Galapagos cruises are the best way to experience the collection of remote, mostly uninhabited islands about 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador. But cruises to the Galapagos Islands aren’t like cruises anywhere else. The ships here are smaller, with some carrying as few as 16 passengers. There are no water slides, elaborate Broadway shows, casinos, or wild nightclubs. And don’t expect big bus tours in port either.
Galapagos cruises are about experiencing nature and wildlife while limiting environmental impact as much as possible. Ships are built for sustainability, toting items like kayaks, paddleboards, and scuba gear. Itineraries may feature two active excursions a day, limiting downtime on board the ship. Instead of museums and historic sights, you’ll visit uninhabited islands to encounter marine iguanas, sea lions, unspoiled beaches, and the adventures of a lifetime.
Trips to the Galapagos Islands are logistically complicated, making cruises an especially good way to experience the area. Travelers to the Galapagos Islands must first fly to Quito or Guayaquil, Ecuador, for a night before flying to the Galapagos to board their ships. All travelers must also be accompanied by National Parks Guides who can help them navigate these largely undeveloped islands.
Galapagos cruise itineraries are typically a week long and cover a portion of the islands, sometimes more. Here’s everything to know about cruising in the Galapagos, from frequently asked questions to the best Galapagos cruise itineraries to book now.
When is the best time to cruise the Galapagos Islands?
With pleasant temperatures all year long, the best time to visit the Galapagos Islands is whenever you’re ready to go. Several cruise lines sail to the Galapagos Islands all year long. While you can see wildlife all year, December is hatching season for the giant tortoises, and July is mating season for blue-footed boobies and short-eared owls. Sea turtles lay their eggs early in the year and fully formed marine iguanas typically hatch in April and May.
Are Galapagos cruises expensive?
The Galapagos Islands aren’t a bargain destination. Expect to pay somewhere between $5,000 and $12,000 per traveler depending on the ship, itinerary, and length of the voyage. But one thing’s for sure: Whatever your preference, there’s a Galapagos Islands cruise for you. These are seven of the best Galapagos cruises for every type of traveler.
Best luxury Galapagos cruise
Ecoventura offers one of the most luxurious—and family-friendly cruises—in the Galapagos. Each of its three expedition yachts—the Origin, Theory, and Evolve—can accommodate 20 guests across 10 staterooms. These seven-night all-inclusive voyages make environmental responsibility a priority, encouraging guests to join the effort to help preserve this delicate area. Children six and up are welcome on board. Some staterooms connect to create spacious family suites, and two are designed to accommodate three guests each. Kids menus, children’s activities, and a kids club are also available. For adults, there’s a fitness center, jacuzzi, cooking demonstrations, and group cooking classes. You’ll also find kayaks, standup paddleboards, snorkeling gear, and zodiacs on board. On shore, naturalists lead daily two-hour nature walks, visiting lava fields, scenic cliffs, and secluded beaches. Replenish yourself at the onboard restaurant which serves a breakfast buffet, afternoon tea, and multi-course lunch and dinner menus.
Best Galapagos cruise for adventure seekers
Uncruise’s Galapagos island cruise will take you to seven islands over the course of a week on board La Pinta, a 48-passenger yacht boasting floor-to-ceiling windows, a sundeck, a fitness center, and a hot tub. This isn’t the newest or most luxurious ship sailing the Galapagos, but it’s comfortable and has been recently refurbished. It also comes with everything you need to make the most of your Galapagos adventure—including kayaks, paddleboards, snorkeling gear, scuba equipment, and a glass-bottom boat. This is a Galapagos cruise where nature and wildlife take center stage: Hike Dragon Hill on Isla Santa Cruz while looking for iguanas and flamingos, paddleboard alongside sea lions at Isla Floreana, or enjoy a stroll along a secluded white-sand beach. This small cruise operator prides itself on cruises that don’t feel like cruises. If you think cruising isn’t your thing, Uncruise might change your mind.
Best Galapagos cruises for solo travelers
Join a small group of future friends on the Reina Silvia Voyager, G Adventures’ newest catamaran that’s custom-built for sailing the Galapagos. This vessel began sailing in 2022, and two of its 10 cabins are designed for solo travelers. These solo cabins are no tiny hideaways. Each comes with a queen-sized bed, desk, and a large picture window to frame your Galapagos view. A 10-day itinerary starts and ends in Quito, taking guests on a journey through the Central and East Islands to look for sea lions, iguanas, and a seemingly endless variety of birds. Go kayaking, snorkeling, scuba diving, or paddleboarding—or kick back and relax on the spacious sundeck while enjoying some of the most unspoiled views in the world. There’s a chef on board to ensure you never go hungry, a jacuzzi to soothe sore muscles, lots of spaces for socializing when you want to, and a bar that’s perfect for sunset cocktails.
Best small ship Galapagos cruise
Avalon Waterways may be better known for its European river cruises, but it also sails the Galapagos Islands. The Treasure of the Galapagos is a gorgeous small ship, carrying a maximum of 16 guests. And while there’s no long list of restaurants onboard, there are creative, locally inspired menus featuring seasonal ingredients and lots of vegetarian options. You’ll also find daily natural history lectures, a team of multilingual naturalists, floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows, and a plunge pool.
Best Galapagos cruises for families
There may be no better way to get your kid interested in science and history than a Galapagos Islands cruise on board Hurtigruten Expedition’s MS Santa Cruz II. The ship operates a Citizen Science Program, enlisting guests to help with completing research projects. There’s also a science center on board and a slate of lectures and expert-led discussions. The HX In Darwin’s Footsteps itinerary follows the famous evolutionary biologist’s journey through the Galapagos. Walk along a beach Darwin visited in 1835, see the giant tortoises, which have a lifespan of over 100 years, that may have greeted him nearby, and visit the Charles Darwin Research Station, which helps care for endangered baby tortoises. Only about 15,000 Galapagos tortoises remain in existence, and there really is no better place to learn about them or the endangerment of wildlife. While there’s no specific kids programming, children six and up are welcome onboard the MS Santa Cruz II.
Best Galapagos cruise for lifelong learners
If you grew up reading National Geographic magazine, you’ll want to hop on board the National Geographic Gemini. The ship sails the Galapagos as part of a partnership between Lindblad Expeditions and National Geographic, two legendary names in exploration. National Geographic experts lead these journeys and they’re often joined by National Geographic photographers. Kids can join the National Geographic Global Explorers program, a hands-on experience designed to teach them about geographic exploration and scientific research. The National Geographic Gemini can accommodate up to 48 passengers in 27 guest suites. More than a dozen suites come with private balconies, one of which is large enough to accommodate a private hot tub. (Don’t fret if that suite is already booked, there’s a whirlpool hot tub on the sundeck that’s open to all guests.) You’ll also find a well-stocked library, a well-stocked bar, and meals made with locally sourced ingredients on board.
Best Galapagos cruise for foodies
If you want to learn about Ecuadorian cuisine while sailing the Galapagos, Silversea may be the cruise line for you. Silversea is a luxury cruise line known for its next-level onboard dining programs. Learn all about the local cuisine from the ship’s executive chef while feasting on locally sourced meat and produce—you can try Ecuadorian cheese aged in lava tubes and even make ceviche during a hands-on cooking demonstration. The Silver Origin’s onboard restaurants serve a mix of international, traditional, and modern Ecuadorian food, and vegans and vegetarians aren’t afterthoughts here. Each Silversea suite comes with the service of a butler; most have private teak verandas as well. With a capacity for 100 guests, Silversea’s Silver Origin is one of the largest ships sailing the Galapagos Islands, but these voyages regularly sell out, so be sure to book early.
This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date.