Galapagos Cruises 2026 & 2027
At Voyagers Travel, we specialize in booking beautiful Galapagos Islands Cruises for smart and conscious travelers. You can book your Galapagos Cruise online or request personalized assistance from our team of local travel advisors.
Voyagers Travel provides real-time access to over 785 Galapagos Cruises departing in 2026 and 225 in 2027. We offer hand-selected vessels ranging from luxury Galapagos cruise yachts to adventure catamarans, with expert planning from our local advisors.
Discover our Galapagos Island Cruises
Finding a cruise to the Galapagos Islands is simple with our expansive, complete, and updated itinerary database. Currently, we offer the biggest real-time availability in the archipelago, with over 785 available departures in 2026 and more than 225 available departures in 2027. You can choose from 81 hand-selected ships, ensuring your Galapagos Island cruise matches your specific travel style and dates.
Whether you are looking for a Galapagos luxury cruise or a more modest expedition, our platform allows you to filter by date, vessel type, and itinerary. This variety ensures that your Galapagos Islands Cruise provides the exact balance of adventure and comfort you require.
Best-Selling Galapagos Cruise Itineraries For 2026 & 2027
The following itineraries represent our most popular Galapagos Cruises based on wildlife diversity and vessel quality. These programs are designed to maximize your time in the archipelago by traveling between remote sites overnight.
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Spend Less Time Planning, More Time Enjoying the Galapagos Islands
Choosing the right Galapagos Islands cruise depends heavily on who you are traveling with and what you hope to see. We have categorized our most successful departures to help you find the perfect fit.
Best Galapagos Island Cruises for Families
A Galapagos Islands cruise acts as a living classroom with specialized "Young Explorer" programs and kid-friendly amenities. We recommend larger vessels for families to ensure ample social space and interconnected cabin options.
Best Cruises to Galapagos for Couples
For those seeking romance, a luxury Galapagos cruise on a small yacht offers an intimate atmosphere and private balconies. These voyages provide the perfect backdrop of secluded beaches and sunset navigation for anniversaries or honeymoons on the Galapagos Islands.
Best Galapagos Islands Cruises for Seniors
We prioritize Galapagos Islands cruises with high stability and expert naturalist guides who adapt walks to different mobility levels suitable for seniors. Catamarans are often preferred by senior travelers for their dual-hull design, which minimizes motion in open waters.
Specialty Galapagos Itineraries
Beyond standard routes, we offer specialty Galapagos itineraries tailored for photography, birdwatching, and specific wildlife migrations. These departures often feature guest experts who provide profound insights into the archipelago's unique ecology.
Galapagos Wildlife Cruises
While every Galapagos Island cruise offers incredible sightings, some itineraries are specifically designed for "Big Five" enthusiasts. We tailor these routes to ensure you visit the specific habitats of the most iconic species.
- Western Routes: These are the best choices for spotting flightless cormorants, Galapagos penguins, and seasonal whale sharks. The cooler, nutrient-rich waters here support a unique variety of marine life.
- Eastern Routes: These itineraries are ideal for observing red-footed boobies and the dramatic waved albatross. Note that the albatross is typically present between April and December.
- Northern Routes: This is the gold standard for Galapagos Island cruises focused on hammerhead sharks and remote volcanic landscapes. These departures are specifically crafted for experienced travelers and divers.
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
How to Book Your Galapagos Cruise
Booking your Galapagos Islands cruise is a streamlined process guided by our local adventure planners. We help you navigate the fleet availability to find the perfect cabin and itinerary.
- Select Your Dates: Review our live database for 2026 and 2027 departures to find a schedule that fits.
- Expert Consultation: Speak with an advisor to verify which vessel type matches your comfort and interest levels.
- Secure Your Cabin: We handle the logistics of the deposit and the final booking directly with the ship operators.
Is a Galápagos Cruise Expensive?
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
How much do you want to pay for your Galapagos Islands vacation?
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.
Why take a Galapagos Cruise?:A Galapagos Cruise will allow you to make the most of your time in the Islands
- Navigating from Island to Island on multi-day cruise itineraries gives you exclusive access
- Take a Galapagos cruise to reach the more remote islands and see less people. Taking a Galapagos Island cruise means you’ll see fewer people and more wildlife than if you make a booking on a land-based tour.
- The only way to reach remote islands like Fernandina, the west coast of Isabela, Genovesa or Española island.
- Restricted access keeps your trip unspoiled (Rabida, Genovesa, Fernandina, Marchena, Western Isabela, Santiago, parts of Floreana, Santa Cruz and other remote islands are only accessed by cruise)
- There are limits to how many people are allowed on small expedition ships and liveaboard yachts, and how often they run.
- See more visitor sites during your short time in the islands.
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.
Galapagos Scuba Diving Cruises
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.
Convinced? How to choose the right Galapagos liveaboard adventure
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.
What time of the year should you Plan to visit?
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!
How Long Should I Stay?
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.
Why Book With Voyagers Travel?
We guarantee the best price on all Cruises to the Galapagos Islands and provide a layer of security that comes from booking with a licensed specialist.
- 50+ Years of Collective Experience: Our travel planners are experts in Ecuadorian tourism.
- Hand-Picked Fleet: We only represent the top 81 ships that meet our strict safety and service standards.
- Travel With Confidence: Enjoy 24/7 support while you are on the islands and the peace of mind of a Best Price Guarantee.
Ready to explore the Enchanted Isles? Contact our expert travel advisors today.
Request Assistance from One of Voyagers’ Travel Advisors
Explore Galapagos your way! Fill out our form for a tailor-made tour and let us make your travel dreams come true!
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.
How to Book Your Galapagos Cruise
Booking your Galapagos Islands cruise is a streamlined process guided by our local adventure planners. We help you navigate the fleet availability to find the perfect cabin and itinerary.
- Select Your Dates: Review our live database for 2026 and 2027 departures to find a schedule that fits.
- Expert Consultation: Speak with an advisor to verify which vessel type matches your comfort and interest levels.
- Secure Your Cabin: We handle the logistics of the deposit and the final booking directly with the ship operators.
Life on a Galapagos Island cruise follows a structure designed to hit the peak activity periods for wildlife viewing. This schedule maximizes your encounters with rare species while ensuring high levels of comfort.
Why Book With Voyagers Travel?
We guarantee the best price on all Cruises to the Galapagos Islands and provide a layer of security that comes from booking with a licensed specialist.
- 50+ Years of Collective Experience: Our travel planners are experts in Ecuadorian tourism.
- Hand-Picked Fleet: We only represent the top 81 ships that meet our strict safety and service standards.
- Travel With Confidence: Enjoy 24/7 support while you are on the islands and the peace of mind of a Best Price Guarantee.
Ready to explore the Enchanted Isles? Contact our expert travel advisors today.
Request Assistance from One of Voyagers’ Travel Advisors
Explore Galapagos your way! Fill out our form for a tailor-made tour and let us make your travel dreams come true!
Frequently asked questions
How to choose the right Galapagos Islands adventure?
Choosing the best Galapagos cruise for you involves selecting between intimate 16-passenger sailboats or larger expedition ships (up to 100 guests) that offer greater stability for families and those prone to seasickness. While luxury yachts provide spacious en suite cabins and private balconies, your choice of itinerary will ultimately determine the balance of hiking versus snorkeling opportunities.
Why take a Galapagos Cruise?
A Galapagos cruise maximizes your exploration time by navigating between remote islands during the night. It is the only way to reach the most pristine and uninhabited sites in the far reaches of the archipelago. For more information, read The Ultimate Galapagos Travel Guide.
Where should you start your Galapagos Islands cruise?
To start your Galapagos Island cruise, you must first fly from mainland Ecuador, departing from either Quito or Guayaquil. Most vessels depart from the docks at Baltra or San Cristobal, where your crew and naturalist guide will meet you upon arrival.
Is a Galapagos Cruise Expensive?
A Galapagos cruise delivers outstanding value because the expeditions are all-inclusive and feature expert guides. We offer cruises designed to fit various budgets and preferences, with prices depending on the type of vessel, ranging from budget-friendly adventure yachts to the most opulent choices. The price includes all meals on board, guided tours, and use of specialized gear such as wetsuits or kayaks.
How Long Should I stay on a Galapagos Islands cruise?
We recommend at least an 8-day Galapagos Island cruise to fully experience the ecological diversity of the various volcanic regions. Shorter 4 or 5-day itineraries are available but generally only cover a limited section of the central or southern islands.
What to expect when Cruising the Galapagos Islands?
You should expect a highly active itinerary filled with world-class wildlife encounters and diverse outdoor adventures. Each day typically features guided hikes across volcanic landscapes, snorkeling in the Galapagos Marine Reserve, and scenic zodiac rides along rugged coastlines.
Many programs also offer sea kayaking through mangroves and coves to spot rays and sea turtles. All activities are led by certified experts to ensure you gain deep insights into the archipelago's unique ecology.
What time of the year should you plan to visit the Galapagos Islands?
The best time for a Galapagos Islands cruise depends on your wildlife interests and preference for water temperature. Most travelers visit during the warm season from December to June for calmer seas or the cool, dry season from June to November for active marine life.
