3 Reasons to Cruise the Galápagos
1. See more
- Strict conservation rules mean tourists stick to designated sites. 70% of these are only accessed by ship!
- Travelling by boat gives you snorkelling opportunities practically every day. With land tours, you are restricted to just four towns, and you'll have to take day trips by boat to reach the best wildlife areas.
- If you have less time, you'll visit more of the archipelago when travelling by cruise.
2. Prioritise your interests
- If you are interested in snorkelling, kayaking, SU paddle boards and zodiacs, you want to be on a cruise
- If you are more interested in mountain biking, horseback riding, camping, hiking, and surfing, you may prefer to be on land
- Families often find land-based tours more suited to young children, but some cruises are well-equipped for young explorers
3. Comfort
- Travelling by boat often comes with a higher price tag - many of the vessels are new or recently refurbished, so you will feel the 5-star experience
- By boat, everything is all-inclusive, meaning you travel, eat and sleep all in one place
- Most customers don't experience sea sickness, but if you do suffer, we can recommend the most stable vessels
Cruises enable you to explore the most remote islands of the National Park with the simplicity and comfort of your own cabin throughout. We have handpicked a wide selection of 28 vessels and our specialists can help you decide which is right for you.
121 Cruises to choose from
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Day 1 | San Cristóbal & El Junco Lagoon
Day 2 | North Seymour and Santa Cruz Dragon Hill
Day 3 | Las Tintoreras and Sierra Negra Volcano
Day 4 | Isabela - Moreno Point
Day 5 | Fernandina - Espinosa Point
Day 6 | Rabida and Bartholomew Island's
Day 7 | Kicker Rock and Witch Hill
Day 8 | San Cristóbal Interpretation Centre
7 Nights
Western Wildlife Discovery in Luxury
An exciting 8 day journey, exploring many of the Archipelago's Islands -
Day 1 | Baltra & Santa Cruz
Day 2 | Española Island
Day 3 | San Cristobal
Day 4 | Santa Fe & Plazas
Day 5 | Genovesa Island
Day 6 | Santiago & Bartolome
Day 7 | Rabida & Sombrero Chino
Day 8 | Baltra Island
7 Nights
Luxury Eastern Tortoise Route
Travel aboard the luxury Integrity yacht for ultimate comfort around the archipelago -
Day 1 | Baltra & South Plaza
Day 2 | Santa Fe Island
Day 3 | San Cristobal Island
Day 4 | Española Island
Day 5 | Santa Cruz Island
4 Nights
Luxury Wildlife Eastern Route
An incredible 5 day itinerary voyaging around the South-eastern region of the archipelago
Choosing your Galapagos Cruise
1. The vessel
Your choice will depend on your comfort and budget preference, the type of ship and how many guests you want to travel with.
Why not explore our selection of Luxury cruise trips?
If you are looking for a small ship experience, we recommend a Catamaran or Yacht, as Guest capacity is capped at 20 guests
2. When to go
The Galápagos can be visited year-round, but the best time depends on your interests
- December to May offers warm weather and calmer seas, making it ideal for snorkelling.
- June to November brings cooler waters and nutrient-rich currents, attracting more marine life, including whales and seabirds.
3. Activities
You can guarantee wildlife spotting, zodiac excursions, and snorkelling will be part of your Gaápagos experience... but we know that some vessels and itineraries are better suited to certain interests and activities
Frequently Asked
How do I get to the Galapagos islands?
The Galápagos Islands are accessible by flight from mainland Ecuador. Most travellers fly into Quito or Guayaquil and take a domestic flight to either Baltra or San Cristóbal Island. From there, you'll transfer to your cruise or hotel.
What will I do?
A Galápagos cruise includes guided excursions to different islands, where you can walk among wildlife, snorkel with sea lions and turtles, and explore volcanic landscapes. Activities typically include daily landings with nature walks, kayaking, zodiac rides, and opportunities for photography and marine life encounters.
How expensive is it?
Galápagos travel is not cheap due to conservation regulations and limited visitor numbers. Cruises range from budget-friendly to luxury, with prices typically starting at around $2,000 for a 4-day trip. Additional costs include flights, park fees ($200 pp), and any extra activities or hotel stays before or after your cruise.
Our specialists will help you plan the perfect adventure for your budget.
Can I visit anywhere else?
Yes, many travellers combine the Galápagos with mainland Ecuador, visiting Quito, the Amazon, or the Andes. Some also extend their trip to Peru to see Machu Picchu. Whether you're interested in history, culture, or additional wildlife experiences, there are plenty of options for extending your adventure.
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