How to choose your ideal Galapagos Cruise?
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For most avid travellers and wildlife lovers, the Galapagos Islands is a must-do bucket list destination. I’ve been to many “wildlife heavy” destinations, but to me there is nothing quite as special and unique as the Galapagos Islands. Only a few other places around the world offer more spectacular close-up wildlife encounters (don’t touch, just watch) surrounded by such diverse volcanic landscapes. While an entirely land-based trip is possible, I do recommend exploring the archipelago on one of the many Galapagos cruises offered as part of your trip.
I was only 15 years old when I visited the Galapagos Islands for the first time in 2003. When I stepped aboard that refurbished cutter that would be our home for the next six days, I knew instantly how special this trip would be. Out of the three times I’ve visited since then, I was lucky enough to explore the islands on a Galapagos cruise twice.
Besides the Galapagos cruises I have experienced first hand, I’ve also viewed a wide range of moored and anchored yachts and catamarans for my previous role as a Galapagos consultant. To give clients the best advice on which Galapagos cruise to go for, it was crucial to get an idea of the boats myself. So what’s important when doing research on the Galapagos cruise that’s perfect for you? There are certain deciding factors to consider such as:
- Time and Budget
- Route and Wildlife Wish List
- Type of Vessel - Yacht or Catamaran
Why Trip Length and Routing go Hand in Hand
Most larger (up to 100 passengers) and mid-sized (up to 50 passengers) vessels will either depart from Baltra, on the northern tip of Santa Cruz Island or set off from Puerto Baquerizo on San Cristobal Island. Occasionally you’ll find smaller yachts (up to 20 passengers) setting off directly from Puerto Ayora, the most populous city and heart of the Galapagos on Santa Cruz Island.
Due to the mostly large distances between the islands, Galapagos cruises with shorter itineraries will mostly remain in the southeastern and central part of the archipelago. This means that for example on a 3-night/4-day cruise, you might visit parts of San Cristobal, Santa Cruz, Floreana, Santa Fé and South Plazas. To explore the more remote western islands of the archipelago such as Santiago, Isabela and Fernandina you will almost always have to decide for an at least 4- or even 5-night cruise.
The Big B - The Budget needed for a Galapagos Cruise
A Galapagos cruise is expensive. And although “expensive” means different things for different people, the Galapagos Islands are one of the more expensive destinations in South America. As a rough estimate, a 7-day Galapagos cruise on a mid-range yacht or catamaran, plus a couple of nights in Quito (which you need to factor in) prior and domestic flights will start at around $5000-$6000 USD per person. This excludes the international flights to and from Ecuador.
If you book last minute, you can see Galapagos cruise prices go down by usually about $500 per person, sometimes up to $1000.
Between July and September when the sea state is a little rougher and visibility underwater slightly lower, operators tend to knock off about 15%-30% of cabin prices. The overall price is also dependent on the type of cabin you choose on a particular boat. Upper deck cabins, often featuring larger windows and a better view, can be a lot more expensive.
To provide some ballpark figures, you can expect the following prices in USD for a Galapagos cruise, not including flights, National Park entry fees, transfers or accommodation in Quito prior and after your trip to the Galapagos.
Don’t let this put you off though, there are plenty of ways to knock off a lot of that cost as explained in my post about how to travel the Galapagos Islands on a budget.
Prices will naturally overlap due to the season, size of vessel and cabin type. Cabins can vary greatly, from lower deck cabins with only portholes to upper deck cabins with panoramic windows. Some cabins on boats in the budget segment will have bunk beds. This is great for solo travellers looking to share a cabin.
Smaller Budget - Shorter Cruise?
Mostly, yes. For all of us explorers with no unlimited budget, a Galapagos cruise will always be a trade-off between comfort, cabin size as well as amenities of the boat, trip length and hence how much of the archipelago you’ll see. So you have to figure out your priorities. A 3- night Galapagos cruise on one of the top luxury ships will cost you as much as a 6-night Galapagos cruise on a boat in the luxury class!
Sample Galapagos Cruise Itineraries
Below you’ll find six example routes, which I included to help you get an idea about which parts of the archipelago can be visited in what amount of time. For me there is absolutely no better or worse itinerary. Each volcanic island is unique – from barren volcanic rock formations, to lush forests, deep craters, black beaches and moon like landscapes covered in bright red sand.
3-night Routes
5-night Routes
7-night Routes
For Wildlife Lovers Routing is Crucial
As explained in my post about the best island hopping land-based route, choosing the right excursions you’ll be able see about 80% of endemic Galapagos species without the need for a cruise. Yet there are certain iconic species such as the Red Footed Boobie (San Cristobal and Española), the Flightless Cormorant (Isabela and Fernandina) and the Galapagos Albatross (Española) that only reside on certain islands, and can sometimes only be seen a certain time of the year. Metropolitan Touring has published an elaborate Galapagos wildlife guide. If you do have a wish list of species you definitely want to see on your Galapagos cruise, make sure to check beforehand if the islands included on your cruise itinerary are home to those.
For enthusiastic birders I recommend a route that includes either Española and/or Genovesa. Genovesa is one of only two islands on the archipelago home to all three Boobie types – Red-footed, Blue-Footed and Nazca.
My advice is to choose a Galapagos cruise itinerary including islands you can only visit on a cruise, such as Genovesa and Fernandina. Afterwards you can the spend a few days in Puerto Ayora and explore some more from here. It’s a great base for excursions on Santa Cruz and a range of nearby islands that can be reached by ferry or on a day trip. While many cruise operators offer Galapagos cruises of up to 14 nights, that would be a little long for my taste. Unless you want to visit every single island on a cruise and are a hardcore seafarer, a 7-night Galapagos cruise is a good number of days at sea.
Type of Vessel - How are your Sea Legs?
There are generally two types of vessels in the Galapagos – yachts (monohull) and catamarans (multihull). With the introduction of the Camila in 2019, the Galapagos now also got its first and only triple hull trimaran. When it comes to sailing, the biggest difference between a catamaran and a conventional yacht is the lack of heeling which makes a catamaran much more stable in rough seas. Cruising catamarans and trimarans do simply not heel over like a monohull when underway and tend to be the better choice for people prone to seasickness.
But to be honest, outside of the summer months typically distinguished by a slightly rougher sea state, you should be fine on any boat, given you are generally not too prone to seasickness.
Booking Directly or using a Tour Operator or Travel Agent?
While I’m usually all for booking directly rather than through agents, there are exceptions to the rule. Galapagos cruises are one of those exceptions and most of the time it’s better to book through a tour operator or travel agent, as they often get favourable STO (Sell to Tour Operator) rates. With the commission on top travel agents usually add, you’ll likely end up paying the same price – but with the benefit of an added safety net and support by your agent in case something goes wrong (cancelled flight, broken boat etc.).
On another note, some cruise operators merely sell their cruises through tour operators and simply won’t let you book a Galapagos cruise with them directly. This means you’ll have to go through a travel agent to book your cruise in any case.
Overview of Galapagos Cruise Vessels
Below you’ll find a chart with the vast majority of vessels available as of 2021. Most of them are yachts and catamarans for up to 20 people, which in my opinion often provide a more personal service and intimate experience. Yet there are clear advantages of larger boats as well with more space to retreat and more people to meet.
Most of the time there is no clear line between the different classes. Some first-class boat providers will claim they are luxury, some budget boat owners will insist they fall into the mid range category. This list is based on my personal experience, clients’ feedback, date of latest refurbishment as well as the boat’s amenities, the size and comfort of cabins and the overall service. The class of the boat does not impact the guiding experience. You’ll find amazing and knowledgeable naturalist guides across all four segments.
Disclaimer: While the odd boat might have slipped through the net, the above comprehensive list of vessels form the vast majority of boats available for cruises in the Galapagos Islands as of 2021 and are the ones offered by operators I trust and have worked with in the past.
Full list of Galapagos Cruises and Boat Operators
go Budget
The majority of boats in the budget/tourist class will feature small cabins, often with bunk beds and portholes, some with windows.
- Yolita II and Eden yachts by G Adventures - Great value all-rounders with good package options | 3, 4, 5, and 7-night itineraries
- Cachalote Explorer yacht by Enchanted Expeditions - some of the best routes for birders | 5 and 7-night itineraries
- Nemo I, II and III - Catamaran Sailing on a budget, solo travellers can share cabin | 3, 4 and 7-night itineraries
- M/S Beagle - Sailing yacht great for solo travellers, single cabin without supplement | 3, 4 and 7-night itineraries
- M/S Samba - Off the beaten track sailing - the only boat sailing to remote Isla Marchena, paddle boards and kayaks onboard | 7-night itinerary
- Angelito - Family-owned, lots of experience, solo travellers can share cabin | 3, 4, 7-night itineraries
Mid-range
The majority of the boats in the mid-range segment will feature smaller cabins with windows or portholes. Some cabins have bunk beds. The common and dining areas are comfortable and usually get refurbished every few years.
- Millennium catamaran - Kayaks, triple cabins and solo travellers can share cabin | 4, 5, and 7-night itineraries
- Archipel I and II catamaran by the Andean Travel company - great last minute discounts, solo travellers can share cabin, choice of 8 different routes | 3, 4 and 7-night itineraries
- M/Y Beluga yacht by Enchanted Expeditions - kayaks, triple cabins and solo travellers can share cabin | 5 and 7-night itineraries
- Coral Yachts - can scuba dive while on cruise | 3, 4 and 7-night itineraries
- Mary Anne - largest Schooner sailing yacht in the Galapagos, great for solo travellers, single cabin without supplement | 7-night itinerary
- Monserrat - Spacious and modern yacht, solo travellers can share cabin | 3, 4, 7 and 10-night itineraries
- Letty by Ecoventura - Great value for price and the highest standard in the mid-range category, solo travellers can share cabin | 7-night itinerary
First-class
The majority of the boats in the first-class segment will feature spacious outside cabins often with panoramic windows and beautifully designed common areas.
- Sea Star Journey by Latin Trails - Beautiful design, spacious cabins, jacuzzi, triple cabins and solo travellers can share cabin | 4, 5, 9 and 10-night itineraries
- Galapagos Legend by Go Galapagos - great for families, can scuba dive while on cruise, glass bottom boat, best value for price in large ship segment, choice of 8 different routes | 3, 4 and 7-night itineraries
- Grand Majestic yacht by Royal Galapagos - the fastest yacht in the Galapagos, most luxurious in this segment | 3, 4 and 7-night itineraries
- Solaris- Newest first-class yacht, best for solo travellers (5 single cabins without supplement) | 3, 4 and 7-night itineraries
- Passion yacht - Great value for price, solo travellers can share cabin, triple cabins, overall great design | 3, 4 and 7-night itineraries
- Isabela II and Santa Cruz II by Metropolitan Touring- Good for families, glass bottom boat, kayaks, jacuzzi | 4, 6 and 10-night itineraries
- Odyssey yacht - classic, contemporary design, jacuzzi, kayaks, triple and single cabin without supplement | 7-night itinerary
- Treasure catamaran - contemporary design, large bright cabins with balconies, kayaks, triple cabins and solo travellers can share cabin | 4 and 6-night itineraries
- Seaman Journey catamaran by Latin Trails- Best value for price in this segment, triple cabins and solo travellers can share cabin | 3, 4, 7 and 10-night itineraries
- Celebrity Xpedition - Kayaks, paddle boards, jacuzzi, triple cabins, good for families | 7-night itinerary
Luxury – Treat yourself
The majority of the newer yachts and catamarans in the luxury segment will feature very spacious cabins with panoramic windows and balconies and elegantly designed common areas.
- Endemic and Elite by Golden Galapagos - newest luxury catamarans, beautiful design, spacious cabins with private balconies, triple cabins, jacuzzi, paddle boards, kayaks | 3, 4, 5 and 7-night itineraries
- Infinity by Royal Galapagos - newest luxury yacht built, beautifully designed, kayaks and jacuzzi | 3, 4 and 7-night itineraries
- Camila by Haugan Cruises - the only Trimaran in the Galapagos, spacious sleek cabins with private balconies | 3, 4 and 7-night itineraries
- Origin and Theory - Classic luxury twin yachts, Relaix and Chateaux, hammocks on deck, kayaks, triple cabins | 7-night itinerary
- Grace and Evolution by Quasar - History-laden luxury yachts designed in style of the roaring 20s | 7 and 14-night itineraries
- Ocean Spray by Golden Galapagos - Best value for price in the luxury catamaran segment, single cabin without supplement, private balconies | 4, 6 and 10-night itineraries
- Celebrity Flora - Newest luxury Celebrity mega yacht in the Galapagos | 7, 10 and 11-night itinerary
- La Pinta by Metropolitan Touring - good for families, jacuzzi, kayaks, glass bottom boat, triple cabins | 4, 6-night itineraries
- Cormorant Catamaran by Royal Galapagos - large cabins with private balconies, triple cabins | 3, 4 and 7-night itineraries
- Petrel - Great value for price, single cabin without supplement | 3, 4, 5 and 7-night itineraries
- Silver Origin - Newest ultra luxury mega yacht, one of the most sustainable (no anchor, no plastic) and the most expensive, maiden voyage set for May 2021 | 7-night itinerary
Whatever Galapagos cruise you choose to go for, it will be a trip of a lifetime. If you need further help and advice, feel free to contact me directly, I’m here to help!
6 Comments
Carley
Posted at 22:29h, 06 FebruarySo thorough! Awesome post… thanks for sharing! Even after living in Ecuador for two years I never made it to the Galapagos! I always heard that by being in Quito and going to the tour offices and booking a very last minute trip there were a lot of deals, but it was still out of my price range for the time. Hopefully I’ll be able to visit in the future… and this is a great guide for that!
Nat
Posted at 13:04h, 13 FebruaryThe Galapagos Islands have been on my to-do list for so long. Thanks for such an informative post! I knew this trip would be expensive compared to other trips, but this has given a great insight into how much I can actually expect to spend and what I will get for my money. Hopefully, I’ll make it over there in the future.
Krista
Posted at 17:24h, 13 FebruaryI’ve always wanted to see this island but didn’t know the first thing about the cruises that go here. Thanks for all of the great tips and info!
Ummi Nadrah
Posted at 18:41h, 13 FebruaryOhhh this is so exciting! The Galapagos islands are on my bucket list but I’ve always dismissed them as too expensive. Super thrilled to know that it’s possible to do as a solo traveler on a budget! Thank you for this great guide.
Ana munro
Posted at 12:41h, 11 MayThis is really helpful! I’m trying to find a reasonably priced cruise for myself and three kids for next March. It’s very overwhelming!
flashpackjournal
Posted at 13:28h, 18 MayThank you Ana, I hope you’re finding a nice cruiser for your family! 🙂