accommodation specifics
Capacity: 16 passengers
Length: 98 feet / 30 mts
Draft: 4.6 feet / 1.40 mts
Gross tonnage: 320 tons
Cruising Speed: 12 knots
Crew: 10 + 1 naturalist bilingual guide
Officially known as the Motor Catamaran Athala II, the 16 passenger Athala offers the spacious and comfortable, fully-air conditioned accommodation of a larger boat while still preserving the relaxed exclusivity of a smaller vessel. The Athala will appeal to Galapagos travelers seeking an upscale and intimate cruise experience aboard a smaller boat.
Athala Review
Read our detailed review of the Athala with a complete yacht description including deck plans and a photo gallery. An AdventureSmith Explorations crew member has been aboard the Athala in the Galapagos Islands. Please read our Athala review below then contact our Galapagos cruise experts to compare the Athala with other Galapagos yachts and cruises.
Quite a few catamaran style yachts have entered the Galapagos cruise market in recent years. We consider the Athala to be among the nicest of all small catamarans cruising the Galapagos Islands. The Athala was designed and built to cruise the Galapagos Islands up close and in style. The elegant catamaran design provides larger staterooms and common areas combined with increased speed and an 8 day itinerary so you spend more time exploring ashore and less time transiting among Galapagos Islands. The catamaran also provides increased stability in choppy seas and the Athala meets all safety requirements.
Athala Meals and Service
With a crew of 10, including a dedicated Cruise Manager, plus a full time Galapagos Naturalist Guide, the service is outstanding aboard Athala. The Naturalist guide is guaranteed to be bilingual (minimum fluent English and Spanish) and of the highest standard, providing an exceptional Galapagos experience, whether on or off the yacht.
The Athala's upper deck features a well stocked bar and a beautiful open area for relaxation and al fresco dining and barbecues. The huge sundeck is great for whale and dolphin watching or to relax between island excursions. The sundeck is partially covered and partially open to the equatorial sun. The upper deck also features a Jacuzzi, which is nice after snorkeling. In the evenings star gazing from the upper deck is amazing.
Delicious local and international dishes are served in a view dining room or an outdoor al fresco dining area. Breakfast and lunch are typically served buffet style while dinners are restaurant style. Vegetarian entrees and special dietary requests can be accommodated with advance notice.
A wide variety of soft drinks, water, snacks, tea and coffee are available during the day and are included aboard the Athala II. Alcoholic beverages are available at an additional cost.
A Galapagos cruise aboard the Athala includes a certified Galapagos Naturalist Guide. In addition to leading shore excursions, the naturalist guide will give nightly lectures about the Galapagos islands and wildlife, in addition to briefings on the next day’s activities.
Athala Activities
Most of the snorkeling activities take place before or after island excursions, so that hikes are not missed. Snorkeling is optional and takes place while the rest of the passengers relax on board or on the beach. Snorkeling equipment is complimentary. Wetsuits are available free of charge, but please request in advance.
Kayaking excursions are available aboard the Athala II. According to Galapagos National Park regulations, kayaking is only permitted at certain sites with a maximum number of 8 passengers in 4 double kayaks. Kayaking takes place before or after island excursions.
If you would like to learn about the equatorial night skies, your guide will be happy to join you for stargazing on the Sun Deck (December to April). Although sightings are not guaranteed, with a keen eye and some luck travelers may view whales during your cruise, especially between June and September.
Athala Staterooms
The Athala is equipped with eight double staterooms each with well appointed private bathroom facilities, air conditioning, ample storage space, wall to wall carpeting. Large view windows (not portholes) and either a queen or twin bed configuration. Four staterooms located on the main deck have a private balcony. Staterooms are roomy compared to other yachts of this size.
Athala Common Areas
The Athala’s main deck is home four staterooms and to the elegant dining room surrounded by view windows. There is a comfortable forward lounge with forward facing windows and comfortable furnishings, complete with plasma TVs, lap tops (No internet service), DVD player, stereo and library. Naturalist talks may be presented in the lounge, dining room or on deck.
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