350+ Verified Reviews
Discover the Alya Luxury Catamaran
The "Diamond of Galapagos" – Private balconies, panoramic views, and elite service.
As Featured In






The Ultimate Luxury Boutique Experience
Why the Alya is the Diamond of the Archipelago
The Alya Luxury Cruise is a state-of-the-art catamaran designed for travelers who demand exclusivity. With only 8 cabins and a capacity for 16 guests, this vessel offers one of the best crew-to-guest ratios in the islands. Every detail, from the smooth navigation of its dual hulls to its sleek, modern interiors, is crafted to provide a sophisticated sanctuary while you explore the Galapagos National Park.
- Stable Dual-Hull Navigation
- Elite Small-Group Excursions
- Breathtaking Panoramic Social Areas
- Certified Level-III Naturalist Guides
- Eco-Friendly Marine Technology
Modern Luxury Onboard the Alya
Sophisticated Design in Every Suite
Private
Balcony Suites
Every cabin features a private oceanfront balcony for ultimate personal seclusion.
Main Deck
Dining
Exquisite indoor restaurant serving fresh, chef-prepared Ecuadorian and international fusion.
Panoramic
Sun Deck
An expansive upper terrace perfect for wildlife spotting and sunbathing.
Outdoor
Whirlpool Jacuzzi
Unwind in our scenic jacuzzi while navigating between volcanic islands.
Cozy Indoor
Lounge
A modern, air-conditioned hub for briefings, cocktails, and relaxation.
What is Included in Your Alya Luxury Cruise?
Signature Gourmet Meals
Guided Island Explorations
Private Balcony Accommodations
Top-Tier
Snorkeling Gear
Kayaks & Paddle Boards
Seamless Airport Transfers
Is the Alya the Perfect Match for You?
Exclusive Design for Elite Explorers
The Romantic Couple
The Luxury Seeker
The Stability Conscious
The Wildlife Enthusiast
Real Experiences About Alya
We’ve helped thousands discover the Galápagos. Here’s what our travelers say:
Posted on I STrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. If you are looking for a reliable and professional travel agency in Ecuador and Galapagos, COLUMBUS Travel is the perfect choice! They are extremely professional and very attentive to details.Posted on Steve EmmertTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Paola was very helpful from first enquiry through booking to day of travel to the islands. Everything went like clockwork and made our experience even better.Posted on Carol Baicker-McKeeTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Our extended family of 12, ranging from young adults to senior citizens, booked a Galapagos cruise and an assortment of Quito area excursions through Columbus Travel. We were pleased with every aspect of our experience! Our agent, Maria Soledad was helpful and easy to work with from the planning stage through the trip itself. She answered our questions promptly, found ways to accommodate the range of interests, abilities, and schedules within our group, and helped us coordinate all the travel logistics. The cruise itself aboard The Horizon was an exceptional experience--outstanding accommodations, friendly and helpful staff, delicious and plentiful food--everything we could have hoped for! Our guide from the Galapagos National Park Service, Harry Jimenez, was with us every step of the way--and we felt so lucky to have him! He had a depth and breadth of knowledge that astounded us, was remarkably skilled in shepherding the 12 of us to make the most of every opportunity, and his enthusiasm and respect for the islands was contagious. Most of all, he was just a great human being, and we will always have special memories of this trip as a result of sharing it with him. We not only saw--up close!--all the creatures we'd hoped to see, from nesting boobies, frigate birds, and penguins to hammerhead sharks and sea turtles to iguanas and sea lions, but a good many others (including the cutest owl ever); it's impossible to overstate how magical those experiences were. Most days we visited 2 islands and did one snorkeling trip and one hiking excursion, and there's not a one I'd have been willing to miss. Our only quibble was that the last "day" is really only a short morning with one excursion (which is understandable because they need to prepare for the next set of guests), but we hadn't realized that aspect of the schedule in advance, and it felt disappointing. Our group included folks who are also interested in botany, geology, and history, and the islands were remarkable in those areas as well--and Harry was again so knowledgeable about everything that it just took the trip to another level. Guided by him, his frequent reminder that being in the Galapagos was "another day in paradise!" was absolutely accurate. In the Quito area, we were guided by Fabricio (and transported by excellent drivers), and got to visit the Mindo Cloud Forest (our favorite part was a stop at a hummingbird preserve), the Old Town (beautiful old architectural, fabulous city views), and the Cotapaxi volcano (including a really interesting visit to a rose farm), and we also took a cooking class (and shopped at a food market) from a local chef--all wonderful outings. Fabricio was extremely knowledgeable about the history of the area, and again really added to our experiences. He also recommended extra outings we could do on our own, like a visit to the remarkable Botanical Gardens, as well as restaurants we enjoyed very much. A minor practical note: the altitude in Quito was not a problem for most of us, but you are well above sea level and some of our group felt it more on the return from the Galapagos--very important to drink lots of water. We also probably would have saved the Cotapaxi outing for the second day back in Quito instead of the first because that was even greater altitude. Glad we went though. In all, it was truly the bucket list trip we had all wanted!Posted on Carla MatheusTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Highly recommend!Posted on Yvonne ShafirTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Ana Lucia provides a level of professionalism and expertise to all her booking arrangements. She is extremely personable and easy to chat with. She is highly flexible and when dealing with a middle aged (ok, senior) client like me who not only changes her mind frequently but also asks tons of the same questions, Ana Lucia was kind, patient and always informative. 100% recommendedPosted on Eliz MacGmlTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My husband and I had an incredible experience with Columbus Travel. The itinerary was amazing, the guides and excursions were fabulous and the support during the trip was perfect. Working with Paola to define the itinerary was amazing, and Shirley provided fabulous support during the trip. Shout outs to two guides - Carlos Gonzales Cobos on San Cristobal and Frederico Carrion on Santa Cruz and to Ramirez for providing the best snorkelling equipment of six trips. Thank you for the trip of a lifetime!Posted on Darel RivasTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great company to work with!Posted on charlotte lindoerferTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Wonderful experience. Pablo did a great job! The boat and crew were phenomenal. Highly recommend.Verified by TrustindexTrustindex verified badge is the Universal Symbol of Trust. Only the greatest companies can get the verified badge who has a review score above 4.5, based on customer reviews over the past 12 months. Read more
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Frequently Questions About Alya
What makes the Alya a luxury catamaran?
The Alya is defined as luxury due to its limited 16-passenger capacity, private balconies in every suite, elite naturalist guides, and high-end culinary experience.
Is the Alya Catamaran stable for seasickness?
Yes, as a dual-hull catamaran, the Alya provides superior stability compared to single-hull yachts, significantly reducing motion at sea.
Are children allowed on the Alya Catamaran?
Yes, the Alya welcomes families and offers a safe, comfortable environment for children to discover the Galapagos wildlife.
What kind of food is served on the Alya?
Guests enjoy a blend of gourmet international cuisine and traditional Ecuadorian dishes, with full support for vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free diets.
Do I have a private balcony on the Alya Catamaran?
Absolutely. One of the Alya’s signature features is that all 8 suites include a private balcony, ensuring personal space to enjoy the ocean views.
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