Samba is a sweet little boat. Classed as tourist superior you won’t actually notice any difference in the size of cabins, the quality of guides and itinerary compared to many of our first class sail boats.

Samba is very good value assuming you stay in cabins 1 through 6. If you get cabin 7 then good becomes great value.

Feedback from our clients on Samba is invariably very good indeed.

Accommodation
Seven cabins accommodating fourteen people.

Cabin 7 is one of the best value in the Galapagos Islands. It is relatively very large, up on the top deck next to the captain’s cabin/bridge. You have a double bed and lots of light. You have to go quite a long way up in price to find a boat with cabins this large.

Cabins 1 & 2 are closest to the engine room so noise levels will be greater though these two cabins are slightly larger than the others below decks.

Cabins 3 – 6 are pretty much identical, small with nothing by way of floor space but the beds are a good width (3ft single beds) and full length so sleeping is very comfortable. At a squeeze you could sleep two in the bottom bunk as the hull curves to give you a bit more room.

The outside spaces are well divided with a front deck for sunbathing, a lower shaded seating area on the back deck and above that, a full oustide seating/dining area. So there is a good deal of flexibility in the arrangement of the space.

Star rating
Samba is a tourist superior class motor sail boat. Think of Samba as the bottom end of first class and that’s probably a fairer reflection of the overall quality of the experience.

Noise
You should be aware that on any small boat you will have noise from generators and from the engine when travelling. Even sail boats travel under motor. Cabins 1 and 2 are closest to the engine room.

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.

Note that cabin 7, being on the top deck, will roll more than cabins below decks.

Responsible travel
Pura Aventura is passionate about the places it visits.

Pura Aventura pays for you to become a benefactor of the Galapagos Conservation Trust for a full year.

Who is it for?
Samba tends to attract a mixed crowd of Europeans and north Americans. Usually people who care about the quality of the experience (guides and itinerary) more than the depth of the pile on the carpet.

The boat is comfortable, the atmosphere is relaxed and informal.

Samba boat specification
Length on deck: 22m/73ft
Boat width (beam): 4.5m/15ft
Average speed: 9 knots
Crew: 5 plus one guide

Samba accommodation information
Passengers: 14 maximum.
Cabins: seven total. One with a double lower bed. Six with single upper and lower bunks.

All cabins have en suite facilities (shower with hot/cold water, toilet and sink).

Air conditioned throughout.

Inside and outside dining and seating areas. Some deck space at front of boat.

Equipment on board
Snorkel equipment: available at extra cost.

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 advices 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 governement 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 advices and visit your GP or a travel clinic.

Weather

To know the forecast in Ecuador, visit wunderground.

Pura’s Amazon shop

Find out 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.

Train ticket

If you are leaving from the UK, and want to be easy in your mind before you leave, book your train ticket or airport hotel now.

Flight deals

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