Calipso

Calipso is a 35-metre motor yacht that runs year-round inside the Galapagos National Park. Built in 1991 and completely rebuilt in 2019 — cabins, saloon and dive deck were all done from scratch, so everything on board looks and works like a new ship. She carries 16 guests and 11 crew.

There are eight cabins: six on the upper deck and two on the main deck. All of them have panoramic ocean windows plus a window in the bathroom, and measure 11–13 m². Every cabin has an en-suite bathroom with a hot shower, individually controlled air conditioning, Apple TV with a large film and music library, a hairdryer, a safety deposit box, USB sockets and laminate flooring instead of allergenic carpet. Beds convert — one double or two singles, whichever suits you. There is also a single cabin on the lower deck with no single supplement, subject to availability.

Diving is what people come here for. Every itinerary includes Darwin and Wolf: whale sharks from June to November, walls of hammerheads, Galapagos and silky sharks, dolphins. Calipso also calls at Marchena, an island long known only to scientists and film crews. The dive deck aft is generous: rinse tanks, four hot-water showers, camera charging stations and a two-level camera rinse tank for both large housings and compacts. Nitrox, DIN adaptors, a shaded kitting-up area and two tenders for reaching the dive sites. Sidemount is supported.

Up top there is a jacuzzi, sun loungers, a bar with a BBQ and an al fresco dining area. Inside, an air-conditioned saloon with sofas, a TV and a library, and a dining room with panoramic windows. Meals are buffet style: international and Ecuadorian cooking, fresh fish and seafood, snacks through the day, wine and beer on board, soft drinks free of charge. Wi-Fi is included. The crew speaks English and Spanish.