The Galapagos Islands are one of the world’s favorite travel destinations. Enjoy beautiful scenery, warm weather and incredible wildlife opportunities.
Located about 550 miles (900 km) off of Ecuador, the Galapagos Islands are well within the world’s tropics and offer a very pleasant climate. The isolation, climate and ocean currents have come together to offer a unique travel experience.
Because of their location, you will fly from Quito to one of two airports serving the islands. One of these is on Baltra Island and the other is on San Cristobal.
Which one of these you fly to will depend on where your cruise departs, where your hotel is located or which island you plan on visiting first.
There are 21 islands in total and most of these can be explored on guided trail walks, snorkeling adventures, kayaking trips and diving.
Protected by the UNESCO listed Galapagos National Park, enjoy diverse birdlife, fascinating land and ocean-going animals, beautiful beaches, impressive geological features and areas of historical significance.
With everything on offer, the Galapagos offer something for everyone and provide an ideal family or group vacation, romantic getaway or solo trip.
Here is our selection of the Top 10 Galapagos Tours. These can also help with your travel from Quito:
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The Elite Galapagos Cruise
True to its name, aboard the Elite you can embark on an extraordinary voyage throughout the Galapagos Islands. The Elite offers you a pinnacle of modern luxury, cruising the Galapagos since its inaugural journey in 2019. You can immerse yourself in the splendor of the Galapagos Islands, guided by experts and accommodated in the opulence of the purpose-built Elite.
Designed for optimal performance, comfort, and stability in the unique Galapagos environment, the Elite invites you to indulge in a lavish experience. The vessel boasts Golden Suites, cozy bars both inside and out, and an al fresco dining area, providing an unparalleled blend of comfort and natural beauty.
Click the video below for a quick introduction.
View The Elite Galapagos Cruise video
Baltra Island, Ecuador
The Elite's design, with a super-structure spanning 38 meters by 14 meters, ensures a stable and spacious environment. Each suite includes a private outdoor balcony and panoramic sliding glass doors, offering you breathtaking views of the surrounding wonders. The convertible suites allow for flexibility, featuring either a king-size bed or two double beds, with adjoining accommodations available on both decks.
The social areas of the Elite enhance your experience, with extended outdoor balconies blending with the surroundings. Ascend to the generously proportioned sky deck, featuring a whirlpool bath and exterior bar for the ultimate relaxation. The partially covered sky deck allows you to soak in the sun or enjoy a cozy atmosphere as you please.
Indulge in spacious and comfortable suites, lavish interiors and private balconies for a truly luxurious Galapagos cruise. Combined with exciting 4, 5 and 8-day itineraries, the Elite promises you a memorable experience of the islands, encounters with diverse wildlife, and exploration of captivating 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
The Endemic Galapagos Cruise offers one of the most luxurious cruises for the Galapagos Islands and is the sister vessel of the Elite above.
Immerse yourself in the lap of luxury with its expansive suites, tantalizing gastronomy, and meticulously curated Galapagos excursions led by seasoned experts.
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.
Your cabin features air-conditioning, a private balcony with stunning views, a spacious flawlessly appointed bathroom and your choice of king-size or twin beds.
The Endemic offers:- Panoramic Suites & Transverse Stability
- Wall-to-Wall Sliding Glass Doors
- Outdoor Balcony & Spacious Exterior Areas
- Top Naturalist Guides and Crew
- Kayaks and Snorkeling Gear
- Al Fresco Dining and BBQ Areas
- Open Sky Lounge & Outdoor Whirlpool
- Sun Terrace and Observation Platform
- Cruise Service Officer (Hotel Manager)
- Spacious, Modern and Elegant Cabins and Social Areas
- Long and Short Itineraries Available
Check availability for your travel dates by sending the Endemic a request 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 Luxury Galapagos Cruise
View The Petrel Luxury Cruise video
Baltra Island, Ecuador
The Petrel cruise offers a luxury-class catamaran expedition of the Galapagos Islands. Enjoy a comfortable cruise, trail walks across the islands led by qualified naturalists, snorkeling adventures and kayaking opportunities.
Choose from different Perel itineraries to include the islands you would like to visit, wildlife you want to find or days you have available.
The Petrel vessel itself is designed for comfort, stability and performance. This is one of the newest cruises for the Galapagos Islands and treats you to an unforgettable experience.
Aboard the cruise, enjoy comfortable, spacious suites with modern bathrooms and your private balcony, a comfortable lounge, and Jacuzzi.
On your excursions from the Petrel Cruise, you will explore the Galapagos with a focus on the region’s incredible natural history. You will be treated to some incredible wildlife opportunities. Your guide will help you find the iconic marine iguanas, sea lions, sea turtles, giant tortoises, Darwin’s finches and many other Galapagos birds. To provide a summary of what to expect, the Petrel Cruise 8-Day Galapagos Itinerary ‘B’ begins on San Cristobal Island where you will have an introduction with giant tortoises. The next day, you will visit the famous Gardner Bay, Osborn Islet, and Suárez Point on Española Island. These areas offer incredible wildlife and beautiful Galapagos scenery.
After a relaxing night’s sleep, you will explore Floreana Island for its incredible colored beaches, diverse birdlife and snorkeling opportunities. There are many colorful fish to see, as well as sharks and rays.
After this, you will visit Santa Cruz Island and the Charles Darwin Research Center. Learn about the work the Charles Darwin Foundation is doing to restore and protect the islands, as well as view the giant tortoises and iguanas at the facility. You will then see the lava formations of Bartholomew Island and learn about the formation of this interesting land mass.
After this, spot the marine iguanas, red-footed boobies, sea lions, sally lightfoot crabs, and beautiful beaches of Genovesa, Mosquera and Santiago Island.
To enjoy this incredible cruise and begin your Galapagos experience, send the Petrel Cruise a request 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 Galapagos Cruise
The Ocean Spray Galapagos Cruise is another vessel to explore the Galapagos Islands. The catamaran design offers more stability than many other Galapagos cruises and the vessel was built to maximize comfort and performance.
While on the cruise, enjoy guided expeditions around the islands to find iconic wildlife. Explore on guided trail walks, kayaking trips, and snorkeling tours. As you explore the islands, you will also enjoy the Ocean Spray facilities. The vessel offers spacious and comfortable accommodation, a sundeck and jacuzzi, and delicious meals. Your suite also offers a private balcony to keep you connected to the scenery and wildlife.
Like the Petrel Cruise above, you have a choice of itineraries from a 4-day experience to a 15-day mega cruise for in depth exploration of the Galapagos.
As an example of the tour on offer, here is a summary of the Ocean Spray 6-day cruise ‘B’ itinerary:This itinerary includes visits to the central and southern islands of the Galapagos. These include the top visitor sights of Santa Fe, Española, San Cristobal, and Floreana Island.
While exploring the islands, you will visit beautiful beaches, enjoy stunning scenery and see the iconic and less familiar wildlife of the Galapagos.
Animals you’re likely to see are waved albatross, lava lizards, blue-footed boobies, marine iguanas, sea lions and even flamingoes. While exploring on kayaking and snorkeling tours, you’re likely to see green turtles, rays, lots of tropical fish, and more iguanas and sea lions.
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 -
The Amazon & Galapagos Package Tour
Many Ecuador visitors desire to explore the Amazon Rainforest, renowned for its abundant wildlife. To combine this adventure with the Galapagos, you can choose the fantastic Darwin & Orellana Discovery Tour — a land-based Galapagos itinerary featuring an island-hopping day trip and a visit to the Sacha Lodge deep in Ecuador's Amazon.
This package includes your flights from Quito, ensuring a seamless experience that offers both the Amazon and Galapagos. You'll have the opportunity to visit Isabela Island, Santa Cruz, and embark on a day trip aboard the exclusive and comfortable Finch Bay yacht to explore a nearby island.
Continuing your journey, you'll venture into the Amazon to experience the Sacha Lodge. Here, you can relish a comfortable rainforest experience, where colorful birds, exquisite plants, and various monkey species await your discovery.
Over 11 days, the experience combines:- 3-nights at Scalesia Lodge - Isabela Island
- 3-nights at Finch Bay Hotel - Santa Cruz Island
- 1-night at Quito Airport Hotel - Quito
- 3-nights at Sacha Lodge - Ecuador's Amazon Rainforest
11 daysThe Darwin & Orellana Discovery
Quito, EcuadorEnjoy a seamless journey to combine two of Ecuador’s most iconic and wildlife-rich regions. And over 11 days, you will explore Ecuador’s incredibl...
- Amazon Rainforest & Galapagos Islands
From $ 6,915
/ person -
The Alya Luxury Cruise
The Alya Galapagos Cruise offers island exploration aboard a very comfortable catamaran. The Alya offers a total of nine cabins, which includes eight with a private balcony. Four of the cabins are located on the upper deck and five are on the main deck. The cabins feature comfortable beds, an ocean view, private bathrooms, cold/hot water and air conditioning.
In addition to the Alya’s very comfortable cabins, you can also enjoy the social areas. These include the lounge, sundeck and dining room. The dining room is where you will enjoy delicious cuisine inspired by the region and Ecuador, as well as international favorites.
Between excursions, enjoy soaking up the sun on the sundeck where you can also find the jacuzzi or relax with a drink in the loungeActivities on the Alya Galapagos Cruise include guided island walks, kayaking experiences, panga rides and snorkeling. On each experience, you guide will be help you to spot some of the famous wildlife of the Galapagos Islands. -
The Eco Galaxy Cruise
The Eco Galaxy provides a first-class experience of the Galapagos Islands. Enjoy a comfortable cruise as you voyage from island to island.
The vessel offers eight cabins in total with four found on the upper deck and the other four on the main deck. All of the cabins feature twin beds or double beds, private bathrooms, hot water, air conditioning and both telephone and internet communication.
In addition to your cabins, relax in the comfortable social areas. These include the sundeck for enjoying the sunshine or viewing the constellations, the lounge area for relaxing with a cocktail or book, and the dining room for delicious cuisine.
Aboard the Eco Galaxy, you will enjoy a variety of activities. These include guided island walks, wildlife watching, kayaking trips, snorkeling, swimming and photography. In addition to the famous Galapagos wildlife, see beautiful scenery, learn of the history and enjoy spectacular natural features.
The Eco Galaxy Galapagos Cruise
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The Iguana Crossing Hotel Package Tours
The Iguana Crossing Hotel offers very comfortable accommodation and is nestled right on the beach of Isabela Island. Enjoy your comfortable suite, the pool, beautiful views and the 3-day, 4-day or 5-day Galapagos package tours.
On the 5-day package tour from the Iguana Crossing Hotel, explore the main attractions of Isabela. Isabela is the largest island of the Galapagos and was formed by five young volcanoes merging together. The island offers some fascinating features you can see on tour.
With the Iguana Crossing Hotel as your base, head out with knowledgeable guides to explore the island. Visit Las Tintoreras, which is a groups of small islets with hidden coves and beautiful turquoise water. Enjoy islet walks and snorkeling to see sea lions, marine turtles, iguanas, manta rays and Galapagos penguins. Explore the mainland to see the lava fields and formations, such as the incredible lava tunnels. You will also visit the Volcano Sierra Negra and hike the caldera for beautiful views. Head out on day two for a gentle and very scenic bike ride on Isabela. Enjoy riding by white sand beaches, mangroves, brackish lagoons, and a lava tube. The ride is also great for seeing different birds, giant tortoises and marine iguanas. You will also enjoy a boat ride to Los Tuneles, which is a natural underwater system of tunnels and arches. Snorkel the blue water to see white tipped sharks, manta rays, parrot fish, yellowtail surgeonfish, seahorses and green sea turtles.
There will also be time to relax back at the Iguana Crossing Hotel to enjoy the delicious food, views, and pool between excursions.
The Iguana Crossing Hotel
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The Galaxy Yacht Cruise
The Galaxy Yacht provides a first-class cruise of the Galapagos Islands. There are nine cabins with four cabins on the upper deck, three on the main deck and two on the lower deck. Social areas on the vessel include the lounge, bar, sundeck and the dining room.
For your meals, enjoy a variety of dishes from Galapagos and Ecuadorian cuisine to international favorites. Special diets call also be accommodated with prior notice.
The comfort of the cruise vessel is only to complement the incredible islands and wildlife watching opportunities. You will explore the islands on guided trail walks, kayaking experiences and panga rides in addition to specific wildlife watching excursions. However, you will still be looking for the iconic animals on all tours.
The Galaxy Yacht Cruise
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The Nemo III Galapagos Cruise
The Nemo III Galapagos Cruise is motor-sail catamaran. The Nemo III accommodates 15 passengers for a tour of the northern or southern islands. Focused around two 8-day itineraries, you can still join the cruise for cruises of 4 or 5-days if you have limited time available. Explore the islands with certified Galapagos guide to find iconic animals of the islands, including the marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies, pelicans, sea lions, sea turtles and more.
The Nemo III offers a choice of twin or double cabins, which each feature a private bathroom with hot water. Enjoy delicious regional cuisine in the dining room and relax in comfortable social areas between excursions, including the spacious sundeck and jacuzzi.
The Nemo III Cruise
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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.