Experience the natural paradise of Galapagos Islands the way Charles Darwin did, by taking a luxury yacht cruise with Quasar Expeditions. 97% of The Galapagos Archipelago, in Ecuador, is a National Park and only 3% is inhabited by humans. Considering that 10 of the 13 major islands are only accessible by sea, taking a Galapagos luxury cruise by yacht is the best and only way to visit this natural paradise.
What do you think about when someone brings up the Galapagos Islands? Do you think about Darwin, science, research and a unique location that’s home to strange and mysterious animals? Probably so—and that’s because although most people know touring the Galapagos Islands provides a once-in-a-lifetime experience, they probably don’t associate that experience with adventure. Adventure is often connected with travel experiences like diving the Great Barrier Reef, or trekking the Himalayas.
The Galapagos Islands are Ecuador’s jewel, a remarkable archipelago off the mainland that Charles Darwin observed leading to his Theory of Evolution. Are you ready to discover breathtaking landscapes, have up-close encounters with rare wildlife, dive into the marine world, and relax in accommodations as unique as the islands? If the answer is yes, tour buses won’t cut it. You’re looking for full access to the island’s hidden gems.
It’s finally time for the luxury Galapagos cruise you’ve been dreaming of; you deserve to experience the islands as an adventurer—not a tourist. Quasar Expeditions can help. The boutique cruise line recently revamped Princess Grace Kelly’s historic honeymoon yacht ahead of this year’s expeditions in the famous archipelago.
The 147-footer, originally built by Camper and Nicholsons, was gifted to the American actress and Prince Rainier III by Aristotle Onassis for their wedding in 1956. The honeymooners took the elegant vessel along the coasts of Corsica and Sardinia before eventually parting with it in 1958. Fast forward to 2007, Quasar Expeditions landed the yacht and christened it Grace. The team has carried out renovation work before, but this was quite a significant refit.
Outside, meanwhile, the expanded deck will give guests a full view of the wildlife, such as dolphins, whales, manta rays and sea lions. You might even spot rare birds such as the Galápagos’s famed blue-footed boobies and short-eared owls.
Beyond aesthetics, Grace’s propulsion was upgraded. With new engines, generators, stabilizers and propellors, the yacht is smoother, quieter and more efficient. She can now hit a maximum speed of 15 knots—not that you’re in a hurry, of course.
Grace sleeps 18 and operates exclusively in the Galápagos. She offers three different itineraries inspired by Darwin’s adventurers: two eight-day voyages and one 15-day trip.
Photography: Quasar Expeditions
