Large boatsThere are a few large boats in the Galapagos and their principal advantage is that they are themost stable. Thus, those prone to seasickness will prefer them. In addition, they offer moreleisure space and facilities. Cruising on a largerboat is a sociable and friendly experience withopportunities for meeting people from all overthe world; conversely it is also the option to gofor if you prefer to maintain some privacy fromfellow passengers, as there is less of an intimatefeel than on smaller boats. Shore excursions willbe carried out in groups of 12-16 and there is noneed for concern over lengthy disembarkationtimes, as these boats have a well-practicedoperation in place.Hand-picked boatsThe boats featured in this brochure are by nomeans exhaustive as there are around 100 vessels operating around the archipelago.However, the following boats have beeninspected and hand-picked by us. We insist upon boats with excellent naturalist guides,friendly crew and superb standards of food, andall boats featured have cabins with private facilitiesand air-conditioning. Crucially, all have the highestsafety standards and environmental credentials.We are aware of a number of cheaper vesselsoperating in the archipelago, but we cannot beconfident about their service or theirenvironmental and safety standards.PricesAgainst each boat you will see either one, two orthree £ symbols. These are provided to give anindicative comparison of prices between vessels.In reality the price of a trip will vary by season,the duration of the cruise and whether there areany particular special offers at time of booking.Please speak to our Galapagos specialists forfurther guidance on prices or visit our website.www.audleytravel.com/galapagos ?01993 838 635 ?Galapagos cruises13Sun deck on the EclipseSanta CruzNo two days are the same in the Galapagosdue to the enormous diversity of landscapes,flora and fauna on the islands, but they do fallinto a comfortable routine. An early morningwake up call is soothed by the sound ofwaves lapping up against the boat, and thecool morning air is refreshing for your earlyencounter with the local wildlife. Breakfast isserved before being taken ashore on a'panga' (a small inflatable speedboat) and ledby your expert naturalist guide in a group ofno more than 16 people (the maximumnumber allowed by the Galapagos NationalPark). On shore you will follow a designatedtrail, carefully avoiding sleeping sea lions andnesting sea birds, having the opportunity toobserve and photograph the wildlife at closequarters. Depending on the location, anoptional snorkelling tour will be offeredbefore returning to the boat for lunch andthe opportunity for a siesta to avoid themidday heat.By mid afternoon your boat will havenavigated to another bay or island where theprocess is repeated, perhaps this time with abeach landing and some time to relax andswim in the turquoise water afterencountering the wildlife. As the equatorialsun sets, it will be time for a drink on deckand dinner, followed by an evening briefingfrom your guide. Most people go to bedearly in the Galapagos thanks to thecombination of fresh air, new experiencesand hearty food, in preparation for thefollowing morning's adventures.A typical day on boardPanga excursionSnorkellingLand excursion

14Small sail boatsSAMBA£The Samba is an immaculate 24 metre motorvessel. She is comfortable, impeccably clean, well laid-out with indoor and outdoor dining areas astern, and always receives glowing feedbackfrom Audley clients. Despite her small hull she is relatively stable, thanks to a specially designed high bow and stabilising sail. 14 guests areaccommodated in seven cabins, six with bunk bedsand a small porthole, and one double-bed cabin on the upper deck with a panoramic window. CACHALOTE£This classic motor sailor accommodates 16passengers in her eight characterful bunk bedcabins. She is an excellent value option with agood reputation for her naturalist guides. Thethree wooden decks are dotted with seats andcushions on which to relax in the shade orsunbathe during the cruise. Most cabins aresituated below deck and have a single porthole,but one cabin leads off from the main deck salonand has more space and a larger window.BEAGLE£-££Guests on this 32 metre schooner, named afterDarwin's famous HMS Beagle, will receive a veryhospitable welcome from the Ecuadorian owner.The boat is furnished with elegant teak decks and interiors and has seven cabins that canaccommodate a total of 13 passengers. The deckspace is ideal for relaxation and sunbathing whilstcruising between islands, and there is a small alfresco dining area to the rear of the vessel.Standard cabin, SambaSun deck, CachaloteGalapagos sea lionsStandard cabin, Beagle