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.   

 

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Heather,

We returned home Friday from our trip that was arranged through your company.

Everything was wonderful, an experience of a lifetime. From the time we stepped off the plane in Quito, everything was perfect. Our guide in Quito was excellent, and we enjoyed our hotel and the city tour. From the minute  we arrived in Galápagos and was met by our guide Jimmie, things got even better. We loved the Samba. The crew was amazing, especially Captain Jose. Enough cannot be said about Jimmie, he was just exceptional. Our guide in Puerto Ayora, Sandi was excellent as well, very nice and extremely knowledgeable.

Our travel mates were all very nice people that were similar in age and interests. Friendships were made.

I especially want to thank you for accommodating our last minute request for lodging closer to the airport, on our return to Quito. Staying next to the airport made our early morning departure much easier.

Jeff (USA) on the Active Galapagos Samba trip

Jeff Boyd
Illinois, USA

 

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