Cruising on The Beagle in the Galapagos

This trip is for bucket list seekers, says Annie Ross
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Annie Ross20 March 2017

Never will you want time to pass slower than during a trip on The Beagle in the Galapagos.

Today, the Ecuadorian archipelago, isolated by its distance from other landmasses, is one of a few places to observe how nature fares without the influence of humans. Aboard The Beagle, you can put yourself into Charles Darwin’s shoes during his five-week stint there in 1835 as part of his famous Voyage of The Beagle.

The Galapagos-registered Beagle hosts unforgettable journeys around the world-famous islands. Living aboard the sailboat for a week, you experience wonders on foot, by snorkel, by kayak and right from the deck of the yacht. Every day reminds you why The Galapagos feature so frequently on bucket lists. Book with a quality company like The Beagle and leave it to the experts to plan the best.

“The natural history of these islands is eminently curious, and well deserves attention.” – Darwin, Voyage of the Beagle
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Style

The Beagle is an English-built 27m motor sailing boat and is kept ship shape by an excellent crew of five. The wooden-decked boat has plenty of room above and below deck for its fourteen-guest capacity and provides a wonderfully authentic experience of the Galapagos. The comfortable living quarters and high quality food make this boat a far cry from the Victorian realities of Darwin’s Beagle.

The Beagle with the sails raised.
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The yacht has an exceptional itinerary; a line-up of morning and afternoon excursions hosted by the on-board naturalist guide. Short treks on shore, snorkels along the coast line, kayak excursions and marine life observation while navigating provide the variety needed to enjoy the full range of native Galapagos species and landscapes.

Enrique, the on-board naturalist, explaining geology of the islands
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The dedication and flexibility of the guide and crew aboard The Beagle are first class; the captain changing tack to get a better view of dolphins and mola mola, the guide sacrificing shoes to help guests cross tide-flooded paths and the onboard engineer ready for anything - they go to all lengths to ensure the best trip for all.

Facilities

Everything has been thought of aboard The Beagle to make your stay special. The cabins have plenty of storage, en suite bathrooms, hot showers, air conditioning and two beds; one single and one double stacked on top of each other.

The crew kit you out with wetsuits, snorkel, mask and fins for the marine excursions and The Beagle’s two accompanying dinghies take you on and off the boat. There is an indoor common area complete with TV and a selection of Galapagos-relevant books and documentaries but really all the action is on deck, where at any moment you could see marine life.

Miguel on the Zodiac dinghy
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Extra-curricular

The guided excursions from The Beagle take you on your own voyage, the naturalist guide on hand to explain the flora, fauna and geological marvels. Above water you can look forward to giant tortoises, iguanas, sea lions, frigate birds, blue-footed, red-footed and nazca boobies (seabirds) and striking volcanic landscapes.

Nazca boobies on Isla Genovesa
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Below water, with the use of the boat’s snorkelling gear, you have a near certain chance of floating alongside sea turtles, sea lions, marine iguanas, rays and uncountable varieties of fish. We had spectacular encounters with flightless cormorants, Galapagos sharks, dolphins and hammerhead sharks too. From the deck of the boat you can hope for bottlenose and common dolphins, mola mola, manta rays and whales.

Turtle in Punta Vincente Roca
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The food

The multiple course meals you are treated to cannot fail to exceed expectations. The abundance of fresh fruit, vegetables, fish and meat meant the feasts prepared by Fernando, your on-board chef, continued to astound meal after meal during the week. Dietary requirements are catered for and the alternatives are equally as delicious.

Which room

There are seven cabins on The Beagle, each sleeping two people. The cabins are all similar bar one, which is a bit narrower and could suit a solo traveller.

Downsides

If you have an aversion to water, this may not be the trip for you.

Best for

Bucket list-seekers. Those looking for a high quality authentic experience of the wildlife and geological marvels.

Dolphins from aboard the Beagle
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When to go

The Galapagos Archipelago spans the equator and while it is blessed with good weather all year round, the various currents that pass through determine two principle seasons. The cooler season is from June to November, when there can be a drizzling mist and stronger winds. It is during this period that albatrosses and whales are more common. The warmer season is from December to May, when water temperature rises, clouds increase and rain is more likely.

Cool cruises - in pictures

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Details

Rack price is £3,250 per person for a seven-day cruise, all food and activities included. There are two Galapagos itineraries aboard The Beagle, the North West and the South East. TheBeagle.com.ec

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