galapagos 43 sailboat

Review of Galapagos 43

Basic specs..

The boat is equipped with 3 cabins, 6 berths and 598.0 liter fresh water capacity.

The boat equipped with a ketch rig. A ketch rig is generally considered easier to handle, because the sails are smaller, and because it can sail on most points to the wind with one sail completely taken down for repair or while reefing. The sail configuration of a ketch allows for better comfort and stability when sailing downwind or on a broad reach.

The Galapagos 43 is equipped with a fin keel. The fin keel is the most common keel and provides splendid manoeuvrability. The downside is that it has less directional stability than a long keel.

The boat can only enter major marinas as the draft is about 2.10 - 2.20 meter (6.89 - 7.19 ft) dependent on the load. See immersion rate below.

Sailing characteristics

This section covers widely used rules of thumb to describe the sailing characteristics. Please note that even though the calculations are correct, the interpretation of the results might not be valid for extreme boats.

What is Capsize Screening Formula (CSF)?

The capsize screening value for Galapagos 43 is 1.87, indicating that this boat could - if evaluated by this formula alone - be accepted to participate in ocean races.

What is Theoretical Maximum Hull Speed?

The theoretical maximal speed of a displacement boat of this length is 7.8 knots. The term "Theoretical Maximum Hull Speed" is widely used even though a boat can sail faster. The term shall be interpreted as above the theoretical speed a great additional power is necessary for a small gain in speed.

The immersion rate is defined as the weight required to sink the boat a certain level. The immersion rate for Galapagos 43 is about 272 kg/cm, alternatively 1526 lbs/inch. Meaning: if you load 272 kg cargo on the boat then it will sink 1 cm. Alternatively, if you load 1526 lbs cargo on the boat it will sink 1 inch.

Sailing statistics

This section is statistical comparison with similar boats of the same category. The basis of the following statistical computations is our unique database with more than 26,000 different boat types and 350,000 data points.

What is Motion Comfort Ratio (MCR)?

What is L/B (Length Beam Ratio)?

What is a Ballast Ratio?

What is Displacement Length Ratio?

SA/D (Sail Area Displacement ratio) Indicates how fast the boat is in light wind: - Cruising Boats have ratios 10-15 - Cruiser-Racers have ratios 16-20 - Racers have ratios above 20 - High-Performance Racers have ratios above 24 Sail-area/displacement ratio (SA/D ratio): 21.69

Maintenance

When buying anti-fouling bottom paint, it's nice to know how much to buy. The surface of the wet bottom is about 47m 2 (505 ft 2 ). Based on this, your favourite maritime shop can tell you the quantity you need.

If you need to renew parts of your running rig and is not quite sure of the dimensions, you may find the estimates computed below useful.

This section is reserved boat owner's modifications, improvements, etc. Here you might find (or contribute with) inspiration for your boat.

Do you have changes/improvements you would like to share? Upload a photo and describe what you have done.

We are always looking for new photos. If you can contribute with photos for Galapagos 43 it would be a great help.

If you have any comments to the review, improvement suggestions, or the like, feel free to contact us . Criticism helps us to improve.

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The Best Galápagos Island Cruises

A cruise is one of the best ways to see all that this remote Ecuadorian archipelago has to offer.

There's no better way to cover ground on your trip to the Galápagos Islands than to sail on a multiday cruise.

Galápagos National Park regulates the number and type of tourist boats that are allowed to operate in the famously biodiverse area. This helps with overcrowding, conserving the environment, and minimizing stress on the amazing wildlife of the Galápagos. Many tourist boats in the area offer five- to seven-day all-inclusive itineraries that are strictly monitored by the national park officials. There are also cruises operating illegally, so you have to take care when choosing a tour.

To help you find a cruise fit for your wildest dreams, we've rounded up 14 of the best options, whether you prefer a small ship or bigger vessel, an action-packed itinerary or a casual drift around this remote archipelago in the Pacific.

5 Things to do in Galápagos

Small galápagos cruises.

Most of the cruise ships in the Galápagos Islands carry fewer than 20 passengers. These vessels, typically motor yachts, can't provide some of the luxurious amenities available on larger ships, but they do ensure personalized service, a more intimate experience, and quicker trips on and off the boat.

Quasar Grace

The 18-passenger Grace was once owned by Grace Kelly. She and Prince Rainier spent part of their honeymoon on the motor yacht, and now you can sleep in their bedroom, the Grace Kelly Suite, which is one of nine rooms aboard. The ship sails three routes, taking eight to 15 days, and guests get plenty of snorkeling, hiking, kayaking, and panga rides along the way.

Ecoventura Letty

The Letty is one of the best full-service motor yachts in the Galápagos for value. This 20-passenger boat is a solid option with great service and comfortable accommodations. A trip on the Letty promises a 10 guest-per-guide ratio, as well as dinner with the captain. You get a choice between two seven-day itineraries, each including opportunities to snorkel, hike, and learn about the local wildlife from knowledgeable guides.

Ecoventura Origin

The 20-passenger Origin is like a floating boutique hotel. All 10 cabins are on the same deck, there’s an open-bar policy, and Wi-Fi is available on board. A unique hull design means this ship is also one of the most fuel-efficient in the Galápagos. Like the Letty , Ecoventura's Origin sails two routes around the archipelago, each lasting eight days and providing plenty of chances to get up close to nature.

Medium Galápagos Ships

If you're stuck between whether to book your cruise on a small ship or a large vessel — both have their advantages — one of these medium-sized boats accommodating 20 to 50 passengers could be the best of both worlds. You'll enjoy more space, a larger group to mingle with, and sometimes a wider variety of activities and services to accommodate more people.

Quasar Evolution

The 32-passenger Evolution was designed by Adriana Hoyos, a furniture and interior designer renowned for her work on luxury hotels across the Americas. Its cabins have a contemporary boutique-hotel aesthetic. There are indoor and outdoor lounges, a bar, and a library. Passengers can choose between three itineraries, ranging from eight to 15 days and taking different routes around the Galápagos.

Lindblad Expeditions National Geographic Islander II

All cabins on the 48-passenger National Geographic Islander II have windows, and some even have private patios. The ship offers deck hammocks, Wi-Fi, and food made with ingredients sourced from farms in the Galápagos whenever possible. Itineraries range from seven to 12 days and include cultural experiences in addition to wildlife viewing and water sports.

Large Galápagos Ships

Galápagos National Park officials have set a maximum of 100 passengers per vessel, so these are some of the largest ships in the archipelago. Travelers may opt for a larger-capacity cruise ship for more space (such as bigger hallways and staircases for easier movement around the ship) and increased services like an onboard doctor. The downside of traveling on a large ship is the time it can take to complete transfers by zodiac from the boat to the islands. Also, some areas of the Galápagos may be off limits to larger ships.

Lindblad Expeditions National Geographic Endeavour II

The 96-passenger National Geographic Endeavour II has Wi-Fi, a doctor, SUP gear, a clear-bottom zodiac, a free digital photo kiosk with iMacs, and a spa. Like the Islander II, food brought from the mainland is carefully prepared and packaged to prevent the introduction of invasive species to the Galápagos Islands.

Celebrity Flora

The 100-passenger Celebrity Flora features all of the design elements, amenities, and services of its sibling ships and then some. It has two 1,288-square-foot penthouse suites (the largest in the Galápagos), naturalist-guided stargazing sessions, and outdoor cabanas that you can reserve for a unique glamping experience.

Silversea Silver Origin

The 100-passenger Silver Origin is an all-suite ship with accommodations up to 1,722 square feet, some with in-room espresso machines and mini-bars, private verandas, and butler service. Tips are included in the price. The ship also has a fitness center, a spa, a communal fire pit, and two restaurants. There are more than 100 cruise options, some lasting as long as 18 days.

Galápagos Catamarans

These small boats have a unique hull design, like the dual parallel runners of a sled, that many believe makes catamarans more stable in the water.

Celebrity Xploration

The 16-passenger Celebrity Xploration is arguably the most luxurious catamaran in the Galápagos. Its eight suites and junior suites feature extras like binoculars, personal refrigerators, a pillow menu, and room service. The catamaran cruises two routes, a northern route and a southern route, both lasting seven nights.

Anahi Yacht Catamaran

The Anahi has eight rooms accommodating up to 16 passengers, including two spacious suites. Travelers can expect traditional yacht design details, like polished wooden floors and portrait windows. There are multiple itineraries to choose from, each stopping off at different islands and exploring different parts of the Galápagos. The cruises range in duration from four to 15 days.

Royal Galapagos Cormorant II

The Cormorant II can carry 16 passengers in nine cabins, all with private balconies. Some of the suites even come with walk-in closets and their own Jacuzzi tubs. Travelers can opt for a four- to eight-day cruise with inclusive excursions such as snorkeling, kayaking, and glass-bottom boat tours.

Live-aboard Dive Boats

If you’re a certified scuba diver, a live-aboard dive boat might be for you. These boats are built to accommodate the specific needs (and gear) of divers, and they navigate special routes and itineraries that include top dive sites. The Galápagos is home to whale sharks, hammerhead sharks, spotted eagle rays, manta rays, sunfish, and many other marine creatures.

Explorer Ventures Humboldt Explorer and Tiburon Explorer

Explorer Ventures ' two live-aboard vessels, the Humboldt Explorer and Tiburon Explorer , accommodate 16 passengers each. The Humboldt has a large dive deck, which makes it easier to get into and out of your dive gear. The eight-day excursion includes up to 19 dives and the 11-day excursion includes up to 28.

Galápagos Nortada

The 84-foot Nortada has only four cabins and can sleep eight guests. Passengers can congregate on the bridge, the galley, or in the dining room and lounge. Dive trips last either seven or 14 nights, and itineraries include up to four dives a day.

Galápagos Aggressor III

The Aggressor ships have been cruising around the Galápagos Islands since 1993. The Galápagos Aggressor III accommodates 16 passengers. Charters last a week and include four dives a day plus two land excursions.

Related Articles

An iconic expedition

About Galaxy

Live a unique experience and explore the Galapagos Islands aboard our renewed Galaxy Yacht Cruise, exclusivity and personalized service for your dreamed trip while exploring the Enchanted Islands.

Key Features

16 passengers, 1 bilingual guide.

Located on the main deck at the back of the boat, for your entertainment on board, the lounge has a TV, DVD player, small library and toy library. The windows give a beautiful light and a very appreciable view of the sea.

Matrimonial Cabin

Cabin size: 15m 2 Located on the upper deck, ideal for couples or friends, there are 4 double cabins convertible into a matrimonial one, equipped with large windows that offer beautiful light and a spectacular panoramic view of the ocean.

Delve into the multifaceted richness of Ecuadorian gastronomy, exquisitely accentuated with native ingredients from the Galapagos Islands, ingeniously amalgamated with global culinary accents to invigorate your senses.

Our chefs brilliantly manipulate local products to cater to a myriad of dietary preferences. Be it pescetarian, vegan, vegetarian, or gluten-free, we assure you a memorable gastronomic journey tailored to your liking.

Enjoy one of the most exhilarating and interesting activities in the Galapagos, which is snorkeling, which will allow you to explore and discover its beautiful rich marine fauna and flora. We provide you with complete equipment for this, fins, mask and snorkel as well as long and short wetsuits, included in the price.

Itineraries

Itinerary a.

Technical Specifications and safety features

Safety Equipment

• 6 lifebuoys
• 2 survival rafts, 15 passengers each
• 30 life jackets for passengers
• 20 life jackets for crew
• Flare gun, smoke signals, flashlights with SOS signals and other types of visual signals.
• CO2 extinguishers
• Fire detectors and complete fire protection system
• Fire extinguishers
• External automated defibrillator
• Medicine cabinet

The Sun Deck has a wide Solarium equipped with Lazy Chairs.

On the Upper deck we have 4 cabins and the bridge.

On the main deck, besides the 3 cabins, we have the Dining room with the coffee station, as well as the Living room and a Boutique Briefing area.

On the lower deck, there is the kitchen, one twin cabin, the guide and crew cabins and the dining room for them.

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• Yachting World
• Digital Edition

Sailing to the Galapagos – a land of wonder

• November 23, 2022

Sailing to the Galapagos Islands requires extensive preparation, but the rewards are other-worldly, as Jessie Zevalkink discovered

The first morning of passage sailing to the Galapagos Islands I leapt out of my berth at 0600, seeking an hour alone. I’d hoped to rise earlier for a full two hours of dawn and silence, but one will do. This one hour I will revel in, before the heat and my son Otis awakens.

The relief of the build up to our departure from Acapulco caught me off guard over the previous night’s fire sunset. It had been a long and winding day, at the end of six months of preparation for this passage.

Work had begun in early September, when an AIS transmitter and IridiumGo satphone were delivered to our doorstep in Michigan. Today, departure day, was February 4, and every single day since had been dedicated to this, but Alekona is ready to sail to South America.

Our passage plan was 10-12 days, crossing perpendicular through the wind gap of the Tehuantepec, where wind accelerates through the Chivala gap in Mexico. It’s the shortest distance over land that air flow can pass from the Gulf of Mexico to the Pacific Ocean, and it’s not uncommon to see gale or hurricane force winds in the winter months 300-500 miles offshore, while satellites have tracked its leftover swell 1,000 miles into the ocean.

Alekona is a steel-hulled Endurance 44 built in 1983. Photo: Jessie Zevalkink

It is widely known as a precarious place for Mexican and Guatemalan fishermen who have a history of being perilously blown out to sea and it adds an element of challenge for sailors who are otherwise passing through some of the calmer rings of the globe.

Timing the meeting between the force of Tehuano and Alekona is as important as not running a red light at a high speed intersection. Tehuano would happily T-bone us if we arrived too soon, or too late.

In the convergence zone, where the two halves of the world split into opposing dominant wind directions, we expected to be on port tack for half of our passage, tacking to starboard once clearing the Tehuano. The rest of the way to the Galapagos should be under light airs.

Our forecasts showed us the raging Tehuano was ultimately losing her breath. I give Luke, our navigator, full credit as he insists we leave when we do, trusting we would hit this junction with a steadfast green light. And we do: the seas are greater than the sustained winds, we never see much more than 25 knots.

My friend Jane, and Otis and I stay inside for nearly two days through the slop, which was the exact opposite of what I actually want to do. But by day four of passage I am finally able to release the tension I have been hoarding.

Galapagos marine iguana warming themselves in the sun on the volcanic rocks of Puerto Egas, Santiago island. Photo: Maridav/Getty

There were four and a half of us on board – a dream team. My tenacious husband Luke, a skilled sail handler and navigator. Callahan, a genius mechanic and keen sailor. Jane, one of my best land-dwelling friends and peaceful co-carer for Otis, my 14-month-old ham-handed, freshly walking son. And myself, insisting on combining cruising life with the tests of early motherhood.

This extraordinary journey into the sea and into my second year of parenting have taken all I am capable of giving. It becomes my one and only job on this boat, to keep Otis safe and on board. All of the other responsibilities I once carried as a cruiser have blown out to sea.

The truth is that this is self inflicted suffering, and the rewards have to be earned. It is character building and physical conditioning. Tonight, four orcas ride the wake of our stern leaving bioluminescence at their trailing edge. They surface for air, with eyes padded in eggs of white and skinny cambered dorsal fins. The orcas are the merited reward.

Exactly as forecast, the wind shifts 140°. After 16 hours of motoring through the convergence zone, we prepare the whole interior of Alekona for a tack to starboard. It’s been one week at sea – the boys have run themselves out of beer and cigarettes and there is a significant difference in behaviour today.

Life aboard during the 10-day Pacific passage. Photo: Jessie Zevalkink

Callahan hasn’t stopped moving. He uses chores as a distraction method and can’t sit still. Luke is the opposite, he hasn’t got out of bed. In the doldrums, Jane and I manage a workout circuit in the cockpit and after that, we all go our own ways, each spending time in the four corners of the boat. It’s quiet aboard Alekona .

Zzzzzzzzzzzzip. The bungee on the fishing line snaps. I shout that we have a fish. I grab the hand-line and give it a tug. I shout again, “It’s big”. I try to pull again but the line is so taught it plays like a guitar. I shout again, “Hurry!”

I’ve never seen Luke and Callahan move so quickly. They fight back, sweating hard, with a hand reel shoved in the crevice of Callahan’s armpit and Luke pulling in just a few inches of slack, one wind at a time.

The fish deep dives, racing port to starboard. The anticipation is incredible, and we can’t see what it is until it’s just off our transom and begins thrashing about the surface. A shark? Marlin? Billfish? Swordfish? Whatever it is, it’s the size of Luke, who’s 6ft 3in, at the very least. We’re all yelling with excitement, and no one knows what to do.

A pair of red-footed boobies take a break on the pulpit. Photo: Jessie Zevalkink

The fish is beautiful. He shakes himself free when inches from the transom, and we all fall backwards, breathing heavily and laughing, laughing so hard I have tears in my eyes and my belly hurts. Not in our wildest dreams did we have the tools to hoist a 150lb fish out of the sea, with a hand reel and a broken gaff. This blue marlin, an absolute trophy fish, was forever the most incredible fish we never caught.

Land appears

Land Ho occurs on the morning of day 10, and 15 miles to starboard. The Equator is 33 miles dead ahead and followed by Wreck Bay, our port of call, 90 miles away. Spirits are high and the champagne and beers that Jane and I hid from the boys were still ice cold at the bottom of the chest.

We have a team meeting about getting in the water and scrubbing the bottom of the hull. The Galapagos officials request our heart, soul, and savings to grace their islands but most importantly they want all vessels sailing their waters arriving immaculately clean.

Diving to scrub the bottom clean before the Galapagos visit. Photo: Jessie Zevalkink

You are required to check in with them when 24 hours out and have an AIS transmitter on during the entire length of your stay. No algae, no barnacles, no molluscs can be attached to the underside of your vessel upon arrival, otherwise they will send you back out to sea (with a professional diver for a fee, if required). It is recommended to dive and clean your own boat, 40 miles offshore before arrival.

The thought of being turned away after 10 days was heart-wrenching. We counted down the minutes to crossing the Equator, popped our champagne and jumped into the sea with masks and fins and scrubbing brushes. Although we paid a diver in Acapulco to thoroughly clean the hull the day before we left, 10 days at sea was more than enough for Alekona to accumulate growth.

Anyone attempting this should plan it wisely, and scrub their hulls when weather permits within the last few days of passage. Combine it with a celebratory Equatorial crossing swim, and a cold beer to help stave away any fear of shark-filled waters.

We have little expectation of what we will see, do, taste, hear and smell when we arrive in the Galapagos. Our entire journey so far has been about paperwork, preparation and the passage.

We hired a company called Yacht Agent Galapagos to facilitate our permit. We began communication with our agent, Javier, four months in advance, sharing our passage plans and intentions. It’s still unclear to me if it is actually a requirement to have an agent permit you into the islands. The agents will tell you that it is, the internet suggests otherwise.

Welcoming party of Galapagos officials. Photo: Jessie Zevalkink

From our experience working with Javier, it was worth every penny and if you do not go through an agency, good luck to you in clarifying exactly what it is you need to do. Our entry fee for a 47ft sailboat and four crew totalled $2,561.

Our final 12 hours put us in Wreck Bay on the western side of San Cristobal, in the middle of the night. Night-time arrivals tend to create tension between Luke and I. While I lean to the more conservative approach, he quite enjoys the challenge.

I am so anxious I resist any form of rest during my off watch, so instead come up and take the helm. Ultimately we make our landing under the stars at 0200 on February 14. We snake into a small bay, slowly, and with reasonable night vision are able to locate unlit vessels at anchor. We secure our anchor between tour boats, and when the engine is off the silence is filled with the calls of sea lions. For the first time in 11 days we all sleep at the same time.

Eight officials arrive at 1000 in a yellow and blue panga. Half of them are chirpy, smiling and ready to welcome us to the Galapagos, the other half serious, quiet and ready to find something wrong with our vessel. A man in a wetsuit dives directly from the panga into the sea to inspect the hull. The other seven board Alekona one by one, stacking themselves like dominos in our small cockpit.

Throughout the next hour there are temperature checks and a health inspection. They look at our negative Covid results and vaccination cards. The agriculture department digs through cupboards to make sure food is stored properly and uncontaminated.

Health checks for all upon entry. Photo: Jessie Zevalkink

You need a fumigation certificate and sanitation certificate from the last port of call. You need placards stating you will not discharge black water. They check our vessel maintenance records, looking for oil changes, fuel filter changes, etc. They are looking to confirm that you diligently maintain your engine and bilge area and do not intend to service it in their waters. They are seeking cleanliness and responsibility, preparedness and good seamanship, all of which is reflected aboard Alekona .

Thirty minutes into our inspection the diver boards the boat with a thumbs up. We all breathe a sigh of relief. Jane and Otis play in the cockpit and the port captain begins to crack a smile. In less than 60 minutes our passports are stamped and our agent hands us an official ensign of Ecuador and the Galapagos, which we proudly hoist.

Before he leaves, he also gave us a local SIM card and answered all of our questions about trash, diesel, water taxis, tours, and moving from port to port.

Exploring the Galapagos

Darwin’s finches, tortoises and turtles, sea lions, blue-footed boobies, hammerheads, manta rays and marine iguanas – for an archipelago of 20 islands, there are a thousand words that come to mind when we hear the word ‘Galapagos’.

Sea lions resting on the beach at Gardner Bay on Espanola Island, Galapagos. Photo: Kumar Sriskandan/Alamy

Its geographic location has made for geological and biological wonders. Situated at the seam of two hemispheres, it’s home to both tropical and arctic wildlife that has been greatly protected by the Ecuadorian government. Some 97% of the land is National Park, while San Cristobal, a town that’s home to around 6,000 people, is quaint and tidy.

I couldn’t find a single particle of microplastic in the crevasse of its street curbs, and you have to pay a bottle deposit when you buy even a single beer. We step over sea lions and iguanas to get to the other side of the road.

It rains hard and Otis re-learns how to walk on the main street of San Cristobal, sopping wet and smiling to be free. At sea, we spent every waking minute holding him back, keeping him on board being far more important than letting him explore his agility. In the streets of San Cristobal I can let him go.

He stumbles and falls and learns from his mistakes. He makes others smile and his autonomy is admirable. We all spend a few days doing very little but resting and appreciating space from one another. Just like Otis, we are all pleased to converse with others and to take some time off Alekona .

Memorable encounters with sea life. Photo: Jessie Zevalkink

The streets are lined with polished store fronts and friendly faces, open air restaurants and charming cafes. The islands are protected in such a way that prevents visitors from doing much on their own, and they survive economically thanks to tourism. There are many restrictions in place, and maps guide you where you can walk, hike, and snorkel without a guide. Otherwise, you need to book a tour.

After six days in San Cristobal and a tremendous snorkel tour to Kicker Rock, we are full of adrenaline thanks to an encounter with a school of hammerheads. I thought I’d be frozen while in the water with them, but I wasn’t, and when they swam deeper out of sight I wished for their return.

The spinnaker goes up and we are off to the next port on Santa Cruz Island, just a day sail away. It feels like we are a team again when we set sail. Luke and Callahan are in their element trimming the spinnaker. Jane and I sweat in the cockpit with dips and push-ups while Otis sleeps. We don’t know what’s ahead and we’re all excited by that.

There are three ports in the Galapagos you are allowed to sail into, each a sandy bottom anchorage. There are no docks to tie up to, and no marinas. Water and fuel can be ordered in advance, they deliver it via boat and only accept cash.

Puerto Ayora is the largest city with the most active bay. Boats anchor bow- and stern-to, facing the incoming swell. Our agent Javier and his colleague comes out in a panga to assist us with the stern anchor and give us a ride to shore. You are required to check out of, and into, each port, letting your agent know at least 24 hours in advance and expect to pay another (not so small) fee of $1,030 for each port.

Average life span for a Galapagos giant tortoise is more than 100 years. Photo: Cultura Creative/Alamy

Internet is poor all over the islands. It doesn’t matter if you have a local SIM card or a wifi booster. You’ll need to exercise patience and do most of your research by foot and speaking with locals. There is plenty of information and resources at every corner, just don’t expect to find it on your phone.

We take another remarkable snorkel tour, swimming with sea turtles, playful sea lions, marine iguanas and white and black tip sharks. We trek 10 miles with Otis on our backs to Isla Isabella’s iconic Volcano. Sierra Negra has lava fields and it’s the closest to outer space I have ever felt. We rent bikes and wind down dirt trails. We hire a truck up to drive up the jungle and into ancient lava tubes. We learn about the great tortoise, observing babies the size of our palms and grandparents triple the size of our bodies.

We meet few sailors. There are maybe a dozen yachts, most preparing to cross to the South Pacific or on their way to Panama. And because no one keeps their dinghy in the water (to stop it being colonised by seals), we mostly wave to one another at anchor or chit-chat on the VHF. It is a huge privilege to be able to sail to the Galapagos Islands and no simple task to be permitted in.

Blue-footed booby on the volcanic rocks. Photo: Horizon Images/Motion/Alamy

If I could pass on advice for cruisers dreaming to sail here, I’d tell you to come armed with curiosity and cash, fully provisioned with flexibility, time, and zest. If you arrive well prepared checking in with the officials is seamless, if ill-prepared expect to head back to sea.

Once cleared in, invest your resources in spending your time under water – snorkel and dive and kayak and swim, for there is sea life you’ll likely not experience anywhere else in the world. Spend evenings finding swimming holes and parks filled with locals raised on the islands who grow up to be naturalist guides, environmentalists, activists and protectors of the earth. There were plentiful lessons to be learned from the Galapageño and sailing there was one of our greatest privileges.

Getting to the Galapagos

• A 90-day cruising permit for our 47ft yacht with four crew cost $2,561. National Park entry fees are $100 per person, a flat yacht fee of $144, migratory cards $20pp, and immigration fee $31.20pp.
• You’re required to have an AIS transmitter with MMSI number and ship’s station licence ($1,000 if not already fitted).
• You must have your vessel fumigated at the last port of call, with a physical certificate as proof ($200).
• You must have three separate bins for compost, recycling, and waste, each labelled. Authorities expect you to have a waste log, tracking the amount of waste you accumulate and where it is going. The environmental risk assessment is $50 per member of crew.
• On arrival the hull must be immaculately clean, don’t forget your prop and bow thrusters. Expect to show a receipt, video or photo footage, or better still, a physical certificate ($125).
• The Galapagos (and mainland Ecuador) operates using US dollars, and is a cash economy. ATMs have a $200 limit, and few businesses accept credit cards. Bring cash and all your cards to make sure you have multiple ways to extract cash
• Prices reflect American tourism. Full day snorkel and dive tours are $100-$250 a person, half-day adventures around $75. Food and lodging costs are comparable to any American vacation town.
• You must check out of your departure country with an International Zarpe. Departing from Mexico cost $400.
• Don’t keep your dinghy in the water, as it will be colonised by seal lions! Water taxis are reliable and available from $1-2 per person, each way.

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Sailing Galapagos Cruises

HIGH-END SAILING SHIPS IN GALAPAGOS:

There is nothing more enchanting than sailboats. A sailing tour will take you to far out remote places where you will see amazing animals in their natural habitat. A true nautical experience and sense of adventure are ingredients of these Sailing Galapagos Cruises.

Each boat on this page has been chosen for its impeccable safety, comfort and its itineraries that will carry you to remote and awesome locations, accompanied by a friendly and experienced crew.

THE BEST GALAPAGOS CRUISES:

S/C Nemo II - Galapagos Sail Catamaran

The Nemo II is a unique modern boat that mixes classic and contemporary features. A small but still comfortable and charming ship enjoyable for only 14 passengers, this vessel lets you travel through the Galapagos with the stability of a catamaran and the grace of a sailboat.

Prices from $4200 (8 days)

S/C NEMO II

S/c nemo iii - galapagos sailing catamaran.

Perfect for giving inexperienced sailors their first taste of maritime adventure. This is one economic option to sail the Galapagos Islands.

Prices from $4500 (8 days)

S/C NEMO III

S/s mary anne – galapagos sailing ship.

Become a master of navigation aboard the three-masted Mary Anne. She is an impressive vessel with 1,000 m2 canvas sails that will sweep you majestically across the waves. Perfect to navigate with the stars and with dolphins and whales swimming alongside.

*Temporarily unavailable

S/S MARY ANNE

There is no experience like sailing the galapagos islands.

Sailing is true communion with nature. A sailing vessel must negotiate with the seas and winds to reach its destination. In this day and age, it is a pleasure and deep honor to operate in the Galapagos Islands in environmentally sound ships, travelling the seas, experiencing nature at its purest.

Travelling by wind on open sails to where dolphins play and enormous peaceful whale sharks float, to where eagle rays spring from the ocean deep and agile sea lions twirl in the water next to the boat. Sailing in the Galapagos Islands is a treat to the senses, an experience of a lifetime when done right by those who know and love them intimately.

Charter your luxury Galapagos cruise

Private charters allow us to offer services not included on a normal cruise within the restrictions imposed by the national park authorities: professional photographer, on-board masseuse, specialty chef, weddings and honeymoons are among the most frequent requests.

WHAT TYPE OF CRUISE FITS BETTER FOR YOU?

9 things I wish I had known before taking a Galapagos cruise

After a long pandemic of being landlocked in my suburban New Jersey home, my family and I were ready for an adventure.

We wanted an adventure that felt both COVID-19 safe and would be equally appealing to myself, my husband and my teenage son. The solution came in the form of a bucket-list idea that suddenly became attainable: a small ship cruise through the remote Galapagos Islands on Quasar Expeditions ' Evolution.

Many (OK, most) travelers book an adventure cruise to the Galapagos well in advance. Not us. Enticed by special fares and a desperate need to get away, I finalized our travel plans just three weeks before we sailed to Darwin's evolutionary proving ground. I was as enthusiastic about the wildlife I was about to encounter as I was about Ecuador's mandatory vaccination policies , both for arrivals in the country and then again to enter the protected Galapagos Islands . (Extra bonus: To board our 32-person Quasar ship, everyone also had to present a negative COVID-19 antigen test .)

The trip exceeded all expectations: The abundant wildlife was surreal, the scenery stupendous and the guiding some of the best I've ever experienced (and I've been on dozens of African safaris ). The small ship truly felt like home after a week, as we made friends with what turned out to be fewer than 20 fellow travelers ranging from 10 to 80 years of age. It was an amazing family vacation.

For more cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's new cruise newsletter .

In hindsight, though, even the most memorable getaway could have gone more smoothly. With just a few weeks to shop and pack for the cruise , I focused on what I thought were the necessities — and sometimes I went astray.

If I ever get back to see the playful sea lions, the easy-going boobies and the technicolor marine life, here's what I would do differently now that I know the secrets to traveling in the Galapagos.

Prepare for the sun

Ecuador is on the equator. Yes, this sounds obvious, especially when I see it in black and white. I anticipated strong sun and made sure to load up on SPF 50+ sunscreen for my family, but we still felt the effects of the straight-on rays that are a hallmark of the destination nearly 365 days a year.

One afternoon, after peeling off the shortie wetsuit that Quasar issues each guest, I sat chatting in my bathing suit for about 10 minutes — and quickly turned the color of a Sally Lightfoot crab. Lesson learned.

Instead of simply bringing topical lotions, I'd recommend sun-shield clothing — including long-sleeved swim shirts — with built in SPF. For island explorations, a wide-brimmed hat (not just a baseball cap) should be mandatory.

While you're at it, take a fashion note from the guides — who are usually covered head to toe in sun-protective gear — and throw in a neck gaiter, too, so the back of your neck doesn't take on a ruby-red hue.

Waterproof everything

A lot of what makes a Galapagos cruise fascinating is the time spent exploring on the water, in the water and on islands close to water. Bring all the waterproof cases and pouches you might want to keep your belongings safe and dry.

I invested in a top-notch underwater camera and would recommend the same to anyone taking a trip like this. My photos of twirling sea lions, swimming sea tortoises and neon fish are my favorite trip souvenirs.

However, I left my waterproof phone case at home, thinking I'd only use the camera. Big mistake. The small ships in the Galapagos rely on pangas, or inflatable dinghies, to speed passengers from boat to beach. We also paddled kayaks — often alongside playful sea lions. I didn't need an underwater camera for these on-the-water rides, but I was afraid to pull out my phone to grab quick pictures for fear of it might get wet. Because I didn't have a waterproof case, I missed a lot of the action.

Another thing I'd pack next time: A waterproof stash bag to keep both my phone and my clothes dry on the bumpy pangas and on the beach.

Pack a guide to birds, plants and wildlife

The Galapagos authorities require that every visitor to the islands be in a professionally guided group of no more than 16 people and on a boat that doesn't exceed 100 people. (Evolution assigns about 12 people to each guide). Our Quasar guides were fascinating career naturalists who had each been guiding in the Galapagos for more than 25 years.

However, there are a LOT of birds in the Galapagos, and a guide wasn't always available to point out each one. I'm talking 13 types of finches, each with a special niche, plus hundreds of other species of rare fauna and flora. At the end of the day, I often couldn't keep my finches straight.

While there's a library on board, I found myself jealous of the younger kids who brought along checklist books and simple guides to keep track of wildlife. Next time, I'll stock up on basic bird and animal guidebooks and bring a journal to keep notes and lists.

Invest in binoculars for everyone in the family

One of the truly unique aspects of touring the Galapagos Islands is how unfazed the birds and other wildlife are when humans approach. You can walk right up to a nesting Nazca booby and it will simply tilt its head and look at you. Wander up to sunning sea lions and they'll act like you're not there.

But not all of the action happens up close. Some birds are more majestic soaring in the air. You might need to watch a whale crest a wave or a penguin perch on a glistening rock from afar. In these instances, it helps to have binoculars.

Although you can borrow a pair for a bit, you'll want your own to take in all the scenery. We had one pair for the three of us, and I wished we had two more, so we never had to share or miss out on far-away wildlife sighting.

Bring more U.S. currency than you think you'll need

Ecuador uses the U.S. dollar as currency, so I didn't need to exchange money before or during my trip. Therefore, I mistakenly thought my travel finances would be smooth sailing.

Not so. ATMs are scarce in the capital city of Quito where I started my trip and almost nonexistent on the islands. Yet cash is king at small, family-owned businesses and when it comes to tipping. I had counted on withdrawing more dollars from ATMs as needed, but found myself rationing my bills instead. Next time, I'll stash more cash in my wallet before I leave the U.S.

Prepare for seasickness

In my years as a travel writer, I've sailed on all sorts of ships — a tall-masted sailboat around the Greek Islands, an expedition ship in the Arctic Ocean, cruise ships big and small — and never been seasick. I even got married on a yacht on the Hudson River. I have never experienced the wave of nausea I experienced mid-way through my Galapagos cruise.

I've been on rough seas, but my trusty acupressure point bracelets always got me through, as they were evidently doing for the first part of this adventure. Then I stopped wearing them because I was spending so much time snorkeling that it seemed like too much "work" to keep taking them off and putting them back on.

Don't make the same mistake. The animals on the islands may be peaceful, but the Pacific Ocean can be rough, especially when the ship is covering long distances. Keep seasickness medications close at hand and acupressure bracelets on any time the ship is moving.

Power up for a cruise

Ecuador uses the same electrical current as the U.S. — 110 volts — so I left my converter at home. I forgot that my travel converter has several lightning cord slots, so it doubles as a plug extender, allowing me to power up all my devices at once when I'm on the road.

With only one plug in the room, and two people sharing the space, we were constantly shuffling our electronics. Next time, I would bring a small multiplug power strip (a good hack for any cruise -- just make sure it's one without a surge protector).

Download entertainment ahead of time

One thing I learned to love during my time on Evolution was the ability to unplug completely. No Wi-Fi, no cell service— a truly disconnected vacation. Every mealtime was marked by a lovely exchange of conversation without the distraction of pinging phones.

However, I didn't plan ahead for evening downtime. For the future, I'd load up my iPad with entertainment options ahead of time, which would have been helpful for the plane ride home, too.

Take baby steps back to reality

The most important thing I would change if I could do it all again? Not head right back home after our bucket-list cruise.

We gently eased into Ecuador at the beginning of our weeklong cruise, spending two nights nestled in the heart of historic Quito, exploring the architecture and enjoying a stay at the iconic Casa Gangotena. But the last day of the cruise, we flew back to Quito at night and stayed at a hotel in a far corner of the city. It was too late to do anything but eat in our room, and then we headed back to the airport in the dark early morning hours.

In retrospect, we should have spent an additional day easing back into reality and exploring the surrounding cloud forest — which would have been a much more relaxing and special way to end our adventure. Of course, it's a good excuse to plan a return visit to Ecuador, and hopefully the Galapagos Islands, in the future.

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Galapagos Sailboats

Maximum capacity: 16 passengers, advantages of travelling on a motor sailer.

A motor sailboat in Galapagos offers several advantages to travelers. Firstly, a motor sailboat is faster than a traditional sailboat, allowing you to visit more destinations in less time. In addition, a motor sailboat can offer more stability and comfort, as you are not exposed to the rough seas and winds that can sometimes occur in the Galapagos. Another advantage is the ability to sail to areas that are difficult to reach with a traditional sailboat. Motor sailers also have modern amenities such as air conditioning, private bathrooms and comfortable cabins, making your Galapagos experience more enjoyable and comfortable. Finally, a motor sailboat has a small crew, which means you get more personal attention and a more intimate experience. All of these factors combine to make a motor sailboat in the Galapagos a great choice for anyone looking for a unique and exciting adventure.

"Widest range of itineraries, fantastic crew, awesome guides!"

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What to expect from a motor sailboat.

A motor sailboat in the Galapagos Islands can offer you a unique and intimate way to explore this incredible region. The Galapagos Islands are renowned for their abundant wildlife, and a powerboat provides the perfect platform to get up close and personal with the animals and scenery. A motor sailboat allows you to explore the many coves, bays and inlets of the islands that are inaccessible to larger vessels. You can snorkel, kayak and swim in the turquoise waters and hike the volcanic islands to see giant tortoises, iguanas and other exotic wildlife.

You will be able to experience the natural beauty of the islands with a small group of fellow travelers, and the experienced crew will provide you with a comfortable and safe experience. In the evenings, you can relax on deck and watch the stars or dine on delicious local cuisine. A motor sailboat in the Galapagos is an unforgettable way to experience this unique and pristine environment.

Alexander O from London

Calipso Galapagos Cruise

August 2024

Nuestro viaje a bordo del Calipso fue fantástico. Todas las necesidades estaban cubiertas, con un personal estupendo, un guía estupendo, habitaciones cómodas y una comida deliciosa. Disfrutamos especialmente del buceo con tubo, sobre todo en la punta del cormorán, donde vimos leones marinos, tiburones, tortugas y mucho más.

Nemo II Galapagos Cruise

Onboard the NEMO II is an exceptional way to visit the Galapagos!! The crew is top notch, the excursions plentiful and onboard amenities lovely! Our guide, Jairo, was exceptional in welcoming us and weaving ecology, history and culture of the Galapagos into excursions and during gatherings in preparation for group activities. The entire trip was a highlight from guided trail walks, to dry and wet snorkeling, to sitting out on the upper deck gazing at the constellations we were surrounded by epic beauty.

Gregory D from Oro Valley

Horizon Galapagos Cruise

Eine Kreuzfahrt mit einem kleinen Boot ist die beste Art, die Galápagos-Inseln zu sehen. Der einzelne Biologe sorgte für Kontinuität beim Lernen über diese bemerkenswerten verschiedenen Inseln. Die Besatzung war wunderbar und machte die Reise zu einem großartigen Erlebnis.

Nicolaas Mulders

Sea Star Galapagos Cruise

Wir hatten eine tolle Zeit auf der Kreuzfahrt! Wir haben viele schöne Orte besucht und hatten einen wirklich netten Führer 'henzel', der viel über die Natur und die Tierwelt erzählt hat. Das Essen auf der Kreuzfahrt war gut und reichlich !!! 😁 Auch die Crew der sea star war sehr nett ! Wir würden auf jeden Fall eine Kreuzfahrt mit der sea star / domenica empfehlen !! Viele Grüße Nick und Michelle

Miranda Cristina A from Ciudad de México

Golondrina Galapagos Cruise

This cruise is perfect for anyone looking for abundant marine and terrestrial life. The food exceeded my expectations and the guide shared tons of knowledge about plants, animals and the Islands in general. Also, the support of Galapatours was amazing, they gave me fast and clear responses. 5/5 stars. I would totally go back.

Kwai Yeok W from Singapore

Signing up to go to Galapagos is a dream come true and an indispensable part of the Bucket list for Biology and nature lovers like (all 8 of) us ! After scouring through the internet, we chanced upon the Galapatour with the Golondrina yacht (a small-ship cruise) housing only 16 guests which was also reasonably priced. Special mention and a shout-out must be given to Maciela Garcia the Travel specialist from Galapatour who facilitated our booking and answered all our questions. She even consented to a zoom meeting with us towards the last leg of our planning to answer any further questions and to give much-needed advice (e.g. booking the flight from Ecuador to Galapagos with Galapatour and to fly in at least 1 day earlier and also stay 1 extra night back in Ecuador before flying back home). We felt her absence BIG Time when she took leave for a few days and we were strapped with some issues concerning the confirmation of our payment. We were most gratified and reassured by her return and how quickly she rectified and clarified the whole issue. The small-sized cruise ship certainly has its merits. Being small it is much more personable and the crew was warm, friendly and helpful. The cabins while small was comfortable enough for us Asians. There were lots of storage space (drawers and small cupboard space) where our things could go into, from our luggage, for easier access. Food was adequate, balanced and delicious actually. Kudos to the chef who was creative and experienced. Little touches like having someone wait on us and also a slightly more formal dinner setting. Our dear waiter, Pablo, even wears a ‘suit’ every night to serve us. Our guide has had 15 years of guiding and could do animal calls to get their attention and to persuade them to approach us. Where necessary he also drew on the sand to explain differences between the closely related animals. He is definitely knowledgeable wrt to each animal and the history of the islands and the impact of humans on the wildlife there! He accompanied the guests during snorkeling and shared videos and photos of the fish and animals encountered during the snorkel at the end of the whole trip. Kudos also to the crew who kept our rooms clean and who accompanied us in the dinghy during the snorkel trips to keep us safe and who ferried us to and from the islands safely. And then of course being in Galapagos is really like paradise in the Garden of Eden – where animals come up close and were unafraid and even curious about us. The variety of wildlife here is not only diverse but many of them spectacular and amazing in their physical looks, habits and mating rituals etc. The feeling of awe and reverence is not even close to describing this experience that we have had for all the 8 days we were there. Enough to last us for a whole lifetime !!!

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M/S Nautilus Daily Diving Galapagos Sailboat

Tourist Superior Diving Sailboat

• Daily Itineraries
• Inquire More
• Galapagos Diving
• Scuba Diving Galapagos

M/S Nautilus Diving Galapagos Sailboat Description

The Nautilus diving Galapagos , motor sailor exceeds 20mts lenght and 50 tons TRB. Built in Taiwan in 1984 with rich Oriental and solid wood with fiber hull.

Its wide deck offers plenty of space with areas to don our equipment, areas covered and sun break. The ship’s interior is lined with wood with a wide bridge where passengers can leave their belongings within reach of the deck. Farther forward we have the main lounge with TV, library, first aid kit, and two cabins each with its private bathroom where passengers can have their privacity and confort, or just to rest in the bunk beds.

KEY FEATURES

• The M/S Nautilus Diving Galapagos Sailboats is one of the most unique Galapagos Sailboats.
• Combines exploring the Islands by sailboat, snorkel and scuba  diving .
• Small and intimate – ideal for families, small groups and solo travelers alike
• Extremely popular for its original itinerary

INQUIRE MORE HERE

Every day at 07:00 local time, our taxi picks you up in Puerto Ayora hotel where you overnight. Headed north of Santa Cruz in the Itabaca Channel where Nautilus motorsailor remains in the evenings. We board with the inflatable dinghies. Once aboard you can leave your belongings on the bridge of the ship and get ready for the safety and diving breefing exposed by the guides.

**NOTE:  Cruise Itinerary is subject to change due to Galapagos National Park dispositions or to circumstances  beyond our control (force majeure).

Above prices include:

Box lunch. Transfers between islands Excursions on the islands English speaking nature guide Snorkel equipment.

Above prices do not include:

Galapagos National Park entrance fee: $100.00 USD per person Migratory Control Card: $20.00 USD per person Alcoholic drinks and sodas Airline Tickets from/to Mainland – Galapagos – Mainland Tips

Important Notes:

♦  All prices per person in US dollars. ♦  Prices are subject to change without prior notice. ♦  Child discount: Please ask for more information.

Please be aware that the prices vary consistently due to promotions and Galapagos last minute deals , so in order to GET THE BEST PRICE for the dates you desire please fill out the request form below. After doing so, we will send you the absolute best prices for the dates that you indicate.

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Gary Griggs, Our Ocean Backyard | The Galapagos…

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Gary griggs, our ocean backyard | the galapagos islands: volcanoes in the sea.

The Galapagos are perhaps best known as the location visited by Charles Darwin and the Beagle in 1835 and where he drew on his observations to help develop his theory of evolution. This was close to heresy at the time. Surprisingly, at least to me, and this may explain a lot about political divisions in our country, according to a 2024 Pew Research Center poll, 62% of US adults accept evolution, while 34%, a third of all adult Americans, believe that humans have always existed in their current form.

The Galapagos Islands are very similar in their origin to the Hawaiian Islands, being totally volcanic. Both sets of islands are due to their location over a hot spot where a plume of hot molten material from the Earth’s mantle reaches the surface and erupts lava, gradually creating individual islands. In addition to hot spots, both islands are on moving tectonic plates. The Hawaiian Islands are out in the middle of the Pacific Plate that is moving to the northwest. The thermal plume of hot magma at present reaches the surface at the southeast end of the big island of Hawai’i and has been erupting intermittently for about 400,000 years.

The big island is made up of five volcanoes with Moana Loa and Kilauea being active, Mauna Kea and Hualalai being dormant, and Kohala being extinct. About 20 miles off the coast of the big island a new seafloor volcano has formed, which has been given the name of Loihi. It rises 10,100 feet above the ocean floor and is within 3,100 feet of the ocean surface. At some future time, it will reach the surface and add to the island of Hawai’i.

As the Pacific Plate moves northwest at a few inches each year, the thermal plume will reach the seafloor at a new location to the southeast. The other Hawaiian Islands have moved off the hot spot and are progressively older moving northwest, with Maui being ~1.3 million years old, Moloka’i 1.8 million years, O’ahu 3.4 million years, and Kaua’i and Ni’hau from 5.6 million years to 4.9 million years old. And this Hawaiian volcano and seamount chain continues to the northwest for over 1,300 miles to Midway Atoll, which is about 28 million years old. There is a longer story here as the line of volcanoes and seamounts changes direction at Midway and then runs almost due north for more than 2,000 miles to the Kurile/ Kamchatka Trench where the oldest seamount offshore of Russia, Detroit Seamount, is about 81 million years old.

Now returning to the Galapagos Islands, which are roughly 4,500 miles southeast of Hawai’i, and have formed on another smaller piece of crust, the Nazca Plate. Nazca is the name of a pre-Incan culture that flourished in southern Peru from about 100 BC to 800 AD. These islands also lie over a thermal plume and the eruptions there over the past approximately 5 million years have created 13 islands, like the Hawaiian Islands, all volcanic, mostly black basaltic lava.

The main difference between volcanoes in the ocean, like the Galapagos and Hawai’i, and those surrounding the Pacific Basin — the so-called Ring of Fire, like Mount Shasta, Mount Hood, Mount Rainer or Mount Fuji — is that oceanic islands were formed from magma that came up through an oceanic plate, and those around the Pacific came up through a continental plate. The latter are very high in silica, so the lava is stickier and holds more gas. When they erupt, it is explosive and forms pyroclastic or fire broken material, along with volcanic ash or tephra, which produces the classic steep sided volcanoes like Mount Shasta.

Magma from oceanic volcanoes, on the other hand, contain less silica and lavas are more fluid, producing mostly lava flows that can extend considerable distance from the caldera or eruption vent. This process leads to very gentle slopes and what are known as shield volcanoes, strikingly different from the steep sided volcanoes around the Pacific.

As the black basaltic lavas in Hawai’i weather and break down they produce black sand, which characterizes some Hawaiian beaches. There are clearly the more widespread white sand beaches which consist of broken-down coral, coralline algae and the shells of other marine organisms. There are also some less abundant beach sands with the volcanic mineral olivine (peridot when gem quality), which gives them a green color. The Galapagos beaches are similar to those in Hawai’i with black, green, white and even red sand from the oxidation of iron in the lava.

Like the Hawaiian Islands, the Galapagos also have a range of ages, as the Nazca Plate has moved over a hot spot. To the southeast, the islands of Española and San Cristobal are as old as 3.2 million and 2.4 million years, respectively, having moved away from the hot spot long ago. Fernandina and Isabela on the northwest are over the hot spot at present and volcanic rocks exposed on these two islands are as old as 700,000 years. Today the Galapagos Islands are considered the largest and most active group of oceanic volcanoes in the world with over 50 eruptions in the past 200 years. Six volcanoes are still active, and in 1968 there was a very major geologic event when the floor of a caldera on Fernandina dropped nearly 1,000 feet, accompanied by a large eruption of volcanic ash.

While most visitors come to the Galapagos to see the unique wildlife, as an Earth scientist, I was equally intrigued with the geology. My next column will focus on the living stuff.

Gary Griggs is a Distinguished Professor of Earth and Planetary Sciences at UC Santa Cruz. He can be reached at [email protected]. For past Ocean Backyard columns, visit https://seymourcenter.ucsc.edu/ouroceanbackyard.

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