Alya

MC Alya is a small, new (2017), first class motor catamaran offering wildlife cruises in the Galapagos Islands.

Alya is a sleek, purpose built (2017) catamaran designed to offer first class comforts, cuisine and excursions on cruises around the Galápagos Islands. Family owned, she carries a crew and naturalist guide fully committed to delivering a superior experience for her guests, pampered by large rooms furnished with huge wardrobes, a choice of bed size and modern hotel amenities such as hairdryer, safe and USB sockets.

Design is contemporary, plenty of bright natural light permeates the vessel with blond wood and creams offset with cheerful splashed of colour in the décor and artwork. There are just 9 cabins accommodating a maximum of 16 guests, so you are guaranteed a personalised service from your guide and crew and will soon get to know your fellow passengers.

Meals are taken in the stylish restaurant, with a buffet breakfast and lunch complemented by an à la carte dinner. There is plenty of space and shade in which to relax over the three decks, the upper one of which offers sunbeds, a Jacuzzi. Snorkelling gear, wetsuits and kayaks are complimentary.

What our clients say

The Galápagos - just breathtaking - walking in woodland with wild giant tortoise grazing in clearings, watching wild land iguanas amble through long grasses, peering at eye level into the nests of red footed boobies, watching penguins and sea lions hunting fish whilst snorkelling, and as a finale, watching huge sharks circling in the boat lights during our final evening meal.
JW, Newcastle
Jun 2013
The wildlife on the islands (obviously the major reason for the trip) was spectacular and wonderful to experience. I’m please to have made the trip and would certainly recommend the Galápagos to anyone with similar interests and sufficient money.
PM, Chesterfield
Jun 2010
The Galápagos Islands are a wonderland. If I say that of all places I have visited in the world only the Grand Canyon is their equal in impact and living up to expectation you will have an idea of how they affected both of us.
DW Lingfield
Jun 2010
Being able to visit the Galápagos with a reputable company was a highlight - the boat was fantastic and everything about the holiday was first rate.
KF, Norfolk
Jun 2010
A holiday in the Ecuador and the Galápagos is a once in a lifetime experience. A four day cruise whilst being an excellent 'overview' is just not long enough. Encourage all your customers to take the longest possible cruise.
LF
Jun 2010
Isolation on the Islands a feeling of being in the Galapagos by invitation of the inhabitants - the wildlife. A truly wonderful and privileged experience.
SD, Rochester
Jun 2013

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Our expert's view

Kathryn Rhodes - Travel Expert

Kathryn backpacked across Argentina, Chile, Bolivia and Peru before joining us. She has a degree in Philosophy and French and is a keen netball player.

Stepping aboard the Alya it immediately struck me that no expense has been spared in designing the boat and everything has been thought of to make it a perfect choice for a Galapagos adventure. The boat is bright and airy from top to bottom but I’d recommend a lower deck cabin as they are a touch more spacious and have a third window to let in even more light (and views).

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Sophie Barber - Travel Expert
Sophie lived in Chile before joining us and has travelled extensively across Latin America, from Mexico to the furthest tip of Patagonia and beyond to Antarctica.
Millie Davies - Travel Expert
Having caught the travel bug as a child, Millie has travelled all over Latin America before making her home in Buenos Aires for 3 years.
Lina Fuller - Travel Expert
Lina's passion for the continent where she was born really took off when she moved to Córdoba (Argentina) to study, spending the holidays travelling between Argentina and her native Colombia.
Carrie Gallagher - Travel Expert
A former JLA tour leader, Carrie brings a wealth of on-the-ground experience to our London-based Tailor-made and Group Tours department.
Heloise Buxton - Travel Expert
Heloise started her Latin American journey as an exchange student in Santiago, Chile. With extended summer holidays this was the perfect opportunity to backpack through Bolivia, Peru, Argentina and Brazil.
Ben Line - Travel Expert
Ben fell in love with Latin America on a six month backpacking trip from Colombia to Mexico in 1995. Since then he has explored most of South America, including living in Peru for a year. He is now Head of Sales.