The best way to experience the Galapagos Islands is aboard a small-ship cruise. With the many cruises for the Galapagos, it can be difficult to choose a vessel for your experience. The larger vessels that accommodate 50 to 100 visitors can seem crowded and lack the personal touch of smaller vessels.
A small-ship cruise keeps the experience intimate and provides a more personal tour of this incredible region. Given there's far fewer people to organize, it also means much less waiting around and longer time on excursions enjoying the islands and wildlife. Coordination can also be more rapid. This means more adaptable schedules if word reaches the guides about animal sightings or sea conditions.
You can also have more chances to get to know other guests if you choose, which can be a trip highlight. The smaller Galapagos cruises also mean crew and guides have time to form genuine connections, to learn your interests on the islands, the pace you walk and have more time for your questions.
The following tours are our recommended selection of small ship Galapagos Cruises, defined as accommodating 20 people or less. These include high-luxury, luxury-class and first-class ships to suit a diversity of preferences.
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The Elite Galapagos Cruise
High Luxury
With its first voyage in 2019, the Elite is one of the newest and most modern luxury vessels for the Galapagos Islands. Imagine exploring the Galapagos with skilled guides to see iconic wildlife and returning to the modern opulence of the Elite.
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:- Golden Suites
- Cozy exterior and interior bars
- Al fresco dining area
- Super-structure of 38 meters (124 feet) by 14 meters (46 feet) wide
- All suites have private outdoor balconies and panoramic sliding glass doors
- All convertible suites: king size bed or two double beds
- Adjoining accommodations available on both decks
- Suites' restroom with frosted glass wall for plenty of natural light
- Two panoramic doors to access the catamaran's main areas
- 180-degree panoramic view from the interior lounge
- Integrated social areas blend indoor and outdoor designs and experiences
- Social areas feature extended outdoor balconies
- The sky deck is generously proportioned, featuring a whirlpool bath and exterior bar
- Partially covered sky deck
On Elite itineraries, enjoy guided tours of the islands, diverse wildlife, beautiful scenery and some fascinating bays, beaches and marine areas.
For example, the popular 5-day cruise aboard the Elite begins at Baltra Island, where the crew meets you and heads straight to the vessel for an easy first swim from the white-coral Bachas Beach.
From there, the days unfold with Genovesa's Prince Philip's Steps and Darwin Bay, Santiago's Buccaneer Cove, Espumilla Beach, and the contrasting black sands of Egas Port.
You will then visit Black Turtle Cove and the Santa Cruz highlands, bringing you close to giant tortoises and the conservation work protecting them, before finishing with a sea lion snorkel at Lobos Island. Throughout this itinerary, and all Elite itineraries, you'll enjoy a comfortable cruise, rich wildlife and beautiful scenery.
Check availability for your dates, see more itineraries 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 $ 4,990
/ person -
The Endemic Galapagos Cruise
High Luxury
The sister vessel to the Elite above, the Endemic offers the same level of comfort and luxury. Enjoy spacious suites, delicious cuisine and expertly guided Galapagos excursions.
The opulent vessel offers spacious staterooms with private balconies, lavish communal spaces, and delectable culinary delights. Embarking on this magnificent vessel, you will enjoy exciting tours under the guidance of knowledgeable naturalist guides.
Surpassing the majority of Galapagos cruises in terms of stability and comfort, the Endemic showcases masterful craftsmanship, ensuring your enjoyment over your island-hopping cruise.
Each cabin boasts air-conditioning, a private balcony offering breathtaking vistas, an expansive and flawlessly appointed bathroom, and the choice between a king-size bed or two twin-size beds. From the luxurious Endemic, you will embark on meticulously designed excursions to different Galapagos Islands.
As an example from the Endemic's 6-day adventure, this begins at Baltra Island, where the crew whisks you straight to the boat and into the afternoon's first snorkel at Bartholomew Island, swimming beneath Pinnacle Rock alongside Galápagos penguins.
The days that follow keep adding more wildlife, scenery and adventure: Devil's Crown's fish-and-ray-filled waters, Floreana's flamingo lagoon and whalers' post office, the volcanic cone of Chinese Hat, and North Seymour's frigatebird colonies and courtship-dancing blue-footed boobies.
Midway through, Black Turtle Cove and Bachas Beach offer a quieter rhythm before Darwin Bay's nesting boobies and the owl-inhabited Prince Philip's Steps bring the wildlife back into focus. It all wraps up in the Santa Cruz highlands among free-roaming giant tortoises, a fitting final sight before your flight home.
Accompanied by your guide, you will discover the iconic giant tortoises, graceful frigate birds, playful sea lions and famous marine iguanas.
You can send the Endemic a request for your travel dates using the button below to learn more about their itineraries and availability.
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 $ 4,990
/ person -
The Ocean Spray
Luxury
The Ocean Spray is a 16-passenger luxury-class catamaran designed for the Galapagos Islands. Aboard the vessel, you will explore the Galapagos Islands in a high levels of comfort.
The cruise was designed to maximize comfort and performance as you cruise from island to island. You will enjoy guided tours around the islands to find incredible wildlife. And in addition to wildlife walks, you can enjoy snorkeling and kayaking tours to explore different reefs and bays. With many return guests, the Ocean Spray is a favorite for the islands.
The Ocean Spray offers you spacious and comfortable accommodation, a sundeck and a Jacuzzi. You will then enjoy delicious cuisine in the vessel’s elegantly designed dining room. The private balcony of your accommodation then provides a way to maintain connection to this incredible environment. Aboard the Ocean Spray, you have a choice of 4-day, 5-day, 6-day and 8-day cruises for in=depth exploration of the Galapagos. To provide a summary of the islands and wildlife you will enjoy, here is a summary of the Ocean Spray 8-day cruise ‘B’ itinerary.
The Ocean Spray Cruise B itinerary begins on San Cristobal Island to enjoy the sea lions and the famous Leon Dormido Galapagos land-form. You will also enjoy beautiful bays, beaches and some fantastic wildlife sightings, including sharks, rays and tropical fish.
You will then visit Floreana Island to see the wildlife-rich Devil’s Crown where you can snorkel to spot a diversity of colorful fish. After this, enjoy a beautiful bay on Santa Cruz Island to see diverse marine life before visiting Pinnacle Rock, which is another iconic landmark in the Galapagos. The next day, explore the beautiful coral beach at Darwin Bay and the Prince Phillip’s Steps, which lead you through Galapagos birdlife up a steep path.
The next day will be spent exploring the island of Genovesa, including Espumilla Beach, Buccaneer Cove and Puerto Egas. Around Genovesa, enjoy hearing stories about pirates, view the beautiful black-sand beach, and see some incredible wildlife.
On the last two days, you will explore North Seymour Island, the highlands of Santa Cruz and Mosquera Island. While here, you can spot iconic giant tortoises, blue-footed boobies, orcas and other Galapagos wildlife.
You can message the Ocean Spray Cruise directly for itinerary options and availability for your travel dates using the tour bubble 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 $ 4,390
/ person -
The Monique Galapagos Cruise
Luxury
The beautiful Monique Cruise is one of the newest luxury catamarans in the Galapagos, designed for a luxurious, intimate and eco-forward cruising experience.
Built with panoramic windows throughout and powered by an advanced system of 20 solar panels and lithium batteries, it offers a quiet, modern, and environmentally conscious way to explore the archipelago. Hosting just 16 guests, the vessel features spacious staterooms with floor-to-ceiling views and elegant finishes that highlight the surrounding landscapes.On board, you will enjoy refined social areas across three beautifully designed decks. These include a panoramic indoor lounge, a stylish dining area, shaded terraces for observation, and an expansive sky deck featuring an outdoor lounge, bar, al-fresco dining space, and whirlpool. With a nearly 1:1 crew-to-guest ratio and attentive Cruise Service Officer on every voyage, the Monique ensures exceptional hospitality between your daily adventures.
The Monique Galapagos Cruise offers 4, 5, and 8-day itineraries departing on Thursdays and Sundays. These curated routes showcase many of the Galapagos’ most iconic sites, from the red sands of Rábida to the wildlife-rich shores of North Seymour. Depending on your itinerary, you may experience the dramatic cliffs of Vicente Roca Point, the volcanic formations of Santiago and Fernandina, or the calm coves of Las Bachas Beach. Each day includes guided walks, snorkeling, kayaking, and Zodiac excursions led by expert bilingual naturalist guides.
Combining modern sustainability, elevated comfort, and immersive exploration, the Monique delivers a truly premium way to discover the Galapagos Islands.
You can message the cruise directly for itinerary options and availability for your travel dates using the tour bubble below.
4, 5, & 8+ daysThe Monique Galapagos Cruise
Baltra Island, EcuadorAboard the Monique Galapagos Cruise, you will embark on an unforgettable voyage through one of the world’s most extraordinary natural sanctuaries. Yo...
- Newest Galapagos Luxury Cruise, Guided Galapagos Tours
From $ 4,190
/ person -
The Petrel Galapagos Cruise
Luxury
The Petrel Galapagos Cruise is another 16-passenger luxury catamaran to explore the Galapagos Islands. This is the sister vessel of the Ocean Spray above. Enjoy incredible up-close experiences with iconic Galapagos wildlife. And you will explore on island walks, kayaking tours and snorkeling the waters guided by some of the best naturalist guides on the Galapagos. In addition to incredible wildlife, learn about the fascinating history and see some iconic and beautiful landmarks, beaches and scenery.
The Petrel is a motorized and luxurious catamaran designed for performance, comfort and stability. This means you will enjoy a comfortable cruise as you move from island to island to exploring the 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 also offer a cruise of 4-days and 5-days for those who have less time available.
To give an example of what to expect, here is a summary of the 4-day cruise aboard the Petrel: You will begin the cruise by exploring San Cristobal Island. Enjoy a visit to the giant tortoise breeding center for an introduction to these iconic animals. The next day will be spent on Espanola Island for the famous Gardner Bay for some amazing experiences of sea lions, marine iguanas and pelicans. You will then head to Floreana. Here, you will explore the famous Devil’s Crown, Cormorant Point and the Post Office Bay. Enjoy some fantastic animal sightings, such as sharks, rays and hundreds of tropical fish as you snorkel wildlife-rich areas. Visit the saltwater lagoon to see flamingos then learn about the human history of Post Office Bay.
After Floreana, you will visit Santa Cruz Island and the Charles Darwin Research Center before returning home with a transfer to the airport.
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 Galaxy Sirius Galapagos Cruise
Luxury
Although not as large as some luxury Galapagos vessels, the Galaxy Sirius is a new, modern and luxurious catamaran offering you an elegant and intimate experience aboard a luxury-class yacht. The cruise is ideal for discerning travelers seeking comfort, refined service, and immersive discovery of the Galapagos Islands.
The operator has a fleet of highly-rated vessels and is one of favorite companies for a Galapagos experience. This is their newest vessel, which offers two naturalist guides between 16 guests to offer a more personalized, fun and engaging experience of the Galapagos. Learn more by clicking the tour bubble below.Aboard the Galaxy Sirius, you’ll enjoy spacious and stylish staterooms, most with private balconies, panoramic views, and thoughtful amenities that make each journey both relaxing and rewarding. Between guided island visits, you will unwind in the lounge, enjoy locally inspired cuisine, or take in the scenery from the sundeck.
Cruise options vary from short escapes to longer adventures, offering flexibility for different travel plans. On each itinerary, you’ll join certified naturalist guides for daily hikes, snorkeling excursions, panga rides, and paddleboarding sessions, each designed to bring you closer to the region’s extraordinary wildlife and volcanic landscapes.
As an example, the Sirius 5-day starts at San Cristóbal Airport, where a naturalist guide welcomes you straight into an afternoon with sea lion pups and courting blue-footed boobies at Lobos Island.
The days that follow bring Gardner Bay's turquoise water and Suárez Point's waved albatross colony, Post Office Bay's historic mail barrel and Punta Cormorant's flamingo lagoon, and the cactus-studded landscapes of Santa Fe and South Plaza Islands, each thick with sea lions, iguanas and seabirds.
Snorkelling options run throughout, with reef sharks, rays, sea turtles and colourful reef fish never far from shore. The trip closes at the Charles Darwin Research Station, seeing firsthand the conservation work protecting the islands' giant tortoises, before your transfer to Baltra Airport for the flight home.The Sirius is a top choice if you're looking to explore the Galapagos in style, with all the benefits of a small-ship, personalized cruise experience.
You can message the cruise directly for activity lists and availability for your travel dates using the tour bubble below.
5 & 6 daysThe Galaxy Sirius Galapagos Cruise
Baltra Island, EcuadorThe Galaxy Sirius invites you to experience the Galapagos Islands in elevated comfort and refined style. Designed for discerning travelers, this premi...
- Luxury Cruise, Elevated Service
From $ 5,700
/ person -
The Alya Galapagos Cruise
Luxury
The Alya Galapagos Cruise offers you a luxury catamaran to enjoy a cruise of the Galapagos Islands. As one of the newest vessels for the islands, the Alya offers comfort, personalized service, spacious suites and elegantly styled living areas.
In addition to enjoying the comfortable suites and social areas, you will also enjoy delicious cuisine in the Alya’s dining room. The dining room is surrounded by windows to keep you connected to this incredible environment. You can then enjoy a variety of drinks in the bar.
You can then enjoy a choice of itineraries dependent on where you wish to explore and how many days you have available on the Galapagos Islands. Enjoy guided island walks to find incredible wildlife, visit beautiful beaches, and kayaking and snorkeling opportunities to see abundant marine life.
As an example, your 6-day adventure aboard the Alya luxury small-ship cruise opens at Baltra with a trip into the Santa Cruz highlands, where giant tortoises roam free. From there, Isabela's west side unfolds day by day: Moreno Point's flamingo lagoons, Elizabeth Bay's mangroves, Urbina Bay's uplifted seabed and Espinoza Point's marine iguana colonies, followed by Tagus Cove and Vicente Roca Point's rich snorkelling and fur seals. It winds down through Espumilla Beach and Egas Port before a final relaxed swim at Bachas Beach. Every day blends comfortable cruising, close-up wildlife and iconic scenery.
You can send a request direct to the Alya, see more itineraries, photos, and check availability using the button below.
5 & 6 daysThe Alya Galapagos Cruise
Baltra Island, EcuadorThe Alya Galapagos Cruise invites you on a sublime exploration of the Galapagos Islands. The Alya combines elegant design, advanced navigation technol...
- Luxury, All Cabins With Private Balconies
From $ 4,600
/ person -
The Natural Paradise Galapagos Cruise
Luxury
The Natural Paradise Galapagos Cruise is a luxury yacht offering an intimate and comfortable journey through the islands. With space for just 16 guests, this vessel is designed to offer you a personalized and tranquil experience while you explore the rich biodiversity of the Galapagos. Choose from a range of comfortable cabins, including spacious ocean-view suites, junior suites, and staterooms. These offer private balconies for uninterrupted views of the islands.
Between guided excursions, relax in elegant onboard spaces such as the teak sundeck with Jacuzzi, the al fresco dining area, or the inviting indoor lounge and bar. Fresh cuisine, exceptional service from the dedicated crew, and a professional cruise director ensure a seamless and enriching experience from start to finish.
Cruises are available in 4, 5, or 8-day itineraries, each taking you to a curated selection of the archipelago’s most iconic destinations. Depending on the itinerary, you may visit Española to encounter marine iguanas and waved albatrosses, Santa Cruz for a chance to see giant tortoises, or Santiago to explore dramatic volcanic formations and tide pools. Each day offers guided hikes, snorkeling, and kayaking excursions led by expert bilingual naturalist guides.
Request availability and itinerary options direct to the cruise with the button below.
4, 5 & 8 daysThe Natural Paradise Galapagos Cruise
Baltra Island, EcuadorThe Natural Paradise Cruise offers you a fantastic, refined and intimate journey through the Galapagos Islands. Designed for comfort and elegance, thi...
- Luxury, Different Cabin Options
From $ 4,145
/ person -
The Eco Galaxy Galapagos Cruise
Premium First Class
Although not as opulent as some of the above luxury Galapagos cruises, the Eco Galaxy Galapagos Cruise offers a comfortable experience aboard a first-class vessel. Enjoy spacious and comfortable cabins and well-equipped bathrooms.
The vessel provides comfortable accommodation, social areas, the bar, sundeck and balconies. In addition to enjoying the Eco Galaxy vessel itself, head out from the main vessel on guided island tours. See incredible wildlife and beautiful scenery as you cruise from island to island. Aboard the Eco Galaxy Cruise, you have a choice of the 5-day and 6-day exciting itineraries.
As an example, the 6-day cruise ‘B’ itinerary begins on Santa Cruz Island and a visit to the Charles Darwin Research Center to see giant tortoises, to learn about the islands and for an introduction of what to expect on your adventure.
The itinerary then includes Isabela Island, Fernandina, Santiago and Rabida Island. Throughout your experience, you will enjoy a comfortable cruise, breathtaking wildlife and beautiful scenery.
Send your request to the Eco Galaxy Cruise, receive detailed itineraries and check availability for your travel dates using the tour bubble below.
5 & 6 daysThe Eco Galaxy Galapagos Cruise
Baltra Island, EcuadorThe EcoGalaxy Cruise invites you to explore the Galapagos Islands with a perfect balance of adventure, comfort, and ecological responsibility. Purpose...
- Comfortable Cruise, Excellent Activity Access
From $ 4,100
/ person -
The Galaxy Galapagos Cruise
Premium First Class
[great_for text=solo trips, family travel & flexible group sizes"]
As another first-class vessel, the Galaxy Galapagos Cruise offers you a comfortable way to explore the Enchanted Islands. This first-class yacht provides the perfect balance of comfort, style, and adventure and is a great choice for couples, families, or small groups seeking a deeper connection to the Galapagos. There are also different cabin configurations to choose from.Built to host just 16 guests, the Galaxy features warm service, spacious social areas, and immersive island itineraries led by certified naturalist guides. Whether you’re discovering wildlife-rich trails, snorkeling with sea turtles, or enjoying panoramic views from the open-air sun deck, the Galaxy makes each moment aboard feel personal and memorable.
The Galaxy Cruise offers you:
- Comfortable cabins with panoramic windows and private bathrooms
- Triple and convertible cabin options for families or friends
- Personalized service from a dedicated crew
- Guided daily excursions: hiking, snorkeling, kayaking, and more
- Full snorkeling gear and wetsuits included
- A sun-deck and lounge for relaxing between adventures
- Ecuadorian and international cuisine prepared by an onboard chef
- Eco-conscious amenities for a responsible voyage
Each Galaxy itinerary brings you face-to-face with the Galapagos’ extraordinary biodiversity, from blue-footed boobies and marine iguanas to the stories of early explorers at Post Office Bay.
Here's an example of a 4-day journey aboard the Galaxy. This opens at San Cristóbal, where a naturalist guide welcomes you straight into an afternoon with sea lion pups and courting blue-footed boobies at Lobos Island. From there, Suárez Point's waved albatross colony and Gardner Bay's turquoise shallows give way to Cormorant Point's flamingo lagoon and the fish-filled waters of Devil's Crown, with a stop at Post Office Bay's historic mail barrel along the way. Snorkelling runs throughout, sea lions, reef sharks, rays and sea turtles are never far from shore. It closes at the Charles Darwin Research Station, seeing firsthand the work protecting the islands' giant tortoises, before your transfer to Baltra Airport for the flight home.
Blending adventure and comfort in an intimate setting, the Galaxy is an ideal choice if you're after a comfortable, thoughtfully curated Galapagos experience without a luxury price-tag.You can message the cruise directly for itinerary options and availability for your travel dates using the cruise link below.
4, 5 & 8 daysThe Galaxy Galapagos Cruise
Baltra Island, EcuadorThe Galaxy Yacht Cruise invites you to explore the Galapagos Islands in comfort, style, and personalized service. Recently renewed for an enhanced gue...
- First-Class Cruise, Different Cabin Options
From $ 2,600
/ person
Choosing Your Galapagos Itinerary
You will be experiencing the Galapagos Islands and its wildlife on excursions for most of your time on the islands. And as you will be returning to the cruise vessel for meals, a brief rest period and to sleep, one of the most important considerations is your Galapagos cruise itinerary. This is even more true if you have some islands or wildlife in mind.
Note that your itinerary will depend heavily on availability, which is why we recommend sending the individual cruises a message using their cruise pages on TourTheTropics directly, so you can see available itineraries for your chosen dates. And note that by messaging the cruises directly this way, you receive an accurate and up to date breakdown of availability, offers and itineraries available, rather than relying on a third-pary to update their information in time. Try to send your message using TourTheTropics at least 6 months in advance. Note that some itineraries on the popular cruises can book full even a year in advance. For some examples, see the interactive guide below or our examples of Galapagos 8-day cruises, 6-day cruises, and 5-day cruises.
To make choosing your itinerary a little easier, we have created an interactive Galapagos cruise planner with a hand-picked selection of high rated Galapagos cruises. You can click the bubble below to choose your itinerary and cruise based on visitor sites and islands.
What to Expect on a Typical Galapagos Cruise Day
Your days on the Galapagos Islands will revolve around the islands and the particular visitor sites, activities and wildlife you'll be enjoying. Note that because the best time to see wildlife is often in the mornings, you can expect some early starts. This becomes easy to get used to as you will also be sleeping well in your comfortable suites and cabins after a full day of exploration. Here's an expected daily breakdown, but each day may change slightly depending on your activities and itinerary.
Morning
You can likely expect a fresh, nutrious and filling breakfast to be waiting for you at around 6.15 am. Your first activity may then start about 7.00 where you will board the pangas (on the Galapagos, these refer to a dinghy or Zodiac inflatable boat) and will arrive ready for a wet or dry landing site.
A wet landing means it's best to be wearing shorts, some water shoes, sandals, or to simply be prepared with a towel to dry your feet at the beach, as you will be stepping from the panga into warm shallow water at the shoreline. A dry landing means the panga will dock at a landing site where you step onto a dock area or steps i.e. no towel or water shoes required. After your excursion, you will return back on board at 8.30am for a brief stop followed by your second morning activity at 9.00 am. And after an hour of enjoying Galapagos wildlife, you return aboard for a longer time to rest before lunch, served around 12.00 pm.
Afternoon
Following a break after lunch where you can enjoy relaxation areas, socialising, and the comfort of your suite, your first afternoon activity begins around 2.30pm for an hour of enjoying the next visitor site, returning to the vessel at about 3.30 pm. This may simply be to collect equipment, grab that camera, hat or suncreen you may have missed before heading out again at 3.45 pm for an hour or two hour excursion. You will return back on board to relax a little before dinner.
Evening
Dinner will likely be served at either 6 or 7pm. And after dinner, you can enjoy seeing wildlife from the boat, relax looking at the stars on the upper deck, or retire to your suite or cabin for an early night before your early morning start.
Note that heading out for all activities is encouraged, but they are all optional so you're also welcome to enjoy the vessel here and there. But we recommend heading out to enjoy all activities on offer if you can. Note that some activities, such as visiting the highlands for the giant tortoises can be full day activities where lunch is provided.
The Best Time to Visit the Galápagos
The best time to visit the Galapagos comes down to when you are available to travel. There are incredible wildlife and things to experience at all times of year. However, there are some differences, such as the bright breeding colors of marine iguana, especially vibrant on Espanola. We have created this guide to months of travel for wildlife viewing, sea conditions and air temperature, which you can see below.
Note that over the rougher seas months, itineraries that include short trips between islands, won't be affected as much as if you're visiting distant islands such as Genovesa.
What Is Included in the Cruise Rate
What is included in your cruise rate changes a little depending on which cruise you chooose. However, in general the cruise rate includes your transfers from Baltra or San Cristobal airports on the cruise's departure dates, plus transportation and the fuel surcharge within the Galapagos Marine Reserve. Cabin accommodation is provided in single, double, or triple configuration depending on your booking, with a bilingual (English-Spanish) naturalist guide and personalized crew service throughout. All meals are included, from lunch on the first day through breakfast on the last, along with a snack after each activity (except on the final day). The above options also often include a welcome cocktail to kick things off. Purified water, coffee, and tea are unlimited for the duration of the cruise.
The rate also covers every visit, excursion, and activity on the itinerary, transportation between the airport and channel, and the use of docks and ferries. For water activities, you'll have snorkeling gear (mask, tube, and fins), wetsuits, and the use of kayaks and paddle boards in authorized areas. Onboard, you are provided with shampoo, conditioner, and soap for daily use, along with beach towels. For more information on what's included, you can check the individual cruise pages or send a request to check availability for your date and an inclusions list will be provided.
Choosing your Small-ship Galapagos Cruise
We have experienced the above cruises ourselves or representative cruises from the same fleet. And our cruise selection is based on certain criteria, including:
- Wildlife-rich Galapagos itineraries
- Professional and experienced Galapagos guides
- Comfortable cabins & suites
- High standard of cuisine onboard
- High standard of service from cruise staff
- Environmentally & socially concsious approach to tourism
- Very high ratings from previous guests
This is to make sure that no matter which cruise you pick, you will have an excellent experience of the Galapagos Islands. However, there are some differences.
Comfort
The clearest difference between cruises is comfort level and cuisine. And to start with the higher tier, many of the luxury cruises, such as the Endemic, Elite, Ocean Spray, Alya, and Sirius for example, include balconies in very-spacious suites. The Monique is quite unique in this respect for luxury cruises, as the balconies have been intentionally replaced with larger staterooms and more spacious indoor areas, which is noticeable when aboard.
The cuisine aboard luxury cruises is then slightly more gourmet to suit this higher tier. These cruises are fantastic for retired couples, honeymooners or guests who value a little more luxury and personalized service. Given the luxury, these vessels are also very well suited to you if you think you may skip the occasional activity to relax onboard, soaking in the views and enjoying the comfort of your suite and lounges.
The premium first-class vessels, such as the Eco Galaxy Galapagos Cruise, can have larger staterooms than the entry first-class vessels and offers comfortable lounge areas with varied and delicious freshly prepared meals. Even the Galaxy Galapagos Cruise, the most economical option on this list, offers a higher standard of comfort than other first-class vessels in the archipelago. This is partly because the fleet includes a mix of luxury and first-class vessels, so standards in comfort, service and vessel design flow to the first-class options. However, as this is a mono-hull yacht and not a catamaran, there's just a little less space and a little less stability than its twin-hulled catamaran cousin the Eco Galaxy mentioned previously.
Catamaran or single-hull Yacht?
As mentioned previously, another important decision point when deciding on a Galapagos cruise is hull design. Twin-hulled catamarans generally offer more stability, maneuverability and performance than mono-hull yachts. They also often offer more space and larger cabins. But this often means they have higher rates, as there is more demand and they offer a higher quality experience on the water. Note that 9 of the 10 cruises on this page are catamarans for this reason, and number 10, the Galaxy Galapagos Cruise, is then the only single-hulled yacht. This option still offers strong stability and premium first-class amenities.
Galapagos Guides
As another understated point, luxury and premium cruise companies often offer higher rates to guides, and as most guides in the Galapagos are freelance, this means they can attract and keep attracting the top guides in the islands. To get to know some Galapagos guides, you can watch our interviews with different guides in our Stories section, such as our interview with Yazmany, a guide aboard the Ultra Luxury Hermes vessel and the standard first-class yacht, the Monseratt. Our interviews with Galapagos guide Daniel from our recent cruise aboard the Endemic Galapagos Cruise (mentioned above) and Alex aboard our recent cruise on the Eco Galaxy Cruise (mentioned above) will be published soon.
Vessel Age
Another difference to consider is the age of the vessel. The newer cruises generally look nicer, have more modern facilities and have the latest technology onboard. For the cruises that have been specifically designed for the Galapagos, this also means they have been carefully compared to the other cruise ships on the Galapagos to compete, which can mean a better experience onboard. The newer cruises, such as the Monique, Sirius, Endemic and Elite, then look a little nicer and can offer a slight lead in organization of space. For this reason, we would class these as slightly above the other luxury vessels and class them as high luxury. However, the older luxury cruises, especially if regularly renovated, such as the Ocean Spray, can be a little more economical and possibly allow for a better deal if balconies, suite size are important to you and you'd forgo being aboard the latest cruise for a lower rate.
Choosing by your group's needs
Depending on your group, consider each person's mobility needs, dietary needs, whether you'd like connected cabins etc. The luxury vessels generally offer more space, comfort and staff are more accustomed to helping guests when embarking and disembarking pangas or with steps on excursions. We recommend messaging a cruise you like on this list with your travel dates. They will then reply with availability across their fleet and you can then ask questions to make sure you find the best fit. Alternatively, you're welcome to see our guide for choosing your family Galapagos cruise or choosing Galapagos Islands tours for seniors.
Galapagos Cruise Comparison Table
Every vessel selected for crew expertise, guest experience, and responsible-tourism practices. Prices shown are the lowest published rate per person.
| Vessel | Cabins | Capacity | Itinerary lengths | Especially loved for | From, per person |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
88 with balconies
|
16
|
4-day5-day8-day11-day12-day15-day
|
4-day from$4,990View cruise
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|
88 with balconies
|
16
|
4-day5-day6-day8-day10-day11-day12-day13-day15-day
|
4-day from$4,990View cruise
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|
88 with balconies
|
16
|
4-day5-day6-day8-day10-day
|
4-day from$4,390View cruise
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||
|
9
|
16
|
4-day5-day8-day
|
4-day from$4,190View cruise
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||
|
77 with balconies
|
16
|
4-day5-day6-day8-day
|
4-day from$4,190View cruise
|
||
|
98 with balconies
|
16
|
5-day6-day
|
5-day from$5,700View cruise
|
||
|
98 with balconies
|
16
|
5-day6-day
|
5-day from$4,600View cruise
|
||
|
97 with balconies
|
16
|
4-day5-day8-day
|
4-day from$4,145View cruise
|
||
|
8
|
16
|
5-day6-day
|
5-day from$4,100View cruise
|
||
|
8
|
16
|
4-day5-day8-day
|
4-day from$2,600View cruise
|
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Ash Card
Tour Advisor @TourTheTropicsAsh 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.
