Galapagos Cruises & Tours

Why trust your once-in-a-lifetime trip to a generalist travel agency or a Galapagos cruise line who will only sell you their boats?

We take the time to understand your needs and match you with one of over 50 different yachts, each of them pre-screened by our team.

Since 1999, we have sent thousands of intrepid travelers on an Galapagos Island cruise.

Our very own Erin Correia is a T+L Top Travel Advisor for several years running. She leads our team of experts who help with booking Galapagos Island cruise trips. As a member of the board of directors of the International Galapagos Tour Operators Association, Erin and our team have a deep knowledge and commitment to the Galapagos unmatched anywhere on the planet.

Trust Adventure Life to make your Galapagos cruise extraordinary, with the support and expertise that only experts a personal touch can provide.

Choosing Between Large vs. Small Boats in Galapagos

The maximum number of passengers allowed on a cruise ship in Galapagos is 100 people, so "large" in the Galapagos is actually "small" compared to huge cruise ships in the Caribbean or other major cruise destinations.

Small yachts in Galapagos tend to carry 16 to 20 passengers and the larger ships carry from about 32 to 100 passengers.

The social dynamic on smaller vs. larger ships is different, and you'll get to know your shipmates on smaller boats. Larger Galapagos cruises may have medical services onboard and multiple guides so that you may choose between multiple activities each day.

The stability of a boat in the water is another important factor in the sometimes choppy waters of the Galapagos. Catamarans and larger cruise ships tend to be more stable in the water, whereas smaller single-hulled boats tend to rock more.

 

Galapagos Cruises vs Galapagos Land-Based Tours 

Taking a Galapagos cruise is the most popular way to tour the Galapagos Islands, but in recent years, Galapagos land tours that stay in hotels at night, then visit different visitor spots and islands during the day, have become more popular. Below are several factors you'll want to consider when deciding.

Cost: In general, a Galapagos Island cruise is more costly than a hotel-based tour. That said, the less expensive boats may work out to less per day than an all inclusive tour that stays in luxury hotels. For cost, the edge goes to land-based tours.

Number and Diversity of National Park Visits: On a Galapagos cruise, itineraries usually visit one official visitor's spot in the morning and a second spot in the afternoon. During the night, the boats sail to the next island which saves on transportation time. On land-based tours, travel time to and from various tourist sites reduces your overall exploration time and ability to view wildlife. Excursions are limited to islands accessible within a day trip, meaning some outer islands remain inaccessible.

Still not sure which is the best Galapagos cruise for you? Contact one of our Galapagos specialists who can answer your questions and help you plan the perfect trip to Galapagos.

Types of Galapagos Cruises to Choose From

• Galapagos Wildlife & Safari Exploration: Delve into the heart of the Galapagos' diverse ecosystems. Witness an array of iconic wildlife, from giant tortoises to blue-footed boobies, while exploring both by sea and land.
• Galapagos Small Ship Cruises: Join a wide array of expedition cruise ships designed for avid explorers. These Galapagos cruises offer in-depth insights into the archipelago's unique flora and fauna. Expert naturalists guide you through iconic sites, providing a comprehensive Galapagos experience.
• Galapagos Private Yacht Charter: Enjoy an exclusive adventure with a private yacht charter. Explore secluded spots, and indulge in personalized service for an intimate and unforgettable Galapagos experience.
• Galapagos Luxury Cruises and Tours: Experience the Galapagos Islands in opulence. Luxury Galapagos cruises and land tours offer premium accommodations, gourmet dining, and curated experiences, ensuring a lavish exploration of this natural wonder.
• Galapagos Family Cruises and Tours: Create lasting memories with family-friendly tours and cruises. These specially crafted journeys cater to all ages. Enjoy interactive learning experiences and a chance for families to bond amidst the incredible landscapes.
• Galapagos Solo Travel: Embark on a solo adventure. Join group tours or Galapagos Island cruises that cater to independent travelers. They will provide opportunities to meet like-minded explorers while enjoying the freedom of solo exploration.
• Galapagos Land Tours: Discover the Galapagos Islands through land-based adventures. Immerse yourself in the unique landscapes, visit conservation sites, and witness the endemic wildlife on guided tours.
• Galapagos Honeymoon Tours and Cruises: Celebrate love amidst the enchanting Galapagos scenery. Honeymoon tours and cruises to the Galapagos Islands offer romantic escapes to combine exploration, breathtaking landscapes, and intimate experiences.
• Galapagos Active Trips: Satiate your adventurous spirit with active trips that combine exploration with thrilling activities. From snorkeling in pristine waters to hiking volcanic landscapes, these tours cater to active travelers.
• Galapagos Beaches: Whether on a land tour or a Galapagos cruise, you will visit several beaches during your stay. Bask in the sun, admire the different-colored sands of the archipelago, and go snorkeling with sea turtles and sea lions. Enjoy relaxation and water-based activities while exploring the unique coastal environments.
• Galapagos Most Popular Cruises and Land Tours: Opt for the tried-and-true experiences with Adventure Life’s most popular Galapagos cruises and land tours. These journeys cover must-visit sites, ensuring a comprehensive exploration of the Galapagos Islands.

Choosing a Galapagos Yacht or a Galapagos Cruise Ship

With so many boats and cruise options, it's hard to know where to start when planning a trip to Galapagos. Follow these tips and factors to take into consideration when choosing the best Galapagos cruise.

• Luxury Galapagos Cruises have the top-rated naturalist guides, superb cuisine, and spacious, stylish cabins.
• Galapagos Catamarans may have the best of both worlds. Catamarans are small 16-passenger yachts that are stable in the water and the most luxurious vessels to sail the Galapagos. 
• Galapagos Cruise Ships have spacious cabins and public areas. Some have doctors onboard and may be a good choice for physically challenged travelers. 
• Budget Cruises can appear to offer the same experience as higher-priced options but we do not work with these operators due to safety and quality concerns. If you need to keep the costs lower than average but want to be sure you are traveling with a reputable operation, we can pair you with more affordable Galapagos cruise options. These vessels may help keep the price lower in exchange for smaller cabins and common areas, but still can provide an amazing experience.

How Much Does a Galapagos Cruise Cost?

The cost of a Galapagos cruise varies based on ship class and itinerary length, with luxury-class vessels being the most expensive. There are many mid-range options available for those looking for a balance of comfort and value. Contact us to match you with your ideal option based on your preferences.

Additional fees: Before boarding your Galapagos flight in Quito or Guayaquil, a $20 US fee must be paid to obtain a Transit Control Card in order to be allowed to travel to the National Park. The second entry requirement is the National Park Fee. Park authorities will collect this fee of $200 US upon arrival to the islands. Remember this fee must be paid in cash. No visitor is exempt. 

The category of the boat and duration of the Galapagos Island cruise are the two most important factors. The cost of your cruise increases nearly proportionally to the number of days. That said, most travelers find that:

• A 4-day cruise is too short as the first and last days are used to fly from the mainland of Ecuador, so you only have two full days on the islands, which is not enough!
• A 5-day cruise (with three full days on the islands) will be sufficient for some travelers.
• An 8-day cruise is the perfect balance of enough time on the islands vs. cost.  
• The 15-day cruises offer complete circumnavigations of the islands for those with ample time and budget.

Staying at a hotel on one of the inhabited islands for a few days before or after your Galapagos cruise is a way to lower the cost per day.

Likewise,  land-based tours where you sleep in hotels at night and explore the National Park during the day tend to be more economical.

How to get to the Galapagos Islands?

Since there are no international flights coming into Galapagos, you will first need to fly to mainland Ecuador. Flights originate in the country's capital of Quito, and stop in the city of Guayaquil before heading to airports on Baltra or San Cristobal Islands. The reason why there are no direct international flights is because the archipelago is a protected National Park, so there are strict regulations that airlines must fulfill.

At the airport: Before boarding your flight to the Galapagos Islands, whether at the Mariscal Sucre Airport in Quito or José Joaquín de Olmedo Airport in Guayaquil you will have to go through a couple of additional procedures. This is in order to comply with the Galapagos National Park regulations. Before checking in your luggage you have to take out your Transit Control Card, emitted right there at the airport. This has a cost of $20. When traveling with an agency this fee will probably be included in your trip. Afterwards, National Park authorities will carry out a luggage check to ensure no prohibited items and products enter the islands. Ask your guide or agency about these items before your flight. Only then are you ready to approach the airline's booth to finish your check in process. 

On the plane: Right before landing on the Galapagos Islands, the crew will spray storage compartments and the plane's floor with a non-toxic product as a measure to avoid foreign elements getting into the archipelago.
 
IMPORTANT: Remember to keep your Transit Control Card with your personal documents, as the card will be asked by authorities at the Galapagos Airport before flying back to the continent.