QUASAR Expeditions

Quasar Expeditions.

Quasar Expeditions resides at the top of the charts with its stellar reputation for operating well-run, expertly guided, one-week Galapagos itineraries away from the crowds, using two historic yachts that accommodate 16 and 32 passengers for intimate adventures.

Built before WWII, Grace was patronized by nobility in Europe and by Grace Kelly on her honeymoon with the Prince of Monaco.

The cruises have operated exclusively within the Galapagos archipelago for more than three decades, while the land itineraries use lodges along the Amazon in Ecuador, treks in the high Peruvian Andes, and overland journeys in super scenic Patagonia.

These land-based options may be added to the one-week cruises. As an alternative, the company also offers shorter hotel stays in the Galapagos with exploration on foot and in small boats.

The gorgeous beaches and seals of Espanola Island. * Photo: Quasar Expeditions

Fleet of Quasar

Grace Yacht (Built 1928 as Monica — refurbished last in 2018 and renamed several times — & 16 passengers)

Evolution Yacht (b. 1979 — refurbished in 2017 — & 32 p)

Quasar Expeditions’ 16-passenger Grace was the honeymoon of choice for Grace Kelly and the Prince of Monaco.

Quasar Expeditions' 32-passenger Evolution

The 32-passenger Evolution. * Photo: Quasar Expeditions

Both vessels are available for full charters.

Passenger Profile of Quasar Fleet

International but emphasizing English speakers; all ages.

Most of the Ecuadorian crew speaks Spanish and English.

A doctor is carried and might accompany passengers on excursions.

Galapagos cruises are great experiences for families. * Photo: Quasar Expeditions

Price

$$$

Included Features on Quasar Cruises

Excursions in Zodiacs
Walks and hikes ashore
Kayaking and snorkeling

Extras include gratuities to guides and crew (guidelines given on website and aboard), alcoholic beverages, and scuba diving.

Quasar Itineraries

Quasar offers distinctive 8- and 15-day Galapagos voyages embarking in San Cristobal or Baltra. Sailings take place year-round.

You may want to study the differences, but you can’t go wrong with whichever itinerary you choose.

The panoramic views overlooking the island of Bartolome. * Photo: Quasar Expeditions

Sample Itineraries

The eight-day Beyond Darwin’s Footsteps voyages on the Grace cruise from Baltra and visit Santa Cruz Island, Floreana Island, Espanola Island, San Cristobal Island, Santa Fe Island and more, for days filled with hiking, snorkeling and panga boat rides.

A 15-day Darwin’s Legacy itinerary on the Evolution gives a full immersion and exploration of the islands, with numerous chances for walks, hikes, kayaking, snorkeling and boat tours. The cruise departs Baltra Island and visits secluded spots such as Urbina Bay, Darwin Bay Beach, Tagus Cove and Pinnacle Rock, while cruising among dozens of small islands.

Why Go?

The Galapagos is nature at its best, with abundant birdlife, land animals and sea creatures seen up close.

Many species are found nowhere else, having adapted to this particular island chain pretty much in isolation.

Blue-Footed Booby birds in the galapagos

The famed Blue-Footed Booby birds of the Galapagos. * Photo: Quasar Expeditions

When to Go?

Cruises operate year-round, with 8- and 15-day itineraries.

As the climate is subtropical, water temperatures are affected by the islands’ proximity to both the cold Humboldt and the warmer El Nino currents.

In the Galapagos, January to June is warm season with rain, and it’s the ideal period for ocean activities; July to December is cooler and dry.

Snorkeling and diving in the Galapagos will be life changing. * Photo: Quasar Expeditions

Activities & Entertainment

Enjoy talks aboard and off the ship; guided hikes and walks to lava flows, along cliff-sides and on the beach; snorkeling; and Zodiac trips.

Two kayaks are available for passenger use, and the bridge has an open policy most of the time.

Scuba diving is available at an extra expense.

Dining on Quasar voyages.

Meals offer both Ecuadoran and continental choices at one open seating for everyone.

The Ships

Public Rooms

The 32-passenger Evolution is noted for its roomy public spaces, indoor/outdoor dining, open decks with outdoor bar and a hot tub forward on a lower deck.

The lounges are enclosed and covered, yet can be open to the sides, with deck space out of doors and a small tub at the bow. The observation deck is canopied covered and has a bar for relaxing at the end of the day’s activities ashore or in the water.

Grace offers an interior lounge and al-fresco dining aft and under cover. At the stern, a small lounge offers views aft.

A second covered lounge and bar are aft of the cabins. A sunbathing deck is atop the ship, and a Jacuzzi is forward. Both vessels have wraparound decks for strolling and watching the wildlife.

Each of the yachts feature four decks and no elevators.

Cabins

Both vessels have comfortable all-outside cabins, most with windows, and a few with portholes and a variety of layouts — single beds, queen-size and king-size.

Evolution takes 32 passengers in double, queen and twin-bedded cabins that range in size from 140 to 263 sq. ft.