Fragata Yacht
Fragata Yacht
4.5
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Full view
About
The Fragata is a spacious and comfortable owner-operated motor yacht that accommodates 16 passengers in cozy double, matrimonial and single cabins, all decorated and equipped to provide guests a relaxing cruise in the Galapagos islands. Fragata welcomes you on board and invites you to discover the pristine habitat of the unique animals and primeval flora and fauna of the Galapagos archipelago.
Baltra, Ecuador
Meets animal welfare guidelines
Awards
Travelers' Choice
2024
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
99 reviews
Excellent
75
Very good
19
Average
3
Poor
1
Terrible
1
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Daniel, Basel (Switzerland)
Basel, Switzerland1 contribution
Oct 2021
I was on the Fragata tour in Galápagos from 29 October to 5 November 2021 and would like to emphazise that the tour was awesome („super chevere“). It exceeded my expectations. The trip was well planned and organised. Every island we visited and every spot we went snorkeling was different. Since a considerable part of the wildlife in Galápagos is living in the sea it makes sense to spend a lot of time in the water snorkeling or diving.
My best thanks and wishes to the competent, friendly, and very helpful Fragata crew and our guide! Our guide Roberto did an excellent job. I appreciated his patience, calmness, and the professional manner to guide, instruct, serve and help his clients. He certainly does not deserve any kind of disrespectful comment.
My best thanks and wishes to the competent, friendly, and very helpful Fragata crew and our guide! Our guide Roberto did an excellent job. I appreciated his patience, calmness, and the professional manner to guide, instruct, serve and help his clients. He certainly does not deserve any kind of disrespectful comment.
Written November 11, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear guest,
Thank you so much for taking the time to write this wonderful review, and share your experience with us. It is really important for us to receive feedback from our dear customers.
We are so happy to read that you enjoyed your trip, the wildlife, the crew, and our amazing Enchanted Islands.
We would love to have you back in our Galapagos Islands soon!
Fragata Yacht Team
Written November 15, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Getaway02361382073
6 contributions
Nov 2022 • Couples
The eight day cruise aboard Fragata was the perfect culmination of our trip to Ecuador. Our upper deck room was a tight fit, as is to be expected for a boat of this size but left with nothing to wish for and a great view. The crew were friendly and welcoming. I want to especially commend the food, as the variety was exceptional and the kitchen crew did a great job with a kitchen of this size. The daily snorkelling trips and amazing hikes are one of a kind due to the location of Galapagos. Being stuck with strangers on a boat for a week can seem daunting, but we were also lucky to have a very sociable group of travellers along for the ride. Great experience that I can only recommend to anyone wanting to explore the diverse wild life of the islands in a comfortable but up-close manner.
Written October 9, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello Getaway02361382073,
We're super excited to hear that you had a 5-star journey with us. Thank you for recognizing our crew for being nice and helpful, we'll pass along the kudos!
We're glad you had the chance to spend some quality time with a very sociable group of travellers along the ride.
Our best wishes to you and yours!
Best regards,
José David Cáceres, Director of Marketing
Written October 12, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
danielmartinez21
7 contributions
Oct 2021
I arrived to the Galapagos with no plan to take a cruise, but once I was there I realized you are pretty much stuck in Puerto Ayora if you don't book any day trips or cruises. I remembered chatting with a traveler in mainland Ecuador and she recommended Tierra Verde.
I'm glad I listened to her. I was able to coordinate a last minute booking. The boat it self was in great condition and the rooms and bathrooms were always clean. The itinerary was unreal and it's also not easy. You have to be up early on most days. Everyday seemed like a brand new adventure. The islands and locations we got to visit each had their own unique experience.
The crew really took care of us. I never once felt uncomfortable on my journey through the Galapagos.
The food was so tasty too. I'm luckily not a picky eater, but they ask before you book if you have any food allergies or restrictions.
I'd highly recommend this yacht. It's something that I will always remember.
My only criticism would be the way they handle the onboarding of the yacht. If you are staying in Galapagos prior to the date of day 1 you will have to pay for transportation to the airport from Puerto Ayora.
Same goes for when you leave the yacht. If you are staying extra days you again have to pay for transportation back to the airport.
To save you the hassle it's best to fly in and out on the days you start and end the cruise.
I'm glad I listened to her. I was able to coordinate a last minute booking. The boat it self was in great condition and the rooms and bathrooms were always clean. The itinerary was unreal and it's also not easy. You have to be up early on most days. Everyday seemed like a brand new adventure. The islands and locations we got to visit each had their own unique experience.
The crew really took care of us. I never once felt uncomfortable on my journey through the Galapagos.
The food was so tasty too. I'm luckily not a picky eater, but they ask before you book if you have any food allergies or restrictions.
I'd highly recommend this yacht. It's something that I will always remember.
My only criticism would be the way they handle the onboarding of the yacht. If you are staying in Galapagos prior to the date of day 1 you will have to pay for transportation to the airport from Puerto Ayora.
Same goes for when you leave the yacht. If you are staying extra days you again have to pay for transportation back to the airport.
To save you the hassle it's best to fly in and out on the days you start and end the cruise.
Written November 26, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Daniel, Thank you for taking the time to provide a review of your experience with us. It's great to read that you were comfortable during your stay with us.
We appreciate your suggestion about the transportation; rest assured that we're going to discuss that in our next meeting.
We hope to see you again in the future!
Fragata Yacht Team
Written November 29, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jacqueline B
22 contributions
May 2024 • Family
Far below par!
The boat is just dirty, just from not keeping it clean. Insects in the hut and dirty dusty corners. The food was always cold, the portions were precisely measured, you couldn't take anything extra and that for an all-inclusive formula. The guide spoke poor English and very fast, it was difficult to follow even for English speaking people. The boat staff was very friendly! Galapagos is a super beautiful destination, but for this large amount you can also expect something good.
The boat is just dirty, just from not keeping it clean. Insects in the hut and dirty dusty corners. The food was always cold, the portions were precisely measured, you couldn't take anything extra and that for an all-inclusive formula. The guide spoke poor English and very fast, it was difficult to follow even for English speaking people. The boat staff was very friendly! Galapagos is a super beautiful destination, but for this large amount you can also expect something good.
Written May 10, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Esteemed Jacqueline:
We appreciate you taking the time to write a review and sending us your feedback, we really appreciate you sharing your perspective about your experience sailing with us through the Galápagos Islands. Rest assured that all your comments give us the opportunity to serve you better.
We strive for excellence and commit to improvement in everything we do and we're sorry that the overall service provided did not live up to your expectations, and we thank you for letting us know.
Regarding our guide's language issue, we'll internally assess his English proficiency and we'll improve our evaluation standards to ensure that all of our naturalist guides can communicate clearly and comprehensively with all of our esteemed guests, regardless of their native language. As for cleanliness on board, we're committed to redoubling our efforts to ensure that every corner of our vessel has the highest standard of cleaning.
With regard to your food feedback, we understand your concerns and we'd like to apologize if our culinary offerings did not meet your expectations. We'll work closely with our kitchen team to ensure that each dish is served in optimal conditions and that our portions are generous and satisfying.
We'd like to emphasize that we also had a British family on board during your cruise from May 7th to 10th, also consisting of four passengers that we're sure you recall. They took the same four-days cruise and completed our comment cards with outstanding feedback in every aspect: guide, meals, cleanliness and service. These highlights that our goal is always to provide exceptional and unforgettable experiences, and we deeply regret that we fell short in your case.
We are also pleased to know that, despite everything, the service of our staff lived up to what you expected.
Respectfully,
Fragata Yacht's Team and Crew
Written May 17, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Nikki L
27 contributions
Oct 2024 • Solo
I am so happy with my decision to book with Fragata / Tierra Verde for my Galapagos trip - (8D/7N Itinerary ‘C’). From the very first interaction via WhatsApp I was provided with all of the information I needed in a timely matter (even on a Sunday), I can’t thank Laura Sanchez enough for answering my many questions and getting me onto a tour leaving less than a week away.
The itinerary was perfect for me and included all animals I wanted to see across several islands - albatross, boobies, sea lions, dolphins (swimming beside the boat), hammerhead sharks, turtles, flamingos, giant tortoises, a couple of penguins and more!
The boat itself is comfortable with multiple areas to spend ‘siesta’ / down time (a top, middle and lower / front deck, an inside room and a dining room. I shared a room with another female guest and it was comfortable for the two of us. Showers were warm and any issues with pressure or heat were quickly rectified by the captain & crew!
The crew - our wonderful crew were always there to help us and greet us with smiling faces when we returned from our daily excursions (and with snacks and a fresh juice each time!!) They always got us safely to our wet / dry landings in the dinghy’s and all safety precautions were always taken.
Our guide William ‘Billy’ Lucin has 30 years of Galapagos experience and loves to share this with his guests. I learnt so much on his guided walks on the islands, and also got a good laugh out of plenty of his jokes! Our captain and Billy would often come snorkelling with us and point out the best hidden animals which we may have missed with untrained eyes!
Billy’s nightly briefings were something I looked forward to at the end of each day and everything was always explained in detail so you knew exactly what was happening the following day and how long we would be motoring for each night.
The food on the boat was SO good. I don’t think we ate the same meal twice over the course of 8 days - it was always tasty, healthy and filling. Special mention to the chefs ceviche which was DELICIOUS! Fresh breakfast juice every morning was also a highlight!
Overall, if you are looking for a comprehensive Galapagos tour that takes all of the thinking out of it, I highly recommend this boat and company!!
32, Female, Australian
The itinerary was perfect for me and included all animals I wanted to see across several islands - albatross, boobies, sea lions, dolphins (swimming beside the boat), hammerhead sharks, turtles, flamingos, giant tortoises, a couple of penguins and more!
The boat itself is comfortable with multiple areas to spend ‘siesta’ / down time (a top, middle and lower / front deck, an inside room and a dining room. I shared a room with another female guest and it was comfortable for the two of us. Showers were warm and any issues with pressure or heat were quickly rectified by the captain & crew!
The crew - our wonderful crew were always there to help us and greet us with smiling faces when we returned from our daily excursions (and with snacks and a fresh juice each time!!) They always got us safely to our wet / dry landings in the dinghy’s and all safety precautions were always taken.
Our guide William ‘Billy’ Lucin has 30 years of Galapagos experience and loves to share this with his guests. I learnt so much on his guided walks on the islands, and also got a good laugh out of plenty of his jokes! Our captain and Billy would often come snorkelling with us and point out the best hidden animals which we may have missed with untrained eyes!
Billy’s nightly briefings were something I looked forward to at the end of each day and everything was always explained in detail so you knew exactly what was happening the following day and how long we would be motoring for each night.
The food on the boat was SO good. I don’t think we ate the same meal twice over the course of 8 days - it was always tasty, healthy and filling. Special mention to the chefs ceviche which was DELICIOUS! Fresh breakfast juice every morning was also a highlight!
Overall, if you are looking for a comprehensive Galapagos tour that takes all of the thinking out of it, I highly recommend this boat and company!!
32, Female, Australian
Written October 30, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Nicole,
Thank you so much for this glowing review and for choosing Fragata / Tierra Verde for your Galapagos adventure! We're thrilled to hear that our team, especially Laura, could provide timely support and help you join us on short notice. It sounds like the itinerary 'C' exceeded your expectations, and we're so glad you got to experience the incredible variety of wildlife, from albatross to penguins!
We're also delighted to hear that you enjoyed the comfort of the boat and the hospitality of our crew. They’re dedicated to making sure guests feel welcomed and cared for, and your kind words mean a lot to them. Captain, crew, and guide Billy take great pride in creating unforgettable moments during excursions, snorkeling, and nightly briefings. We'll be sure to pass along your compliments to them, as well as to our chef, who will be pleased that his ceviche was a highlight for you!
Thank you once again for recommending us. It was truly a pleasure having you onboard, and we hope your memories of the Galapagos stay with you for years to come.
Warmest regards from the Galapagos,
The Fragata / Tierra Verde Team
Written November 6, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Alexandra G
21 contributions
Oct 2023 • Solo
The Fragata provided an in-depth cruising tour throughout the Galapagos. “Itinerary D” allowed for ample exploration, both land and sea, of various stops along Isabela, Santiago, Rabida, Mosquera, and Santa Cruz Islands. The guide was extremely knowledgeable and answered questions based on his 30+ years experience. He also provided humor to keep us smiling the entire time. The crew of 9 ensured our stay aboard the yacht was as comfortable as possible, and felt like a second family by the end of the trip. Aside from some minor facility inconveniences that will be addressed in the upcoming months, the trip was perfect!
Written October 27, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Alexandra:
Thank you so much for your kind review! We're so glad your journey was enjoyable and that our crew provided outstanding service for you on board! We look forward to welcoming you back to the Galapagos during your future travels.
Our best wishes to you and yours!
Best regards,
José David Cáceres, Director of Marketing
Written November 8, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Diane
8 contributions
Jul 2021
We just returned( July 2021) from an 8 day cruise on the Fragata. Our guide/naturalist- Roberto, was spectacular! The entire Fragata crew went out of their way to make us feel comfortable. The ship could need refurbishing, but it provided all of the comforts needed to thoroughly enjoy our trip. The food was good, but it seemed there was just enough for all passengers especially since we were active the entire day engaging with various activities. Our family of 5, visited several islands and gained significant information regarding the islands, the animals, and the evolution of the Galapagos Islands. This trip far exceeded our expectations. Bring Dramamine in case of rough sailing( we had 2 rough nights). Most of the snorkeling activities were geared for experienced snorkelers. Daily briefings were given to explain all upcoming activities. Be prepared for a full day ( 6 am till 4 pm) . We LOVED our experience!
Written July 26, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear guest :)
Thank you so much for taking the time to write a review, and share your experience with us. It is really important for our team to receive feedback in order to improve our services and infrastructure.
We are so happy to hear that you enjoyed your trip overall, the food, and the activities arranged every day aboard Fragata Yacht.
We would love to have you back in our Galapagos Islands soon!
Fragata Yacht Team
Written August 16, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
John B
Madison, WI1 contribution
Mar 2023 • Couples
We had an outstanding time on the Fragata. We were on an 8-day cruise where each day was a new thrill. Our naturalist Roberto was a thorough and patient guide, especially good at finding the interesting creatures when out snorkeling. Captain William and crew were wonderful, ready to help at all times. The food was fresh and healthy and the cabins were fine. All of that was just the setting for an unforgettable week of hikes and snorkels and sunsets and vistas.
Written July 6, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear John:
Thank you so much for your kind review! We're so glad your journey was enjoyable and that Roberto & William provided outstanding service for you on board! We look forward to welcoming you back to the Galapagos during your future travels.
Our best wishes to you and yours!
Best regards.
Written July 10, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jake
1 contribution
Jan 2022
This was such an amazing trip with such amazing things to see. The itinerary was great and the Fragata is able to take passengers to certain parts of the islands that no one else can access. We had an amazing guide that had decades of knowledge and experience. You could ask him almost anything and he knew the answer. The crew was also very friendly and accommodating. I wasn't expecting much for food on a ship, but it was actually really really good! They used all fresh produce and it made me excited for each meal as the days were packed with activities and you needed the food for the energy. It was my first time on a stay aboard trip and after the first night, I accommodated to the sea (but bring some Dramamine just in case!). The common area was nice and they did nightly recaps and planning for the next day which I found very helpful. Also, make sure to utilize the rooftop deck - especially at night to see all of the stars! The day trips we went on were excellent and I'm highly confident you will see things you've never experienced before as we did. We snorkeled with sea lions and sharks, saw boobies diving for breakfast, and saw hundreds of turtles and tortoises on land and sea. This was such an unforgettable trip and the Fragata won't dissapoint. So grateful to have experienced this!
Written January 16, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear guest,
Thank you so much for taking the time to write a review. We appreciate your kind words about your overall experience and particularly the service you received from our staff. We will ensure they are all commended.
It was wonderful to have you on board and we can't wait for your next visit.
Tierra Verde & Fragata Yacht team
Written January 18, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Linda B
13 contributions
Apr 2024 • Friends
It was an amazing 8 days exploring the islands, and snorkling. We were 4 ladies ages 51, 69, 71, and 77, and we had so much fun with a Dutch couple 30 yrs of age, and 2 Italian brothers, 40. We loved the crew, bonded with them, and learned their life stories. Captain William went out of his way to make sure we were happy, even holding our hands while snorkeling so we saw the best of everything. This trip provided us with wonderful memories for a lifetime.
Written June 10, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Linda:
We appreciate you taking the time to provide us with your wonderful feedback. We are delighted to hear you enjoyed your journey through the Galápagos Islands.
We thank you immensely for your kind words of appreciation to our crew, and I will certainly share your generous words to them.
We would feel honored and privileged to welcome you back for your next journey. Until then, we are here if you need anything, you have a new family in the Galápagos! 🐢🤗
Warmest Regards,
José David, Director of Marketing
Written June 13, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Are the licensed and insured and all that?
Written May 30, 2021
Hi MexxintheCity, we hope you are doing great. Yes, Fragata Yacht is licensed and have all permissions from local and international authorities to sail in the Galapagos Islands.
If you have any questions, please let us know.
Tierra Verde
Written June 25, 2021
How calm is the water in October?
Written May 30, 2021
Hi Mexxinthecity. We hope you are doing great.
In the sea, the temperature you may expect is 22 degrees Celsius (72 Fahrenheit). Wildlife is quite active this month because of the Humbolt current; the beaches and sea may be packed with sea lions and other endemic species.
October is ideal for those looking for lower temperatures and beautiful landscapes.
If you have any additional questions, please let us know.
Tierra Verde
Written June 25, 2021
What are the itinaries and dates and prices for Galápagos Islands tours
Written May 24, 2018
Hello thank you so much for getting in touch with us 😊.
Please give us your email so we can send you detailed information about our Yacht. You can also go to our official website and get more information: itineraries, prices, photos, and dates.
Have a good night!
Written May 25, 2018
We want to do a tour of Galápagos Islands , is end of June beginning July good time . I like to go when waters are calm .
Written May 24, 2018
I don't know what the waters are like at the end of June - but we were there 20 to 27th April doing the Eastern Itinerary and the water was very calm - as I said no sea sickness (and I do suffer if the water is very choppy). I checked out the average wind speed for that time - cause that is what will make the seas uncomfortable and it looked pretty calm to me. The water will be getting colder so you will probably require a wetsuit - but the boats hire these out. Also a long sleeve rash vest to wear underneath will help with the cold. Hope this helps.
Written May 25, 2018
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.