Nine Galapagos Cruises Worth Sailing, From Luxury Yachts to Budget-Friendly Options
The Galapagos Islands sit 600 miles off Ecuador's coast, and many travelers agree the best way to see them is by ship. These aren't typical island-hopping cruises. The vessels are small-some carry as few as 16 passengers-and there are no water parks, Broadway shows, or casinos. Instead, the attractions are uninhabited islands, giant tortoises, sea lions, and rare birds like the blue-footed booby.
Most Galapagos cruises run about a week and visit multiple islands. While the destination is generally expensive, more affordable options exist. Here are nine standout choices for different types of travelers.
For luxury, Ecoventura operates three expedition yachts-Origin, Theory, and Evolve-each carrying 20 guests in 10 staterooms. Children six and up are welcome, and some rooms connect into family suites. Kayaks, paddleboards, snorkeling gear, and zodiacs are included, plus a hot tub and fitness center.
Solo travelers can join G Adventures' Reina Silvia Voyager, a catamaran with two single-occupancy cabins among its 10. A 10-day itinerary starts and ends in Quito, exploring the Central and East Islands.
Those wanting space should consider Celebrity Flora, one of the largest ships in the region. It carries about 100 people but offers roomier suites starting around 224 square feet, some with balconies up to 321 square feet. A retractable marina helps travelers with mobility issues board shore boats.
Avalon Waterways sails a chartered luxury catamaran, Treasure of the Galapagos, carrying 16 guests with private balconies-a rarity in the region. The largest suite is 430 square feet with two outdoor spaces.
Foodies might prefer Silver Origin, operated by Silversea. Its restaurant The Grill cooks premium meats tableside on lava stones and serves locally sourced lobster and Galapagos-caught fish. Guests can learn ceviche-making and sample Ecuadorian cheese aged in lava tubes.
Adventure seekers can sail La Pinta, operated by Uncruise. The 48-passenger yacht includes kayaks, paddleboards, snorkeling and scuba gear, and a glass-bottom boat. The itinerary visits seven islands and islets plus the Charles Darwin Research Station.
Science lovers can join HX Expeditions' Citizen Science Program aboard MS Santa Cruz II, helping researchers collect samples and analyze data in the onboard lab.
For budget travelers, Nature Galapagos & Ecuador offers cruises on 8- to 10-person yachts like the New Flamingo and Merak. A four- to five-night cruise costs around $3,000, compared to about $7,600 for a seven-night sailing on G Adventures.
Families can book the National Geographic Gemini through Lindblad Expeditions. Kids become Explorers-In-Training through a hands-on program led by National Geographic experts. The ship carries 48 passengers in 27 suites, more than a dozen with private balconies.
Booking four to nine months ahead gives the widest selection. Last-minute deals may appear two to eight weeks out. Travelers typically fly into Quito or Guayaquil, spend a night, then fly to the islands. The climate is mild year-round, with December bringing giant tortoise hatchings and July marking blue-footed booby mating season. Expect to pay between $5,000 and $12,000 per traveler, though options start in the $3,000s. Wildlife includes giant tortoises, marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies, and sea lions.