Galapagos Legend

Galapagos Legend is a small cruise ship built in 1963 in Germany and fully converted at Ecuadorian shipyards between December 2001 and 2002. She is owned by the Ecuadorian shipping company Galatours and operated by Kleintours, and stands as the only independent, 100-passenger cruise liner in the Galapagos archipelago that is locally owned in Ecuador rather than part of a large corporation.

Earlier in her career as MV Helgoland, she served as a hospital ship during the Vietnam War from 1966 to 1971, before being converted to leisure cruising. The vessel underwent extensive drydock refurbishment and reconstruction twice, in 2002 and again in 2017.

Designed specifically for Galapagos cruising, she combines large-ship amenities with the intimate feel of a private yacht, offering modern comforts, cozy lounges and quality dining. The ship carries just 110 guests, making for a close-knit cruising experience where naturalist guides outnumber passengers on shore excursions. The Lonesome George Restaurant offers buffet-style breakfasts and lunches and waiter-served dinners, featuring both Ecuadorian and international cuisine made from fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

Most accommodations are Junior Suites, each featuring two large windows, alongside 18 Balcony Suites with private step-out balconies. Suites accommodate double, triple or quadruple occupancy and include premium amenities such as bathrobes, luxury-brand toiletries, sofas, minibars, champagne upon arrival, and spacious verandas with deckchairs and tables.

The crew totals 60, including seven multilingual naturalist guides and one expedition leader. Evening entertainment includes karaoke, live piano music, salsa dancing, movie nights in the auditorium, table games and themed Neptune parties. Complimentary snorkeling equipment is provided for all passengers, with wetsuits, glass-bottom kayaks and scuba diving available for rent.

Galapagos Legend suits couples, families, and experienced cruisers who want an intimate expedition-style voyage with expert naturalist guidance and a sense of locally rooted stewardship of the islands.

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