Best Private Yacht Charters For 2025-2027

Top 10 Private Charter Cruises for 2025-2026

Private Charter - Central East & Southern Islands Aboard Hermes Ultra Luxury Cruise

8 Days from $246,905

Explore Central East & Southern Islands on this 8-day private cruise aboard Hermes Ultra Luxury Cruise. Visit Baltra and meet giant tortoises. Enjoy geological wonders and encounter diverse wildlife on Rábida, Bartolomé, South Plaza, and Santa Fe. End at Fausto Llerena Breeding Center to see Galápagos tortoises and support conservation efforts.

Private Charter - Western Islands Aboard Hermes Ultra Luxury Cruise

5 Days from $155,705

Set off on a 5-day private Western Islands Galapagos cruise aboard the Hermes Ultra Luxury Cruise. Begin at Baltra and sail to Bachas Beach for wildlife encounters. Explore Tagus Cove, Urbina Bay, Espinoza Point, and Vicente Roca Point, discovering rich marine life. Conclude with a visit to North Seymour Island before disembarking in Baltra.

Frigate chick found while touring the Galapagos

Private Charter - Northern Islands Aboard Hermes Ultra Luxury Cruise

4 Days from $117,705

Embark on a private 4-day North & Central Islands Galapagos cruise aboard the Hermes Ultra Luxury Cruise. Observe Santa Cruz Highlands' giant tortoises and lava tunnels. Journey to Dragon Hill, home to land iguanas and flamingos then visit Chinese Hat. Explore El Barranco cliffs and Darwin Bay's bird paradise. Conclude with a visit in Black Turtle Cove.

Private Charter - Northwestern Islands Aboard Hermes Ultra Luxury Cruise

8 Days from $246,905

Embark on a private 8-day Hermes Ultra Luxury Cruise in the Northwestern Galapagos Islands. Explore unique wildlife, including giant tortoises and lava tunnels. Visit Cerro Dragón, Chinese Hat, Genovesa, and more. Enjoy birdwatching, snorkeling, and diverse wildlife encounters. Finally, visit North Seymour before heading to Baltra for your flight home.

Private Charter - Southern & Northern Islands Aboard Hermes Ultra Luxury Cruise

7 Days from $222,205

Join the 7-Day Hermes Ultra Luxury Cruise in the Eastern & Central Galapagos, beginning on San Cristóbal Island. Explore Tijeretas, Gardner Bay, Punta Suárez, and Floreana. Snorkel at Champion Islet, then visit Genovesa Island. Conclude at Black Turtle Cove, disembarking in Baltra, marking the end of your unforgettable journey.

Private Charter - Western Islands Aboard Bonita

7 Days from $60,800

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.

10 Best Galapagos Private Yacht Charters for 2025-2026

Trip Name	From	Days	Summary
Private Charter - Eastern Islands II	$51,120	5	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. 0
Private Charter - Central Islands Aboard Calipso	$60,450	5	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. 0
Private Charter - Islands Circumnavigation - West Aboard Ocean Spray	$123,790	8	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. 0
Private Charter - Luxurious Southern Galapagos Cruise Aboard Ocean Spray	$93,290	6	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. 0
Private Charter - Western Islands Aboard Ocean Spray	$96,890	6	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. 0
Private Charter - Western Islands II	$51,120	5	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. 0
Private Charter - Western Islands Aboard Alya	$79,040	6	Board the Alya on this 6-day private cruise of the Western Galapagos Islands, visiting some of the most popular sites including the Tortoise Breeding Center on Santa Cruz, snorkeling in Elizabeth Bay on Isabela, kayaking around Urbina Bay at Fernandina, and hiking the Chinese Hat Islet near the southeast coast of Santiago, plus much more. 0
Private Charter - Island Circumnavigation Aboard Galapagos Horizon	$126,450	8	This 8-day private cruise offers incredible snorkeling, hiking, and kayaking adventures all around the Galapagos archipelago in style. Gourmet cuisine, the best guides, and spacious & stylish cabins guarantee a top-notch luxury cruising experience second to none. 0
Private Charter - Eastern Islands Aboard EcoGalaxy	$71,440	6	The Eastern Islands of the Galapagos are a great place to experience flamingos, whimbrels, tortoises and more. Board the EcoGalaxy for an incredible 6-day private tour of these islands. 0
Private Charter - Northeast Galapagos Catamaran Cruise Aboard EcoGalaxy	$57,760	5	Spend 5 days cruising through the Galapagos on a tour of the Northeast Islands. Witness sea lions, iguanas and beautiful scenery on this private adventure aboard the EcoGalaxy. 0

Galapagos Cruise Ships & Yachts

10 Best Galapagos Private Yacht Charter Boats for 2025-2026

Galapagos Cruise Ships & Yachts

Galapagos Legend

from $2,019

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.

Corals

from $2,426

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.

Cruise the Galapagos on the Archipell ship

Archipel I

from $2,325

The 16-passenger twin-hulled Archipel I catamaran combines comfort and space onboard for the optimal experience on its naturalist and diving cruises of the Galapagos Islands. Ocean view cabins with air conditioning, private bathrooms, and hot water couple with various social areas, including the dining room, lounge, and sundeck.

Hermes Ultra Luxury Cruise

from $6,195

Hermes Mega Catamaran defines the future of Galapagos’ luxury cruising through a perfect balance of comfort, unparalleled service, and memorable experiences aboard, on land, and in the water. It challenges the notion that you must compromise comfort on a large cruise ship for intimacy on a small vessel.

EcoGalaxy

from $3,800

The beautiful EcoGalaxy is a new, eco-friendly Galapagos catamaran. Built in 2014, she provides leisurely excursions, optimal comfort, attentive guides, and upgraded, modern social areas. With capacity for just 16 passengers in 8 well-appointed cabins, this is an ideal vessel for your Galapagos cruise.

Anahi

from $3,150

Anahí Catamaran Yacht offers a perfect Galapagos exploration with a 16-passenger capacity, personalized service, safety, and comfort in 8 cabins, including ocean-view suites, professional crew, jacuzzi, and scenic sunset sailing.

Galaxy

from $2,600

The Galaxy is a motor yacht that accommodates 16 passengers and cruises the Galapagos Islands. This yacht boasts beautiful woodwork, air conditioning and spacious cabins featuring exceptionally flexible cruises of 4, 6, 8, 10, 11 and 15-day itineraries touring the best of Galapagos.

M/C Galapagos Endemic

from $4,990

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.

Galapagos Angel

from $2,745

The Galapagos Angel is a first-class private yacht with the highest navigation standards for the best sailing experience on the sea. Galapagos Angel accommodations are comfortably designed for 16 passengers, who can enjoy breathtaking views through the panoramic windows and top-notch service.

Galapagos Horizon

from $4,145

Galapagos Horizon is a luxury trimaran that provides an intimate experience on board with a touch of elegance and comfort. It provides a top-notch experience with one of the smoothest rides in the Galapagos.

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.

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.

10 Best European Barge Charters for 2025-2026

Trip Name	From	Days	Summary
Private Charter - Classic Cruise – Italy	$105,000	7	Experience a 7-day private cruise on La Bella Vita, exploring northern Italy from Venice to Mantua, with guided tours of historic sites and art museums. Indulge in local cuisine, wine tastings, and stunning views of the Venetian Lagoon and Po River Valley. 0
Private Charter - Classic Cruise – Southern Burgundy	$79,500	7	Join a 7-day private cruise on the L’impressionniste along the Burgundy Canal, enjoying wine tastings, guided excursions, and local cuisine. Highlights include historic tours, cycling paths, and breathtaking countryside views from Chateauneuf-en-Auxois. 0
Private Charter - Classic Cruise - Scotland	$75,500	7	Experience a 7-day private cruise from Banavie to Muirtown on the Spirit of Scotland, featuring a champagne welcome and visits to Caledonian highlights like Dalwhinnie Distillery, Eilean Donan Castle, and Culloden Moor. Enjoy excursions with cultural landmarks, wildlife encounters, and whisky tastings along the scenic journey. 0
Private Charter - Classic Cruise – Champagne	$82,500	7	Embark on a 7-day private barge cruise from Paris to Epernay on the La Nouvelle Etoile, featuring a champagne welcome and visits to historical sites like the Reims Cathedral. Enjoy regional cuisine, wine tastings, and curated excursions through the picturesque Champagne region. 0
Private Charter - Classic Cruise - Alsace & Lorraine	$82,500	7	Embark on a 7-day private barge cruise from Nancy to Strasbourg on La Nouvelle Etoile, starting with a champagne welcome and visits to Nancy’s Baroque architecture and Chagall's stained-glass windows. Explore the Vosges Mountains, savor Alsace wines, and conclude with a guided tour of Strasbourg's cathedral and Folk Museum. 0
Private Charter - Classic Cruise – Southern Burgundy	$69,500	7	Set sail on a 7-day cruise aboard the Finesse through Southern Burgundy, starting in St-Julien-sur-Dheune and concluding in Chalon-sur-Saone. Enjoy guided tours of historic sites, premier vineyards, and biodynamic wine tastings while exploring the scenic Canal du Centre. 0
Private Charter - Classic Cruise – Champagne	$69,500	7	Experience a 7-day private barge cruise from Chateau-Thierry to Chalons-en-Champagne aboard Kir Royale, featuring champagne tastings, World War I site visits, and gourmet dining along the scenic River Marne. 0
Private Charter - Classic Cruise - Canal du Midi	$58,000	7	Join a 7-day private cruise on the Athos from Argeliers to Marseillan along the Canal du Midi, featuring tours of Carcassonne and Minerve, tastings at local producers, and market visits. Enjoy chef-prepared meals and cultural excursions, and end with a visit to the Noilly Prat vermouth distillery. 0
Private Charter - Classic Cruise – Burgundy	$46,500	7	Experience a 7-day private cruise on the L'Art de Vivre, journeying through Burgundy from Auxerre to Chevroches. Enjoy private wine tastings, historic sites like Vezelay Basilica, and scenic excursions through vineyards and picturesque landscapes. 0
Private Charter - Classic Cruise - Canal du Midi	$46,500	7	Join a 7-day private cruise from Marseillan to Le Somail on the Anjodi, exploring the Canal du Midi with visits to Carcassonne, Narbonne, and a private truffle hunt. Enjoy wine tasting at Chateau de Paraza and biking along the Canal de la Robine. 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

Golden hour in Venice's famed Piazza San Marco

Italian

Netherlands

Scotland

Enjoy a Scotland barge cruise along the Caledonian Canal and experience Fort Augustus, the locks at Corpach and across Loch Ness with a view of Urquhart Castle. You can also spot red deer on hillsides and ospreys fishing near quiet forested shores between Inverness and Fort William.

The Palais des Papes dominates the Avignon skyline

Rhone River Barge

Moselle River Barge

Explore Paris, the legendary city of light

Seine River Barge

Top 4 Private Yacht Charter in Europe for 2025-2026

Trip Name	From	Days	Summary
Private Charter - Classic Cruise – Canal du Midi	$62,000	7	Experience a 7-day private cruise on the Enchanté along the Canal du Midi, visiting sites like Narbonne’s Roman ruins, Chateau de Paraza, and the medieval village of Minerve. Conclude your journey in Trebes after exploring Carcassonne and enjoying truffle hunting and wine tastings. 0
Private Charter - European Classic Cruise - Alsace & Lorraine	$82,500	7	Panache’s 7-day voyage through Alsace & Lorraine allows you to appreciate the very best of the region. Pass through storybook villages along the way, visiting places such as Strasbourg, renowned for their Baroque and Romanesque architecture, and Route des Grands Vins, where the finest wines of Alsace are produced. 0
Private Charter - Classic Cruise – Northern Burgundy	$79,500	7	Experience a 7-day private cruise on La Belle Epoque, exploring Burgundy’s cultural and culinary gems. Enjoy guided tours, wine tastings, and gourmet dining, with stops at historic sites and charming towns, before returning to Paris. 0
Private Charter - Classic Cruise - Germany & Luxembourg	$82,500	7	Join a 7-day private cruise on the La Nouvelle Etoile along the Moselle River from Koblenz to Remich, featuring wine tastings and cultural tours. Explore historic landmarks like Burg Eltz and Trier, culminating in a final dinner in Luxembourg’s capital. 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.

Private Yacht Charter Cruises & Tours