Galaxy Sirius Review: What to Expect on a Luxury Galapagos Cruise

Our Verdict

The Galaxy Sirius brings hotel-level luxury to a 16-guest catamaran: a private balcony in every cabin, a hot tub on the upper deck, chef-led themed dinners and a guide with around 15 years’ experience in the archipelago. It sits at the higher end of Galapagos cruise prices and asks you to be mindful with water and power on board, but we think it’s money well spent.

The Catamaran

The first thing you notice about the boat is the colour. Most cruises in the Galapagos are white and look fairly similar, varying only in size. The Galaxy Sirius is seriously stylish, painted a shimmering black that almost sparkles in the sun. It’s a stunning sight.

We were lucky enough to stay on board one of the newest vessels in the Galagent fleet [CONFIRM], on the 5 night, 6 day cruise from Santa Cruz to San Cristobal, visiting Rabida, Seymour, Mosquera, Santiago, Bartolome and Genovesa along the way.

The catamaran has 11 staff and sleeps 16 guests. All dining is communal, either in the beautifully designed dining area or outside on deck listening to the sounds of the ocean. A large, comfortable lounge is where passengers and crew meet for the daily briefings, grab a drink from the bar and relax. The finish of the boat is undeniably luxurious and high quality throughout.

Your Cabin and the Upper Deck

Cabins are spacious and light, with a luxury shower and bathroom to rival any 5* hotel. The Galaxy Sirius is unique in that every cabin has a private balcony with space for two. I saw pelicans flying by and turtles swimming along from the peace and comfort of my own cabin. Each cabin has ample space for luggage and hanging clothes, a reading desk and plenty of mirrors, which add to the feeling of light and space (and made getting ready much easier).

The upper deck is the real showstopper, with a hot tub surrounded by lounging chairs and sunbathing daybeds. It’s perfect for relaxing between activities. I read a book in peace, then relaxed with a cold beer in the hot tub as the sun set. (The sunsets in the Galapagos are especially stunning.)

Guides, Crew and Food

Like many wildlife holidays, the most memorable part is often your guides. Our guide Christopher had worked in and around the archipelago for around 15 years and there was nothing he didn’t know. His knowledge was incredible, he was full of interesting, unusual facts, and no question was too much. His passion for the Galapagos shone through. The team on board were just as dedicated, from knowing your favourite beer, to adjusting the lighting over dinner to suit the mood, to accommodating fussy eaters. The crew became family during our adventure, and on the last day we enjoyed a cocktail with the captain and raised a toast to the fabulous team.

This is the 5* service you hope for on a luxury Galapagos cruise. What the chefs conjured up, with what are generally limited resources, was remarkable. The Galapagos is not typically a destination associated with great food, but on the Galaxy Sirius good food is key. Each evening had a different theme: fresh pasta night, sushi night, Ecuadorian food, and a seafood BBQ on deck. Each meal was beautifully crafted and would not be out of place in a top restaurant. We never went hungry, and as the week went on it became increasingly difficult to get into our wetsuits! Top marks to both the head chef and sous chef. If you are a foodie, this is THE Galapagos boat to choose.

Sustainability and treading lightly

Single-use water bottles are not permitted on board. Bring your own reusable bottle (or buy one on board) and refill it from the filtered fresh water tap in the main dining area. You’re asked to switch off lights and air conditioning in your cabin every time you leave, to use the same towels throughout, and to avoid long showers or leaving the tap running while brushing your teeth. No laundry service is offered.

The ship has a state-of-the-art water purification system, so water used on board is treated and cleaned before being returned to the ocean. Food on board is delicious and plentiful, prepared with ingredients from local farmers and fishermen, and any food waste is stored, treated and sent back to the mainland for recycling.

Respecting the archipelago

The Galapagos National Park has a strict arrangement with all boats in the archipelago. All routes are pre-assigned and all boats are tracked at all times, so there are never too many boats in one region or at one island at any given time. That means fewer groups on any particular excursion, less footfall, and less pressure on the local environment. The wildlife never gets used to too many humans at once, and you get a better, quieter experience. There were a couple of days on our trip when we barely saw another boat, swimming and hiking completely away from others, and there aren’t many places in the world you can say that about any more.

No food or drink other than water is allowed on the islands, and of course there’s no littering or smoking. If you spot litter, tell the guides so it can be taken back on the zodiacs and sent to the mainland for recycling. A holiday to the Galapagos means respecting the environment at all times. You are there to observe quietly and tread lightly. We are visitors; for the sea lions and turtles, it’s home. A luxury cruise shouldn’t come at the expense of the environment.

The National Park fee

The National Park fee, which rose to $200 per visitor, is a positive step towards ensuring the islands don’t attract too many visitors. The money goes towards vital conservation schemes and research. The Galapagos needs tourism, but it needs to be carefully and consciously managed.