By: Torben Lonne
The prominent vessel Yolita Yacht II has a vast experience of cruising in the turquoise blue waters of the gorgeous islands of the Galapagos. What makes it different from the other liveaboards of its kind are the world-class facilities and comfort it offers, which are not available in most of the higher categorized liveaboards. Get ready to enjoy an intimate trip with comfort.
Our Overall Review
Things we like:
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Many people were happy with the large cabins and spacious environments on-board the Yolita II. -
Several divers reported that the diving instructor presented the safety procedures very well and made everyone feel at ease.
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Many divers said they have not experienced such diversity of marine life in one location.
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Some people mentioned that in the evening they indulged in a variety of board-games presented to them by the crew.
Things we don't like:
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Some divers said that the noise of the engine kept them awake at night. -
A few people claimed that the air-con was off for a half a day while some of the travelers were on a hike.
Diving on the Yolita Yacht 2 in Galapagos
Yolita Yacht II – high level of comfort with fair rates
The 33 meters (approx. 110 feet) liveaboard was constructed in 2007 and was refurbished recently to provide maximum comfort and luxuries to the travelers onboard. The motor yacht has a powerful engine, which makes it cruise with stability at a top speed of 9 knots per hour. There are 8 crew members (7 + 1 naturalist bilingual guide), who are well-trained to face and solve any primary emergency situation.
It is difficult to choose between comfort and a reasonable price, but the elegant Yolita Yacht II combines them both. The main itineraries include the Darwin and Wolf islands. Diving at these sites, you will get an opportunity to meet giant whale sharks, manta rays, eagle rays, mola-mola (also known as ocean sunfish), silky sharks, Galapagos Sharks, marine iguanas, and sea lions.
Boat Interior – attractive interior with comfortable facilities
The splendid Yolita features 9 cozy cabins, which can accommodate 16 guests. There are four Twin Bed Cabins on the main deck, and 5 Deluxe Cabins (2 Matrimonial, 2 Twin and 1 Single) are located on the upper deck. The twin beds can be joined into a double bed if required. All these cabins are perfectly designed and well-furnished. They are incorporated with private bathrooms, basins, showers, toiletries, bathrobes, air-conditioning with temperature control and storage areas where guests can keep their belongings. The communal areas of the boat include a sun deck, indoor saloon, and a dining area.
Deck Area
All the dives are conducted under the supervision of expert dive guides and a bilingual naturalist guide. The dive deck is fully equipped with diving gear. Snorkel equipment, wetsuits, and towels on the beach are also provided without any additional cost. The open-air sun deck on the upper deck has plenty of deck chairs, cushioned sun beds and wooden sofas, which makes it a perfect place to relax in the lazy afternoon or the fresh morning. You can enjoy the sea breeze while gazing at the beauty of the archipelago.
Food and Entertainment
The air-conditioned saloon on the upper deck has a pleasant seating area of sofas with cushions. The wooden staircase heads upwards to the spacious lounge, which offers entertainment activities like a big flat screen TV, DVDs, music, mini library, and a bar. Guests can socialize here with the fellow travelers and exchange their views and stories. When it comes to satisfying the hunger, the chef onboard knows well how to treat the hungry divers with delicious meals. A fusion of Ecuadorian and Western food is served in a buffet thrice a day. Snacks and beverages are available all day long.
When to go
If you wish to dive in the breathtaking Galapagos dive sites, 2 seasons are considered to have better conditions. It is absolutely the preference of the passionate divers, which season they choose to plan their marine vacation for. June to November is said to have an abundance of shark species with a good visibility.
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