6 Best Luxury Galapagos Cruises: Top Picks by Traveler Type

With more than 30 luxury-class cruise ships in the Galapagos, it can feel a little overwhelming to choose. In this guide, we’ll compare and sort the best Galapagos luxury cruises by traveler type. Rather than only focusing on metrics, our travel specialist recommendations will help you find the best luxury cruise for you.

We’ve matched six traveler types (honeymooners, families, solo travelers, divers, seniors, and adventurers) to our fleet of Galapagos luxury cruise ships.

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Best Luxury Galapagos Cruise by Traveler Type

Best Galapagos Cruise for Seniors

For seniors, we recommend a stable ride and luxurious comfort over a packed excursion schedule. Expect to pay USD$4,600 to $9,900 per person for this tier. For more on this, see our guide to the best luxury Galapagos tours for seniors.

Top Pick

Silver Origin is Silversea's flagship-tier build and features stabilization technology that minimizes roll and heave motion, both at sea and while anchored near an island. An Ecuadorian-inspired menu and the highest crew-to-guest ratio in the Galapagos.

Runner-Up

Alya is a stable 16-guest catamaran built for a peaceful ride, with a library and two bars for downtime between excursions and a crew large enough to look after guests who'd rather sit one out.

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Best Galapagos Cruise for Families

Traveling with your family? Choose ships with cabins that give space and flexibility, like convertible suites and family cabins. These recommended cruises have spacious decks and onboard activities, built with families in mind. Expect to pay USD$4,551 to $7,095 per person for this tier.

Top Pick

Hermes is a large catamaran with convertible suites and onboard side-to-side roll stability. Complimentary snorkeling gear, wetsuits, kayaks, and paddleboards. Butler service is 24/7 and massage bookings for the parents.

Runner-Up

Santa Cruz II is a 90-guest expedition ship with cabins built specifically for families. Also has an onboard medical officer and enough deck space that nobody feels boxed in.

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Best Galapagos Cruise for Solo Travelers

If you’re traveling single in the Galapagos, consider ships with fewer guests, making it easier to get to know the group during excursions. Expect to pay USD$4,341 to $6,864 per person for this tier.

Top Pick

National Geographic Islander is run by Lindblad Expeditions and known for a social onboard culture. Features a Conservation Science Hub and a 1:1 guest-to-crew ratio. Accommodates 48 guests.

Runner-Up

Isabela II is a smaller ship where the lower guest count makes it easier to get to know the rest of the group. Head out in a glass-bottom boat or relax on one of three public decks.

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Best Galapagos Cruise for Honeymooners

Traveling as newlyweds? Consider smaller ships and more space per guest. Choose suites built for privacy and comfort. Expect to pay USD$3,945 to $11,550 per person for this tier.

Top Pick

Aqua Mare is one of the smallest, most exclusive ships in the luxury fleet. Features seven suites across three decks and 30% more interior space than most comparable yachts. 1:1 guest-to-crew ratio.

Runner-Up

Infinity is one of the newest Galapagos luxury yachts and has a 20-guest capacity. Every cabin has a private balcony. The sun deck features a jacuzzi.

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Best Galapagos Cruise for Divers and Snorkelers

If marine wildlife is why you’re making the trip, choose a ship that specializes in these excursions. These ships have itineraries, dive expertise, and amenities for divers. Expect to pay USD$2,845 to $7,500 per person for this tier.

Top Pick

Calipso is a recently refurbished Galapagos yacht with a dedicated dive deck. Both diving and snorkeling excursions.

Runner-Up

Galaxy Diver II is a dive-focused yacht with its own dive platform. Two bilingual dive masters. Nitrox, aluminum diving tanks of 10, 12, and 15 liters with DIN and Int. fittings.

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Best Galapagos Cruise for Adventure Travelers

If you’re looking for a more active Galapagos adventure, look for ships and itineraries with more varied excursions (hikes, dives, food, etc.) and more islands. Expect to pay USD$6,605 to $8,695 per person for this tier.

Top Pick

National Geographic Endeavour II is a large ship built for a full daily schedule of landings and excursions. Guests have described being aboard Endeavour II as feeling like a cross between a grand floating hotel and scientific research vessel.

Runner-Up

Integrity is a small yacht (16 guests) with active itineraries, visiting many islands and diverse excursions.

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How to Choose the Best Galapagos Luxury Cruise

While no single cruise ship can be the best for everyone, we would love to help you find the best luxury Galapagos cruise for you. Talk to a Voyagers Travel Galapagos specialist, and we'll narrow this list down to the one or two ships that fit your plans and your dates.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best luxury cruise in the Galapagos?

The recommendation depends on who’s traveling. Silver Origin leads for seniors, Hermes and Santa Cruz II for families, National Geographic Islander for solo travelers, Aqua Mare for honeymooners, Calipso for divers, and National Geographic Endeavour II for adventure travelers. The right ship and itinerary choice depends on who's going and what they want from the trip.

What is the best Galapagos luxury cruise for seniors?

Silver Origin is our recommendation for seniors. It is built for a smooth ride, with stabilization technology and the highest crew-to-guest ratio in the Galapagos. Alya is a strong lower-cost alternative, also known for a stable ride on a spacious catamaran.

How far in advance should I book a luxury Galapagos cruise?

Cabin availability on the smaller luxury yachts tightens well over a year out, especially for peak season departures. Booking 12 to 18 months ahead gives the widest choice of dates and cabin categories. This is also true when planning your private charter cruise.

How much does a luxury Galapagos cruise cost?

Luxury-class cruises in the Galapagos range from USD$2,845 per person to USD$11,500 on ships like Aqua Mare. Price variables include dates, cabin size, guest count, and itinerary length and activities.

What is the best Galapagos cruise for divers?

Calipso and Galaxy Diver II are both built for divers, with dedicated dive decks. Galaxy Diver II also offers Nitrox and a range of tank sizes for more advanced divers.

What is the best Galapagos cruise for families?

Hermes and Santa Cruz II both offer cabin flexibility and onboard stability that make traveling with kids easier. Family-friendly benefits include convertible suites, complimentary snorkeling gear, onboard medical officer, and extra deck space.