The Mary Anne holds 34 people but sails with just 16 passengers, meaning it offers no single supplements to travellers wanting a single cabin.
This beautiful ship combines elegant design with luxury and space and offer a holiday that harks back to sailing’s golden age.
Learn nautical knots and feel like a sailor of old when when the sails are billowing – there is no engine noise, enticing dolphins and whales close.
Mary Anne guides and itineraries take you to the best visitor sites in Galapagos.
Magnificent wildlife and snorkelling is guaranteed in this natural haven.
Facilities on board include a comfortable lounge done in rich, wood panelling, a cosy bar area and ample sundecks.
Cabins have private bathrooms with hot water and all are designed with one double lower berth and a single upper berth.
Mary Anne sails with 16 passengers but has room for 34, making it incredibly spacious.
Due to its steel hull, tall masts and deep draft, the Mary Anne is one of the most stable vessels in the islands.
Up to EIGHT single cabins available with no supplement, all cabins have private bathroom, hot/cold shower and air conditioning.
Navigating with full sails, enjoy travelling without the sound of engines - plus dolphins and whales are more likely to swim alongside the boat.
Three meals served daily, after-excursion snacks and non-alcoholic beverages.
Elegant, three mast barquentine that is the only of its kind in the Galapagos.
The trip was outstanding. No low points at all, even waking up in the small hours to the anchor being dropped after motoring all night was lovely. I think the last day was possibly the best, all through the trip there was something new to see around every corner but there was almost an explosion of wildlife that time. The Mary Anne was first class and the guides were also outstanding. Knowing that we were on a locally owned and operated ship was great.
E. Richards, Mary Anne
East itinerary (8 days) Sat-Sat
After arriving at Baltra airport we are greeted by our guides and soon board the Mary Anne and have lunch.
After lunch, we navigate a short distance to Black Turtle Cove, a large mangrove lagoon on the north coast of Santa Cruz Island.
Pelicans and herons roost on the branches, while marine dwellers such as green sea turtle or golden ray may cruise right next to the panga as it makes its way through the mangroves.
Head to the yacht for dinner and briefing.
Genovesa is considered to be one of the most spectacular islands in Galapagos for bird species and is home to the red-footed booby. It’s a wet landing on Darwin Bay, a coral sand beach where Swallow-tailed Gulls and Lava Gulls gather near the tide pools.
A trail leads us through red mangrove and salt bush, then we enter a forest of Opuntia cactus where colonies of Great Frigate nest. The males of this species inflate their red-throated pouches to attract females as they fly overhead. A few Nazca Boobies nest on the ground, and the trail leads along small tide pools up to a cliff with a spectacular view over the caldera.
At low tide there are thousands of Galapagos Fiddler Crabs to see on the sandy shore.
We return to the boat for lunch.
It’s a dry landing here at Prince Philip Steps, a nesting site of the Red-footed Boobies and a great place to snorkel.
You can choose to swim or snorkel from the beach with sea lions in these northern warmer waters or for those with experience, there may be the chance to snorkel in some deeper waters. Prince Philip’s Steps themselves offer an easy trail that leads first through a small nesting colony of Masked Boobies and then crosses a low and dense forest of palo santo trees. It’s here that the Red-Footed Boobies have their nests.
On both sides of the trail there is a big Nazca Booby nesting colony. In an open lava field, we find Storm Petrels in large numbers. If you are lucky, we will see the elusive Short-eared Owl.
Return to the yacht for a briefing and dinner.
It’s a dry landing at Bartholomew to climb up the wooden steps and reach the summit for a most breathtaking panorama of the islands’ often photographed Pinnacle Rock, views of neighbouring Santiago and many other central islands in the distance.
We return to the yacht for lunch.
Less than a quarter of one square kilometre in size, our island gets its name from being shaped like a Chinese Hat.
The hat shape is best appreciated from the north side. Lava formations can be seen on the western side of the island, formed under the sea and raised upward and for this reason it is possible to observe coral heads on the lava. Be amazed by the landscapes covered by sea lion colonies, marine iguanas and Galapagos penguins.
Wet landing onto Rábida’s deep-red beaches to explore the red island’s fascinating interior and saltwater lagoon. Darwin finches, Galapagos mockingbirds, and yellow warblers feed off the vegetation; given the right time of the year brown pelicans nesting on salt bushes that fringe the beach.
Located on the northern tip of Santa Cruz is Cerro Dragon aka Dragon Hill, offering great views over the Galapagos.
Return to the yacht for lunch.
As we walk towards the viewpoint, the trail passes a saltwater lagoon replete with Pink Flamingos as well as other lagoon birds; Stilts, Pintail Ducks, Sandpipers and more. We’ll most likely see Darwin Finches, Galapagos, Flycatchers, Yellow Warblers, Audubon Shearwater and the endemic land iguanas en route too. From the top of the hill, we enjoy a majestic view of the bay island covered in Opuntia cactus, Palo Santo and Cordia Lutea (muyuyu).
After a dry landing, today’s trail starts in Bellavista as we head in the Highlands.
This area, in contrast to the coastal region, has lush vegetation and forest due to the humidity of the higher regions. We visit one of the ranches of the area where it is possible to see giant tortoises in their natural habitat. As these animals migrate from the coastal area to the highlands and back, the chosen ranch will depend on the presence of the tortoises, since they roam free and change locations.
This is also a good place to see the Galapagos Hawk and barn owl, and the surrounding forests are filled of birds such as the vermilion flycatcher or the yellow warbler.
We enjoy lunch at the ranch to then head back to Puerto Ayora for our second visit of the day, the Fausto Llerena Tortoise Breeding Centre.
Here, we see tortoises from different islands. The animals are found in large semi-natural pens for their protection, but also to ensure an easy view for visitors. The pens are divided according to four different stages: eggs, neo-nates, juveniles, held here until they are mature enough to be ‘reintroduced’, and adults.
South Plazas is a small island, a geological uplift, and has spectacularly tall cliffs (up to 25m) that offer fantastic views on the southern side, and sea lions to the north.
During the rainy season (Jan-May) the island is an intense green, where as in the drier months the ground vegetation changes to a bright orange then purple. Throughout the island we find several hybrid iguanas, a result of crossing a male marine iguana and a female land iguana. These unique animals, recognisable at first glance by their black/grey colour, have the face and tail of the marine iguana.
It’s a dry landing on a jetty, the trail leads us through Prickly Pear or Opuntia and Sesuvium. Here we can find the Galapagos land iguana feeding on the cactus leaves.
Toward the end of the hill, we encounter a colony of bachelor sea lions. We also find Swallow-tailed Gulls, Shearwaters and Red-billed Tropicbirds who build their nests along the cliffs.
Santa Fe is a small island of 24 km2. The visitor site Santa Fe is located on the northeast end of the island. Highlights include Santa Fe land iguanas, pelican nesting site, sea lion colony, mockingbird, and Palo Santo trees.
In the morning we head to Punta Suarez (dry landing). The trail is about 4km/2.5 miles long and the walk takes about 2 hours.
A geyser near the trail sprays water some 25m/75ft into the air. This is one of the most popular landing sites in Galapagos.
Other highlights include: sea lions near our landing place, sometimes to be seen bodysurfing in the large breakers; large marine iguanas, with red-coloured males in the breeding season; Oystercatchers; Blue-footed and Nazca boobies; Galapagos Hawk; Galapagos Dove; Swallow-tailed Gull; Red-billed Tropic birds in flight; and three species endemic to Española – Waved Albatross (present only from April to December), Española Mockingbird, and Española lava lizard.
Wet landing on a wonderful, long, white beach made of coral sand at Gardner Bay (Española). For this visit you won’t even need shoes, it’s so soft underfoot, and there is no trail to follow so you can take a long walk and explore a bit. Playa Gardner is a very good place to observe finches and mockingbirds in the saltbush vegetation, and there is some great swimming and snorkelling from the beach, where curious sea lions are never far off. Some will even launch with you from the beach and into the water.
Islote Gardner and Islote Osborn are snorkelling sites where visitors will see an abundance of tropical fish, reef sharks, and turtles.
Dinner on the yacht completes your day, as we sail back towards Santa Cruz.
Our last visit today!
This is our last day in the islands. After breakfast we disembark in Puerto Ayora to take our transport to the Baltra airport, making a short stop to visit the Twin Craters. The Gemelos (twins) are two deep craters located to the side of the road that leads to Puerto Ayora from the other side of the island. These huge holes were probably created in a volcanic explosion or by magma chambers underneath the island’s surface.
After this visit we transfer to the airport for your flight back to the mainland.
West itinerary (8 days) Sat-Sat
After arriving at Baltra airport we are greeted by our guides and will board a bus which takes us to Puerto Ayora for the first visit on the islands: the Highlands.
We visit El Chato ranch to spot giant tortoises in their natural habitat, a wonderful introduction to the islands.
Next, we drive to Puerto Ayora for lunch and to freshen up aboard the Mary Anne. In the afternoon, we head to the Charles Darwin Research Centre.
Here, we see tortoises from different islands. The animals are found in large semi-natural pens for their protection, but also to ensure an easy view for tourists. The pens are divided according to four different stages: eggs, neo-nates, juveniles (held here until they are mature enough to be ‘repatriated’), and adults.
Afterwards we head back to Puerto Ayora, where we have some time to explore the town and shops by ourselves before boarding the S/S Mary Anne at around 5:00p.m.
Once on board, we are welcomed by the crew and captain, have a short security drill and enjoy dinner and a briefing for the next day’s activities.
NOTE: Please keep in mind that our west itinerary starts right after you arrive to the islands. If possible, please wear clothes comfortable enough for a visit to the highlands of Santa Cruz Island: comfortable shoes, a hat for the sun, trousers or shorts.
We awake in Floreana and motor to Punta Cormorant.
It’s a wet landing and we’ll be looking for flamingos on our way to a special beach with the finest sand you’ll set your foot on, a sea turtle nesting ground where sharks and rays also visit regularly.
From there take the dinghy to go for a snorkel at Devil’s Crown, a sunken cone with exciting snorkelling as you’re carried by the current while seeing a superb variety of marine life. This is one of the best snorkels in the Galapagos, and one of the most dramatic sites to behold.
Note: There is a current here, so you do need to be able to swim well.
Next, on to Punta Cormorant where you land on a beach with green olivine sand. Several trails allow you to explore a brackish water lagoon with a colony of flamingos who are there most of the year, and White-cheeked Pintail Ducks, Stilts, and other shorebirds feeding alongside the flamingos. The trail then goes over a hill and dunes to a stunning white beach consisting of ground coral, where green sea turtles nest.
After lunch, visit one of the most famous sites in Galapagos, Post Office Bay, where a post barrel was erected in the late 18th Century for use by British whaling vessels. Visitors are invited to leave a post card and to pick up any mail destined for their home town. There may be an opportunity to swim from the beach with sea lions.
This morning we visit Floreana Island’s Black Beach to learn about the intriguing human history of the island and its first inhabitants.Floreana was the first island in the archipelago to be inhabited, since it has one of the very few fresh water sources. We visit this fresh water source, known as Asilo de La Paz, as well as the caves that served as hideouts for pirates.Here the first Galapegueño was born, according to the stories of Floreana, which also involve the infamous Baroness Eloise Wagner von Bousquet and her lovers who mysteriously began to disappear after settling on the island.Return to the yacht for lunch and sailing.After our visit, we have the best opportunity for a not-so-common yet well beloved activity in the archipelago, a full afternoon navigation to look for whales and dolphins.The waters of the Galapagos form the second largest marine reserve in the world very rich in wildlife. The biggest representatives of the underwater fauna are the different species of whales and dolphins found here.We navigate from Floreana to Isabela Island while looking for these fascinating creatures, which are commonly seen in this area. The afternoon is completed by the arrival at impressive landscapes of Isabella and the Cerro Azul volcano.
We awake at Isabela, the largest island in the Galapagos.
After breakfast, we step ashore at Punta Moreno (dry landing) onto a superb pahoehoe lava landscape surrounded by giant volcanoes, some still active! From here we perform a short hike to a lagoon where Flamingos are usually present.
We disembark at Urbina Bay (wet landing) onto a black sand beach, nesting site for green sea turtles. We take a brief hike inland in search of land iguanas and giant tortoises (seasonal) that migrate to and from the highlands. At the beach, we admire the remains of a geological uplift exposing coral heads and marine fossils and if the sea conditions and time are on our side, we can also snorkel in these waters.
Go ashore at Tagus Cove, a favourite anchorage for pirates and whalers over the centuries. Sections of the rocky cliffs are covered with graffiti dating back to the 1800s.
An uphill hike leads to a saltwater lagoon and a scenic overlook with a spectacular view of the ocean, lava fields and volcanic formations. Take advantage of the secluded cove and explore the shoreline by kayak or stand up paddle board in search of Galapagos Penguins, Boobies, Pelicans and other seabirds.
Head back to the boat for lunch.
This afternoon’s stop is at Punta Espinoza on Fernandina, the youngest and most pristine island in Galapagos, with no introduced animals. Recent lava flows formed by an active volcano stretch their way around the coast. Observe sea lion harems with resident bulls carefully guarding their territory, and hundreds of marine iguanas, the largest colony in Galapagos, basking in the sun along the rugged shoreline.
Out on the point, the Flightless Cormorants build their nests close to shore after they lost their ability to fly.
Back aboard for dinner and briefing.
Stroll along the shoreline at Puerto Egas on Santiago (James) Island looking for octopus, starfish and other sea life caught in the tide pools.
At low tide, catch a glimpse of marine iguanas as they feed on exposed green algae. Watch for Great Blue Herons, Lava Herons, American Oystercatchers and Yellow-crowned Night Herons. The walk ends at the grottos, deep pools of clear water where we encounter fur sea lions once on the verge of extinction.
Before returning to the yacht, there is a chance to snorkel from the beach.
At Buccaneer Cove we will take a panga ride around the beautiful coastline. This place got its name due to the fact that used to be a refuge for British Buccaneers, they would anchor here to collect supplies and clean their ships among other activities. The cove is very scenic with views of the cliffs and a dark beach. Do not forget to look for two unusual rock formations known as ‘the monk’ and ‘elephant rock’.
After exploring the fabulous western islands, we head to central Santiago to disembark at Espumilla (wet landing), onto a golden-coloured sand – Green Sea Turtle nesting site. A forest trail will take us through some of the largest specimens of Palo Santo on the islands to observe Yellow Warblers, the unbelievably tame Galapagos Flycatcher and the ever-intriguing Darwin finches.
We head across to Sullivan Bay (dry landing) in Santiago to walk over a recent lava flow, including very fresh pahoehoe lava formations, lava bubbles containing crystallised minerals and pioneer plants.
Along the shoreline, we may find Galapagos penguins and herons going after small fish.
We head back to the boat for lunch.
After lunch, go ashore at North Seymour, a small geological uplift to observe Swallow-tailed Gulls, Blue-footed Boobies and endemic land iguanas. Visit the largest colony of Magnificent Frigate birds in the Galapagos, and watch for marine iguanas and sea lions body surfing the northern swells.
Back aboard for our farewell dinner!
Mosquera is a small islet located between Baltra Island and North Seymour measuring about 160m across and 600m in length.
It is home to one of the Galapagos’ largest sea lion colonies and is also a haven for shorebirds. Orcas occasionally come to the islet to feed on the sea lions.
Alas, it’s time to say goodbye. Your guide accompanies you to the airport and you fly back to the continent, or stay on for more Galapagos exploration.
Prices From $5,290 / £4,301 per person
Enquire about booking
Accommodation, Programmed visits to the Islands with a certified naturalistic guide, on board accommodation, snorkel gear (mask, snorkel and flippers), kayak, all meals on board, transfers in the Islands between the airport and dock, all meals plus purified water, tea and coffee
International flights, Round trip flights to the Galapagos Islands, Galapagos National Park fee, Galapagos Ingala fee, soft and alcoholic and bottled drinks, personal items, souvenirs, tips, wetsuit hire, travel insurance, personal items, Ecuador services
The Mary Anne takes up to 16 passengers across its 12 double, tastefully furnished cabins.
All cabins are on the cabin deck and have private bathrooms with hot water. They all are designed with one double lower berth and a single upper berth. There are also two double cabins.
The spacious main and sun decks are comfortable places to have a drink in the lounge, read a book in the library or simply relax in a sun chair while enjoying the view.
Both decks are ideal places for wildlife observation.
The crews are “Galapagueños”, guides, captains and crew members were born and raised in the Galapagos Islands.
They know the area well and are prepared to show you the islands only like a native can do it.
The Naturalist, English-speaking guides have studied and been trained at Charles Darwin Scientific Station, and have long years of experience guiding at the Galapagos Islands.
The boat uses as much locally sourced produce as possible, including fish, coffee, eggs, fruits and meat farmed in Galapagos, to reduce carbon footprints and make sure the best ingredients are used.
The chef prepares three main meals a day, with snacks and drinks available after activities.
All dietary requirements can be catered for, vegetarians, vegans, lactose intolerant and more.
Breakfast usually features a juice, tea and coffee, toast, jams, eggs and pastries.
Lunch will include soups, then a main meal of rices, pastas, fish, omelettes and many more options, and often a small pudding.
Dinner will again be a hearty affair, with a starter, main meal and pudding, with water, teas and coffees available.
There is a bar with beers and cocktails available at extra cost.
Walks
Every visit to each island involves an easy or moderate walk, which can last between 2 to 3 hours, and are not considered strenuous. On these walks you will be led by an expert naturalist guides in a small group along clearly marked trails. They will explain in great detail all the wonders of each of our carefully selected itineraries. Most days there are two guided walks on a specific island where you will be able to walk and hike on beaches, lava fields, alongside cliffs and around mangrove estuaries.
Snorkelling
Snorkelling in the Islands is the highlight of the Galapagos cruise for many of our guests. You have the opportunity to go snorkelling almost every day – snorkelling with marine iguanas and with playful sea-lions are some of the highlights, as well as with green sea turtles, penguins and an incredible variety of colourful reef fish. On the western islands the water is a little colder but teaming with life. There are beach snorkels for beginners and deeper waters.
Zodiac rides
Dinghies, or “Pangas” as they are known in Galapagos, are inflatable zodiacs that serve as the main transportation method from our Galapagos yachts to the visitor sites. At several times during your week-long Galapagos travel adventure, you will have the chance to enjoy dinghy (or panga) rides in shores, mangrove estuaries, coves and caves.
Classic sailing boat, ideal for single travellers as there are no single supplements.
Large and spacious, great for families and offers a traditional sailing-type holiday.
These magical islands comprise of 50 volcanic islands of varying shapes and sizes, which lie 1,000 kilometres off the coast of Ecuador.
Here, unlike anywhere else on Earth, you can enjoy a thousand close encounters with a weird and wonderful variety of ‘friendly locals’, including giant tortoises, fur seals, sea iguanas, frigate birds and blue-footed boobies.
Read our Galapagos Islands Guide and more about diving.
In 1535, Tomás de Berlanga, Bishop of Panama, floated into this archipelago and named it Galapagos after the giant tortoises he encountered. Pirates used the islands for refuge and to bury their stolen treasure after that.
The islands’ most celebrated visitor was Charles Darwin, who arrived aboard the HMS Beagle in 1835. The rare life forms he encountered helped him formulate his theory of evolution, which he published in The Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection.
It wasn’t until 1959 when it became part of Ecuador’s national park system that this fragile ecosystem with its rare and endemic species came under protection.
In 1979 the Galapagos archipelago was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Landscapes vary from the drier south to the more humid north.
The Highlands, or sierra, encompass two Andean Cordilleras (the Central and Western), which run north to south through the country. Ecuador’s largest volcano is Chimborazo (6,310m) whose summit, because of its proximity to the equator, is the closest point on earth to the sun. Several of Ecuador’s volcanoes are still active, and it’s a great area for trekking.
Descending the steep, east-facing slopes of the eastern Cordillera, one passes through a transition zone comprising dense cloud forest and humid high jungle, before entering the Amazon lowlands.
This mainly primary rainforest covers a third of the country, accounts for 5% of the population and stretches across Ecuador, from its Colombian to its Peruvian borders.
The Galapagos Islands are simply unique. Lying 600 miles off the mainland, the archipelago comprises the summits of gigantic equatorial volcanoes.
The flora and fauna of the Galapagos, long separated from their continental cousins, have evolved differently. Charles Darwin used his observations there to develop his theory of Evolution.
When to visit Galapagos Islands: weather and wildlife
There is no real ‘best’ time to visit Galapagos on holiday as there is always wonderful wildlife and weather to enjoy. Read our blog for more.
Most animals – tortoises, sharks, sea lions and boobies – are found year round and many of the species here are non-migratory.
The Galapagos Islands are located right on the equator so air and water temperatures do not vary by much.
Having said that, there are two recognised seasons, and each months brings natural marvels for the visitor to enjoy.
Below is our quick guide to the weather and wildlife you can find on the Galapagos Islands.
General weather information
The warm season (Jan-Jun)
Sea temperatures: 22-25°C / 72-77°F
Land temperatures: 21-32°C / 72-90°F
The dry ‘garua’ season (Jun-Dec)
Sea temperatures: 15-22°C / 60-72°F
Land temperatures: 18-24°C / 65-75°F
Air and sea temperatures in Galapagos, month-by-month
Andean Trails has 25 years of experience of putting together the best South America holidays.
We pay a fee to the CAA for every licensable passenger we book since we hold an Air Travel Organiser’s Licence granted by the Civil Aviation Authority. In the unlikely event of our insolvency, the CAA will ensure that you are not stranded abroad and will arrange to refund any money you have paid to us for an advance booking.
We also offer ATOL (Civil Aviation Authority) protected holidays to give our customers peace of mind when booking and travelling.
When you buy an ATOL protected air holiday package from Andean Trails Ltd you will receive a Confirmation Invoice from us confirming your arrangements and your protection under our Air Travel Organiser’s Licence number 6275.
You can read more about ATOL, who is covered and what protections you have if not ATOL-covered, on our ATOL page.
What is ATOL?
The CAA’s ATOL scheme offers protection to your money and your holiday if you book with us. Not everybody is covered (see ‘Who is covered?’ for more), as you must purchase an ‘air package holiday’ with Andean Trails to be protected.
And ‘air package holiday’ is defined as including a flight and some ground services (hotel, transfer, trek etc). This is also known as an ‘ATOL-protected holiday’.
Who is covered?
To be covered by ATOL, you must book a flight and some ground services with us and be from the UK. If you are from the UK and only book ground services and no flights, you are not covered by ATOL (see below for more on how non-ATOL clients are covered).
If you are outside the UK and buy flights with us, you will be ATOL protected IF any of the flights booked with Andean Trails touches/stops in the UK at any point during your holiday package booked with us.
If you buy your flights elsewhere, please check with that agent if you are ATOL protected. Be careful with online flight purchases and make sure you know what protection you have, if any, before paying for flights.
Not all holiday or travel services offered and sold by us will be protected by the ATOL scheme. Please ask us to confirm what protection may apply to your booking.
For land only holidays not involving any air travel, in accordance with “The Package Travel, Package Holidays and Package Tours Regulations 1992”, all UK passengers booking with Andean Trails Ltd. are fully protected for the initial deposit and subsequently the balance of all money paid to us, arising from cancellation or curtailment of travel arrangements due to the insolvency of Andean Trails.
I’m not ATOL covered, what protection do I have?
If you are not ATOL covered, any payments you make to us go to a Trust account.
We can only access this money once your tour has been completed, meaning that if anything happens to Andean Trails Limited while you are on holiday, then your money is secure and you can either complete the trip or be able to make it home.
If you pay for your holiday with a credit card, some offer payment protection – please check with your cardholder.
You also should have cancellation protection written into your insurance (which we recommend you have at the time of booking) in case you need to cancel.
Mary Anne is currently undergoing maintenance. Check back for news. 2023 price, per person, 8-day cruise No single supplement (subject to availability) Dec 23-Jan 6 incur +10% peak season surcharge
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Prices From $6,195 / £5,037 per person
Dates: From January 2024 to December 2024
Duration: 8
Capacity: 16 people
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