3 Top Galapagos National Park Cruise Tour Operators

Royal Galapagos is one of Ecuador’s leading operators of premium expeditions, offering the largest fleet of luxury yachts in the Galapagos Islands and curated travel experiences across mainland Ecuador. The family-owned, high-end cruises provide spacious, stable, and intimate journeys designed to deliver exceptional comfort and personalized service.

With more than a decade of experience managing small expedition cruises, Royal Galapagos is renowned for its knowledgeable naturalists, dedicated onboard crew, and commitment to excellence both at sea and on land. Beyond the Galapagos, the company offers seamless travel extensions to the Amazon, Andes, and even Machu Picchu, ensuring a comprehensive exploration of the region’s most iconic landscapes.

Royal Galapagos actively promotes environmental responsibility and social inclusion through carbon offsetting, sustainable operations, community support programs, and partnerships with conservation entities such as the Galapagos Conservation Trust. Initiatives in women’s empowerment and local economic development further reflect their commitment to responsible tourism.

Delivering extraordinary adventures through refined service, expert guidance, and sustainable values, Royal Galapagos sets a benchmark for luxury exploration in Ecuador.

Galaxy Expeditions operate a fleet of premium vessels in the Galapagos Islands, including the boutique Galaxy Sirius, elegant Alya Catamaran, eco-friendly EcoGalaxy, and the family-oriented Bonita Yacht. Their cruises range from luxury multi-day cruises to flexible day trips with Galaxy Daily, each offering comfort, exclusivity, and deep connection with nature.

With over 15 years of experience, Galaxy Expeditions creates personalized and immersive journeys across the Galapagos, Ecuador, Peru, and Colombia. Their vessels carry a maximum of 16 passengers, allowing for attentive service and minimal environmental impact.

Galaxy Expeditions promote sustainable travel through eco-conscious design, responsible operations, and respectful engagement with local communities. Their team ensures a seamless experience from planning to return, combining adventure, cultural connection, and environmental stewardship.

The Via Natura story spans more than 30 years of immersive, tailor-made tours organized across Ecuador, the Galapagos Islands, and Peru. With offices in Guayaquil, Cusco, and Puerto Ayora, the company was founded on a vision of travel that blends comfort with authenticity, luxury with meaning, and adventure with precision.

From the beginning, Via Natura has focused on delivering unique experiences that go beyond standard itineraries. Their approach is rooted in three core principles: personalized travel design, curated out-of-the-ordinary experiences, and a definition of luxury centered on setting, authenticity, and exclusivity. Every journey is individually crafted based on the client’s preferences, and is enriched by the deep local insight of the team.

In addition to their tailor-made trips, Via Natura owns and operates key Galapagos tourism assets, including Monserrat Galapagos Cruises and Casa Natura Galapagos Lodge. The Monserrat, a first-class yacht named after the Virgin of Montserrat, accommodates just 20 guests and is recognized for its attentive service, high crew-to-guest ratio, and expert naturalist guides.

Over the decades, Via Natura has established itself as a trusted, expert operator in the region. This is a company that travelers turn to for thoughtful, luxurious, and transformative travel experiences.