Alya
Adventure Cruise · Galápagos
Luxury catamaran cruising through the heart of the Galapagos Islands.
About This Vessel
Alya is a small adventure cruise ship exploring the Galápagos region. It hosts up to 16 guests on board.
Experience the Galapagos in style aboard the Alya, a luxurious catamaran offering intimate small-ship cruises with private balconies and exceptional naturalist-led wildlife encounters.
Set against the backdrop of the enchanted Galapagos Islands, the Alya luxury catamaran provides an unparalleled gateway to one of the world's most pristine marine environments. As you navigate through these volcani…
Upcoming Departures
Onboard Amenities
Dining & Beverages
Dining on the Alya is a highlight, featuring a blend of local Ecuadorian dishes and international cuisine. Breakfast and lunch are served buffet-style, while dinner is a set-menu affair. The chef is happy to accommodate special dietary needs such as vegan or vegetarian options with advance notice.
Dive Equipment & Setup
Shore excursions & land activities
The Alya offers an immersive land-based exploration of the Galapagos Islands. Daily excursions are carefully planned to ensure guests experience the archipelago's unique terrestrial environments, with guided walks and hiking tours led by expert naturalists. These landings provide opportunities to discover wildlife and nature on land, visiting prime sites at a considered pace. Guests are guided by knowledgeable naturalist guides who enhance every landing, sharing insights into the islands' unique ecosystems. Alongside these land adventures, guests may also enjoy guided snorkeling sessions from the ship.
Wildlife you may see on shore
Typical land and shore animals in Galapagos. Sightings depend on route and season and are never guaranteed.
Galápagos Tortoise
Reptiles
Marine Iguana
Reptiles
Galápagos Land Iguana
Reptiles
Galápagos Penguin
Birds
Blue-footed Booby
Birds
Nazca Booby
Birds
Red-footed Booby
Birds
Waved Albatross
Birds
Flightless Cormorant
Birds
Galápagos Hawk
Birds
Galápagos Sea Lion
Mammals
Galápagos Fur Seal
Mammals
Discover all wildlife of Galapagos
Browse the full animal guide on our Nature & Wildlife page.
Important Information
What's Included
Airport assistance on cruise departure dates · Transportation and fuel surcharge in the Galapagos Marine Reserve
Not Included & Local Fees
Galapagos National Park entrance fee ($200 per person) · Gratuities
Airport Transfers
Airport transfers are included in the trip price.
Travel Insurance
We recommend comprehensive travel insurance for every cruise, covering trip cancellation and interruption, medical treatment and emergency evacuation abroad, and baggage loss or delay. · Remote destinations such as the Galápagos, Antarctica or the Arctic make evacuation cover especially important.
How to Get There
Fly into mainland Ecuador first: Quito (UIO) or Guayaquil (GYE). · Continue on a domestic flight (approx. 2–3 h) to Baltra (GPS) or San Cristóbal (SCY), depending on where your ship embarks.
Visa & Entry Requirements
Your cruise visits Ecuador (including the Galápagos Islands). Visa requirements, electronic travel authorisations and passport-validity rules depend on your nationality and travel documents. Check the current official guidance linked below, including transit-country rules, before travelling. · Ecuador’s official entry guidance lists six months of passport validity for visitors travelling on a passport. Some South American nationals may use an eligible national identity document instead. Certain nationalities require a visa before arrival; check the official nationality list rather than assuming visa-free entry. Source checked on 15 October 2026.
Accommodation
Main Deck Cabins
Double/Twin • Main Deck
Comfortable cabins located on the main deck, featuring modern amenities and en-suite bathrooms.
Upper Deck Cabins
Double/Twin • Upper Deck
Spacious upper deck cabins offering beautiful ocean views and private balconies for relaxation.
Booking & Travel FAQ
How does the booking process work?
Select a cabin and departure on Alya, and we send a real-time inquiry to the operator. After availability is confirmed, you receive a booking confirmation by email and secure your spot with a deposit.
When do I need to pay?
A deposit (usually 25-35%) is due upon confirmation. The remaining balance is typically due 4-8 weeks before departure, depending on the operator.
What documents will I receive?
After your final payment, you'll receive a travel voucher with meeting point, embarkation time, airport transfer details, packing tips, and your full itinerary.
How do I get to the cruise ship?
Adventure cruise ships embark at a designated port or meeting point, depending on the itinerary. Some operators arrange airport pickup, group flights or transfers; check your booking confirmation and travel voucher for what is included. We recommend arriving in the gateway city at least one day before departure, unless your operator provides different instructions.
What clothing and footwear should I bring?
Bring sturdy, closed-toe walking shoes with good grip for shore visits, and comfortable clothing suited to your destination's weather. Pack breathable layers, a sun hat and sun protection for warm regions; for colder or wetter conditions, add warm layers and a waterproof, windproof jacket. Check the operator's packing list for landing footwear, any supplied equipment and specific requirements.
Can I cancel or change my booking?
Cancellation terms vary by operator and are in your confirmation. Generally, the earlier you cancel the higher the refund. Changes depend on availability, contact us as soon as possible.
Vessel Technical Overview
Vessel Specifications
Navigation & Safety Systems
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