From choosing the right cruise line to selecting the perfect itinerary, our team of experts will provide personalized guidance and support to ensure your Galapagos cruise adventure is nothing short of extraordinary.
Click or tap the buttons below to filter and narrow your search
Cruise Duration The perfect amount of time in the islands varies greatly from one person to another, while some may find a 4 day tour fulfilling and long enough, others might find a 15 day tour to short, wherever you may find yourself in it is important to have a clear idea of how much actual time you will have partaking in your scheduled activities and have a better judgment when deciding what tour package works best for you. Applicable for all cruises: all tour packages include the days you enter and exit the islands, both the first and last day will be for the most part operational, and will only have a short activity to fill in the remaining of the day. |
When To Travel What makes the islands so special is their never ending state of paradise, you can visit the islands any time of the year, & landscapes, wildlife and sealife will always have something in store for you. Adjusting to the seasonal changes that mark the end and begining of the galapagos cylcle called the (warm & dry) season, are a great guideline to know when to visit. Warm Season Jan to June: warmer water & weather, clear skies, short rains, green lush vegetation, calm seas, nesting & breeding season, less marine life. Dry Season July to Dec: colder waters and dry weather, stronger sea currents, great snorkeling with rich marine life, new wildife and offsprings, full on bird life |
Diving Cruises that offer diving in the islands are very few & can be numbered with the fingers of your hands, these are not to be confused with regular naturalist cruises that offer (snorkeling-exploratory treks, etc) which are not allowed to offer diving. This is where diving liveaboards play their role for those looking to dive while cruising the Galapagos. Diving cruises main focus will be underwater, which is where you will be most of the time, taking you in most cases to islands unreachable by regular naturalist cruises (Darwin & Wolf Islands) among other sites. Diving permits for cruises in the Galapagos are quite expensive, so liveaboards are priced in the luxury price range and offer tours for 8 days only. |
Big or Small Cruise Both big & small vessels are available in the islands, each one having their own distinctive benefits, over 90% of vessels found in the Galapagos are small in capacity, (12 to 16 passengers) the perfect amount of passengers to get to know your fellow travelers, & has proven to be the perfect way of approaching the islands with a more personalized service. Cruise Ships cannot exceed 100 passengers in capacity in compliance with park regulations & are somewhat restricted to certain visit points as they cannot disembark due to their size, but have major benefits in security, on-board facilities, stability & spaciousness which might be deciding factors for some. |
Itineraries An important part of your tour, this will be a deciding factor for many as it provides a layout of the activities, wildlife & different islands you can expect to see in your tour. Regulated by the Galapagos Park, yachts are only allowed to visit the permitted visit points once every 15 days, in order to lighten the visit load per site, so itineraries vary from one yacht to another. This plays in favor of travelers as they have an assortment of itineraries to choose from. Regular itineraries are the South-East loop, the oldest & most popular Islands for the abundant amount of wildlife, North loop which offers amazing volcanic landscapes, abundant birdlife & good snorkeling, & the West loop, the youngest islands that boost surreal volcanic sceneries & endemic unique species. |
Guidance Guides in all cruises are required to be authorized by the park, levels from 1 to 3 were the standard to measure guidance quality, but for the past few years no licenses have been issued making guidance levels inacurate, guides nowadays will be paired with the cruise category, Luxury Cruise = Better guidance. There is a common misconception that a major drawback of cruising the islands on a big ship is getting lost in the crowd & having poor guidance during your tour. Guidance quality is a deciding factor for many & fortunately the Galapagos Park takes this very seriously & enforces 1 guide for every 16 passengers for all vessels the islands, some have gone the extra mile & offer 1 guide for every 12 passengers (Eclipse) to ensure the highest quality of guidance. |
The best month to cruise the Galapagos Islands is from December to May. During this period, the islands bask in the warmth of the tropical sun, offering pleasant temperatures and optimal ocean conditions for snorkeling and diving. The sea is at its calmest, making it ideal for underwater exploration, where you can get up close with the vibrant marine life that calls these waters home. With temperatures ranging from the low 70s to mid-80s, these months offer the perfect climate for exploring and wildlife-spotting. This is also the time when the islands come alive with the breeding activities of many species, offering spectacular wildlife viewing opportunities. From the courtship dance of the blue-footed boobies to the nesting of the green sea turtles, the islands are a bustling hub of wildlife activity. Whether you’re a seasoned diver, a wildlife enthusiast, or someone seeking a unique adventure, these months offer the best conditions for a memorable Galapagos cruise.
A Galapagos cruise is best enjoyed with an itinerary of 8 days, for the ultimate experience! This duration allows you to fully immerse yourself in the unique ecosystems of the islands, providing ample time to explore the diverse landscapes, engage with the local wildlife, and partake in a variety of activities such as snorkeling, hiking, and even cultural experiences. An 8-day itinerary typically includes visits to several islands, each with its own distinct flora, fauna, and geology. You’ll have the opportunity to witness the fascinating behaviors of endemic species, explore volcanic terrains, and swim in the clear blue waters of the Pacific Ocean. With a week-long journey, you can truly appreciate the enchanting beauty and extraordinary biodiversity of the Galapagos Islands.
Experience nature up close with wildlife sightings, where you’ll have the opportunity to observe unique species such as the majestic Galapagos tortoises, playful sea lions, and the vibrant blue-footed boobies in their natural habitats. Snorkel and dive in the crystal clear waters, immersing yourself in the underwater world teeming with colorful marine life, from schools of tropical fish to graceful sea turtles and even playful dolphins if you’re lucky. Go on hikes across the islands’ diverse landscapes, ranging from lush highlands to stark volcanic terrains, each offering breathtaking views and a unique insight into the islands’ geology. Discover iconic sites such as the Charles Darwin Research Station, where you’ll learn about the ongoing conservation efforts and the fascinating science behind the islands’ unique biodiversity. And don’t forget the cultural experiences, where you’ll have the chance to interact with local communities and learn about their traditions and way of life.