Sulidae

Cruise

V!VA User‘s Description

The Sulidae is a small but attractive motor sailor with a capacity for 12 passengers. It has six double cabins, with private bathroom, a dining room, and a galley. Snorkeling equipment is provided, and scuba-diving is available. Most of the dives offered by the Sulidae are more appropriate for advanced divers. 

The Sulidae has an interesting history. About 100 years old, the ship began its life as a cargo ship in the Baltic sea before heading to Guayaquil in the 1920's and to the Galapagos from there (don't worry: it's been renovated since its days hauling cargo).

Passengers who have booked their trip on the Sulidae are generally very pleased with the service, crew and food. Being as old as it is, you miss out on a bit of comfort, but Sulidae visitors will tell you it makes up in charm what it lacks in roominess.

Four-day, five-day, and eight-day cruises depart on Tuesdays and Fridays to the standard central and southern islands.

Owner: Galaextur (011 593 420 1376)

Traveler Reviews of Sulidae

Holiday on Sulidae!

Rating: 75%

The crew were fantastic. The cook, the captain and the two other staff members are gems. The food on the boat was always delicious, and the cook will cater to your needs or preferences (my boyfriend didn't like seafood). The boat is clean, they change your sheets every day and clean the deck as well. Thus, there are no problems with insects or toilets overflowing. There is enough room on the boat for 10 passengers (which is what we had luckily). I was thinking that 12 passengers could get a little crowded around the dinner table. They have an extra table though in case this happens. The table set-up is also nice because you get to really know the people on your boat (other boats have separate tables for passengers). The only other place to hang out really is on the deck. Of course this is beautiful! It's the Galapagos! It's why you came... The bedrooms are cramped, but this is expected. There is one at the back that seems really nice and airy, but close to the motor so noisy. It depends on you i guess, but we liked our room off the kitchen because it was quiet and not too rocky. The guide we had said he is temperarily working on the Sulidae (Pepe is his nickname). I think this is good. We had itnerary changes, one day of waiting around at the airport to get new passengers, and a lot of weak pickup lines that I found annoying (yes, even with my boyfriend there). He bordered on ruining my trip with his redundant information, but luckily the islands are so amazing and with a few extra guide books, I still enjoyed the wildlife despite him. After complaining to the agency we booked at (living the dream) of course, nothing was done except he said that he has to pay rent too, so what do we expect? Well, we expected him not to lie. The sulidae DOES NOT have hot water (as promised) or a DVD/VCR (as promised)... It does have free coffee/tea and snacks. Nice staff and great atmosphere for a good price. I do recommend this boat for its character and staff, you will enjoy it for sure. Also, despite the lies from our agency (living the dream) he did give us the BEST price on the boat. He took out the last day of the tour for us (the free Darwin Center sightseeing and craters) which dropped the price considerably. In the high season, we paid an average of $200 less than everyone else. Talking to the others, it seemed like we did well. Overall, a very good boat to see the Galapagos on. Great atmosphere, amazing staff (cook, captain and 2 crew members), clean, personable, and great character.

By V!VA User from Toronto, Canada, Jun 29, 2006

A pirate adventure

Rating: 100%

Ever dreamed of being a pirate? Then you should go to the Galapagos on board this cozy yacht. Excellent food, guide, and crew. Galapagos is a real paradise and enjoying it at the Sulidae is a dream come true. It is a nice yacht with an excellent atmosphere. Highly recommended!

By V!VA User from Koblenz, Germany, Aug 31, 2006