Top 10 Private Charter Cruises for 2023-2024

Private Charter - Central Islands Aboard Calipso

San Cristobal to Baltra
5 Days from $55,450

Board the Calipso for an incredible 5-day private cruise of the Eastern and Central islands of the Galapagos archipelago. Enjoy the opportunity to view and watch the unique wildlife in their natural habitat with your private group of up to 16 guests.

Private Charter - Beyond Darwin's Footsteps Aboard Grace

Baltra to Baltra
8 Days from $134,000

Close encounters with nature highlight this 8-day private Galapagos cruise onboard the Grace. The islands are teeming with animals that are eager to meet visitors. Explore Espanola, Floreana, Santa Cruz, and other nearby cities! Scuba diving, snorkeling, and kayaking are all popular pastimes in this area.

Private Charter - Islands Circumnavigation - West Aboard Ocean Spray

Baltra to San Cristobal Airport
8 Days from $113,220

Circumnavigate the Western Islands of the Galapagos on this 8-day private charter cruise aboard the Ocean Spray. Explore striking volcanic landscapes and spot incredible wildlife with your expert guides on this unforgettable voyage.

Private Charter - Luxurious Southern Galapagos Cruise Aboard Ocean Spray

Baltra to Baltra
6 Days from $86,450

Board the Ocean Spray, a 16-passenger luxury catamaran, on this 6-day private cruise aboard one of the best yachts in Galapagos. See giant Galapagos tortoises, playful sea lion colonies, marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies, and if traveling the right time of year, waved albatrosses on Espanola Island.

Private Charter - Western Islands Aboard Ocean Spray

Baltra to Baltra
6 Days from $88,790

Experience Galapagos penguins, Elizabeth Bay, and more on a cruise through the Western Islands aboard Ocean Spray. Enjoy hiking, snorkeling and dinghy rides on this 6-day private Galapagos tour.

Private Charter - Western Islands II

Baltra to Baltra
5 Days from $46,320

Join the Archipel I for a 5-day private cruise of the Western Galapagos Islands. The scenic Santa Cruz, wildlife-rich Isabela, cliff-lined Fernandina, and pristine white sands of Bachas Beach are among the highlights. Swim beside friendly sea lions or stroll through volcanic landscapes teeming with gigantic tortoises, flamingos, iguanas, and penguins.

Cruise the Galapagos on the Archipell ship

Private Charter - Eastern Islands II

Baltra to San Cristobal Airport
5 Days from $46,320

Embark Archipel I for a 5-day private cruise through the eastern islands of the Galapagos. Enjoy the unique green sand beaches of Cormorant point, the abundance of wildlife on Española, and the friendly interaction with Floreana's playful sea lions. These volcanic and wildlife-rich islands are ideal for a vacation.

Private Charter - Western Islands Aboard Bonita

Baltra to Los Gemelos (Twin Craters)
7 Days from $53,412

Embark on a Galapagos cruise aboard the Bonita for a private expedition. This 7-day tour of the western islands takes you to white beaches, secluded lagoons, and pristine snorkeling locations for an unforgettable week-long tour of the Galapagos.

Private Charter - Western and Eastern Islands Aboard Natural Paradise

Baltra to Isla Lobos
8 Days from $105,450

Join the Natural Paradise during this 8-day private charter adventure that explores the shores of Santa Cruz, Isabela, Fernandina, Santiago, Floreana, Española and San Cristobal. Snorkel, swim, kayak, and enjoy a unique hiking experience as you cruise through the archipelago's unique ecosystem.

Private Charter - Central Islands Aboard Grand Majestic

San Cristobal Airport to San Cristobal Airport
8 Days from $89,450

Explore the Galapagos Islands on this private 16-passenger charter cruise aboard the Grand Majestic motor yacht. Cruise the stunning central islands of the archipelago such as Fernandina, Santiago, Santa Cruz and more along with expert guides and naturalists.

10 Best Galapagos Private Yacht Charters for 2023-2024

Trip Name	From	Days	Next Departure	Summary
Private Charter - Central Islands Aboard Calipso	$55450	5	Dec 15, 2022	Board the Calipso for an incredible 5-day private cruise of the Eastern and Central islands of the Galapagos archipelago. Enjoy the opportunity to … 0
Private Charter - Islands Circumnavigation - West Aboard Ocean Spray	$113220	8	Dec 17, 2022	Circumnavigate the Western Islands of the Galapagos on this 8-day private charter cruise aboard the Ocean Spray. Explore striking volcanic landscapes … 0
Private Charter - Luxurious Southern Galapagos Cruise Aboard Ocean Spray	$86450	6	Dec 8, 2022	Board the Ocean Spray, a 16-passenger luxury catamaran, on this 6-day private cruise aboard one of the best yachts in Galapagos. See giant Galapagos … 0
Private Charter - Western Islands Aboard Ocean Spray	$88790	6	Jan 28, 2023	Experience Galapagos penguins, Elizabeth Bay, and more on a cruise through the Western Islands aboard Ocean Spray. Enjoy hiking, snorkeling and … 0
Private Charter - Western Islands II	$46320	5	Dec 8, 2022	Join the Archipel I for a 5-day private cruise of the Western Galapagos Islands. The scenic Santa Cruz, wildlife-rich Isabela, … 0
Private Charter - Eastern Islands II	$46320	5	Dec 15, 2022	Embark Archipel I for a 5-day private cruise through the eastern islands of the Galapagos. Enjoy the unique green sand beaches of Cormorant point, … 0
Private Charter - Western Islands Aboard Bonita	$53412	7	Dec 11, 2022	Embark on a Galapagos cruise aboard the Bonita for a private expedition. This 7-day tour of the western islands takes you to white beaches, secluded … 0
Private Charter - Beyond Darwin's Footsteps Aboard Grace	$134000	8	Dec 13, 2022	Close encounters with nature highlight this 8-day private Galapagos cruise onboard the Grace. The islands are teeming with animals that are eager to … 0
Private Charter - North & South Islands Aboard Infinity	$160450	8	Jan 17, 2023	Explore the wonderful Galapagos Islands on this 8-day private cruise aboard Infinity. Visit the Interpretation Center of San Cristobal, a … 0
Private Charter - Southern Islands Aboard Infinity	$93450	5	Dec 9, 2022	Board the Infinity on this spectacular 5-day private sailing expedition and discover the breathtaking beauty of the incredible Galapagos Islands. … 0

Galapagos Cruise Ships & Yachts

10 Best Galapagos Private Yacht Charter Boats for 2023-2024

Galapagos Cruise Ships & Yachts

Seaman Journey

The Seaman Journey is a first class catamaran offering luxurious cruises of the Galapagos. With superior comfort, style and stability, her 16 guests will enjoy the numerous on board amenities in addition to the exploration of these islands.

M/V Origin, Theory & Evolve

The Origin, Theory & Evolve combines modern sophistication and a high level of comfort and service, with quality guided land excursions in small groups, gastronomical experiences, physical activities and science lectures.

Corals

These twin motor yachts will take you on an authentic Galapagos adventure in comfort and style. Panoramic windows, a sun deck, and a shadow deck allow you to experience the Islands in the most intimate way possible. Guests enjoy air- conditioned cabins with private bathrooms.

Galapagos Legend

With four decks, this cruise ship is one of the biggest boats in the Galapagos, offering plenty of amenities and features onboard, but still managing to balance that with a feeling of intimacy and proximity to the natural charms of the Islands. Guests enjoy a casual atmosphere, with only the highest standards of comfort and service.

La Pinta

Step aboard one of the biggest & nicest expedition ships in the Galapagos, complete with Jacuzzi, exercise room, & various comfortable social areas. All 48 guests will feel right at home with private bathrooms & central air conditioning in all of the cabins. It even has a glass bottom boat, as an alternative way to witness the stunning marine life.

M/C Galapagos Endemic

Cruise the Galapagos Islands aboard the M/C Endemic, a glamorous catamaran that provides guests the style and comfort they need to have an adventure of a lifetime! The outer design is sleek, streamlined and attractive: the gentle curves of the hull and decks of the Endemic mimic the unique Galapagos ecosystem.

Ocean Spray

Ocean Spray offers the best performance and comfort for a Galapagos cruise. With an elegant design, the Ocean Spray carries 16 guests on luxurious Galapagos cruises of 4, 6, 8 and 15-days.

M/C Elite

Perhaps the most luxurious small yacht in the Galapagos, the new Galapagos Elite set sail in Summer 2019. It has reinvented luxury, comfort and class in the Galapagos!

Santa Cruz II

Combining luxury, amenities, and many social areas, the recently remodeled 90-passenger Santa Cruz II reigns in the Galapagos as one of the most comfortable large cruise ships in the archipelago. Featuring all new a fitness room, gift shop, al fresco BBQ area, restaurant, bar, & lounge, as well as other social areas to get to know your fellow passengers.

Alya

New in 2017, the Alya catamaran offers luxury cruises to the Galapagos Islands. Accommodating just 16 passengers, the Alya boasts 9 spacious cabins with private facilities and a private balcony in each. Inside are the library, lounge, and dining areas, and outside guests can enjoy an ample sun deck and Jacuzzi.

Galapagos Private Yacht Charter - Travel Guide

Galapagos Private Yacht

From 12 to 100 guests, you can choose and book a Galapagos private yacht charter for a truly unique experience. This all-inclusive Galapagos Islands tour will pamper your party or family to the fullest, allowing you to observe animals in complete privacy.

What Is the Price of a Galapagos Private Yacht Charter Cruise?

Our Galapagos Crewed Private Yacht Charters start from about USD $50,000 for a 5-day cruise.

The boat's type and cruise length are important. Costs increase approximately proportionally to the number of days. However, most travelers discover:

A 4-day trip is too short because the first and last days are spent flying from Ecuador's mainland, leaving only two days on the islands.
Some travelers will be satisfied with a 5-day cruise (with three full days on the islands).
An 8-day cruise balances time on the islands with cost.
For those with enough time and money, the 15-day cruises offer comprehensive island circumnavigations.

Galapagos Islands Travel Guide

Galapagos tours and cruises begin and end on either Santa Cruz Island or San Cristobal Island, both of which are accessible via the nearby Baltra Island Airport.

Central islands, northern, southern, eastern, western, and circumnavigation cruises are all offered by Adventure Life. Circumnavigations are 15-day cruises that cover the whole Galapagos. Each region has its own set of islands to visit.

Central Islands: Santa Cruz, Baltra, Santiago, Santa Fe, South Plazas, Mosquera, Bartolome, Chinese Hat, Daphne Islands, and Rabida.

Western Islands: Fernandina and Isabela.

Eastern Islands: Espanola and San Cristobal.

Southern Islands: Floreana and Espanola.

Northern Islands: Genovesa, Wolf & Darwin (only liveaboard diving trips to Wolf & Darwin)

How to Choose a Galapagos Cruise

Choose from 4 to 15 day-long cruises whose itineraries visit multiple islands. Each day you'll hike and snorkel at National Park visitor spots teeming with fearless wildlife. Small yachts carry 16 guests on average while relatively larger cruise ships can carry up to 100. One of our Galapagos cruise experts can help you find the perfect cruise.

Galapagos Island Guide

This island-by-island description of the Galapagos will familiarize travelers with the archipelago. Learn the general highlights of each individual island to help determine an itinerary that best suits your interests. With so much to see and experience throughout the Galapagos, you cannot go wrong with any of our trips!

Galapagos Wildlife

Wildlife has evolved in the Galapagos to create some of the world's most bizarre -- and fearless -- creatures. See Darwin's theory of evolution in action as you swim alongside marine iguanas, watch ancient tortoises slowly roam, kayak past playful sea lions, and hike among blue-footed boobies in the Galapagos Islands.

Galapagos tortoise on a wildlife tour in the Galapagos Islands

Best Time to Visit the Galapagos

Seasons are split into cool and dry (June - November) and warm and wet (December - May), with the warmer season being the best time to visit Galápagos for warmer, calmer seas and good underwater visibility. Showers tend to be short, so you can make the most of the heat on the beach or the deck of your boat.

With our favorite tortoise in the Galapagos

Galapagos Average Air and Water Temperatures

The Galapagos Islands are a great destination to visit year-round. The archipelago experiences very mild seasonal variations throughout. However, there are a few weather patterns that should be taken into consideration depending on what you want to see & do during your trip.

5 Best European Barge Charters for 2023-2024

Trip Name	From	Days	Next Departure	Summary
Private Charter - European Classic Cruise - Alsace & Lorraine Aboard Panache	$68500	7	Jul 9, 2023	Panache’s 7-day voyage through Alsace & Lorraine allows you to appreciate the very best of the region. Pass through storybook villages along the … 0
Private Charter - Classic Cruise - Germany & Luxembourg Aboard La Nouvelle Etoile	$72000	7	Aug 27, 2023	Explore Germany & Luxembourg on this 7-day private cruise aboard La Nouvelle Etoile to the picturesque destinations along two delightful canals. … 0
Private Charter - European Classic Cruise - Upper Loire & Western Burgundy	$33750	7	Apr 2, 2023	Board the luxury hotel barge Renaissance and take a 7-day private cruise through the rivers and canals of France. Cruise across the Loire River on … 0
Private Charter - Southern Burgundy Cruise Aboard Finesse	$58500	7	Apr 9, 2023	Finesse is the perfect vessel for a 7-day private cruise to the meandering waterways of Southern Burgundy past vineyards and charming canal-side … 0
Private Charter - Canal Du Midi Voyage - Le Somail to Marseillan Aboard Anjodi	$39000	7	Apr 9, 2023	Board the Anjodi on a 7-day private cruise along Canal du Midi, offering the very best of the South of France. From Le Somail to Marseillan, visit … 0

Top Destinations for European Barge Charters

Stop in Avignon on your cruise of the Rhône river.

French

Discover France on a Barge Cruising Tour by Adventure Life. Contact our France experts for a free personalized itinerary.

Canal du Midi

Stretching through the southern countryside of France, the marvelous Canal du Midi is an impressive feat of engineering and creativity that has surprised people since its construction in the 17th century. Along your barge cruise, visit chateaus, quaint towns, medieval cities, olive gardens, wineries, and all of the staple sites and destinations …

Golden hour in Venice's famed Piazza San Marco

Italian

Take in the beauty, splendor, and history of the Mediterranean from Renaissance Italy all from aboard your barge cruise. Experience life at a slower pace aboard the luxurious and intimate barge cruises that give you the time to appreciate the scenic landscapes, small towns, and big cities of Italy.Contact us when you're ready to start planning …

Netherlands

Barge Cruising in the Netherlands is like a boutique hotel on water, where you can enjoy the beauty of the canals and the “Dutch Baroque” style architecture. Our cruise itineraries will usually stop in towns like Haarlem, where you will get the option to walk around the Aalsmeer flower auction where millions of flowers are traded every …

Scotland

Discover the scenic beauty of historic Scotland on a barge cruise. Experience the exceptional landscapes in a unique and intimate way from the small vessels that cruise the lochs. Enjoy the elegance aboard these small ships as you visit ancient castles, battlefields, and beautiful parks. Contact us when you're ready to start planning your barge …

The Palais des Papes dominates the Avignon skyline

Rhone River Barge

Cruise the scenic Rhone River in style on a barge cruise. Enjoy the slower pace of life as you travel through Switzerland and France, visiting the major sites along the way. Along the way, savor the local French cuisines and the wines that have made this area famous. Contact us when you're ready to start planning your barge cruise!

Moselle River Barge

Flowing through France, Luxembourg, and Germany, the Moselle River is a great way to experience the best that central Europe has to offer. As you cruise through the popular German portion of the river, you will see vineyard-covered hillsides and proud castles.Contact us when you're ready to start planning your barge cruise!

Explore Paris, the legendary city of light

Seine River Barge

Ah, Paris! The quintessential cosmopolitan city of lights awaits you on your Seine River barge cruise. Departing from the fashion capital of the world, explore the quiet French countryside en route to destinationslikeGiverny,Les Andelys,Honfleur,Duclair and Jumièges, visiting small towns, chateaus, and historic sites along the way.Contact …

Top 4 Private Yacht Charter in Europe for 2023-2024

Trip Name	From	Days	Next Departure	Summary
Private Charter - European Classic Cruise - Alsace & Lorraine Aboard Panache	$68500	7	Jul 9, 2023	Panache’s 7-day voyage through Alsace & Lorraine allows you to appreciate the very best of the region. Pass through storybook villages along the … 0
Private Charter - Classic Cruise - Germany & Luxembourg Aboard La Nouvelle Etoile	$72000	7	Aug 27, 2023	Explore Germany & Luxembourg on this 7-day private cruise aboard La Nouvelle Etoile to the picturesque destinations along two delightful canals. … 0
Private Charter - European Classic Cruise - Upper Loire & Western Burgundy	$33750	7	Apr 2, 2023	Board the luxury hotel barge Renaissance and take a 7-day private cruise through the rivers and canals of France. Cruise across the Loire River on … 0
Private Charter - Southern Burgundy Cruise Aboard Finesse	$58500	7	Apr 9, 2023	Finesse is the perfect vessel for a 7-day private cruise to the meandering waterways of Southern Burgundy past vineyards and charming canal-side … 0

European Private Barge Charter - Travel Guide

All you need to know about Barge Cruising

Barge cruises are one of the most unique ways to explore France, Central Europe, and the United Kingdom. Intimate accommodations, great food, and focused experiences are part of the excitement of a barge cruise.

What is Barge Cruising?

As Europe's tourism industry has grown, the owners of old cargo boats have taken the time to transform their vessels into now-luxurious hosts of your voyage, offering you exclusive access to canals and rivers all from aboard a genuinely intimate barge, frequently with fewer than 12 passengers.

What to expect on a barge cruise

On your European barge cruise, you can expect a leisurely pace, an intimate atmosphere, and great, locally sourced food.

Barge cruise vs. River cruise

What is the difference is between a European barge cruise and a river cruise? The relaxed and intimate atmosphere onboard is similar, and destinations are often largely the same as well, visiting many of the same major ports. The main difference between a barge cruise and a river cruise in Europe is the size of the boat and hence the number of passengers onboard.

Best Destinations for European Barge Cruises

Barge cruising in Europe is nothing new, but it is certainly a trending option for avid travelers hoping to experience something different. The top destinations for barge cruising are France, the United Kingdom, Germany, the Netherlands, and Belgium.

When to take a Barge Cruise in Europe

The best time to take a barge cruise through Europe is probably the autumn season, between September and October. Summer can also be an enjoyable barge cruising season if you don’t mind hotter temperatures and bigger crowds, and the start of the river cruising season in late spring (April-May) can be a good time to see Europe coming back to life after winter.

List of Europe's Best Barge Charter Cruise Destinations

The canals of Europe are a wonderful way to spend time with loved ones. Top destinations include, but are not limited to:

Barge cruising in France is regarded as the best in the world because of its well-established barging culture, which includes the Canal du Midi in the south, the Alsace-Lorraine area, and the wine regions of Burgundy and Champagne. Some of these barge trips make it as far as Paris.
Scotland and Ireland - Take a journey down the Shannon River in a barge in search of Nessy.
In Germany, you can take a barge trip down the beautiful Moselle River.
The canals in the Netherlands and Belgium are ideal for barge travel.

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