding site on the islands. Thanks to the dedicated work of several institutions, some species are being saved. Here lived Lonesome George, the famous last survivor of the giant tortoise species found on Pinta Island.

After your morning excursion, you will disembark from the Alya, and be transferred to Santa Cruz airport to catch your flight home.

Alya's 5-Day Itinerary Day Five - Disembarkation.
Location
Santa Cruz
Day
5 / 5
1 / 5

6 Day - Western Islands

itinerary map

Embarkation

AM: Today you will arrive to begin your experience at Baltra Airport. Here you will be received and transferred to the cruise port. A small ride will follow as we welcome you onboard the Alya Catamaran.

PM: Your very first lunch will be served on board. After lunch, we will visit the Highlands of Santa Cruz, where we will hike and encounter giant tortoises in their natural habitat, truly a natural wonder. For this visit, we recommend using sport shoes, long pants, a raincoat, a hat, and sun block. Afterward, we return to the Alya for dinner and your first evening on board.

Alya's 6-Day Itinerary A Day One - Embarkation.
Location
Baltra - Santa Cruz
Day
1 / 6

Moreno Point & Elizabeth Bay

AM: We begin the day with breakfast before our first excursion at Moreno Point, located on the north coast of Isabela Island between Sierra Negra and Cerro Azul Volcanoes. The main attractions at Punta Moreno are coastal lagoons amid black lava flows where there are several species of birds. It has a panoramic view of the three most active volcanoes in the Galapagos: The Sierra Negra, Isabela Island, and Fernandina Island. 

PM: Elizabeth Bay is one of the island’s best breeding sites for penguins. Located on the west coast of Isabela, Elizabeth Point is a marine visitor site. Brown pelicans, flightless cormorants, spotted eagle rays, golden rays, and sea lions are often seen at Red Mangrove Cove. Dinner will be served on board afterward.

Alya's 6-Day Itinerary A Day Two - Volcano Sighting.
Location
Isabela
Day
2 / 6

Urbina Bay & Espinoza Point

AM: We begin the day with breakfast before our first excursion at Urbina Bay. This place is located at the base of Alcedo Volcano between Elizabeth Bay and Tagus Cove. The trail length is around 3.2 km; during this, we can observe land iguanas, hawks, and tortoises. It is also possible to see red and blue lobsters.

PM: Fernandina is the third biggest island in the Galapagos and has only one visiting site - Espinoza Point. Famous for the large colonies of marine iguanas and the home of the flightless cormorant, the Galapagos penguin, snakes, and more. Fernandina is the only island that doesn’t have mammals, and the open areas are extremely fragile. We take great care when walking (from January - June), the nesting period of the marine iguana. Dinner will be served back on board.

Alya's 6-Day Itinerary A Day Three - Marine Iguana Sighting.
Location
Isabela - Fernandina
Day
3 / 6

Tagus Cove & Vicente Roca Point

AM: We begin the day with breakfast before our first excursion. Tagus Cove is located to the west of Darwin Volcano on Isabela Island. While walking, we will find several inscriptions dating back to the 1800s. From here, we can see Darwin Lake, a saltwater lake containing no fish. It is very common to see a variety of bird species here.

PM: Vicente Roca Point is comprised of two separate coves. This site is a large bay with spectacular sea life. Keep an eye out for seahorses, sea turtles, and the strange yet fascinating sunfish. Dinner served back on board.

Alya's 6-Day Itinerary A Day Four - Red-Footed Booby.
Location
Isabela
Day
4 / 6

Espumilla Beach & Egas Port

AM: We begin the day with breakfast before our first excursion at Espumilla Beach. The main attractions include Palo Santo Wood, the beach, and the stunning landscape. The beach is a very important site for tortoises because they use this place for nesting. We will return on board for lunch.

PM: At Egas Port, we find a beautiful black sand beach. To the south of the beach is the Pan de Azucar Volcano, whose volcanic deposits have contributed to the formation of the black sand beach. The crater of this volcano contains a saltwater lake that dries up during hot weather. 

Alya's 6-Day Itinerary A Day Five - Beach Excursion.
Location
Santiago
Day
5 / 6

Disembarkation

AM: We begin the day with breakfast before our final excursion. The beautiful Bachas beach is located in the north of Santa Cruz Island. The site was named during WWII when the American army left two barges on the beach. The early colonists couldn’t pronounce barges correctly, so they called the area “Bachas”.

After your morning excursion, you will disembark from the Alya, and be transferred to Santa Cruz airport to catch your flight home.

Alya's 6-Day Itinerary A Day Six - Disembarkation.
Location
Santa Cruz
Day
6 / 6
1 / 6

6 Day - Southern Islands

itinerary map

Embarkation

PM: Today you will arrive to begin your experience at Baltra Airport. Here you will be received and transferred to the cruise port. A small ride will follow as we welcome you onboard the Alya Catamaran.

Your first excursion will be at Seymour, which was formed by the lifting of volcanic marine lava. In 1932, Captain Alan Hancock and his crew took 72 malnourished land iguanas from Baltra Island to North Seymour Island so that the iguanas could live in better conditions. In 1934, colonists verified that the iguanas were in good condition. The vegetation of North Seymour is bushy and is host to nesting real frigates of the Galapagos. Afterward, we return to the Alya for your first dinner on board.

Alya's 6-Day Itinerary B Day One - Embarkation.
Location
Seymour
Day
1 / 6

South Plaza & Santa Fe

AM: We begin the day with breakfast before our first excursion. South Plazas are two small islands, created by an uplifting of the land. The land iguanas are smaller here; they nest during the warm season. The hike goes along an extraordinary cliff where sea birds nest. There are over 1000 sea lions located on the south side of the Plazas. Return to the Alya for lunch on board.

PM: Santa Fe will include hiking, swimming, and snorkeling. This central island is a unique place to visit. It has an incredible bay of turquoise water, protected by a natural barrier of rocks. You will see colonies of seals as hawks fly overhead. This island is home to one of the two species of land iguanas found in the Galapagos. Their main food source is the leaves and fruit of the large, thick cactus found here. The bay is an excellent place to swim and snorkel. Marine tortoises, rays, sea lions, and tropical fish are an amazing attraction! Snacks and refreshing beverages are waiting for you on board. Dinner will be served afterward.

Alya's 6-Day Itinerary B Day Two - Giant Tortoises.
Location
South Plaza - Santa Fe
Day
2 / 6

Interpretation Center & Lobos Island

AM: After breakfast, our first visit is to the Interpretation Center of San Cristobal. This architectural space was designed for the natural interpretation of the Galapagos. You will learn about the volcanic formation of the islands, the evolution of the species, the history of human settlement, and complex systems and management models. Return to the Alya for lunch.

PM: Our visit to Lobos Island includes panga riding, swimming, and snorkeling. Here, we can walk, swim and snorkel among the seals, frigates, marine iguanas, lava lizards, and the small endemic Galapagos snake.

Alya's 6-Day Itinerary B Day Three - Frigate Bird Sighting.
Location
San Cristobal
Day
3 / 6

Gardner Bay & Suarez Point

AM: We begin the day with breakfast before our first excursion. We visit Gardner Bay for a short walk, swimming, snorkeling, and observation of the sea lion colony. In Gardner Bay, we are going to find many of them relaxing on the beach enjoying the sun. In addition to observing these fascinating animals, while snorkeling, we will be able to swim with sea lions, sea turtles, a diversity of tropical fish, marine iguanas, etc. Return Alya for lunch.

PM: This afternoon we visit Suarez Point for walking and sight-seeing. There is no color more amazing and outstanding in this tropical desert island than that of the blue-foot boobies. The albatross, an aristocratic bird weighing up to four kilograms, can also be observed here. It is important to note that albatrosses will not be seen between January and March (non-breeding) season. Our walk will be on lava rock where we will be able to see lava tubes. Red mangroves are found here. Delicious snacks and fresh beverages are waiting for you on the ship. Dinner will be served afterward.

Alya's 6-Day Itinerary B Day Four - Walking Excursion.
Location
Española
Day
4 / 6

Cormorant Point, Devil's Crown & Cerro Alieri

AM: We begin the day with breakfast before our first excursion. Cormorant Point will be a wet landing, with snorkeling and short trekking. This point is located west of Floreana Island and it is famous for its dark green beach (due to the great number of olivine crystals). You can see many marine invertebrates, as well as sea lions, sea iguanas, frigates, and pelicans.

Activities at Devil’s Crown you can enjoy a panga ride around a small island, a satellite islet of Floreana Island. Here, we will find a group of rocks that resemble a Crown due to the constant erosion caused by the sea. It is one of the better places to snorkel in the interior and around the crown. Excellent visibility allows guests to admire a great variety of fish and sea animals. Return to the Alya for lunch.

PM: Cerro Alieri is located east of Port Velasco Ibarra. This place may be muddy and it may rain but it will be a wonderful afternoon hike! We return to the Alya for dinner. 

Alya's 6-Day Itinerary B Day Five - Pelican Sighting
Location
Floreana
Day
5 / 6

Disembarkation

AM: We begin the day with breakfast before our final excursion. Today we have trekking - we will find giant tortoises in their natural habitat. For this visit, we recommend good walking shoes, long pants, a raincoat, a hat, and sunblock. 

After your morning excursion, you will disembark from the Alya, and be transferred to Santa Cruz airport to catch your flight home.

Alya's 6-Day Itinerary B Day Six - Disembarkation.
Location
Santa Cruz
Day
6 / 6
1 / 6

Accommodations

Social Areas

Dining
Lounge
Bar
Bridge
Sun Deck
Outdoors Plunge Pool
Bow
Entrance
Boarding Area
Bar with a sea view
Bridge
Sun Deck Jacuzzi
Bow area
The door by the Muster Station on the deck

Suites & Cabins

Alya - Standard Cabin Alya - Standard Cabin Alya - Standard Cabin Alya’s Standard Balcony Cabin - Bathroom Amenities. Alya’s Standard Balcony Cabin - Amenities.
9 Cabins

Standard Cabin

Guests
2
Size
18-22 m² / 194-236 ft²
Beds
Double / Twin

All standard cabins (#2-9) come with air conditioning and beds with feather pillows and cotton sheets for your comfort, plus spacious closets and safe for your valuables. Their ensuite hot shower bathrooms are equipped with all the necessities you'll need, from shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and hairdryer, to bath and hand towels. 8 of the 9 cabins have twin convertible beds and private balcony.

Alya - Single Cabin Alya - Single Cabin
1 Cabin

Single Cabin

Guests
1
Size
18 m² / 194 ft²
Beds
Matrimonial

The Alya single cabin (#1) is equipped with a convertible bed, private bathroom, spacious closets, feather pillows, cotton sheets, hot/cold water, air conditioning, hair dryer, internal phone, safe and loudspeaker. This cabin is available with no single supplement for solo passengers or additional travelers who are part of odd-numbered groups and families.

Technical Information

Deck Plan

Alya Deck Plan

Features

  • Cabins with balconies
  • Air conditioning
  • Pool / Jacuzzi
  • Lecture room
  • WIFI available

Equipment

  • Snorkeling gear
  • Wetsuits
  • Stand up paddleboard
  • Kayaks / Canoes
** Use of certain equipment at additional cost, ask for details
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