At Voyagers travel we specialize in booking Galapagos cruises for smart and conscious travelers. Book your cruise online or request assistance from our travel advisors. Here is a collection of the best Galapagos cruise itineraries for 2024 and 2025:
A Galapagos cruise is a small ship trip around the more remote islands of the Galápagos archipelago. You sleep in a cabin on a yacht and travel to a new island every day. You land on visitor sites led by an expert Galapagos Park guide. You can expect to see giant tortoises, swim with sea lions and penguins, and spot many birds like blue-footed boobies. You can also kayak with sea turtles and walk on lava. It is an eco-friendly tour planned to protect the Galápagos habitat. Visits are in small groups and focus on nature education.
We can help you book the perfect Galapagos cruise for you!
We have a complete listing of 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 day + cruising programs, classified by islands visited, areas of the archipelago, specialty activities, unique departures, family friendly or other interests.
We have a direct relationship with yacht, ship and catamaran owners. We either provide or connect directly to their database of available departures and routes. We also upload Galapagos cruises availability from their excel sheets if they do not have a system. This allows us to offer you the best departure, price and yacht available for your prefered dates. We work directly with each family and their representatives to bring you the best booking experience.
Each Voyagers specialist cruise advisor has been to the Galapagos islands several times, experienced all itineraries and knows every yacht and catamaran that navigates the Galapagos archipelago. Our island based operations team has extensive knowledge of each visitor site, and rates itineraries based on variety, scenery, and wildlife encounters - both on land and in the water for snorkelers.
Questions I ask a traveler when they are planning:
Why do you want to visit Galapagos?, do you want to see a specific wildlife species?, how enthusiast are you about going slow and admiring blue footed boobies dance? Would you like to go at a faster pace and reach summits for the scenery? Are your cruise dates fixed? (Can you adapt your dates and get a deal? or adapt to be on a specific yacht?). What is your budget for this trip? Will you let me share the ultimate itinerary with you? ....
Here it is: Visit the highlands of Santa Cruz to spot tortoises + Full day Scuba diving + West Islands Cruise + Stay on San Cristobal and take day trips to Punta Pitt and Española.
If you are looking for an experience in the Galapagos Islands that is unique, unforgettable and of the highest standard, I would highly recommend a trip on one of the various catamarans we offer, such as the Endemic Cruise, Galapagos Seaman Journey and the Infinity Yatch. With years of experience exploring this magical archipelago, I can assure you that these are the best ways to discover the beauty and wonder of this place. Aboard these state-of-the-art catamarans you will sail in style and comfort as you explore the various islands. The highly trained and passionate Galapagos crew will provide you with personal attention, while expert naturalist guides will accompany you on each excursion, providing fascinating information about the islands' unique flora and fauna. Carefully planned itineraries take you to the most emblematic sites, allowing you to get up close and personal with marine iguanas, giant tortoises, penguins and a wide variety of birds. You'll also have the opportunity to snorkel, kayak and hike, immersing yourself in the unspoilt nature of the islands. All in all, a trip aboard these cruises is the best option for those looking for a personalised, sustainable and adventurous experience in the Galapagos Islands.
Embark on an unforgettable adventure aboard the Galapagos Legend cruise, designed to give you a unique experience in the Galapagos Islands. Tour the islands at your own pace, enjoy the pristine nature and observe up close the incredible endemic fauna that inhabits this archipelago.
The Galapagos Legend offers: First-class amenities with spacious, well-appointed cabins, plus delicious food and exceptional service. Their expert naturalist guides teach about the natural history and ecology of the Galapagos for memorable excursions exploring the islands on exciting excursions on land or in their crystal-clear waters.
Our work does not stop with booking your space on board. We monitor your trip, book the right flights to connect on time and we can help create a custom pre and post trip around Ecuador and South America. We deliver your vouchers, organize meet and greet at the airport and ensure the captain, crew and chef understand your important needs. From activity preferences to dietary restrictions, we offer a full 24/7 concierge to look after your Galapagos cruise experience. Our operations manager, Maria Belen leads a team of local staff based both in Quito, Guayaquil and the Galapagos islands, this keeps our cruise collection up to date.
It is an important cycle at Voyagers, perfected over 20 years of experience operating liveaboard trips in the Galapagos Islands. We check out yachts in the shipyards, are present in many safety inspections and know the experience guests receive on board each ship.
Taking a liveaboard cruise around Galapagos means less time planning every day activities. Each Galapagos cruise line follows an itinerary, meaning you get to sit back and relax. You don’t have to worry about lining up all of your land excursions and arranging your hotel bookings. With the help of an expert travel concierge from Voyagers you get the same eficiency at the time of booking your trip. Andre, Mariela, Lizeth and the rest of the team can even design a unique itinerary that caters to your particular interests.
East Islands (Española, Santa Fe, San Cristobal, Genovesa) - Waved Albatross, marine iguanas, giant tortoises, red footed boobies, Nazca boobies
Central Islands (South Plazas, Rabida, Santiago, Chinese Hat, North Seymour, Bartolome) - Lava fields, giant tortoises, sea turtles, finches, blue footed boobies, frigate birds, land iguanas
North Islands (Genovesa, Marchena) - Red Footed boobies, nazca boobies, Galapagos hawks, white tipped reef sharks, owls
South Islands (Española, Floreana) – Post office bay, penguins, Waved Albatross, Christmas iguanas, Nazca boobies
Western Islands (Isabela and Fernandina) - Galapagos Penguins, flightless cormorants, blue footed boobies, marine iguanas, whales
Common to all routes: Sea lions, giant tortoises, blue footed boobies, marine iguanas, frigate birds
Send us your request or book a private consultation with a Voyagers Galapagos expert. Our travel advisors will help you decide on a route that covers the wildlife sightings from your bucketlist. The easiest way to tick off your favourite animal sightings is to get advice from somebody who has booked thousands of Galapagos cruises for all types of travelers.
Once you have decided on an itinerary and islands to visit, we will scout out all the updated last minute Galapagos cruise deals for you, and will help you book the ideal route at a discounted price for you.
Once you have made your choice, we will put temporary block on the spaces (usually 1 week) and you can take time to share your travel program with your trip companions before you commit a deposit. Once you have made a decision, payment is easy. We accept Credit cards, wire transfers and check deposits. We are here to assist you after booking as well - Here is our planning guide to the Galápagos Islands. You can also reach out to our team who are at your service.
It is not cheap. The cost of operating a properly run ship in Galapagos is costly. All resources are brought in (imported) from mainland Ecuador (fuel, food supplies, equipment, maintanance and more). Crew members are well paid. Guides in Galápagos earn some of the best incomes in Ecuador. All this comes at a price. Voyagers works directly with the micro-entrepeneurs that own each vessel and passes on these savings to you, we also add the value of offering 24/7 concierge services to support you during your vacation. Expect to pay $400 USD per night onwards per traveler.
Check out our Galapagos cruise cost calculator
Price is a big consideration for people looking to make a booking on a Galápagos Islands cruise. How much you’ll pay varies on the size of the vessel and the amount of luxury.
Here are a few guidelines to consider when booking the best Galapagos yacht, catamaran, sailboat or expedition ship for you.
Our team has inspected all permit holding Galápagos vessels. Our rating system is based on personal assesment and guest reviews.
Economy yachts cruises offer more rustic accommodation and basic amenities. You’ll find a very good price point with this type of cruise, which brings it within reach for a variety of people.
Midrange motor-yachts cruises will usually offer private quarters but they will often be small with private bathrooms.
First-class Cruising yachts offer spacious cabins with en-suite, top quality English speaking guides and better communal facilities.
Finally, top-of-the-line Luxury Galapagos cruises and expedition ships have everything you would expect and more from a high end liveaboard experience, including exquisite food, private balconies in your cabin, ample sun decks, and a hot tub to enjoy after a day of hiking or swimming.
Galapagos Expedition Ships - broad social areas, more people to socialize with, focus on lectures, fine dining and onboard experiences. Multiple language guides, ideal for international crowds. Variety of activities, family friendly and multi generational.
Sailboats , live the romance of sailing through the enchanted isles on a partially wind powered schooner or brigantine.
If you’re staying on land in the enchanted isles, you’ll be surprised by just how much time it takes to get from Point A to Point B. By cruising you avoid spending a lot of time getting from your hotel, onto a day-trip boat, out to the day’s destination, then sailing back to your hotel.
When you take a Galápagos cruising program, the vessel will move from island to island during the night. You will wake up every day at a different bay. When you take a cruise you have 2 hiking excursions at different visitor sites each day, 2 snorkeling outings, and possible sea kayaking. All activities are in the company of a naturalist guide. Your guide will point out unique wildlife, give insight and make sure you understand and abide Galápagos National Park rules to protect the unique species.
Regardless if you start on San Cristobal island (Puerto Baquerizo), Baltra or Santa Cruz island (Puerto Ayora), both airports have connections with Quito or Guayaquil in mainland Ecuador. Most small ship and luxury boat companies start at either location. Voyagers can help you make the right choice selecting an itinerary, planning your flights and any extra day trips you may like to participate in. Optimizing your time can leave space to visit other areas of Ecuador and South America.
There’s so much to see and do on a Galapagos trip, no matter your fitness level, age or lifestyle. Not into hiking or snorkeling? No worries. You can do shorter shore excursions, take zodiac ride, go sea kayaking or watch the scenery go by while on deck.
If you love getting exercise while on vacation, an expedition cruise can offer challenging activities. Here are some common activities offered on the daily excursions:
Each day trip is different and full of encounters with unique creatures you cannot see anywhere else on the planet. As you explore the visitor sites by foot, you will have the opportunity to walk alongside endemic species like the Galapagos tortoise, the flightless cormorant, the colorful blue footed booby, Darwin's finches, marine iguanas, nesting frigate birds, the curious Galapagos mockingbird. The main quality of the wildlife apart from being so unique is that the animals do not fear humans.
Hiking through the surreal lava fields and beautiful volcanic landscapes of the islands is a great way to understand the power of nature. Each island is the tip of an underwater volcano. You can take an epic hike around the rim of the Volcán Sierra Negra (Isabela island), the second largest active caldera on earth. Other favorite hiking spots Bartolome island, Tagus Cove, Punta Suarez, Cerro Dragon.
Another popular Galapagos cruising activity is snorkeling. Peek beneath the surface of the water to see the incredibly diverse marine life of the archipelago. You might even spot sea turtles, a swimming marine iguana, hammerhead sharks, golden rays and parrotfish.
Some of the best snorkeling spots in this ocean sanctuary include the devils crown on Floreana island, James Bay on Santiago Island and Punta Vicente Roca on Isabela Island. Your yacht cruise will provide you with flippers, a mask and a snorkel – but you can also bring your own.
With thousands of miles of rocky shorelines and secluded coves, the archipelago's waters are ideal for exploring via kayak. Do not be surprised if you find a curious Galapagos penguin darting by as you paddle. We can advise with yachts offer the best kayak equipment and routes.
From the comfort of inflatable dinghies or zodiacs you are able to explore hidden areas like Black turtle cove and find sea turtles, nursing sharks and a small mangrove forest. The cliff sides at Genovesa or Tagus Cove, the small islets that surround Santa Fe island.
The archipelago's dive sites are considered one of the best scuba diving destinations in the world. There is excellent diving the year round, but June-December is exceptional – as this is when hammerheads, whales, rays, sea lion cubs and other large marine creatures come out to play.
If you’re a certified scuba diver, there’s much to behold beneath the surface. Luckily, there are several dive-oriented liveaboard programs to make your booking. These boats are built to accommodate diving gear and bring passengers to amazing locations to swim with whale sharks, hammerhead sharks and manta rays. It is important to know that dive vessels carry a maximimum of 16 - 20 passengers.
Some of the best diving destinations are Wolf and Darwin Islands – which can only be visited on a diving focused Galápagos cruise that carries a maximum of 16 passengers.
When booking a Galapagos cruise, you’ll first need to think about what type of vessel suits your needs. Do you want to have an intimate experience on a sailing catamaran or monohull sailboat? Or would you rather be on a spacious luxury yacht or small ship with fancy staterooms and fine dining?
If you’re worried about seasickness or are traveling with small children, you may enjoy a slightly larger expedition ship vessel.
Onboard an expedition ship or luxury catamaran you’ll usually have a larger cabin, sometimes with your own private balcony. Nowadays almost all cabins are usually en suite and are compact in their design so that they can maximize living space. However, even on the smallest of vessels, you’ll usually find a sun deck where you can stretch out and relax and watch wildlife, as well as a dining area and lounge.
All Galapagos yacht layouts remain fairly small. The National Park prohibits cruises with more than 100 guests on board. Most Galapagos yachts carry around 16 passengers.
Another factor to consider when booking the best Galapagos cruises ships is how much time you want to spend in the water. Do you want more hikes vs. snorkeling options? this will depend more on the itinerary than the boat itself.
The great part about taking a Galapagos Island cruise is that any time of year works. With a location close to the equator, the islands have a mild and warm climate.
What you should consider when booking a Galapagos vacation is which animals, and behaviors, you want to see. Some species are migratory, which means they only call the archipelago home a few months out of the year. 90% of species are resident and found year round.
When it comes to weather, the warmer season from December to June is ideal for a relaxed enchanted isles smaller boat based trip, as you’ll have sunnier days, calmer seas and better underwater visibility.
The June to November season sees the islands transform from green, lush tropical lands to a more barren, desert-like climate.
As you can see, the best time of year to take a Galápagos trip is totally up to you. Check out our wildlife activity calendar for an in depth analysis.
We are confident you will have a life changing experience on a Galapagos liveaboard tour anytime of the year.
By now, your heart might be set on taking a multi-day cruise to see all the marvels of these islands that Darwin visited so many years ago.
There are so many options for you to make your booking. Reach out and we will help you find the right option!
If you consider the time and cost it takes to get to the Galapagos Islands, it is best to plan a longer stay. we recommend you stay 5 days or more, day 1 - arrival day is a half day, the same happens with your last day - departure day, count your in between days as your full days. You do not have to spend all this time on a boat. We can help you combine liveaboard cruising with hotel stays, scuba outings and other activities in the islands.
