THE GALAPAGOS CRUISE GUIDE
Galapagos Cruises
& Private Yacht Charters
Find the right vessel, itinerary and experience for your Galapagos journey — from intimate expedition cruises to fully private yacht charters.
Talk to a Galapagos expert01 / YOUR WAY INTO THE ISLANDS
Start with how you want
to experience Galapagos.
Most Galapagos boats carry 16 guests or fewer, and park rules cap every vessel at 100.
02 / THE CRUISE FINDER
There isn’t one “best” Galapagos cruise.
There’s the best one for you.
Itinerary, vessel size, naturalist guide ratio, islands visited, duration and activities all shape the trip. Compare what matters to you.
Three vessel classes, compared side by side on the same criteria. Tick two to compare side by side.
Reference image onlyIntimate yacht
The intimate yacht
- Guests
- Up to 16
- Best for
- Couples, small groups
- Whole-boat charter
- Popular
One naturalist, one shore group, quick pangas and a quiet deck at anchor.
Watch-out: More roll than a catamaran on open crossings; ask where your cabin sits.
Reference image onlyCatamaran
The expedition catamaran
- Guests
- Usually up to 16
- Best for
- Families, friends
- Whole-boat charter
- Popular
Two hulls, a wide beam and big open decks; steadier at anchor than a monohull of the same size.
Watch-out: Layouts vary widely; compare cabin size and deck plan, not the label.
Reference image onlyExpedition ship
The expedition ship
- Guests
- Roughly 40–100
- Best for
- Seasick-prone, seniors
- Whole-boat charter
- Big groups
The steadiest ride in open water, larger dining rooms, lectures and more cabin categories.
Watch-out: Guests split into several guide groups ashore; the feel is less intimate.
No vessel class matches this selection. Ask us and we will suggest real boats that fit.
YOUR GALAPAGOS. YOUR YACHT.
Make the Galapagos
entirely your own.
For families, groups and private expeditions, chartering an entire yacht makes the journey more personal — your group, your spaces and an onboard experience shaped around you.
Exploration follows the vessel’s permitted Galapagos itinerary. Private use does not mean unrestricted routes.
03 / THE FLEET
Meet the vessels that change how
you experience the islands.
Intimate yacht
Luxury motor yachts
Up to 16 guests · one naturalist group ashore
Best for: Couples, photographers and small groups who want the islands to feel personal.
A favorite for whole-boat private charters.
Motor yachts comparedCatamaran
Catamarans
Usually up to 16 guests · wide, stable decks
Best for: Families, friends and motion-wary travelers who still want a small-boat feel.
Popular for family charters; connecting cabins on some boats.
Catamarans comparedExpedition ship
Expedition ships
Roughly 40–100 guests · the steadiest ride
Best for: Easily seasick travelers, seniors and families who want space and onboard amenities.
Whole-ship charters suit large groups.
Expedition ships compared04 / KNOW THE ARCHIPELAGO
The islands are the itinerary.
Original schematic · Island positions are approximate. Not for navigation.
05 / LET CURIOSITY LEAD
Choose the wildlife.
Then find the journey.
06 / TIME OFF THE SHIP
How do you want to explore?
Snorkeling
Start with an expedition yacht or catamaran, then verify snorkeling opportunities on the selected itinerary.
Read the guide ↗Activities follow each boat’s park-approved itinerary. We check what equipment a boat carries and where each activity is allowed on your dates.
07 / ESSENTIAL ANSWERS
Plan Galapagos
with confidence.
Good planning starts with better questions.
Explore the Galapagos FAQ01How much does a Galapagos cruise cost?
Compare the total trip cost, including the cruise, flights, required fees and any extras. Ask for a dated, itemized quote; there is no single rate for all departures.
Read the full guide02How many days should I spend in Galapagos?
Begin with the islands and experiences you want. Compare full itineraries and account for arrival and departure days, rather than choosing on duration alone.
Read the full guide03What is the best month for a Galapagos cruise?
The best fit depends on your wildlife interests, preferred conditions and travel dates. Check seasonal guidance for the specific experiences you value.
Read the full guide04Cruise or land-based trip?
A cruise links overnight travel with a vessel itinerary. A land-based trip uses island accommodation and separate excursions. Compare the visitor sites and daily travel involved.
Read the full guide05What size Galapagos ship should I choose?
Compare cabin choices, shared spaces, the social setting and excursion organization. Vessel size is one part of the decision; the actual itinerary matters too.
Read the full guide06Is a private Galapagos charter worth it?
A charter may suit a group that values shared private spaces and exclusive vessel use. Compare total charter costs and cabin arrangements against individual cruise bookings.
Read the full guide07How do you get to Galapagos from the USA?
Plan the international and onward travel together, leaving room for transfers. Confirm current flight routes, baggage conditions and connection times before booking.
Read the full guide08What fees are required to enter Galapagos?
Two: the Galapagos National Park entrance fee, paid on arrival, and the Transit Control Card (TCT), issued at the mainland airport before your flight to the islands. Check the current amounts before you travel.
Read the full guide08 / THE GALAPAGOS KNOWLEDGE HUB
Research less.
Understand Galapagos better.
Cruise guide
02Private charter guide
03Wildlife
04Islands
05Visitor sites & guides
06Snorkeling
07Park rules 2026
08What to pack
09Park entrance fee
10Entry requirements
11Weather & seasons
12All Galapagos FAQs
What is a Galapagos cruise?
A vessel-based journey through Ecuador’s Galapagos Islands, organized around an itinerary of visitor sites and guided activities.
What is a private Galapagos yacht charter?
Exclusive use of a yacht for your group, following the vessel’s permitted itinerary and applicable visitor rules.
09 / A CLEARER PATH TO YOUR TRIP
From first idea to the right itinerary.
- 01
Choose when you want to travel
- 02
Choose what you most want to experience
- 03
Compare cruise styles and vessels
- 04
Narrow down the right itinerary
- 05
Ask an expert to verify your choice
10 / LOOK BEYOND THE CABIN
Why vessel size matters.
Size may influence the social atmosphere, shared facilities, landing group organization, cabin choices and charter feasibility. Compare the actual vessel.
Yacht or catamaran
Up to 16 guests
Most Galapagos boats. One naturalist group ashore and a quiet deck at anchor.
Small expedition ship
About 20–48 guests
More lounges and cabin choice; guests split into two or three guide groups ashore.
Expedition ship
Up to 100 guests
The park maximum. The steadiest ride and most amenities; several guide groups ashore.
Typical capacity bands. Park rules cap every vessel at 100 guests and allow at most 16 visitors per naturalist guide.
Compare vessel typesFIELD NOTES / THE ITINERARY COMES FIRST
Galapagos is not a cruise destination.
It is an expedition that happens
to use a ship.
Choosing only by cabin luxury misses the point. The route determines the islands, visitor sites, wildlife habitats and activities — and how much of your journey is spent exploring.
Learn how to choose an itinerary11 / WHY PLAN WITH US
Clear information. The right boat.
No guesswork.
40+ trips to the islands
We are local Galapagos experts and know every boat’s strengths and weaknesses first-hand.
Only the best boats
We work only with boats that meet every one of your requirements, after checking each boat’s operator and owner.
Every detail explained
Island flights, Transit Control Card, park fee, hotels and transfers: one plan.
Care during the whole trip
From the first email until you fly home, we stay with you. Talk to an expert ↗
12 / LET’S NARROW IT DOWN
Still not sure which
cruise is right?
Tell us what matters most to you and we’ll help narrow the options.
hola@galapagosislands.cruises ↗English-language assistance.
A FEW MORE ANSWERS
Galapagos cruises,
explained.
What is the best Galapagos cruise?
The best fit depends on the itinerary, vessel size, cabin preferences and experiences you value. Compare the full journey rather than a single headline feature.
How much does a Galapagos cruise cost?
Compare the total trip cost, including the cruise, flights, required fees and any extras. Ask for a dated, itemized quote; there is no single rate for all departures.
How many days should a Galapagos cruise be?
Begin with the islands and experiences you want. Compare full itineraries and account for arrival and departure days, rather than choosing on duration alone.
What is the difference between a cruise and a private charter?
On a shared cruise, you book cabins alongside other travelers. On a private charter, your group books exclusive use of the vessel. Both follow the applicable itinerary framework.
Can you charter an entire yacht in Galapagos?
Private yacht charters are an option to explore. Confirm the vessel, approved route, cabin arrangements, terms and availability with a specialist.
What size ship is best for Galapagos?
Compare cabin choices, shared spaces, the social setting and excursion organization. Vessel size is one part of the decision; the actual itinerary matters too.
When is the best time to cruise Galapagos?
The best fit depends on your wildlife interests, preferred conditions and travel dates. Check seasonal guidance for the specific experiences you value.
How far in advance should I book?
Start once your dates and priorities are clear, especially if you need specific cabins or a whole yacht. Confirm real availability and booking terms before committing.