Two exceptional vessels. One extraordinary destination. The Galápagos Legend and Coral Yachts I & II both deliver world-class expedition experiences in the Galápagos Islands — but they do so in very different ways. Here's everything you need to choose the right ship for your 2026 voyage.
The Two Vessels at a Glance
M/V Galápagos Legend
Expedition Cruise Ship
- Up to 100 passengers
- Full-size expedition ship
- Multiple dining venues
- Spacious ocean-view cabins
- 4 to 8-day itineraries
- Larger naturalist team
- Greater stability at sea
Coral I & Coral II
Boutique Super Yachts
- Just 20 to 36 passengers each
- Intimate super yacht
- Single dining room, communal feel
- Cozy, well-appointed cabins
- 4 to 5-day itineraries
- One dedicated naturalist guide
- More flexible at visitor sites
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Galápagos Legend | Coral Yachts I & II |
|---|---|---|
| Passenger capacity | Up to 100 | 20 to 36 per yacht |
| Vessel type | Expedition cruise ship | Boutique super yacht |
| Itinerary length | 4, 5, or 8 days | 4 or 5 days |
| Naturalist guides | Multiple guides, smaller sub-groups | One dedicated guide for 20 guests |
| Dining | Multiple venues, buffet & à la carte | Single dining room, communal meals |
| Stability at sea | Excellent — larger hull | Good — may feel choppier in rough seas |
| Flexibility at sites | Coordinated group rotations | More flexible, smaller group moves faster |
| Atmosphere | Sociable, cruise-like community | Intimate, boutique, like-minded travelers |
| Snorkeling equipment | Included | Included |
| Meals | All included | All included |
| Zodiac transfers | Included | Included |
| Children's amenities | Yes — special menu & activities | Yes |
| 2026 special deals | Free domestic flight + hotel nights | 10–15% off select sailings |
The Galápagos Legend — Who Should Choose?
The Galápagos Legend is the flagship expedition ship of the fleet — a full-size vessel that carries up to 100 passengers in genuine comfort. With multiple dining venues, spacious ocean-view cabins, and a large team of expert naturalist guides, the Legend is designed for travelers who want the full expedition experience without sacrificing comfort.
Because of its size, the Legend offers the best stability at sea — an important consideration for travelers who are prone to seasickness or who are traveling with young children or older family members. The larger passenger community also creates a more social atmosphere, with evening lectures, cocktail hours, and the energy of a ship full of fellow wildlife enthusiasts.
The Legend also offers the longest itinerary options — up to 8 days — which allows you to cover the most ground and visit the greatest variety of islands and visitor sites.
Choose the Galápagos Legend if you:
- Want maximum comfort and stability at sea
- Are traveling with family including young children or elderly relatives
- Prefer a more social atmosphere with a larger group of fellow travelers
- Want the option of a longer 8-day itinerary
- Are prone to seasickness
- Want to take advantage of the free domestic flight offer
Coral Yachts I & II — Who Should Choose Them?
The Coral I and Coral II are intimate super yachts carrying just 20 to 36 passengers each — a deliberately small number that changes the nature of the experience entirely. With only 20 to 36 guests on board, you are never part of a crowd. Your naturalist guide knows every passenger by name within hours, the Zodiacs move quickly and quietly through bays, and visitor sites feel like private excursions rather than organized tours.
Mealtimes on the Coral Yachts have a genuine communal feel — all 20 to 36 guests dining together, sharing stories of the day's encounters. For solo travelers or couples who want to connect with like-minded adventurers, this creates something surprisingly special.
The smaller size of the yachts also means greater flexibility at visitor sites. Where larger ships must coordinate multiple landing rotations, the Coral Yachts can linger longer at a site, revisit a snorkeling spot, or adjust the afternoon schedule on the fly based on a wildlife sighting.
Choose Coral Yachts if you:
- Prefer an intimate, boutique travel experience
- Want a closer relationship with your naturalist guide
- Travel as a couple or small group of friends
- Value flexibility and spontaneity over structure
- Want to take advantage of the 10–15% discount offers
- Are comfortable on smaller vessels
Who Is Right for Each?
🚢 Galápagos Legend
- Families with young children
- First-time cruise travelers
- Travelers who want 8-day itineraries
- Those prone to motion sickness
- Groups of 10+ traveling together
- Anyone who loves a social ship atmosphere
⛵ Coral Yachts I & II
- Couples and honeymooners
- Small groups of friends (20 to 36)
- Experienced cruise travelers
- Travelers who value privacy
- Wildlife photographers wanting flexibility
- Anyone wanting a truly boutique experience
The Itineraries — What Islands Will You Visit?
Both vessels explore the same extraordinary Galápagos archipelago, but follow different expedition routes designated by letter:
- North Expedition (A) — Visits the northern islands including Genovesa, famous for its massive red-footed booby colony and magnificent frigatebirds.
- West Expedition (B) — Explores the western islands including Fernandina, one of the most volcanically active places on earth, home to the world's largest colony of marine iguanas.
- East Expedition (C) — Covers the central and eastern islands including Santa Cruz and the Charles Darwin Research Station.
- South Expedition (D) — Explores the southern islands including Española, nesting ground of the waved albatross and home to spectacular sea lion colonies.
Each expedition route is different — many travelers return to the Galápagos specifically to explore routes they haven't yet completed.
✦ Exclusive 2026 Deals — Both Vessels
Savitar Tours currently has access to special promotions on both vessels for 2026 departures:
- Galápagos Legend: Free domestic flight (Quito ↔ Galápagos) valued at $500/person + up to 3 complimentary hotel nights in Quito
- Coral Yachts I & II: 10% or 15% off select sailings on specific departure dates
Spaces are strictly limited. Promotions are first paid, first served and not combinable.
View All Special Departures →Our Recommendation
If you are visiting the Galápagos for the first time and want the most comfortable, comprehensive introduction to the islands — choose the Galápagos Legend. Its size, stability, and range of itinerary lengths make it the most versatile option.
If you have traveled extensively, prefer an intimate experience, and want to feel like you have the Galápagos almost to yourself — choose the Coral Yachts. The smaller group size creates an entirely different quality of experience that many travelers describe as their best trip ever.
Still not sure? Contact us — we've sent hundreds of travelers to both vessels and can help you choose based on your travel style, group composition, and preferred dates.
Savitar Tours · IATA · ASTA Accredited · Woodland Hills, CA
