Imagine standing on the black lava shoreline of a remote island as a colony of sea lions basks around your feet, frigate birds wheel overhead, and a marine iguana stares up at you with the unconcerned calm of an animal that has never learned to fear humans.
A Galapagos cruise is unlike any other wildlife experience on Earth. And choosing between a northern or southern loop itinerary is one of the most important decisions you will make when planning your voyage. The northern loop is the more remote and adventurous route, sailing above the equator to reach the isolated bird paradise of Genovesa Island and the dramatic volcanic scenery of Santiago and Bartolome. The southern loop visits the oldest islands in the archipelago, including Espanola and Floreana, where waved albatrosses soar in huge numbers and the human stories of Post Office Bay add a fascinating layer to the wildlife experience. Many of the cruises below offer both, as well as longer voyages that combine the two into a single journey across the archipelago.
So let's get started with some of the best northern and southern loop cruises in the Galapagos Islands.
The Elite Galapagos Cruise
High Luxury, Northern and Southern Loops
The Elite is one of the newest and most modern luxury vessels in the Galapagos, and one of a select group of small ships offering dedicated itineraries for both the northern and southern islands. Specifically designed for the archipelago, the Elite was crafted for performance, comfort and stability so you can focus entirely on the extraordinary destination around you.
On the northern loop, the Elite departs Baltra and sails to the wildlife-rich shores of Genovesa Island, where Darwin Bay's coral beach is ringed by red-footed boobies and the trail at Prince Philip's Steps leads through one of the most dramatic seabird colonies in the Galapagos. The itinerary continues through Santiago and its vast lava fields before returning via Bartolome and the iconic Pinnacle Rock. On the southern loop, the route heads to Espanola and Floreana, home to the waved albatross in season, colonies of Nazca boobies, marine iguanas and the fascinating history of Post Office Bay. Both loops can also be combined into a longer voyage covering the central, northern and southern islands together.
Aboard the Elite, each suite features a private outdoor balcony, panoramic sliding glass doors, and a king-size or double bed configuration. The sky deck is generously proportioned with a whirlpool bath and exterior bar, while the 180-degree panoramic interior lounge and al fresco dining area create a seamless connection between inside and out. With a superstructure spanning 38 metres by 14 metres wide, the Elite is also one of the most stable platforms in the islands, which makes a real difference on longer crossings between the northern and southern routes.
To check availability for your travel dates, send your request to the Elite Cruise using the button below.
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 $ 4,990
/ personThe Endemic Galapagos Cruise
High Luxury, Northern and Southern Loops
The Endemic is the sister vessel to the Elite and matches it in every measure of luxury and guided experience. For those wanting to explore the full range of the Galapagos, the Endemic is an outstanding choice, with itineraries covering both the northern and southern islands across its range of voyages.
The northern loop ventures to Genovesa Island, one of the most isolated destinations in the entire archipelago and a place of remarkable birdlife. At Darwin Bay you will walk a coral beach surrounded by nesting frigatebirds, swallow-tailed gulls and red-footed boobies roosting in the Palo Santo trees just metres from the trail. Prince Philip's Steps leads up a steep cliff path to an open plateau teeming with Nazca boobies and Galapagos short-eared owls. The 8-day itinerary then continues west to the volcanic wilderness of Santiago, Isabela and Fernandina, where flightless cormorants haul themselves ashore and marine iguanas pile in enormous heaps along the lava coast.
Each cabin on the Endemic offers air-conditioning, a private balcony, a beautifully appointed bathroom, and the choice between a king-size bed or two twin beds. The communal spaces are welcoming and well-designed, with delicious cuisine served throughout the voyage. On both loops, expert naturalist guides lead every excursion, bringing the islands' extraordinary biodiversity to life with genuine knowledge and enthusiasm.
You can send the Endemic a request for your travel dates using the button below.
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 $ 4,990
/ personThe Ocean Spray
Luxury, Northern and Southern Loops
The Ocean Spray is a 16-passenger luxury catamaran with one of the most versatile itinerary programmes in the Galapagos and one of our favourites for exploring both loops. Designed to maximise comfort and performance as you cruise from island to island, the Ocean Spray has earned a significant number of returning guests, which speaks to the quality of the guides, the vessel, and the experiences it consistently delivers.
On the northern loop, the Ocean Spray sails up to Genovesa Island, where a Palo Santo forest teems with red-footed boobies and the rocky shoreline at El Barranco offers sweeping clifftop views and extraordinary encounters with masked boobies and storm petrels. The itinerary also takes in Bartolome and Santiago, with snorkeling alongside sea lions, rays and sea turtles at Pinnacle Rock. On the southern loop, the cruise visits Floreana Island's Devil's Crown, one of the finest snorkeling sites in the Galapagos, as well as the wildlife-rich shores of San Cristobal and the beautiful Santa Cruz highlands. For those with a full week available, a 7-day itinerary combines islands from across both loops for an in-depth experience of the archipelago.
The Ocean Spray offers spacious and comfortable accommodation, a sundeck and Jacuzzi, and delicious cuisine in an elegantly designed dining room. Private balconies keep you connected to this remarkable environment between every excursion. You have a choice of 4-day, 5-day, 6-day and 8-day cruises, making it one of the most flexible vessels in the islands for matching a voyage to your available time.
You can message the Ocean Spray Cruise directly for itinerary options and availability for your travel dates using the tour bubble below.
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
/ personThe Monique Galapagos Cruise
Luxury, Northern and Southern Loops
The Monique is one of the newest luxury catamarans in the Galapagos and one of the most environmentally advanced vessels operating in the islands. Powered by 20 solar panels and lithium batteries, it offers a quiet and environmentally conscious way to explore the archipelago without compromising on comfort or style. With just 16 guests aboard, the experience is genuinely intimate, and the nearly 1:1 crew-to-guest ratio ensures attentive service throughout every voyage.
The Monique's itineraries are offered as 3, 4 and 7-night departures, with routes that cover both the northern and southern islands depending on your chosen voyage. On the northern routes you can visit the wildlife-rich shores of North Seymour and sail up to the dramatic cliffs of Vicente Roca Point, while the volcanic formations of Santiago and Fernandina feature on the western itineraries. Southern departures take in the red sands of Rabida, the calm coves of Las Bachas Beach and other iconic Galapagos destinations. Each day includes guided walks, snorkeling, kayaking and Zodiac excursions led by expert bilingual naturalist guides.
The vessel features spacious staterooms with floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows, three beautifully designed decks with a panoramic indoor lounge, stylish dining area, shaded observation terraces and an expansive sky deck with an outdoor lounge, bar, al-fresco dining space and whirlpool. The Monique is a genuinely impressive way to see the Galapagos.
You can message the cruise directly for itinerary options and availability for your travel dates using the tour bubble below.
The 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
/ personThe Galaxy Sirius Galapagos Cruise
Luxury, Northern and Southern Loops
The Galaxy Sirius is a new, modern and luxurious catamaran offering an elegant and intimate Galapagos experience. One of the things that sets the Sirius apart from most vessels in this category is that it carries two naturalist guides between just 16 guests, which means more personal attention, more flexibility on excursions and a richer overall experience of the islands.
The southern loop itinerary, offered as a 5-day cruise, takes you to the oldest islands in the archipelago. On Espanola you will witness the mating dances of blue-footed boobies, encounter large colonies of marine iguanas at Punta Suarez and, in season, watch waved albatrosses launching themselves from the clifftops in extraordinary numbers. The 6-day central and northern loop heads up to the bird paradise of Genovesa Island, passing through Bartolome's iconic Pinnacle Rock and the extraordinary volcanic scenery of Santiago along the way. Both loops offer daily guided hikes, snorkeling excursions, panga rides and paddleboarding sessions.
Aboard the Galaxy Sirius you will enjoy spacious and stylish staterooms, most with private balconies and panoramic views, locally inspired cuisine and a welcoming sundeck well suited to relaxing between excursions. The operator has a fleet of highly-rated Galapagos vessels, and the Sirius represents their finest offering to date.
You can message the cruise directly for activity lists and availability for your travel dates using the tour bubble below.
The 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
/ personThe Alya Galapagos Cruise
Luxury, Northern and Southern Loops
The Alya is one of the newest luxury catamarans in the Galapagos and offers a dedicated itinerary that combines highlights from both the northern and southern regions of the archipelago in a single voyage. Departing San Cristobal, the route visits Witch Hill and Pitt Point, one of the few sites in the Galapagos where all three booby species nest side by side, before heading south to Espanola's Punta Suarez and Gardner Bay. From there the loop continues through the Santa Cruz highlands and North Seymour Island, covering a diverse and rewarding sweep of the southern and central archipelago.
Aboard the Alya you will enjoy comfort, personalized service, spacious suites and elegantly styled living areas. The dining room is surrounded by windows to keep you connected to this incredible environment throughout your voyage. Snorkeling, kayaking and guided island walks are available on all itineraries, with activities tailored to the wildlife opportunities of each island visited.
Send your request to the Alya, see photos, and check availability using the button below.
The 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
/ personThe Eco Galaxy Galapagos Cruise
Premium First Class, Northern and Southern Loops
The Eco Galaxy is a first-class vessel and a great option for those who want to explore both the northern and southern Galapagos at a comfortable price point. Three distinct itineraries cover the full spread of the archipelago between them, making it one of the most comprehensive programmes available among smaller vessels in this category.
The 5-day northern route heads up to Darwin Bay on Genovesa Island, where you land on a coral beach and walk through mangroves filled with frigatebirds before snorkeling in the bay alongside an extraordinary variety of seabirds and marine life. North Seymour, Santa Fe, South Plaza and Mosquera also feature on this loop. The 6-day southern route visits Espanola, where you can watch blue-footed boobies perform their mating dance, before heading to Floreana for the human history of Post Office Bay and the excellent snorkeling at Devil's Crown. A third 6-day western itinerary takes in Fernandina Island, one of the most pristine ecosystems in the world, along with Isabela, Santiago and Rabida.
The Eco Galaxy offers comfortable and well-equipped cabins, social areas, a bar, sundeck and balconies. The atmosphere aboard is friendly and relaxed, and the vessel works well for couples, families and solo travellers alike.
Send your request to the Eco Galaxy Cruise, receive detailed itineraries and check availability for your travel dates using the tour bubble below.
The 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
/ personThe Galaxy Galapagos Cruise
Premium First Class, Northern Loop
The Galaxy Galapagos Cruise is a first-class yacht and an excellent choice for those wanting a northern loop experience at a comfortable price point. Built to host just 16 guests, the Galaxy provides warm service, spacious social areas and immersive island itineraries led by certified naturalist guides. Its northern loop itinerary includes a visit to Genovesa Island, as well as stops at Bartolome, Santiago and North Seymour on its route through the central and northern archipelago.
The Galaxy is a practical and well-rounded choice for couples, families and small groups. Different cabin configurations are available including triple and convertible options, full snorkeling gear and wetsuits are included, and Ecuadorian and international cuisine is prepared fresh by an onboard chef throughout the voyage. Whether you are discovering wildlife-rich trails, snorkeling with sea turtles or enjoying panoramic views from the open-air sun deck, the Galaxy makes each moment feel personal and well worth the journey.
You can message the cruise directly for itinerary options and availability for your travel dates using the tour bubble below.
The 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 $ 3,500
/ personNot what you're looking for?
Browse all other Galapagos Cruises here. You can also contact our travel specialists for recommendations.
Each request is sent directly to the cruise, lodge or tour operator.
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.