STELLA MARIS - star of the Galapagos Islands.

Featuring in TIME’s greatest places to visit this year, the Galapagos Islands is a bucket list destination for many travellers. But a trip to this far-flung Ecuadorean archipelago doesn’t have to mean roughing it. If you crave freedom, flexibility and the ultimate personalised service while cruising these unique islands, then look no further than 37.8m (124ft) STELLA MARIS.

1. Exceptional service guaranteed

STELLA MARIS is the only operation permanently based in the Galapagos Islands that can offer you superyacht-level service. Trained by one of the most renowned service specialists in the business, her interior crew will expertly execute your charter so that every detail is taken care of, no matter how small. A photographer and masseuse can also be brought on board - to ensure that you are truly relaxed, and to capture you holiday for your photo album.

What’s more, STELLA MARIS offers a completely flexible programme that can be tailored to your schedule, with pick-up and drop-off available any day of the week and the ability to adapt the route and pace to your preferences, unlike other local services that have fixed itineraries.

And with Captain Daniel Mora at the helm, you can rest assured that the entire charter will run smoothly. Having grown up in the Galapagos Islands and run boats for over 35 years, he knows the local waters like the back of his hand and can hunt down the very best anchorages and secret spots for an unforgettable experience. His recommended hidden gem to include during a charter?

'Isla Marchena,' he shares, adding: 'It is one of the least-visited places on the islands but is a real paradise. It is one of the best places to snorkel and dive, while almost all the island is covered with lava and black sand. The lava trails are easy to walk and there are a lot of marine iguanas, sea birds and a variety of fish to encounter.'

2. Freedom below the surface

As one of the best places in the world to scuba dive, the Galapagos Islands offers underwater encounters with remarkable aquatic species like whale sharks, penguins, manta rays, turtles, rare marine iguanas (Captain Daniel’s personal favourite) and more than 30 species of shark. And while other operations are bound by rigid schedules and the need to share dive trips with visitors from different groups, on STELLA MARIS you can enjoy the best possible freedom in diving the Galapagos thanks to her special permits from local authorities.

So, when’s the best time to visit? The Galapagos Islands is a year-round destination, with slightly warmer weather and better underwater visibility usually occurring between December and May. But braving the cooler months – when sea temperatures often drop to 16-18C – just might reward you with a face-to-face experience with an enigmatic whale shark, as Captain Daniel explains, 'The Galapagos is one of those places that is beautiful throughout the year. From July to December the birds are in their breeding season, the fish come closer to the coast, and there are several species that are best seen during these months, when the water is cooler.'

3. Guided by the best

Many visitors come to the Galapagos Islands keen to learn about the fascinating wildlife that is native to the region, and the best way to do this is with a dedicated naturalist guide. But what’s better than having an expert on board? Having two of them!

Over many years of chartering, the team running STELLA MARIS has found that bringing in two naturalists gives guest­s with the optimum experience, because it allows the group to split up and offer different kinds of activities throughout the day. So, while the kids in your group might wish to go on a nature trail treasure hunt along the beach, the grown-up divers can pull on some scuba gear to visit the curious marine iguanas and cheeky seals underwater.

Each night your guides will deliver a briefing to prepare you for the following day’s activities, and of course if a pod of whales unexpectedly surfaces or the weather changes, everything can be adapted to give you the best day possible. STELLA MARIS has access to a team of 10 naturalist guides who offer different areas of expertise and languages, so the right fit can always be selected for your group.

4. A culinary adventure 

Unsurprisingly STELLA MARIS has a stellar chef, Marco Cigna. Marco has cooked for ambassadors and presidents during his extensive career, having learned his craft in some of the top restaurants across Europe. His level of expertise and local knowledge is extremely rare in the Galapagos, putting the cherry on top of a charter with STELLA MARIS.

Marco likes nothing more than to create an unforgettable culinary journey for you, drawing on cuisines from Ecuador, France, Spain, Italy, Japan, Peru and Mexico. Although he can also bake a batch of gooey chocolate brownies for the children, and tailor the menu to all tastes and dietary requirements. Everything is freshly prepared each day.

Bringing an element of performance to his cooking, Marco enjoys creating a bouillabaisse-style dish with locally caught fish, flamed at the table and served with fish soup and aioli bread. You have the chance to immerse yourself in the local culture with the various Ecuadorian ceviches that are unique in their preparation, combination and flavours, and Marco enjoys offering STELLA MARIS’s guests a taste of the local culture with the traditional 'cazuela de mariscos' dish.

'It is one of my specialties and a real treat to give to guests during their charter,' says Chef Marco. 'The mixture of green plantain, fish and shellfish is fabulous and generates an explosion of taste sensations that is truly unique!'

5. Newly refurbed living spaces

STELLA MARIS is the only superyacht that charters in the Galapagos Islands year-round, and the only local yacht with stabilisers, guaranteeing a level of comfort and luxury that cannot be found elsewhere in the archipelago. Unlike other vessels in the region, her guest accommodation for 14 in seven cabins has a traditional superyacht arrangement that particularly suits family groups, including a full-beam master suite and elegant VIP suite.

In 2021, she completed an extensive refit and is fully refreshed in all guest areas, featuring a neutral and elegant decor. With the perfect blend of outdoor and indoor living spaces, there is plenty of room to find a quiet moment of sanctuary or gather together to share your favourite moments from the day. The sun deck jacuzzi provides panoramic views of your surroundings, with sun loungers nearby on which to relax. Head down to the lounge after dinner to watch a movie, play on the games console or plan the following day’s adventures with your guides.

Christian Saman, who represents the owners of STELLA MARIS, says that one of the most popular places on board is her al fresco bar, lounge and dining area on the bridge deck aft: 'This area is always a hive of activity for guests, who can enjoy the changing scenery throughout the day. After a busy day hiking or diving, you can relax and enjoy a freshly shaken cocktail while taking in the spectacular sunset views of the Galapagos Islands. It’s a special place that is always a hit with guests.'