The Beagle is named for the HMS Beagle, on which Charles Darwin visited the Galapagos Islands during the historic voyage that led to his ground breaking theory of evolution, inspired to a great extent by his observations in this extraordinary archipelago.

A magnificent 105-foot twin screw steel-hulled brigantine with teak decks and beautifully designed interiors, The Beagle is a classic among sailing yachts in the Galapagos and one of the friendliest and most comfortable. She was built by Cubow Ltd. in Woolwich, England. She’s been a charter vessel in the Islands for over a decade and has been substantially refurbished and continually upgraded under her current ownership.

WHO WE ARE

The Beagle is owned and operated by Augusto Cruz and his sons since her purchase in 2002. This is their third charter yacht in the Galapagos. Beginning in 1981, they operated the Pirata and later The Beagle III, affording them decades of an exceptional level of experience.

Augusto was born on the island of Floreana in the south of the Galapagos archipelago and has worked on boats in the islands since 1977. He therefore has an entire lifetime of knowledge and a profound appreciation for this unique and fascinating archipelago, and guests on The Beagle are immediately aware of the benefits this affords. His sons both received higher education abroad but have otherwise spent their entire lives in the islands as well. Sebastian Cruz, his eldest son, recently completed a PhD (Konstanz University, Germany) in Ecology, specializing on the movements of Galapagos seabirds. He now regularly helps Augusto on the management of the The Beagle.

CONSERVATION AND COMMUNITY RESPONSIBILITY

Due to our deep commitment to the preservation of these Enchanted Isles and to their increasing population, we abide by all National Park regulations and recommendations for tour operators. The Beagle has been awarded the Smart Voyager certificate, which is granted to tourist operations that adhere fully to sound conservation practices. We strive to use locally produced goods and services; beef, chicken and fish served aboard are all 100% local. We contribute annually to Cascajo, a local school on Santa Cruz Island and to various other community projects.

ON BOARD

You will feel welcome immediately as you come aboard The Beagle, enjoying a sense of space for kicking back and relaxing between your unforgettable visits ashore. The saloon offers a small library of Galapagos literature, and a selection of games.

All around the wide decks, comfortable seating allows you to choose sunshine or shade for lounging and observation. There are yoga mats on board and ample space for stretching or calisthenics during free time. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served on board with the exception of the day you visit Puerto Ayora, where you will enjoy a meal in the highlands of Santa Cruz. The cuisine blends Ecuadorian and continental fare and is served on deck or in the saloon. Coffee and tea are available on deck, as well as cold drinks including beer and a selection of wines and cocktails which you may purchase from a well stocked bar. Refreshing snacks, especially at teatime, round out your daily menu.

Travelers’ checks or US dollars (no credit cards) may be used for on board purchases; a running bar tab is recorded for each passenger and paid at the end of the cruise.

A friendly and highly professional crew of six will attend you while on board: captain, helmsman, steward, cook, engineer and your certified bilingual naturalist guide. The guide will accompany you to all visiting sites within the National Park, providing a wealth of information about the geological and human history of the Islands, in addition to his or her thorough knowledge about every aspect of their intriguing flora and fauna.

Below deck are six well-fitted air-conditioned cabins, each with a double lower bunk and a single upper, and a private bathroom with hot water shower and flush lavatory. A smaller seventh cabin, also air-conditioned and with en suite facilities, can accommodate one or two more passengers in its single bunks. The electric current on The Beagle is 110V in the cabins and 220V with UK plug adapter on the bridge.

Thanks to the exceptional features already described of this spacious and romantic motor sailboat, The Beagle is the perfect choice for family holidays, special interest groups, or for celebrating important events such as honeymoons and anniversaries. Being owner operated means hands-on attention to the needs and comfort of guests, as well as the meticulous maintenance of every aspect of the vessel herself.

TO MAKE YOUR VISIT UNIQUE

In order to make their guests’ experience unforgettable and uniquely suited to individual preferences, The Beagle’s owners have undertaken whenever possible to earn special privileges and permits. For example, The Beagle is the only vessel with permission to snorkel in Fernandina, Punta Espinoza. Masks, fins and snorkels are available on board although we suggest guests bring their own equipment if possible for best fit and of course hygiene.

There are always four double kayaks aboard, and in recognition of its exceptional practices within the National Park, The Beagle was granted permission to carry up to eight double kayaks and to schedule special kayak tours with prior arrangement.

When you plan your cruise aboard The Beagle, you may request whatever extra details or food restrictions your individual circumstances require.