There are 65 expedition cruise ships plying Galapagos waters.  A small handful carry 90-100 passengers and a few more carry between 32 and 48 people.  The vast majority (apx. 50 of them) carry 20 or fewer guests. We are strong proponents of the small ship approach to Galapagos. Only on a small ship can you expect to develop the kind of intimacy with your natural surroundings that a Galapagos expedition cruise is all about.

But of the 50 or so such small ships, which one to choose for our photography workshops?  We considered reputation, price point, itinerary configuration, design and many other variables.  It was a also critical that your expert photographer endorse the ship.  After careful consideration, we chose the 16 passenger Anahi.  More comfortable that a tourist superior ship, but not in the "luxury" class, and at what we consider a good price point, this very functional ship received a thumbs up from your photographer/tour leader, Tui De Roy.  

The catamaran Anahi is owned and operated by an Ecuadorian couple with strong Galapagos roots. Built in 2006, it was extensively refurbished in 2024. 

 

 Functional embarkation platforms at the stern - making for easy access to zodiacs, and an occasional swim:

 

All cabins have a private bathroom and air conditioning. The 2 upper deck suites are more spacious and include a sitting area:  

 

While the six main deck cabins (smartly located off a hallway leading to the lounge and dining area) can be configured as either twin or matrimonial beds. 

 

 

 

Sun Deck

Jacuzzi - nice after a snorkel...

Bar / Al Fresco dining

Lounge

Dining

 

DECK PLANS  

The main deck consists of the lounge, the dining area and 6 standard cabins.  The upper deck has the bar, jacuzzi and two suite.  A sun deck at the top also provides and excellent vantage point for whale watching.    


 

 

ZODIACS:  One underappreciated advantage found on the Monserrat is its large zodiacs.  They're extra large - built to carry 12 passengers (10 guests, a guide and a zodiac driver), but we'll have a maximum 10 people on board - meaning a greater ease of moving about on the zodiac, swinging any camera gear around as you try to get that nice shot, and overall greater comfort.  They are also more stable at beach landings.   

 

Launch Booking System

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Both of us join in what I am sure is a chorus of folks who feel that your Galapagos tour is the best experience. We found of course that the guide is critical for a meaningful experience-and Juan is a treasure in that respect.These islands have many reasons to be unique and special and your tour shows them off well. We value your special contribution of our phone conversation when we  were trying to decide whether to go and your help with our lodging and tour of the market.We enjoyed the mix of our co-passingers.

Ed and Charlotte
USA

 

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