Pura’s opinion
The Beagle is possibly the most charming small boat in the Galapagos. People fall in love with the Beagle quite easily – very pretty, lots of space and great crew. In fact she is owner operated (Augusto was born on Floreana Island) which tends to gives her a very warm, familial atmosphere.

As of 2009, Beagle offers two distinct seven night itineraries which can be combined to create the most comprehensive wildlife experience available in the Galapagos today.

The Beagle is a fantastic choice for any wildlife enthusiast.

Star rating
Beagle is a first class motor sail boat. With five crew looking after thirteen passengers, you are well looked after.

Accommodation
The six main cabins (numbers 1 – 6) are fairly small, below decks towards the centre or back of the boat. All have porthole, private bath, single upper, small double lower bunks. Small clothes hanging area and shelf.

Cabin 7 is smaller, at the back with single upper and lower bunks – this is generally sold as single occupancy which is why the boat accommodates thirteen. On occasion it can be sold for double occupancy at a slight discount.

Charters can be for either 12 or 13 people.

The communal areas are large and very comfortable with plenty of different seating areas including the interior salon/dining room.

Outside you have an open air dining area, a good sized forward deck, plenty of comfortable seating on the rear deck and then a topmost area where you can sit and relax.

In short, there are plenty of bolt holes if you want to have time to be quiet and relax as well as plenty of places for you to be sociable.

Noise
You should be aware that on any small boat you will have noise from generators and from the engine when travelling.

Stability
Being a sail boat, you will get movement in the water. This will be most noticeable between July and October in the more exposed waters of the south west of the archipelago.

Itinerary
The itinerary is unusual in that it works as either a seven or fourteen night proposition.

The two itineraries are North West Islands and the South Central Islands. Each runs every other week.

If you are going on Beagle for just seven nights then we would normally recommend you take the North West Islands route. This combines the western side of Isabela with Genovesa Island, unusual in a seven night trip.

Responsible travel
The Beagle is owned and operated by Augusto Cruz and Georgina Marten Cruz.

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. Georgina, born in Dorset, has lived in Ecuador since 1973. She moved to the islands in 1980 to work as a naturalist guide.

The Beagle endeavours to use locally produced goods and services, maintaining its main offices in Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island. The Beagle has been awarded the Smart Voyager certificate, which is granted to tourist operations after careful inspection of their adherence to sound conservation practices.

Who is it for?
The Beagle is comfortable, not luxurious so the atmosphere is very relaxed, friendly and informal.

The boat is an excellent choice for anyone with a deep interest in wildlife, it is also a great charter option since it can be used for just 12 people.

Clients will tend to be a mixture of European and north American, English will always be the lingua franca.

Useful Links

As you already know, Pura Aventura is dedicated to safe and responsible travel. The links below provide useful content and more information about Ecuador. Please call us of any special requirements on 01273 676 712.

Country Information

FCO

The British Foreign and Commonwealth Office provides useful travel advice on Ecuador.

BBC News

BBC News provides useful information about Ecuador. Read more about it.

Official Government website

Find out more about Ecuador, by visiting its official government website.

Prepare your holiday

Health

Before you go on your holiday to Ecuador, please ensure you have the correct vaccinations. Check out the NHS website for advice, visit your GP or a travel clinic.

Weather

For the forecast in Ecuador, visit wunderground.

Pura’s Amazon shop

Browse our own Ecuador selection in Amazon.co.uk for a wide range of travel essentials, such as books, gadgets, clothing, etc. in preparation for your upcoming holiday.

Flight deals

Find the best flight deals for your holiday to Ecuador with Kayak, Expedia, or Opodo.