Royal Galapagos

Story

Founded in 2012, Royal Galapagos has grown into one of Ecuador's premier and largest private cruise operators in the Galapagos Islands. Originally established to provide high-end, intimate travel experiences, Royal Galapagos specializes in small, eco-friendly yachts that accommodate just 16 to 20 guests, delivering personalized service and exclusive adventures. From its beginnings as a boat operator, the company has expanded its fleet to include the Galapagos Sea Star, Calipso, Natural Paradise, and Galapagos Infinity, earning recognition for combining refined luxury with responsible, carbon-neutral exploration. Today, you embark on unforgettable journeys across the Galapagos Islands and continue your adventure with curated tours through the Amazon, Andes, and Machu Picchu. Every experience blends luxury, exploration, and conservation while showcasing Ecuador's four extraordinary regions. Guided by Galapagos experts, you enjoy exceptional hospitality, seamless comfort, and carefully crafted itineraries designed to create lasting memories. Royal Galapagos also integrates sustainability into every aspect of its operations through carbon footprint measurement and compensation, conservation partnerships, sustainable practices, support for local communities, social initiatives, and women empowerment.

Mission

Royal Galapagos delivers exceptional luxury journeys that combine personalized service, authentic exploration, and responsible tourism. You experience unforgettable adventures across the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador, the Amazon, the Andes, and Machu Picchu while enjoying expertly guided expeditions, eco-friendly operations, and the highest standards of hospitality. Every journey reflects a commitment to conservation, local communities, and meaningful travel experiences.

Vision

Royal Galapagos strives to remain the leading luxury cruise and tour operator in the Galapagos Islands and Ecuador. You discover extraordinary destinations through sustainable exploration, exclusive small-ship experiences, and exceptional service that protect the natural environment while supporting local communities. Every adventure balances refined luxury, environmental responsibility, and unforgettable discoveries.

Environmental and Social Commitment

Travel with a company dedicated to protecting the Galápagos Islands through conservation, sustainable operations, and community support. Royal Galapagos prioritizes the preservation of the archipelago's unique ecosystems while promoting carbon-neutral operations, strengthening the local economy, and empowering communities to create a greener future for the Enchanted Islands and beyond.

Every cruise allows you to make a positive impact through initiatives that support conservation, carbon neutrality, and social development.

Conservation

Help protect the Galápagos by supporting the Galapagos Conservation Trust and environmental policies and practices that preserve the archipelago's extraordinary biodiversity.

Carbon Neutrality

Reduce your travel footprint through annual carbon offsetting. Royal Galapagos offsets the carbon emissions generated by its operations through the United Nations Carbon Credits initiative.

Social Aid

Support local communities across the Galápagos Islands and mainland Ecuador by helping strengthen local economies and contributing to ongoing community development initiatives.

Your Positive Impact

With every cruise booking, you help contribute to meaningful conservation results:

• 1.5 tons of CO₂ offset.
• 1 shark protected through conservation research.
• 8 pounds of trash removed from Galápagos beaches.
• 2 children supported through sustainability education.

Supporting Galápagos Conservation Projects

As part of its commitment to environmentally responsible travel, Royal Galapagos supports several conservation initiatives through the Galapagos Conservation Trust.

Endangered Sharks

Protect endangered shark populations through the SharkTrack – Track a Shark, Protect a Species program. Every cruise booking funds the tracking of one shark for an entire year, supporting research into nursery habitats, migration patterns, and the protection of the marine corridor connecting the Galápagos and Costa Rica's Cocos Island.

Plastic Pollution

Help remove 8 pounds of plastic waste from Galápagos beaches through the Trash8 Pounds Cleaner initiative. This program combines beach cleanups, environmental education, and scientific data collection in partnership with the Pacific Plastics: Science to Solutions (PPSS) network to develop solutions that can be applied worldwide.

Saving Giant Tortoises

Support the protection of one of the Galápagos' most iconic species. This initiative focuses on nest protection, lifelong monitoring of giant tortoises, creating safe wildlife pathways, and involving local communities in conservation and environmental education.

Adopting Galápagos Animals

Become part of wildlife conservation through symbolic animal adoption. Royal Galapagos turns its vessels into adoptive parents for emblematic Galápagos species while providing guests with adoption certificates and commemorative stuffed animals on special occasions. Every adoption helps fund conservation efforts and keeps supporters informed about project progress.

Sustainable Operations in the Galápagos

Royal Galapagos operates with advanced technology and environmentally responsible practices that help protect the islands.

• Modern Purpose-Built Vessels – Cruise aboard yachts built to the highest environmental standards and equipped with state-of-the-art technology for cleaner navigation.
• In Harmony with Nature – Experience quieter, wildlife-friendly navigation through advanced waterjet propulsion systems, including those installed on the M/C Cormorant II.
• Eco-Friendly Amenities – Enjoy biodegradable soaps, shampoos, and environmentally friendly cleaning products that reduce impacts on marine ecosystems.
• Clean Water Generation – Benefit from onboard desalination systems that produce drinking and utility water without importing freshwater from the mainland.
• Energy Efficiency – Travel aboard vessels powered by efficient generators while using low-energy lighting and appliances to reduce fuel consumption.
• Waste Management – Support responsible waste sorting, treatment, recycling, and organic waste management that minimizes environmental impact.
• Built for Efficiency – Cruise on yachts designed specifically for the Galápagos using hydrodynamic hulls, lightweight materials, and lead-free paint to maximize efficiency.
• No Single-Use Plastic – Receive a reusable refillable water bottle to reduce plastic waste during your cruise and continue using it long after your journey ends.

Every voyage with Royal Galapagos helps protect the Galápagos Islands, support local communities, and preserve one of the world's most extraordinary natural environments for future generations.