When I first thought about launching a ferry service in Galápagos, my goal was very clear: to offer something different, something that truly makes a difference. As a local operator, I know that many travelers underestimate how exhausting inter-island crossings can be if transportation is not comfortable. That’s why I decided to do things right from the very beginning. I created a ferry with bus-style seats—reclinable and soft—equipped with Starlink internet, and I maintain that same level of comfort on all routes with our Gaviota vessel.
The advantage of being a local operator 🏝️
Operating locally not only gives us a deeper connection with the islands, but it also means greater responsibility and a stronger commitment to service quality. We have a physical office in San Cristóbal, which makes it much easier for passengers to resolve any issues, ask questions, or simply feel that they are dealing with a team that truly knows the archipelago.
Unlike some websites that sell ferry tickets “from the outside” and have no real presence in Galápagos, we are here, in the heart of the islands. In addition, we own the Gaviota ferry and have agreements with other local operators to ensure that every vessel we offer meets our comfort standards.
Real comfort: what makes our seats different 🪑
What truly sets us apart from many other ferry companies is seat comfort. Traditionally, many ferries in Galápagos used benches or padded mats (in the past, ferries only had two long side benches), which is far from ideal for 2-hour inter-island trips.
We were the first to introduce ferries with large, bus-style seats. Before that, passengers sat closely together on simple benches. But beyond that, many operators now offer individual seats that are hard, plastic, and not comfortable.
By contrast, Gaviota’s seats are reclinable and soft, which makes a huge difference in the passenger experience.
Connectivity: Starlink internet on board 📡
Another key pillar of our ferry service is connectivity. It’s not enough to arrive comfortably; many of our passengers value being able to stay connected during the journey. That’s why we installed Starlink internet on our vessels. Being able to browse, work online, or simply share photos in real time while crossing between islands is something very few ferries offer. It’s a modern advantage that reinforces our premium service concept.
Routes and frequency ⛴️
We operate strategic, well-defined routes connecting the main islands: San Cristóbal, Santa Cruz, and Isabela.
In addition, our agreements with other local vessels allow us to offer multiple routes, always guaranteeing the same level of quality and comfort you experience aboard Gaviota.
On all routes, we work only with vessels that share the same characteristics as Gaviota.
Safety and service 🦺
As a local operator with years of experience, we have a strong commitment to safety. Our boats are well maintained and equipped with everything necessary to ensure a safe journey. Having a physical base on the islands also allows us to respond more quickly to any situation.
When you combine this with comfortable seating and onboard internet connectivity, the result is a ferry that doesn’t just get you from one island to another—it becomes part of your Galápagos experience.
Comparison with other ferries 🔍
- Many companies only offer benches or padded mats: no back support, no recline.
- Other ferries have individual seats, but they are rigid plastic.
- In contrast, our seats are bus-style, reclinable, and soft.
- And with Starlink, we take the experience to a contemporary, modern level.
Recommendations for travelers 🧭
- Book in advance.
- Arrive early at the pier.
- Consider motion sickness tablets.
- Take advantage of the onboard internet.
- Travel light.
Conclusion 🌅
If you are looking for a ferry in Galápagos that truly makes a difference, our local operation is the ideal choice: bus-style, reclinable, soft seats; Starlink internet; reliable routes; and a comfort standard we maintain across all our vessels.
The ferry is not just transportation—it is part of your experience in the islands, and we want you to enjoy it from the very first minute.
