Galapagos cruise with the motor sailer Samba

Good to know

What is special about the Samba program?

Active, personal and unique. These three adjectives best describe a day on the samba. Excursions with an experienced nature guide take place several times a day. Due to the familiar group of a maximum of 14 guests, individual interests can also be taken into account.

Watch blue-footed boobies at the wedding dance. Stare into the big, round eyes of a baby sea lion. Marvel at hundreds of marine iguanas sunbathing. Hike over lava fields. Paddle a kayak alongside sea turtles. See a Mola Mola. Swimming with sea lions or snorkeling with hammerhead sharks. Anything is possible with Samba. You are right in the middle of this cruise for active people.

On the northwest route, the small motor sailor Samba also has the rare permit for the Genovesa bird island and the lava pools of Marchena Island. Your visit is a real privilege.

Are both cruise routes equally beautiful?

Every island is unique. The wildlife also varies from island to island. This is exactly what makes a cruise in the Galapagos so exciting. If you want to see as many different islands as possible, the Southeast Route is your tour. If, on the other hand, you dream of remote islands that can only be reached by cruise, you are spot on with the northwest route. Of course, the combination of both routes is perfect.

Is there good information about nature and animals?

Definitive. The samba nature guides are very well trained. Entertaining information on the way and interesting lectures in the evening are a matter of course. The Samba attaches great importance to high-quality information and the responsible treatment of nature has the highest priority.

From personal experience, the Magazine.Travel Authors This article—a combination of scientifically sound veterinary expertise and artistic nature photography—confirms that Morris, the Samba nature guide, is excellent. He had an answer to everything and was passionate about his work. For science enthusiasts, he even included fascinating studies and doctoral theses.

Is the samba a local ship?

Yes. The Samba belongs to the Salcedo family from Galapagos and has been in the family for 30 years. As a local family, supporting the Galapagos community and protecting nature reserves is particularly important to the Salcedos. On board you will get to know the country and its people. The entire crew of the Samba comes from the Galapagos. They know and love the islands and want to bring the magic of Galapagos closer to their guests.

How does Samba support people and the environment?

In the off-season, Samba runs day trips with locals or does projects for people with disabilities. Local people, who otherwise often cannot afford such a tour, get to know the beauty of their homeland and see islands they have never set foot on. Animals and nature become tangible and the desire to preserve these wonders is strengthened.

Is there anything to consider before a stay?

The equipment on board ranges from functional to comfortable, but not luxurious. In heavy seas, there were occasional problems with the non-return valve in the bathroom, the cabins are small and the storage space is tight. For these reasons, the Samba is rightly considered a mid-range ship, although the crew's work speaks for first-class. Due to the extensive program, you will usually only use the cabin to sleep, shower and change. The language on board is English (guide) and Spanish (crew).

Conclusion: This is not a luxury cruise with a noble suite. But if you dream of a personal island adventure and nature experience, activity and service are important to you, then the samba is hard to beat.

 When can you get on board?

This depends on the booked itinerary. One possibility is that as soon as you land on Baltra Island, you will be taken to the samba and set sail. Then you can of course move into your cabin immediately and then look forward to a delicious meal, the first shore leave and a dip in the refreshing water.

Another option is that your program begins with a transfer to Santa Cruz Island. Galapagos giant tortoises in the highlands, the twin craters or the Darwin Research Center await you here. Your luggage will of course be transported. Then the samba, your cabin and a delicious meal in Puerto Ayora are ready for you.

How is the food on the samba?

The chef was fantastic. The ingredients are fresh, regional and of the best quality. Meat and vegetables come from farms on the inhabited Galapagos Islands. And on the way, the Samba accepts freshly caught fish. The vegetarian dishes were also great. Again and again the kitchen surprised us with delicious snacks for in between meals.

Water, tea and coffee are freely available. Furthermore, juice, lemonade, coconut milk or iced tea were served. Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages can be purchased if required.