Back

Alya

0 1 2 3 4

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

Alya is a sleek, purpose built 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.

The design is contemporary and plenty of bright natural light permeates the vessel with blonde wood and creams offset with cheerful splashes 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 and a Jacuzzi. Snorkelling gear, wetsuits and a kayaking excursion are complimentary.

What our clients say

Galapagos was incredible. We loved it. The guides were all excellent and we especially enjoyed having guides with a naturalist qualification.
LE, Poole Jul 2019
The Galápagos were above expectation – the best thing we have done.
DL, Dulwich Feb 2010
Galapagos Islands wildlife, guide and boat. To be so close to birds and animals is a privilege and to see such pristine beaches and scenery is lovely.
SJ, Winchelsea Feb 2017
This was our holiday of a lifetime fulfilling a long held desire to visit the Galápagos Islands, and it lived up to all our expectations.
SH, Aylesbury Jun 2012
Most Memorable Moment?: The obvious answer is the whole thing! If I had to choose, I'd say the experience of arriving at the top of the Prince Phillip Steps on…
DM, Nottingham Jun 2018
The Galápagos cruise was just so good. I don't think I can remember enjoying a recent trip so much.
NJ, London Jan 2014

0 1 2 3 4 5

Our Expert's Opinion

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.

Get in touch Meet our experts

Papagaio

Your edit for Latin American inspiration

Our exciting range of articles on Latin America explore everything from iconic destinations and lesser-known cultural gems to delicious traditional recipes. You’ll also find exclusive travel tips, first-hand client reviews and the chance to get your personal questions answered by our travel experts.

View Extraordinary Inspiration

View Extraordinary Inspiration
Wildlife and Nature

Latin America’s top-flight birds
Learn more
View Extraordinary Inspiration
Food and Drink

Tropical Smoothie Bowl
Learn more
View Extraordinary Inspiration
Food and Drink

Exclusive: Mountain Lodges of Peru’s Quinoa Salad
Learn more

Destination Guides

Best Destinations for Family Holidays with Teenagers

Learn more

Tales from the Road

Just back from… Chile With Jamie Swan

Learn more

Meet our team

Real Latin american experts

Get in touch Meet our experts

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.
Maggie Wilson - Travel Expert

Maggie visited Latin America on her first backpacking trip when she was 19. Since then, she has taken every opportunity to travel, and has managed to explore a lot of the region in subsequent trips.
Charlotte Daubeney - Travel Expert

Charlotte's fascination with Latin America began with a family holiday to Belize. She went on to study Spanish in school and at university before spending a year living in Santiago, Chile.
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.
Alex Walker - Travel Expert

A globetrotter since her childhood, Alex spent a year studying abroad in Guadalajara and has returned to Latin America countless times since then.
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.