Galápagos Expedition Cruises
Fearless wildlife at your feet, snorkeling with sea lions and penguins, and Darwin’s islands up close — the Galápagos is a bucket-list expedition, and we’ll match the right ship and route to you.
A Galápagos cruise is the only way to truly see the islands — a small expedition ship or yacht sails overnight between islands so you wake somewhere new each day, then goes ashore by panga (zodiac) for guided walks among animals that have no fear of people. You’ll meet giant tortoises, marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies, sea lions, penguins and Darwin’s finches, and snorkel with turtles, rays and playful sea lions. Everything runs under Galápagos National Park rules, with certified naturalist guides and set island itineraries. Ships are small — from 16-guest yachts to around 100 passengers — sailing 4-, 5- or 7-night Inner Loop, Western or Northern routes. We match the ship, route, cabin and season to you — and get you the best cruise price free from a true cruise specialist.
Why cruise the Galápagos?
Wildlife with no fear
Walk among tortoises, iguanas, boobies and sea lions that ignore you completely — nowhere else on Earth is like it.
A new island each day
Ships sail overnight, so you wake at a fresh island every morning and use daylight for landings and snorkeling.
Land and sea together
Guided walks among the wildlife, then snorkeling with sea lions, turtles, rays and penguins in the same day.
Expert naturalist guides
Every landing is led by a certified Galápagos National Park naturalist — the difference between seeing and understanding.
Which route and ship size?
Itineraries are fixed by the National Park and typically run 4, 5 or 7 nights (combine two for a longer trip). The Western route (Isabela and Fernandina) is best for penguins, flightless cormorants and dramatic volcanic scenery; the Northern route (Genovesa) is a seabird paradise; and central/eastern loops (Española, Floreana, San Cristóbal) deliver tortoises, boobies and the classic highlights.
Ship size shapes the trip: intimate 16–20-guest yachts feel personal and flexible; 48–100-guest expedition ships add stability, amenities and more guides. Wildlife is superb year-round — we’ll match the route, ship and dates to your interests.
Galápagos flights leave from mainland Ecuador, so plan a night there on the way out — compare hotels in Quito or Guayaquil hotels near the airport.
Galápagos cruising in pictures
Ready to plan your Galápagos cruise?
Tell us your dates, how long you have and whether you want the Western, Northern or classic route, and we’ll match the ship and itinerary — and get your best cruise price free from a true cruise specialist, with no obligation.
Get your best Galápagos cruise price freeFrequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to cruise the Galápagos?
It’s a great year-round destination. The warm season (December–May) brings calmer, warmer seas and clearer water for snorkeling; the cool “garúa” season (June–November) brings richer marine life, active seabirds and cooler water. We’ll match the timing to your priorities.
How big are the ships?
Small by law — from 16-guest yachts and catamarans to expedition ships of about 48–100 passengers. Smaller ships feel intimate; larger ones add stability and amenities. All follow fixed National Park itineraries with certified guides.
Do I need to combine the cruise with the mainland?
You fly to the islands via Quito or Guayaquil in mainland Ecuador, so many travelers add a night or two there, and some extend to the Amazon or Machu Picchu. We can help plan the whole trip.
How much snorkeling and walking is involved?
Most days include a guided walk (often over uneven volcanic terrain) and a snorkel or panga ride. Itineraries range from gentle to active; we’ll match a ship and route to your fitness and interests.
How do I get a quote?
Tell us your dates, trip length and preferred route, and request your best cruise price free from a true cruise specialist, with no obligation.
