Since discovery by a shipwrecked bishop in 1535, the Galapagos are now world famous as a wildlife paradise. And they are one of the world’s top tourist destinations.
Imagine yourself enjoying warm azure waters, beautiful white-sand beaches, and spotting famous and iconic wildlife found nowhere else on Earth. There's few other destinations as unique and significant as the Galapagos. This is a must-visit destination guaranteed to create memories for years to come.
Jump to Introductions for Luxury Galapagos Cruises
To make the most of your once-in-a-lifetime visit, we have selected 4 of the best luxury Galapagos cruises to complement this incredible destination. Explore the islands with the top Galapagos guides on your choice of itinerary and cruise length. Relax in luxurious suites, elegant social and dining areas while enjoying delicious cuisine.
These small-group luxury catamarans give you more stability and personal service. And each provides different itineraries and cruise lengths for your perfect Galapagos getaway.
Here is a summary of our recommended 4 best luxury Galapagos cruises. Send your request direct to the cruises using the tour bubbles below.
Want some more information before you check availability? Below this summary, we guide you through these exclusive luxury Galapagos cruises – complete with captivating video previews, insightful summaries, and a preview of your Galapagos experience..
4 Of The Best Luxury Galapagos Cruises
The Elite Galapagos Cruise
Baltra Island, EcuadorThe Elite Cruise invites you on an extraordinary exploration of the Galapagos Islands. With modern luxury, the Elite had its maiden voyage in 2019 and...
- High Luxury Cruise, Guided Galapagos Tours
From $ 4,690
/ person
The Endemic Galapagos Cruise
Baltra Island, EcuadorThe Endemic Galapagos Cruise is a luxurious modern catamaran designed to offer you a fantastic experience of the Galapagos Islands. The luxury yacht ...
- High Luxury Cruise, Guided Galapagos Tours
From $ 4,690
/ person
The Petrel Luxury Cruise
Baltra Island, EcuadorThe luxurious Petrel Galapagos Cruise offers you an extraordinary journey of the Galapagos Islands. Over 3, 4, 5 or 7-night itineraries, you will cru...
- Luxury Cruise, Guided Galapagos Tours
From $ 4,190
/ person
The Ocean Spray Cruise
Baltra Island, EcuadorAboard the Ocean Spray Cruise, you will embark on a memorable journey through the mesmerizing Galapagos Islands. The 16-passenger luxury catamaran of...
- Luxury Cruise, Guided Galapagos Tours
From $ 4,190
/ personIntroduction to the Galapagos
Welcome to the Galapagos Islands, a treasure trove of nature's rare and wonderful creatures, nestled off the coast of Ecuador. This archipelago of 21 main islands, each a unique canvas of wildlife and scenic beauty, invites you for an adventure that's both luxurious and wild aboard select luxury cruises.
Imagine a world where giant tortoises roam like little walking cars, where blue-footed boobies dance on their rocky nests, and where the ocean is a playground for diving iguanas - some even beautifully colored with bright reds and greens (see points of interest below).
You will enjoy a journey aboard a luxury cruise, your gateway to professionally guided tours that unveil the secrets of these enchanted isles. While some islands are exclusive, accessible only with special permits, they still offer mesmerizing snorkeling and diving escapades. Traverse visitor sites and trails with your guide, immersing yourself in an ecosystem where Darwin's finches flutter and sea lions frolic.
In addition to enjoying wildlife and beautiful scenery, you will learn about the fascinating history of the Galapagos and their importance for pirates, whalers, explorers and naturalists.
The most famous visitor was Charles Darwin in 1835 and he used Galapagos discoveries for the theory of evolution by natural selection.
The Galapagos isn't just a destination; it's a living museum, protected by UNESCO, where every turn is a discovery. From the Charles Darwin Center's baby tortoises of their breeding program to the lazy marine iguanas and playful sea lions on pristine beaches, each moment is a story.
Galapagos Islands Points of Interest
Espinosa Point on Fernandina Island
One of the islands’ most wildlife-rich areas and a top attraction of the Galapagos. You can enjoy guided tours to see marine iguanas, Galapagos penguins, flightless cormorants, and sea lions.
Suárez Point on Española Island
Suárez Point on Española Island is another of the best wildlife areas. You can see one of the world’s largest breeding groups of waved albatross. This is also where you can see the red and green marine iguanas. The iguanas are at their most colorful in December and January.
Gardner Bay on Española Island
You will be greeted by a beautiful beach and the island’s many sea lions. Other wildlife to see include marine iguanas with their unusual red and green colors, sea turtles swimming close to shore, and Sally Lightfoot crabs. This is where sea lions often come with their pups. Pups are most abundant during November. You can see them playing on the sand and in shallow water.
Cormorant Point on Floreana Island
Cormorant Point on Floreana Island is where you can find two beautiful and remarkable beaches. One is beautifully colored green with olivine crystals and the other a brilliant white made from finely ground coral sand.
Devil’s Crown off Floreana Island
A great snorkeling area, enjoy spotting abundant marine life in the famous Devil’s Crown off Floreana Island.
Tagus Cove on Isabela Island
For hundreds of years, Tagus Cove is where whalers, pirates, and other sailors would moor their vessels while visiting the Galapagos Islands. On your cruise, you will learn about its fascinating history.
The Charles Darwin Research Center on Santa Cruz Island
You will also learn about the conservation work the Charles Darwin Foundation is doing on the islands while seeing some of the different animals at the breeding center, including the adorable baby tortoises.
Galapagos Cruise Itineraries & Length
No matter which itinerary you choose, you will have an exceptional experience of the Galapagos Islands. But if there are particular points of interest you wish to include, make sure you ask the cruise directly about the itineraries available using the tour bubbles on this page..
4 Day Galapagos Cruise
5 Day Galapagos Cruise
6 Day Galapagos Cruise
8 Day Galapagos Cruise
If you have the time available, the Ocean Spray and Petrel also offer extended cruises to really make the most of these incredible islands.
Extended cruises available aboard the Ocean Spray and Petrel include:
- 9 Day Galapagos Cruises
- 10 Day Galapagos Cruises
- 12 Day Galapagos Cruises
- 14 Day Galapagos Cruises
Send your request direct to the Ocean Spray and Petrel cruises with the tour bubble below to ask about their extended cruises, receive your free itinerary, and check availability for your travel dates.
The Petrel Luxury Cruise
Baltra Island, EcuadorThe luxurious Petrel Galapagos Cruise offers you an extraordinary journey of the Galapagos Islands. Over 3, 4, 5 or 7-night itineraries, you will cru...
- Luxury Cruise, Guided Galapagos Tours
From $ 4,190
/ person
The Ocean Spray Cruise
Baltra Island, EcuadorAboard the Ocean Spray Cruise, you will embark on a memorable journey through the mesmerizing Galapagos Islands. The 16-passenger luxury catamaran of...
- Luxury Cruise, Guided Galapagos Tours
From $ 4,190
/ personWhat is the best month to visit Galapagos?
Temperature on the islands ranges from around 76°F (25°C) during the warmer months from December to May to around 73°F (23°C) between June and November. The wet season matches the warmer months from December to May. Although during this time you should prepare for a little wet weather, this is still an excellent time to visit (see notes on wildlife below).
Wildlife can be seen at all times of year.
- November is a great month to see sea lion pups.
- Iguanas on Española Island are at their most colorful in December and January.
Your Introductions to Luxury Galapagos Cruises
Let's get started with individual introductions to the top Luxury Galapagos Cruises.
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The Elite Galapagos Cruise
With its first cruise in 2019, the Elite is one of the newest and most modern luxury Galapagos cruises. Imagine exploring the Galapagos with skilled guides to see iconic wildlife and returning to the modern opulence of the Elite.
Click the video below for a quick introduction.
View The Elite Galapagos Cruise video
Baltra Island, Ecuador
Specifically designed for the Galapagos, the Elite was crafted for performance, comfort and stability for you to focus on enjoying this remarkable destination.
The Elite offers you:- Luxurious Golden Suites
- Cozy indoor and outdoor bars
- Al fresco dining area
- A super-structure of 38 meters (124 feet) by 14 meters (46 feet) wide
- Suites with private outdoor balconies and panoramic sliding glass doors
- Convertible suites: king size bed or two double beds
- Adjoining accommodations available on both decks
- Two panoramic doors to access the catamaran's main areas
- 180-degree panoramic view from the interior lounge
- Social areas feature extended outdoor balconies
- A very spacious sky deck featuring a whirlpool bath and exterior bar
- A partially covered sky deck
On the exceptional itineraries, enjoy guided tours of the islands, diverse wildlife, beautiful scenery and some fascinating bays, beaches and marine areas.
Check availability for your dates and send your request to the Elite Cruise using the button below.
4, 5, 8 daysThe Elite Galapagos Cruise
Baltra Island, EcuadorThe Elite Cruise invites you on an extraordinary exploration of the Galapagos Islands. With modern luxury, the Elite had its maiden voyage in 2019 and...
- High Luxury Cruise, Guided Galapagos Tours
From $ 4,690
/ person -
The Endemic Galapagos Cruise
View The Endemic Galapagos Cruise video
Baltra Island, Ecuador
Mirroring the Elite's luxury, the Endemic redefines opulence in the Galapagos. Revel in grand suites, gourmet meals, and enlightening excursions. This elegant vessel features spacious staterooms with personal balconies, comfortable social areas, and exquisite dining experiences. Aboard the Endemic, expert guides lead you on thrilling explorations. Excelling in stability and comfort, it's a masterpiece of design, enhancing your island adventure. Each cabin, a haven with air-conditioning, private vistas, luxurious bathrooms, offers a king or twin beds.
The Endemic provides:- Luxurious panoramic suites
- Wall-to-wall sliding glass doors
- Outdoor balcony & spacious exterior areas
- Skilled naturalist guides and crew
- Kayaks and snorkeling gear
- Al fresco dining and BBQ Areas
- Open sky lounge & outdoor whirlpool
- Sun terrace and observation platform
- Thought-out itineraries to show the best of the Galapagos
- Cruise Service Officer (Hotel Manager)
- Elegant & modern Golden & Single Cabins
- Long and short Itineraries Available
Check availability for your dates and send your request to the Endemic using the button below.
4, 5, 6, 8 daysThe Endemic Galapagos Cruise
Baltra Island, EcuadorThe Endemic Galapagos Cruise is a luxurious modern catamaran designed to offer you a fantastic experience of the Galapagos Islands. The luxury yacht ...
- High Luxury Cruise, Guided Galapagos Tours
From $ 4,690
/ person -
The Petrel Galapagos Cruise
View The Petrel Luxury Cruise video
Baltra Island, Ecuador
The Petrel, a 16-seat luxury catamaran, offers you an intimate Galapagos journey. Witness iconic wildlife up close in their natural habitat. Experience island treks, kayaking, and snorkeling, led by top-tier naturalist guides. Beyond wildlife, delve into captivating history and marvel at stunning landmarks, beaches, and vistas. Click the video above for a quick introduction.
Engineered for performance, the Petrel blends luxury with stability, ensuring a serene island-hopping experience in this extraordinary archipelago.
Aboard the Petrel, you have a choice of different itineraries available with two alternative itineraries for each of their 6-day and 8-day cruises. The Petrel also offers a cruise of 4-days and 5-days for those who have less time available. And if you have more time available, there are the extended cruises of 9-day, 10-day, 12-day and even a 14-day mega cruise.
Check availability for your dates and send your request to the Petrel using the button below.
4, 5, 6 & 8 daysThe Petrel Luxury Cruise
Baltra Island, EcuadorThe luxurious Petrel Galapagos Cruise offers you an extraordinary journey of the Galapagos Islands. Over 3, 4, 5 or 7-night itineraries, you will cru...
- Luxury Cruise, Guided Galapagos Tours
From $ 4,190
/ person -
The Ocean Spray
The Ocean Spray, a sister to the Petrel, elevates Galapagos exploration above most Galapagos cruises. This luxury catamaran is engineered for smooth sailing between islands - performance, comfort and stability were in the minds of the creators. On Ocean Spray cruises, you will immerse yourself in guided wildlife tours, snorkeling, and kayaking adventures. Relax in spacious, elegant accommodations, a sundeck, and a Jacuzzi. Savor exquisite meals in a stylish dining area, and connect with nature and stunning Galapagos scenery from your private balcony.
The Ocean Spray offers:- Spacious Staterooms
- Cozy Bar
- Super-structure of 38 meters (124 feet) by 14 meters (46 feet) wide
- All suites have private outdoor balconies and panoramic sliding glass doors
- Suites have a king size bed or two double beds
- Comfortable social areas feature spacious outdoor balconies
- Covered sky deck with whirlpool
- Shaded terrace for dining
Check availability for your dates and send your request to the Ocean Spray using the button below.
4, 5, 6 & 8 daysThe Ocean Spray Cruise
Baltra Island, EcuadorAboard the Ocean Spray Cruise, you will embark on a memorable journey through the mesmerizing Galapagos Islands. The 16-passenger luxury catamaran of...
- Luxury Cruise, Guided Galapagos Tours
From $ 4,190
/ person
Ash
Tour Advisor at TourTheTropics.comAsh Card is a frequent visitor to the Tropics and has a passion for helping visitors get the best experiences from tropical locations. Ash is a contributor and tour advisor at TourTheTropics.com. Feel free to contact Ash for tour help in the tropics. When not helping tourists with tours and info, Ash can be found traveling, on wildlife tours or salsa dancing. Ash has completed a BSc in Biology, a Master’s degree in Zoology, and has undertaken a research scholarship at a world-class university on animal behavior. He has published scientific research in the Australian Journal of Zoology and the Journal of Behavioral Ecology. His goal is to help a global society live in balance with the natural world.