13 Galápagos Cruises That Are Totally Worth the Splurge

Planning a Galapagos cruise can feel overwhelming, but finding the right one is key to making your trip to the Galapagos Islands truly unforgettable. These islands are a bucket list vacation for many travelers, and the experience you choose — from small luxury yachts to budget-friendly boats — can completely shape your adventure.

In this guide, I’m sharing my picks for the 13 best Galapagos cruises for every style and budget. After my own three-week trip — where I combined independent island-hopping with plenty of research into the best cruise lines — I’ve put together reviews and tips to help you find your perfect match.

You’ll also find practical advice, from what to expect on a cruise boat and tips for packing for a cruise, to spotting iconic wildlife like the marine iguana and the famous Galapagos tortoise.

And if you’re torn between a cruise and traveling independently around the Islas Galápagos, Ecuador, don’t worry — I share my honest take on that at the end of the post.

So, let’s dive in: here are the top Galapagos Islands cruises for an incredible South America travel experience you’ll never forget.

1. Aqua 

Acqua is not one of the cheapest Liveaboards in the Galapagos islands but has often great discounts, so it’s worth checking out their offers as you can have the chance to grab a semi-luxury boat at the price of a standard one. It caters to a maximum of 18 guests accommodated in 9 tiny but comfortable cabins.

Acqua offers both naturalistic and diving cruises, make sure you check which one is available on the dates you want to book because they are two very different kinds of trips.

AQUA CABINS

The cabins are scattered around the boat and offer both twin or double bedding. Each room has a private en-suite bathroom, individually controlled air-conditioning, and storage space. In the upper deck you can also enjoy picture windows for amazing views of the sea, however, be reminded that if you are sensitive to the sea motion, you will feel it much more up there.

AQUA SHARED SPACE

Social areas dotted around the yacht include a shaded outside lounge, sun deck, indoor lounge, and library and dining area. The cuisine served on board is a mixture of local Ecuadorian and international cuisine.

Naturalist cruises include guided hikes, bird-watching, and incredible photo opportunities. I will talk about the diving cruises in another post.

Included: Transfer to and from the Airport, VAT, Water, Coffee and tea, All meals (FB plan), Land tours, Kayak use, Naturalist Guide, Snorkel Gear and Guide, Towels, Toiletries.

Optional Extras: Hotel Transfer, Gratuities (10-12 USD per day), Domestic Flights (460-500 USD per trip), Soft drinks and Alcoholic Beverages.

2. Golondrina 

Golondrina is a 22 mt yacht that caters to 16 people max. and it’s one of the cheapest Galapagos cruises that you can find.

The rooms are in fact quite small with bunk beds but equipped with everything you need, an ensuite bathroom, a/c, shower, and hot water.

Common areas include a comfortable dining room where meals are served à la carte style, an indoor salon and bar with entertainment facilities, and a sun deck for wildlife sights and for relaxing in between activities.

GOLONDRINA ITINERARIES

On the Golondrina, you can choose among many different 5 and 8-day itineraries designed to show you the best of the Galapagos, even in shorter trips.

As usual, you will be guided by an experienced and professional crew and a Naturalist Guide.

Included: Transfer to and from the Airport, VAT, Water, Coffee and tea, All meals (FB plan), Land tours, Kayak use, Naturalist Guide, Snorkel Gear and Guide, Towels.

Optional Extras: Alcoholic Beverages and Soft drinks – gratuities

3. Grand Majestic

Grand Majestic is a newly built luxury yacht, designed for maximum comfort and elegance, also one of the fastest boats in the Galapagos.

Every space is elegantly decorated with world-class finishes and decor, both the ample private cabins and the common areas.

The amazing yacht has only six cabins on the lower deck and 1 Master suite on the upper deck, catering to a total of 14 people.

GRAND MAJESTIC GALAPAGOS LIVEABOARD ITINERARIES

From four to five and eight-night itineraries year-round, led by a certified bilingual naturalist guide to immerse in the unique Galapagos Nature and wildlife.

Included: Transfer to and from the Airport, VAT, Water, Coffee and tea, All meals (FB plan), Land tours, Kayak use, Naturalist Guide, Snorkel Gear and Guide, Towels.

Optional Extras: Travel Insurance, Gratuities, Alcoholic Beverages, Soft drinks.

4. Nemo III Sailing Boat Galapagos 

If you are looking for an affordable and yet spectacular catamaran cruise in the Galapagos, this is your choice.

NEMO III LIVEABOARD GALAPAGOS: THE BOAT

The catamaran NEMO III is a sailing catamaran with 8 small cabins to host a maximum of 16 guests for a unique sailing experience around the Galapagos Islands.

The cabins are compact but comfortably designed to optimize space, offering single or double beds. 

NEMO III LIVEABOARD GALAPAGOS: CUISINE

Delicious cuisine and snacks are provided each day, which you can enjoy in the covered outdoor dining area. Drinks are not included, though.

The comfortable outdoor seating areas (some shaded) will allow you to enjoy the sun and the spectacular landscapes, and spot the Galapagos wildlife. 

Indoor lounges also offer plenty of seating, air conditioning, and large windows. 

NEMO III LIVEABOARD GALAPAGOS: ITINERARIES:

There are two routes available, both of which start and finish at Baltra. Route A explores the islands to the north and west, whilst route B sails to the east and south. You can also choose among 3, 4, or 7-night cruises, depending on your availability. 

No matter where you go, you will be able to observe the Galapagos wildlife in its daily activity, such as birds, lizards, aquatic life, and the famous Galapagos tortoise. You will also enjoy activities like snorkeling, kayaking, swimming, and riding in a Panga boat.

Make sure you read each itinerary detail if you have a specific site in mind. 

5. Archipel I Galapagos 

The Archipel I Catamaran offers guests the choice of 3, 4, or 7 nights for their Galapagos Expedition.

The Archipel I is a  27m catamaran that caters to only 16 passengers with its 8  well-equipped and comfortable accommodations.

THE ARCHIPEL CATAMARAN CABINS

6 twin beds, and two double beds, each with amazing sea views, reading lights and wardrobes, ensuite bathrooms, and a/c.

THE ARCHIPEL PUBLIC SPACE 

A comfortable indoor dining room where to enjoy delicious meals served buffet style. On the top deck, you will be mesmerized at the stunning views while soaking up some rays during the day on the comfortable sun loungers.

Included: Transfer to and from the Airport, VAT, Water, Coffee and tea, All meals (FB plan), Land tours, Kayak use, Naturalist Guide, Snorkel Gear, and Guide, Towels, toiletries.

THE ARCHIPEL ITINERARIES 

You can choose among a huge variety of itineraries of 4 days/ 3 nights or 8 days/7 nights and in different areas of the Galapagos Islands. 

Itineraries A and A4 begin in San Cristobal and end in Baltra, while the others start and end in Baltra.

6. Seaman Journey 

The Seaman Journey is a Spectacular first-class catamaran with 8 cabins catering for a maximum of 16 guests. The luxurious and spacious cabin will make you feel like a 5-star floating hotel.

2 upper deck suites and six ocean view cabins. Each room features individually controlled AC, storage space, a hair-dryer, and an en-suite bathroom.

Also, the world-class international cuisine is a great part of the luxury experience in the Galapagos Islands.

It’s a cruise that books fast, so you should plan in advance.

SEAMAN JOURNEYS LIVEABOARD ITINERARIES

The spectacular itineraries through the highlights of the Galapagos start from 3 nights up to 7 nights, depending on availability.

The experienced and professional crew of the MC Galapagos Seaman Journey, together with your knowledgeable nature guide, will help you create a vacation of a lifetime. 

Included: Transfer to and from the Airport, VAT, Water, Coffee and tea, All meals (FB plan), Land tour,s Kayak use, Naturalist Guide, Snorkel Gear and Guide, Towels.

Optional Extras: Local Flights (469-509 USD), Alcoholic Beverages, Soft drinks.

7. Samba Galapagos 

Samba Galapagos  is an old-fashioned boat that was constructed in 1966 as a luxury yacht, but has recently been fully converted into a high-class small ship cruise vessel equipped with modern amenities and safety features.

It offers a very unique, classy layout both in the outdoor decor and the seven cabins, catering to up to 14 guests per trip only.

All the cabins have a/c, an ensuite bathroom, and a window or a porthole. Some have twin bunks rather than side-by-side beds.

In the outdoor common space, you can look out at the Galapagos wildlife from the observation deck or lie in the sun on the spacious sundeck.

The boat is equipped with a TV, DVD player, a video and book library, and kayaks.

A naturalist guide sails with you to accompany your group on excursions and teach you more about the local flora and fauna.

SAMBA GALAPAGOS ITINIRERARIES

The Samba Galapagos offers only two 7-night itineraries around the Galapagos. Both begin and end in Baltra Island. One itinerary includes the North and Eastern islands (Isabela and Fernandina) and the other includes the South and Western islands (Including Floreana, Española, and San Cristobal)

They are both spectacular, and it’s difficult to choose from. The itineraries complement each other and are organized for the guests to book two back-to-back tours, which makes a complete tour of the highlights of the entire Ecuadorian Archipel.

If you cannot do both, I would personally choose the North Island, where you will go through the Bolivar Canal to see killer whales, hammerhead sharks, and other cetaceans, and Rabida Island with the red beach.

Included:  VAT, Water, Coffee and tea, All meals (FB plan), Land tours, Kayak use, Naturalist Guide, Snorkel Gear and Guide, Towels.

Optional Extras: Transfer from and to the airport/hotel, Gratuities, Local Flights, Alcoholic and Soft drinks.

All tours are led by a naturalist guide.

8. Eden Yacht Galapagos – 7 Multi-Day Itineraries For Any Budgets 

Eden is a luxury boat that caters to just 16 passengers to guarantee the best service and personalized attention. 

Also please note:

• All Eden Galapagos cruises start and end in Quito, and flights are included in the cost of the cruise
• Solo travelers have the option to share the room with another traveler of the same gender to avoid the single supplement
• Non-flexible booking – regular cancellation policy applies

EDEN: THE BOAT

On Eden, you can choose from the following cabins

• 3 upper deck twin share bunks, 
• 1 main deck double 
• 4 lower deck twin (lower berth) cabins. 

Each cabin features en-suite bathrooms, storage space, and plugs for charging devices a/c and warm water shower. You will also get a daily housekeeping service included. 

EDEN SHARED SPACE

The spacious shared space includes an ample deck where you can observe the wildlife and the spectacular Galapagos landscape. Indoor area includes a bar and restaurant room, charging station and area Audio & video entertainment.

EDEN CUSINE

You will taste a variety of delicious international meals served on a creative buffet using fresh ingredients. Vegetarian options and special meals are available upon prior notice.

EDEN ACTIVITIES

Depending on the itinerary chosen, you can choose from an array of different activities, depending on what’s available in each destination.

Activities include snorkeling around underwater craters to see the incredible underwater life, hiking to stunning viewpoints, and visiting the Charles Darwin Research Station to spot giant Galapagos tortoises. Cruising is generally done overnight to allow more time to mingle with the diverse Galapagos Islands’ life. 

Snorkeling equipment, wetsuits, and beach towels are also included in the cost of the trip.

EDEN ITINERARIES

You can choose among 6 different itineraries, from 7 to 17 days, and in different areas of the Galapagos. My favorite is the 17-day itinerary (complete Galapagos) that will take you around all the Galapagos Islands and highlights.

But if you don’t have such an amount of time, there are many other enjoyable cruises of 7 – 8 and 10 days.

9. Infinity Luxury Cruise Galapagos

Infinity is a modern high-end cruise for a unique Galapagos experience in comfort and luxury.

THE BOAT

The 5 spacious cabins offer an ultra-comfortable stay in an elegant space decorated with wooden floors and amazing photography on the Galapagos Islands.

The common area includes a spacious deck with fine lounges and stylish living spaces.

CABINS

6 STANDARD CABINS on the main deck, double or twin (max 2p)

2 SUITES Suites with the matrimonial bed located on the upper deck

INCLUDED IN THE TRIP

VAT, Airport Transfer, Drinking Water, Tea & Coffee, Full-Board Meal Plan (All meals), Snacks, Rental Gear, Kayaks, Naturalist Guide, Snorkel Gear, Stand Up Paddleboard, Cabin Towels.

REQUIRED EXTRA (NOT INCLUDED)

National Park Fees, Visas, and Local Flights (430-510 USD).

STAFF

The Infinity yacht has 2 National Park Guides to ensure that guests can make the most of their time in the Galapagos Islands

ITINERARIES

If you love to splurge on a luxury yacht in the Galapagos but you don’t have much time, on the Infinity you can choose among four, five, or eight-night long trips, each of which cruises through different areas of the Galapagos Islands.

Click on the Read more button below to learn about all the itinerary options, details, and prices.

10. Cormorant Cruise Ship Galapagos

Cormorant is a luxury Catamaran with only 8 cabins and a maximum capacity of 16 guests.

The Catamaran is from 2011 but was just renovated in 2019 and has a length of 108 ft (33m)

Built for comfort and stability, this catamaran is perfect for those more subject to seasickness.

The common areas include the indoor dining and lounge area, as well as an external dining area, to enjoy a delicious meal with stunning views and a refreshing sea breeze.

The sun deck has comfortable and elegant loungers, a shaded area, and a hot tub.

CABINS

The elegant and spacious cabins offer a/c en suite bathrooms, ample storage space, and their own private balcony.

1 DOUBLE STATEROOM – upper deck double bed

2 TWIN STATEROOMs – 2 cabins on the main deck, 3 cabins on the upper deck – all with twin beds

2 SUITES – upper deck with double beds

All the rooms on the upper deck are interconnected – ideal for families. 

ITINERARIES

The Cormorant offers year-round adventure cruises to the Galapagos Islands with a choice of 4, 5, 8, and 15-day tours, strategically organized and combined to offer many options of itinerary and price. 

Every month you have a choice among a unique 8-day itinerary B of the central and western islands and multiple A itineraries of 4- 5-8 days that combine many different amazing sites of the central and eastern islands. 

Each tour is led by a qualified Galapagos National Park guide, who will share their passion and knowledge of the area with you. 

Click on the button below to explore all the different itineraries. Make sure you read what’s included in each itinerary with the help of the related maps. 

11. Yolita Superior Cruise 

Yolita is a Superior level boat with only 8 spacious cabins, nicely decorated with Galapagos-themed photography, for the maximum comfort of the guests. The small group of a Maximum of 16 guests guarantees personalized service. 

Also, please note:

• All Yolita Galapagos cruises start and end in Quito, and flights are included in the cost of the cruise
• Solo travelers have the option to share the room with another traveler of the same gender to avoid the single supplement
• Non-flexible booking – regular cancellation policy applies

THE BOAT

On Yolita, you can choose from the following cabins

• 4 upper deck twin cabins with windows, A/C, and private en suite bathrooms. 
• 4 main deck twin cabins with windows, A/C, and private en suite bathrooms. 

The upper deck offers a large space to bask in the sunshine or chill out on the lounge chairs of the covered deck. 

Indoor common areas include a lounge, bar, and dining room, where a local chef will delight you with Ecuadorian and international specialties. 

A certified naturalist guide will be with you throughout the cruise to tell you all about the area’s wildlife.

ITINERARIES

On the Yolita, you can choose among 7 – 10 or 17-day itineraries, each with a specific itinerary to discover the best of the Galapagos Islands. 

Depending on which one you choose, below are some of the highlights:

• spotting flamingos and sea lions at Bachas Beach, 
• bird watching at Darwin Bay, 
• seeing the volcanic landscapes of Bartolomé Island, 
• hiking to the Sierra Negra Volcano, 
• seeing marine iguanas at Fernandina Island
• strolling the sands of Playa Espumilla
• snorkeling at Kicker Rock
• marveling at the huge Galapagos giant tortoises at the Charles Darwin Research Station,

Click on the link below to see the available dates and detailed itineraries

12. Mary Anne Galapagos 

Best for solo travelers – no single cabin fees

Go back in time and join this spectacular 52m sailing ship, with over 1000m2 of canvas sails. This 3-masted schooner is one of the only ships in the Galapagos to sail with no engine support.

The fun part is that the guests are asked to help with raising the sails for a true, authentic Galapagos expedition.

The awesome and knowledgeable staff will be a great part of your experience, happy to share their sailing skills with you.

The best part is of this journey is that you won’t hear any engine sounds, just the music of the ocean and the breeze, which also invites whales and dolphins to swim alongside the ship.

CABINS

The six double cabins and six single cabins all have private bathrooms with hot water.

This boat doesn’t have luxury finishings and fancy cabins, but it offers a luxury experience, with lots of space for the guests to enjoy their experience and relax.

On the main deck are the dining room, kitchen, lounge with entertainment area, and library. Meals can also be served al fresco to enjoy the stunning Galapagos views and sunsets. Enjoy international and local Ecuadorian cuisine with fresh ingredients.

S/S Mary Anne offers two incredible Galapagos expedition itineraries, each one of 7 nights.

Galapagos West itinerary – you will explore Santiago, Isabela Island, Santa Cruz, Floreana, and Fernandina to have amazing encounters with Sea Lions, Penguins, and amazing snorkeling.

Galapagos East itinerary – includes Darwin Bay, Santa Fe, Gardner Bay, and Bartolome with lava bubbles and penguins galore!

Mary Anne guarantees a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

13. Origin 

Origin is one of the most spectacular luxury yacht in the Galapagos, and the most expensive, and yet it fills up fast.

Catering to just 20 guests, the 142ft Origin guarantees a top-notch service with its 14 crew members, including a full-time concierge and two expert naturalist guides.

There are 10 spacious world-class cabins that come with en-suite bathrooms, biodegradable toiletries, bathrobes & slippers, climate control, large picture windows, ample storage space, twin beds that can be converted to one king, and memory foam toppers and pillows. A real luxury hotel room in the ocean.

The world-class cuisine is also part of the onboard ultra-luxury experience on board.

ITINERARIES

Galapagos cruises aboard Origin rotate between two itineraries:

Itinerary A – to the southern and central islands

Itinerary B – which explores the western and northern islands.

The activities available on all cruises include landscape explorations, hikes on the vulcanos and walks on the deserted beach, rides on the zodiac to see coves and caves, look for the wildlife, and getting the best snorkeling spots, besides kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding.

Galapagos Islands Cruises FAQ

What is the best cruise to the Galapagos?

In this article, I have shared what I consider the best cruises. Obviously, the higher the costs, the better the services and the more luxurious the boat. However, even budget Galapagos Cruises will be able to take you around incredible places. It all boils down to what you want to see, how much time you have, and the budget available.

Why are Galapagos cruises so expensive?

There are many factors that make the Galapagos Cruises expensive, including:

– boat operational costs
– high-quality standard of the boat and service, even in the non-luxury boats
– high costs of permissions and taxes
– In Ecuador, the minimum wage is much higher than in other countries in South America, and so is the quality of standard of living.
– Highly qualified staff on board

What is the cheapest month to go on a cruise?

This is very difficult to answer as the Galapagos are a year-round destination and there is no cheaper month. However, I can assure you that around Christmas and Easter, that’s when it gets more expensive and crowded. So I would suggest avoiding those months.

Is Galapagos worth a Cruise?

It is indeed because on a cruise you get to visit places that you can’t reach otherwise. However, it all depends on the way you like to travel. In this detailed post on the difference between a DIY trip and a cruise in the Galapagos Islands, I explain the pros and cons of both ways of traveling to the Galapagos Islands.

Which cruise line is the cheapest?

It really depends on how many days you want to be on a cruise, but among the cruises, I have checked out that the cheapest is the Golondrina.

What cruise lines go to the Galapagos Islands?

There are many different cruises, but not commercial ones. The Galapagos island cruises don’t belong to the big international cruise groups. On this site, you can find pretty much the most popular cruises.

How long is the boat ride from Ecuador to Galapagos?

There is no boat transportation from the Ecuador mainland to the Galapagos Islands. You will need to fly from either Quito or Guayaquil to Baltra or San Cristobal island if you want to get to the Galapagos.

How much does a Galapagos cruise cost?

It varies for the length of the trip and the standard level of the boat, and the itinerary ranges from $ 200 to $ 1200 per day.

How much does it cost to fly to the Galapagos Islands?

To fly from the Galapagos Islands can be either from Quito or Guayaquil and the return flight would range from 400 to 500 USD depending on how much in advance you book it and what season. Here below the two airlines that are now operating
Avianca
Latam

Is a galapagos cruise for You?

A Galapagos cruise is for you, if you relate to the below statements.

• You have a limited time and you want to see as much as possible
• You are interested in specific remote areas that you can only reach by cruise
• You love luxury and comfort and you don’t want to just enjoy exploring the spectacular Galapagos without having to organize anything. The cruise crew is going to take care of that for you.
• You don’t care about luxury but you still want to have everything organized already
• You want to live the ultimate Galapagos Island vacation in style

If you are still undecided you can read my thorough post on the difference between visiting the Galapagos on a cruise or on your own. It will help you clarify your doubts.

If you already know that you want to join a Galapagos cruise but you don’t know which one to choose, you have landed in the right place. Here I have selected the most incredible Galapagos Islands Cruises for any budget.

However, if you already know that you are ready to splurge you may want to go straight to my guide to the 5 top luxury Galapagos Cruises, where I have selected the most amazing luxury boats with top service and design cabins for the utmost comfort.

Also, I wrote a step-by-step guide to choose the perfect Galapagos Islands Cruise for you, to help you narrow down the search and avoid getting overwhelmed by the number of options you will find.

What criteria I have used to select the cruises in this list

After doing a lot of research I have chosen the cruise I wanted to book, which is the Eden yacht 21 days Galapagos cruise because it is the most complete and it stops in some of the most unique places including Rabida Island, Bolivar Canal, and Genovesa.

It’s not the most luxurious boat, though. So If you are looking for luxury you should get on the Infinity luxury cruise Galapagos or the Seaman Journey.

A few months after my Galapagos trip I landed a job on Liveaboard, the company I am recommending to book these cruises with, where I learned all the inside out of these cruises but most of all I received a lot of feedback from my colleagues and the previous guests.

That’s how I feel confident about suggesting the below cruises and addressing you to the right one for your needs and budget.

Important general information on Galapagos islands cruises

• The majority of the cruises do not include flights to the Galapagos, except be made by Eden and Yolita. So something to keep in mind when you compare prices. Flights to the Galapagos are from Quito or Guayaquil and normally cost from 400 to 500 depending on the season.

• There are specific entry requirements to the Galapagos, including the payment of National Park Fees (100 USD per trip, per person that you pay once you land in the Galapagos), Visas and Fees (20 USD per trip that you pay before boarding). These are never included in the price. For other entry requirements, you can refer to my complete Galapagos Islands Vacation travel guide.

• You need to be completely vaccinated if you want to travel to the Galapagos island at the moment.

• To enter the Galapagos Islands it is mandatory to have travel insurance and so is to board on a Galapagos Cruises. So make sure you purchase one before you travel. I use Safety Wing. Make sure you check their terms and conditions before booking.

• Liveaboard.com has classified each cruise by level or flexibility, which I will mention as well on each cruise. Please scroll down below to read about it in detail.

• Luxury cruises in the Galapagos are normally in small ships because, besides the elegance and comfort of the boat, they offer a more personalized service than larger ships can offer.

• The best Galapagos cruise for you is the one that fulfills your priorities, whether it’s luxury, kind of itinerary or value for money.

Is Insurance necessary?

The short answer is: yes! Although we all hope that nothing bad will ever happen to you, you never know.

I always prefer to be safe than sorry and a small investment today can save you tons of dollars tomorrow.

Hyperbaric chambers and hospitalization, in general, are outrageously expensive in Mexico

Dive Assure is one of the top insurance companies for diving and non-diving travels and I cannot recommend them enough. I am sure you have heard of them as they are one of the most popular. I used them when I booked my liveaboard trips in Norway .

🔽 Get a free Dive Assure quote here 🔽