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Almost everyone comes to Galapagos to see the unique flora and fauna that call the Galapagos home, and those animals and islands are still the same regardless of which boat you are on or how much you paid for your trip. Affordable Galapagos cruises may lack some of the onboard comforts and VIP service of luxury class cruises, but by choosing the right boat and itinerary, you can have an amazing experience on a lower-priced cruise. We have taken the risk out of affordable Galapagos tours because since 1999 we have worked only with yachts that have excellent service and overall value. Please contact one of our trip planning experts for help finding the best deal on a budget Galapagos cruise (last-minute savings are occasionally available). Adventure Life customizes affordable trips to Galapagos Islandstrip with over 50 vetted yachts, backed by years of expertise and commitment.

12 Best Budget-Priced Cruises in Galapagos for 2025-2026

Trip Name From Days Summary
Central Islands I $2,137 4 Diving in the magic waters of Galapagos in a cruise aboard 4 days in Golondrina Yacht. Explore the islands and enjoy the different activities like snorkeling, swim and sail around unique landscapes.
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Eastern Islands $2,395 4 Embark on a 4-day exciting cruise aboard M/Y Monserrat and enjoy the beautiful turquoise water and its incredible sea life that captures the best of the Galapagos wildlife. Visit the stunning San Cristobal, Gardner Bay, Cormorant Point, and many more.
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North & Central Islands $2,395 4 Embark on a 4-day expedition and discover the wonders of the Galapagos Islands aboard M/Y Monserrat. Enjoy the volcanic formations and marine life of the archipelago. Enjoy stops in the fascinating ports of Darwin Bay, Bachas Beach, and Bartolome Island.
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West-Central Islands $2,499 6 Immerse yourself on the breathtaking beauty of the world-famous Galapagos archipelago on this 6-day voyage aboard the Aida Maria. Visit Punta Moreno and admire its coastal lagoons amid black lava flows where there are several species of birds.
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South-Central Islands $2,499 6 Join the Aida Maria on a dazzling 6-day sailing adventure across the Galapagos Islands. Visit Santa Cruz, Floreana, Española and San Cristobal. Explore the exclusive landscapes these islands have to offer and admire some of the rarest and beautiful wildlife on the planet!
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Central Islands $2,400 5 Dive into 5 days of Central Galapagos cruise aboard Galaxy Orion! Uncover WWII relics and frolic with nesting turtles at Bachas Beach. Snorkel vibrant coral reefs teeming with life in Sullivan Bay's underwater paradise. Hike, kayak alongside playful penguins at Punta Pitt, and meet gentle giants in the lush highlands – unforgettable memories await!
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Northern Islands $1,999 5 Take an economical 5-day Galapagos cruise around the northern islands, including spectacular Bartolome Island!
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Southern Islands $1,686 4 This tour of the Galapagos Islands is a chance to experience the native flora and fauna in 4 days. Explore the beautiful beaches, a local market, and a sea turtle nesting site on your cruise aboard the Aida Maria.
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Southeast Islands $1,650 4 Sail across the Southeast Galapagos Islands for a 4-day cruise aboard the Galaxy Orion. Encounter playful sea lions at Lobos Island, delve into marine life at Gardner Bay, marvel at diverse fauna at Suarez Point, explore history at Post Office Bay, and learn about conservation at the Charles Darwin Station.
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Central & East Islands $2,019 4 Board the 100 passenger Galapagos Legend for a unique 4-day cruise exploring the central and eastern islands of the Galapagos archipelago. Get ready to snorkel, hike and encounter wildlife such as sea lions, marine iguanas, and giant tortoises many which are unique to the Galapagos, not found anywhere else in this world
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Northern Islands $2,325 4 This itinerary allows your to experience the best of the northern islands in only 4 days. During this trip indulge yourself in the beauty of this unique archipelago, relax on a white coral sand beach, do some exploratory snorkeling, and walk over volcanic landscapes.
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Southern Islands I $2,325 4 Enjoy this 4-day cruse through the southern islands of the Galapagos on the Archipel I. Get the opportunity to explore the wildlife-rich shores and breathtaking landscapes of San Cristobal, South Plaza, Santa Fe, Floreana, and Santa Cruz.
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4 Best Economical Galapagos Boats for 2025-2026

Traveling to Galapagos on a Budget

Galapagos can be a pricey destination, but there are several tactics you can use to lower the cost of your trip. 

Travel in the Low Season
Most of the year is low season in Galapagos. High seasons are July, August, the end of November, and the Christmas & New Year holidays. 

Galapagos Land-Based Tours
There are affordable Galapagos tours that are land-based. They can be a less expensive option versus cruises. 

Take a Short Cruise
Cruise prices are based upon a per day rate, so taking a 4 or 5-Day budget Galapagos cruise can be nearly half as much as an 8-Day cruise. 5-Day cruises are recommended, as you spend the first and last days in transit. A 4-Day cruise gives you only 2 full days on the islands - not enough!

Extend Your Cruise
By staying in a hotel before or after your cruise, you can extend a 4-Day cruise a few days to be frugal.

Why Travel to the Galapagos Islands With Adventure Life?

Why trust your once-in-a-lifetime trip to a generalist travel agency or a 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 travelers to the Galapagos Islands on a budget.

Our very own Erin Correia is a T+L Top Travel Advisor for several years running. She leads our team of Galapagos experts who have traveled to the Islands dozens of times. 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 helping you find affordable Galapagos cruises unmatched anywhere on the planet.

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

Galapagos on a Budget FAQs

How much does the average Galapagos cruise cost?

A Galapagos cruise can range significantly in price, with an average 5-day trip costing around $3000. The most affordable Galapagos cruises are 4 days and start at approximately $1000, while a luxurious 8-Day cruise can reach up to $10,000 per person. For exclusive travel, chartering a private cruise begins at about $40,000. In addition to the cruise cost, all visitors must pay a $20 US Transit Control Card fee at the airport before flying to the islands and a $100 US National Park entrance fee in cash upon arrival. These mandatory fees apply to every visitor entering the Galapagos National Park. Contact one of our expert Trip Planners to know more about Galapagos rates and itineraries.
 

Can you do the Galapagos on a budget?

Absolutely! Galapagos can be a pricey destination, but there are several ways you can consider to lower the cost of your trip. Choosing your itinerary and the type of ship/yacht are some of the variables that will determine the cost of your trip. Planning ahead is also another important variable to consider and can score you deals on affordable Galapagos tours and trips.
 

What is the best month to cruise Galapagos?

For optimal weather with comfortable temperatures and minimal rain, the best time to visit the Galapagos Islands is during the cool and dry season, specifically from June to November. This period offers pleasant temperatures ranging from 70 to 79°F (21-26°C) and less frequent rainfall, ideal for land-based exploration. However, for exceptional marine wildlife encounters, particularly comfortable snorkeling and diving conditions, the warm and wet season, spanning December to May, is recommended, with warmer air and water temperatures around 80 to 90°F (27-32°C). Both seasons present unique advantages for experiencing affordable Galapagos cruises. However,  the cooler, drier months generally provide the most agreeable climate for overall exploration.
 

Why are cruises to Galapagos so expensive?

Traveling to the Galapagos Islands is generally expensive due to several key factors. Firstly, its remote location, about 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador, necessitates flights to mainland Ecuador followed by a separate flight to the islands. Secondly, the Galapagos National Park implements strict conservation efforts, funded in part by mandatory park entrance fees for all visitors. Thirdly, the cost of goods and services on the islands is higher due to the logistical challenges of importing supplies. Finally, the emphasis on sustainable tourism often involves smaller group sizes and specialized naturalist guides, contributing to fewer affordable Galapagos tours and trips.

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