M.C. Athala, Galapagos Islands

Overview

The  M.C. Athala II was specifically designed and built for Galapagos cruises in 2007. Now part of the Sanctuary portfolio, the Athala is sailing again after undergoing an extensive six-week refurbishment.

With the archipelago being such a dream destination for outdoor and nature enthusiasts, the Athala provides plenty of outside space including a large sundeck, an open air bar and an al fresco dining area where you can take in the islands’ spectacular scenery while enjoying a delicious meal. The sundeck is great for whale and dolphin spotting or relaxing in the jacuzzi. In the evening there is no better place for stargazing.

Our Galapagos catamaran offers spacious and comfortable, fully-air conditioned accommodation in eight double staterooms located on two  decks. The four cabins on the main deck feature balconies for private relaxation. All have either queen or twin bed arrangement, two large picture windows and a complimentary one-time fully stocked minibar.

Wetsuits and snorkelling equipment is provided free of charge and four sea kayaks are available for exploration at certain sites within the archipelago. Only the most experienced naturalist guides lead our passengers twice a day during shore excursions, snorkeling lessons or zodiac rides. The small number of maximum 16 passengers allows for a private and personalised Galapagos cruise experience.

Cruise Itinerary

From sea lions to pelicans, iguanas to cormorants, flamingoes, albatross, sharks, whales and Giant tortoises - there is jaw-dropping wildlife in action at every turn in the Galapagos Islands.

Our itineraries are designed to provide an in-depth, up-close and personal view of this unique archipelago. The Athala offers two well-balanced 7 night routes and for those who prefer a condensed version, we can also offer 5 night cruises.

The Athala anchors off-shore at two visitor sites per day. Three to four hours are spent at each site, allowing plenty of time to explore and to photograph the abundant wildlife, guided only by the most experienced naturalist guides. Afterwards, there is often an opportunity to swim, snorkel or kayak before returning aboard.

Our itineraries offer stops at many of the archipelago’s most sought after sites. For example, our 7 night itinerary with Genovesa includes visits to the beautiful Punta Espinoza, home to nesting flightless cormorants as well as penguins and some of the largest, most colourful marine iguanas in the Galapagos. Another stop is at Bartholomew Island, where the iconic Pinnacle is a must-have photo opportunity. Of course, this itinerary also includes the spectacular Genovesa Island, where there is an estimated population of over two million birds of various species, including the red footed booby!

Our 7 night itinerary with Española will take guests to awe-inspiring places such as Puerto Villamil, a quaint island town loaded with beautiful scenery and beaches. During this week, guests will also learn about the mysterious and dramatic lives of the first colonists of Floreana Island. There is also the opportunity to see the beautiful Waved Albatross on the archipelago’s oldest remaining island, Española.

Getting There & Away

Flights to the Galapagos Islands leave from Ecuador’s capital Quito with a stopover in Guayaquil. Guests can also fly from Guayaquil. The Athala currently operates with the AEROGAL airlines schedule, please contact us for further details.

Upon arrival at the airport on Baltra Island passengers are met by their guide after passing through passport control. Passengers are then transported on airline buses to the vessel which is anchored nearby (approximately 15 minutes drive).

Our guests can sit back and relax in the VIP airport lounge outbound from Quito or Guayaquil to Galapagos as well as upon their return from the islands back to the mainland.

Sailing Dates

* We offer 5 and 7 night cruises, both departing on Saturday. Guests booked on our shorter cruise option disembark on Thursday, whilst our 7 night cruise passengers stay onboard until Saturday.

* Cruises are available as FIT or Charter.

Rates

Rates are per person sharing a cabin in USD

Low season rates in 2012 apply for all departures in October and November, as well as December 1, 8 and 15.

Inclusions:

• All shore excursions with English speaking guide
• All meals while onboard
• All soft drinks and juices onboard
• VIP lounge at Baltra airport on outbound flight from Galapagos
• VIP lounge at Quito or Guayaquil airports on flight to Galapagos
• Complimentary use of snorkeling equipment and 3mm shorty wet suits
• Complimentary one-time fully stocked minibar in all cabins
• Shared transfers between the airport and the dock in Baltra
  

Exclusions:

• Air tickets to and from the Galapagos Islands
• Fuel surcharge: US$200 per person
• Galapagos National Park entrance US$100 per adult / US$50 per child under 12 years
• Tourist Transit Card US$10 per person (adults and children)
• Guide and crew gratuities
• Alcoholic beverages
• 5 night cruises - Private transfer from Puerto Ayora to the airport in Baltra upon departures on Thursday:  1 person US$160, 2-3 persons US$80pp, 4-7 persons US$50pp, 8-14 persons US$30pp
  

Additional notes:

• 5 night cruises are subject to availability, 7 night cruise prices apply for 5 night cruises booked during high season dates (Easter, Christmas and New Year)
• Cruise prices, air tickets, National Park fee and TCT prices are subject to change without prior notice in the event of circumstances beyond our control.
  

Child policy:

• Children welcome from age 8
  
• Children under 12, sharing with adults: 25% reduction on adult rates.
• Child discounts apply for all departures except Easter, Christmas and New Year cruises.
  

Single room policY:

• Single supplements are 1.5 x the above rate
  

Triple room policy:

• Triple rooms are not currently available.

Guest Comments

“Loved the Athala's personal touches – from the cruise director’s ‘welcome back on board’ every time, to staff making every effort to ensure our comfort and enjoyment. Food was brilliant!” The Lowrey Family, Australia

“The quality and presentation of the food exceeded our expectations. The kitchen and bar staff were delightful. Our guide was extremely knowledgeable and always willing to share her expertise. She went above and beyond the call of duty. Excellent job." Janet & John, Canada

Cabins & Suites

The catamaran accommodates 16 passengers in 8 spacious fully air-conditioned cabins with either a queen or twin bed arrangement. All twin beds can be converted to queen beds upon request. 

There are four cabins on the Upper Deck (no balconies) and four cabins on the Main Deck (with private balconies). Each cabin average 175 square feet (16 square metres) and has two picture windows so that guests may enjoy spectacular Galapagos views. All cabins use 110 Volts, while 220 Volt electrical outlets are only available in the lounge and al fresco area. Cabins have a private safety deposit box, a one-time, fully-stocked complimentary mini-bar and rooms on the Upper Deck are interconnected.

The spacious bathrooms consist of a shower, toilet, sink, cabinet, hairdryer and amenities created especially for the M.C. Athala. Please feel free to use the complimentary bathrobes. Towels for the beach will be provided by guides on the island excursions.

Cabins are serviced three times a day. Room service is not available, but will be provided in the event of passenger illness.

Packages

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5 Night Northwest Galapagos Cruise - M.C. Athala II

Duration: 5 nights
Overnight: M.C. Athala II

A 5 night cruise on board the Athala II catamaran exploring the northwest islands of the archipelago including the spectacular Fernandina and Isabela Islands.

View Journey

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5 Night Southwest Galapagos Cruise - M.C. Athala II

Duration: 5 nights
Overnight: M.C. Athala II

This 5 night itinerary on the Athala II includes visits to Santa Cruz and Rabida islands. Rabida has red volcanic rocks, a colony of sea lions, a pelican nesting site and is considered one of the best snorkelling sites in the Galapagos Islands.  

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7 Night Española Cruise - M.C. Athala II

Duration: 7 nights
Overnight: M.C. Athala II

This 7 night itinerary on the Athala II includes Española Island, home to around 17,000 pairs of waved albatrosses. These represent almost the entire population of the species on the planet.

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7 Night Genovesa Cruise - M.C. Athala II

Duration: 7 nights
Overnight: M.C. Athala II

This 7 night cruise on board the Athala II catamaran includes the spectacular Genovesa Island, where there is an estimated population of over two million birds of various species, including the red footed booby.

View Journey

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