I researched 7 different agencies that cruised the Galapagos. I narrowed it down to four, and went with La Pinta. We chose the La Pinta because it gave us 7 nights of cruising and we could have a couple of days before embarkation to explore Quito and we managed to add on a post-cruise adventure. The La Pintaaa is everything we expected. The ship is small, intimate and a nice size (46 passengers - they rarely use the last cabin to make it 48 passengers). We ended up with a triple cabin which was nice - it has a sofa to stretch out on besides the 2 easy chairs. The walk-in shower is a big plus - no stepping over a tub edge. Plenty of bath gel, shampoo and conditioner in the on wall dispensers. There is a nice big picture window - we saw whales right outside the window! The crew is fantastic; the "hotel manager" (Xavier) is ready to solve any problem should one occur; the ship's doctor is ready with the needed antibiotic (I did get a bit of TD early in the trip); the bartender is ready with your favorite beverage.

The naturalists are the ones who make this FANTASTIC. It is so evident that they love what they are doing; that they love the Galapagos experience; that they have a passion for their work and expertise. They state facts as if it's the first time they've mentioned them. Everything comes out fresh and with such enthusiasm and expertise. WOW - to love a job as much as they do is very special. The breakfast and lunches were buffet - and very good. No complaints here at all. Dinner is a sit-down affair - you choose your entree for the evening at lunch. There is a basic selection - nothing to rave about. Also, they no longer charge for wet-suits or the internet (nice touch).