BEST GALAPAGOS CRUISES AND COSTS IN 2023-2024

There are more options for exploring the Galapagos Islands than ever before, but no serious person would argue that a cruise is still the best way to go. Hundreds of small cruise ships, each with its own personality, itinerary, and ethos but all drawn to the islands by their natural magnetism, are currently patrolling the routes previously taken by buccaneers, explorers, and finally scientists.
From budget-friendly cruise companies to almost incredible magnificence aboard luxury boats, the options for traversing the Galapagos Islands can be daunting. Whatever you take in, there’s no denying that this is one of the world’s most unique and spectacular destinations; make sure you see it at its best with one of the top Galapagos cruises.

Best Small Ship Galapagos Cruises

A small ship tour is the best way to see the Galapagos Islands.
With so many Galapagos cruises to select from, it might be tough to find the right vessel for your trip. Larger yachts with 50 to 100 visitors may appear crowded and lack the personal touch of smaller vessels.

A small-ship cruise keeps the experience intimate and delivers a more personalized tour of this breathtaking location.
The tours listed below are our selection of small Galapagos cruises that can accommodate 20 people or less. These Galapagos cruises include luxury-class, first-class, and adventure-class ships to accommodate a wide range of tastes.

#1. The Galapagos Elite Cruise

With its inaugural journey in 2019, the Elite is one of the Galapagos Islands’ newest and most advanced luxury yachts. Imagine visiting the Galapagos with expert guides to witness iconic animals before returning to the Elite’s modern splendor.
The Elite was specifically developed for the Galapagos for performance, comfort, and stability, allowing you to focus on enjoying this incredible place.
The Elite provides you with:

Exterior and indoor bars are both cozy.
Outdoor dining area
38 meters (124 feet) by 14 meters (46 feet) wide superstructure
Private outside terraces and panoramic sliding glass doors are standard in all suites.
All convertible suites have either a king-size bed or two twin beds.
Both decks have adjoining accommodations.
Suites’ restrooms have frosted glass walls that allow for plenty of natural light.
Two panoramic doors provide access to the main areas of the catamaran.
The indoor lounge provides a 180-degree panoramic view.
Indoor and outdoor designs and experiences are combined in integrated social areas.
Extended outside balconies can be seen in the social areas.
The sky deck is spacious, including a whirlpool bath and an external bar.
Sky deck that is partially covered

Suites at the Elite are spacious and pleasant, with elegant decor, balconies, and a jacuzzi.
Enjoy guided tours of the islands, diverse animals, gorgeous scenery, and some unique bays, beaches, and marine areas on Elite itineraries.

#2. The Galapagos Endemic Cruises

The Endemic, the Elite’s sister ship, provides the same level of comfort and luxury. Take advantage of large rooms, delectable cuisine, and expertly guided Galapagos excursions.
The luxurious ship features spacious cabins with private balconies, beautiful social areas, and wonderful culinary treats. After boarding this magnificent yacht, you will take part in interesting tours with knowledgeable naturalist guides.

The Endemic outperforms the bulk of Galapagos cruises in terms of stability and comfort, ensuring your enjoyment throughout your island-hopping tour.
Each cabin has air conditioning, a private terrace with amazing views, a spacious and impeccably designed bathroom, and a king-size bed or two twin-size mattresses.
You will depart from the luxury Endemic on expertly planned tours to various Galapagos Islands. You will see the renowned giant tortoises, graceful frigate birds, amusing sea lions, and famed marine iguanas with your guide.

#3. The Galapagos Petrel Cruise

The Petrel Galapagos Cruise is a luxury catamaran for 16 passengers exploring the Galapagos Islands. Experience spectacular up-close encounters with the famous Galapagos fauna.
And you’ll go on island hikes, kayaking trips, and snorkeling expeditions with some of the Galapagos’ greatest naturalist experts.

The Petrel is a luxury motorized catamaran built for performance, comfort, and stability. This means you’ll have a comfortable sail while you explore the archipelago from island to island on board the Petrel. You have a variety of itineraries to choose from, with two alternate itineraries for each of their 6-day and 8-day cruises. For those with limited time, they also offer 4-day and 5-day cruises.
Here is an overview of the 4-day cruise onboard the Petrel to give you an idea of what to expect:

The tour will begin with an exploration of San Cristobal Island. Visit the giant tortoise breeding center to learn more about these unique animals.
The following day will be spent on Espanola Island, visiting the famed Gardner Bay to see sea lions, marine iguanas, and pelicans. You’ll then travel to Floreana. You will visit the well-known Devil’s Crown, Cormorant Point, and Post Office Bay. While snorkeling in wildlife-rich areas, you can expect to see sharks, rays, and hundreds of tropical species. Visit the saltwater lagoon to watch flamingos, then learn about Post Office Bay’s human history.
Following Floreana, you will travel to Santa Cruz Island and the Charles Darwin Research Center before returning home by airport transportation.

#4. The Ocean Mist

The Ocean Spray is a luxury-class catamaran that is the Petrel’s sister ship. Aboard the ship, you will be able to tour the Galapagos Islands in luxury.

As you go from island to island, the cruise is structured to enhance comfort and performance. Take guided tours around the islands to see the amazing wildlife. In addition to wildlife excursions, snorkeling, and kayaking cruises to several reefs and bays are available.

The Ocean Spray provides spacious and pleasant accommodations, as well as a sundeck and a jacuzzi. The delectable cuisine will subsequently be served in the vessel’s nicely constructed dining area. The private balcony of your lodging therefore allows you to stay connected to this magnificent nature.

#5. The Galapagos Eco Galaxy Cruise

The Eco Galaxy Galapagos Cruise provides a relaxing vacation aboard a first-rate catamaran. Cabins are spacious and pleasant, with well-equipped bathrooms. The ship provides luxurious accommodations, as well as social areas, a bar, a sundeck, and balconies.
In addition to enjoying the Eco Galaxy yacht, take guided island visits from the main vessel. As you travel from island to island, you will see some great species and gorgeous scenery.

There are four itineraries available on the Eco Galaxy Cruise: four days, five days, six days, and eight days.
The 6-day cruise ‘B’ itinerary, for example, begins in Santa Cruz Island with a visit to the Charles Darwin Research Center to learn about the islands and to get a taste of what to expect on your voyage.
The program then moves on to Isabela, Fernandina, Santiago, and Rabida Islands. Enjoy some amazing fauna and breathtaking scenery.

#6. The Galapagos Alya Cruise

The Alya Galapagos Cruise provides a luxury catamaran for a Galapagos Islands cruise. The Alya, one of the islands’ newest vessels, provides comfort, personalized service, spacious suites, and attractively furnished living areas.

In addition to the luxurious suites and social areas, the Alya’s dining room serves superb cuisine. To keep you linked to this magnificent surroundings, the dining room is encircled by windows. Then, in the bar, you can enjoy a selection of drinks.
You can then choose from a variety of itineraries based on where you want to go and how many days you have in the Galapagos Islands. Enjoy guided island tours to witness magnificent wildlife, stunning beaches, and kayaking and snorkeling to see abundant marine life.
The Galapagos Galaxy Cruise

The Galaxy Galapagos journey provides a relaxing journey across the Galapagos Islands. The ship is Smart Voyager Certified and includes spacious staterooms, private bathrooms, and nice communal areas. Then, in the dining area, you will have a superb assortment of delicacies while taking in the breathtaking views. The bar then separates the restaurant from the social sections.
Enjoy guided island tour and several activities on your Galaxy Galapagos Cruise to experience this unique ecosystem. Visit some of the Galapagos’ prominent landmarks and marvel at the stunning scenery and diverse wildlife.

The Galaxy Cruise offers a number of itineraries, including 4-day, 5-day, 6-day, and 8-day cruises.
The Galaxy Galapagos Cruise 6-day ‘C’ itinerary, for example, includes stops in Santa Cruz, Rabida, Sombrero Island, Seymour, Mosquera, Santiago, Bartolome, Genovesa, and San Cristobal. You will visit some of the most popular places on each of these islands to experience the best of what the Galapagos has to offer.

#7. The Galapagos Cruise with Nemo III

The Nemo III is a motor-sail catamaran that takes guests on guided tours of the Galapagos Islands. In addition to island hopping, take guided tours of the islands to see the unique Galapagos animals.

The ship itself, the Nemo III, provides spacious accommodations, private toilets, a jacuzzi, and a sundeck. The dining area will subsequently serve three meals per day in between your island activities. The ship is also air-conditioned to keep you comfortable while on board.
To give you an indication of what to expect, the itinerary for the 8-day Nemo III Galapagos Cruise includes visits to:

Santa Cruz’s Bachas Beach
Darwin Bay and the Prince Phillips Steps on Genovesa
Santiago Island’s Sullivan Bay
Dragon Hill and the Santa Cruz mountains
Giant Tortoise Breeding Facility
Isabela’s Moreno Point and Urbina Bay
Fernandina’s Espinoza Point
Taguz Cove is located on Isabela.
Santiago’s Egas Port and Buccaneer Cove
Island of Daphne

Your guide will assist you in spotting some magnificent animals while exploring these favored places of the Galapagos Islands. The iconic marine iguanas, sea lions, blue footed boobies, pelicans, colorful fish, and gigantic tortoises may all be found here.

#8. The Galapagos Cruise with Nemo II

The Nemo II is a motor-sail catamaran that offers a Galapagos Islands island-hopping cruise. Enjoy a 4-, 5-, or 8-day trip around the northern or southern islands.
The Nemo II has double cabins with private bathrooms. You will then enjoy three meals every day, prepared fresh by expert chefs in the dining room. The Nemo II’s accommodations are air-conditioned to make you comfortable during your cruise.
Then you’ll go on guided tours across the islands, where you’ll see wonderful animals, gorgeous bays, and breathtaking landscapes.

On your Nemo II cruise, you have the option of visiting either the northern or southern islands.
Here’s a synopsis of the 8-day northern itinerary aboard the Nemo II Cruise as an example:
Your tour will begin on Baltra Island, where you will first cruise to Seymour Island. A variety of Galapagos birds, including royal frigates, can be found here.

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The following day, you will go to Santa Cruz Island’s highlands, where you will see the famed gigantic tortoises and enjoy a magnificent landscape. In the afternoon, you will also visit the Charles Darwin Research Center to discover more about the Galapagos Islands and its biodiversity

The evening will be spent on a cruise to Isabela Island in preparation for the next morning.
The next day, you’ll get to see some gorgeous scenery when you go to Punta Moreno, which has a unique volcanic landscape. Enjoy seeing various birds, marine iguanas, and the coral reef.
The following day, you will spend at Tagus Cove learning about the history of pirates, buccaneers, and whalers who visited the islands. Galapagos penguins, pelicans, and flightless cormorants also live in the area.

The afternoon will be spent on Fernandina at Punta Espinoza. The area is teeming with wildlife, including sea lions, flightless cormorants, and one of the largest iguana populations on the islands.
You will also see sea turtles at the picturesque Espumilla beach and the dark red sand of Rabida Island on the schedule. You may also observe and snorkel with the playful sea lions here.
The final day will be spent exploring Daphne Island and seeing the many birds and landscapes before a lovely breakfast and your return journey home.

#9. The Galapagos Habit Hotel Package Tours

The Galapagos Habitat Hotel (formerly known as the Red Mangrove) also offers island hopping packages. Enjoy luxury accommodations in your Galapagos Habitat suite before embarking on a cruise ship to explore the neighboring islands. Enjoy a variety of itinerary options or tailor your trip to your own interests.

The Galapagos Habitat hotel offers tailor-made itineraries to visit the islands by combining hotel stays with island hopping by cruise ship. You will enjoy guided hiking expeditions on various islands in search of Galapagos species.

The Galapagos Habitat Hotel is located on the island of Santa Cruz, very near to the Charles Darwin Research Center, one of the island’s most popular attractions. The hotel is home to one of the highest-rated restaurants on the islands, and it is also close to numerous others, as well as art galleries, souvenir stores, cafes, and other attractions. Even at the Galapagos Habitat hotel, marine iguanas and sea lions can be found relaxing on deckchairs.

When Is the Ideal Time to Visit the Galapagos Islands by Cruise Ship?

With favorable temperatures throughout the year, the best time to visit the Galapagos Islands is anytime you choose to go. All year, several cruise lines visit the Galapagos Islands. While you can observe animals all year, giant tortoises hatch in December, while blue-footed boobies and short-eared owls breed in July. Sea turtles deposit their eggs early in the year, and fully developed marine iguanas hatch in April and May.

Are Galapagos Cruises Pricey?

The Galapagos Islands are not a cheap vacation spot. Depending on the ship, route, and length of the cruise, expect to pay between $5,000 and $12,000 per tourist.

Tips for Choosing a Galapagos Cruise: Choosing a Galapagos Yacht

There are numerous yacht alternatives in the Galapagos, making it difficult to choose the appropriate trip for your Galapagos adventure. Adventure Life shares ten suggestions for making your holiday arrangements easier! If you have specific dates in mind, contact early because popular cruise departures fill up six months in advance.

Choosing Between Large and Small Boats in the Galapagos Islands

Because the maximum number of passengers allowed on a Galapagos cruise ship is 100, “large” in the Galapagos is actually “small” when compared to massive cruise ships in the Caribbean or other major cruise destinations.

Small yachts in Galapagos typically hold 16 to 20 guests, while larger ships handle 32 to 100 passengers.

Smaller ships have a different social dynamic than larger ships, and you’ll get to know your shipmates better on smaller boats. Larger ships typically have a doctor on board as well as many guides, allowing you to choose from a variety of activities each day.

Another key issue in the occasionally rough waters of the Galapagos is a boat’s stability in the water. Catamarans and larger cruise ships float more steadily, but smaller single-hulled boats rock more.

Galapagos Cruises vs. Land-Based Tours in the Galapagos Islands

The most popular way to travel the Galapagos Islands is on a Galapagos cruise, although in recent years, Galapagos land tours that stay in hotels at night and visit several visitor areas and islands during the day have grown in popularity. Several considerations to consider when making your decision are listed below.

Cruises are typically more expensive than hotel-based Galapagos tours. However, the less expensive boats may cost less per day than an all-inclusive vacation that includes overnight in luxury hotels. Land-based trips have the upper hand in terms of expense.

Number and Variety of National Park Visits: Itineraries on a cruise normally include one official visitor’s location in the morning and another in the afternoon. The boats sail to the next island during the night, saving time on transportation. You miss the sailing during the night on land-based tours, but a well-designed land-based trip can see practically as much as you would on most, especially shorter, cruises. Cruises win out in this situation.

Still unsure about the best method to visit the Galapagos? Contact one of our Galapagos professionals who can answer your questions and assist you in planning the perfect Galapagos trip.

Choosing a Galapagos Cruise Ship or a Galapagos Yacht

With so many boats and cruise options, it’s difficult to know where to begin when organizing a trip to the Galapagos Islands. Follow these ideas and aspects to consider when booking your cruise.
Top-rated naturalist guides, outstanding meals, and large, stylish staterooms are available on luxury Galapagos cruises.
Catamarans in the Galapagos Islands may offer the best of both worlds. Catamarans are compact 16-passenger yachts that are sturdy on the sea and the most luxurious way to sail the Galapagos Islands.
The cabins and public areas on Galapagos Cruise Ships are vast. Some have doctors on board and may be suitable for physically challenged passengers.
Budget Cruises allow visitors to discover the Galapagos Islands on a shoestring budget. One should exercise extreme caution when selecting a low-cost Galapagos cruise, but we only work with the best boats and take the danger out of selecting a vacation that won’t break the bank.

What is the Price of a Galapagos Cruise?

A 5-day Galapagos cruise costs around USD 3000 on average. The most affordable Galapagos cruises start about USD 1000 for a 4-day trip and can go up to around $100,000 per person for an 8-day luxury-class cruise. A private Galapagos cruise costs around $40,000 to charter.

Additional fees: A $20 US fee must be paid before boarding your Galapagos flight in Quito or Guayaquil to receive a Transit Control Card in order to travel to the National Park. The National Park Fee is the second admittance requirement. When you arrive on the islands, park officials will collect the $100 US charge. Keep in mind that this cost must be paid in cash. Nobody is exempt.

The two most essential considerations are the boat’s type and the length of the cruise. The price of your cruise rises almost proportionally to the amount of days. However, most visitors discover:

A four-day trip is too short because the first and last days are spent flying from the Ecuadorian mainland, leaving you with only two full days on the islands, which is insufficient!
Some travelers will be satisfied with a 5-day cruise (with three full days in the islands).
An 8-day cruise is the ideal mix of time on the islands versus cost.
For those with the time and money, 15-day cruises offer entire circumnavigations of the islands.
Staying at a hotel on one of the inhabited islands for a few days before or after your cruise can help you save money per day.
Similarly, land-based excursions in which you sleep in motels at night and explore the National Park during the day are less expensive.

What is the Best Way To Get To The Galapagos Islands?

Because there are no international flights into the Galapagos, you must first fly to mainland Ecuador. Flights depart from Quito, the country’s capital, and make a stop in Guayaquil before continuing to airports on Baltra and San Cristobal Islands. There are no direct international flights because the archipelago is a protected National Park, and airlines must adhere to rigorous regulations.

At the airport: Before boarding your flight to the Galapagos Islands, whether at the Mariscal Sucre Airport in Quito or the José Joaqun de Olmedo Airport in Guayaquil, you must complete a few additional procedures in order to comply with Galapagos National Park regulations. Before you may check in your bags, you must first obtain your Transit Control Card, which is issued at the airport. This will set you back $20. This price is most likely included in your trip if you travel with an agency. Following that, National Park officials will conduct a luggage check to ensure that no forbidden materials or products enter the islands. Before your flight, inquire with your guide or agency about these goods. Only then are you ready to proceed to the airline’s check-in counter to complete your check-in process.

On the plane: To prevent foreign components from entering the Galapagos Islands, the crew will spray storage compartments and the plane’s floor with a non-toxic substance just before landing.

BEST GALAPAGOS CRUISES AND COSTS IN 2023-2024