PRIVATE CHARTERS · HOW IT WORKS
A whole yacht for your group, a naturalist guide, a crew, and a plan built around you. Here is every step, what to organize, how to check the boat’s operator and owner, and what really moves the price.
Private Galapagos cruise — Reference image only.
Tap through each step. This is exactly how we run a private Galapagos cruise charter for families, friends and groups.
Step 01 of 07
A clear one-page brief, and our first honest read on what is realistic.
Step 02 of 07
Two to four vetted options with strengths and weaknesses, explained by people who have been aboard.
Step 03 of 07
A proposal you can compare line by line, with no surprises later.
Step 04 of 07
A signed charter contract and deposit with a boat we would put our own family on.
Step 05 of 07
One coordinated plan for the whole group, managed by us.
What the 2026 park rules change · Transit Control Card · Park entrance fee
Step 06 of 07
Everyone knows what to bring, where to be and when.
Step 07 of 07
A private Galapagos expedition that runs the way you planned it.
We are local experts who have been to Galapagos more than 40 times. We know every boat’s strengths and weaknesses, and we look after your group from the first call until you fly home.
Shortlist, availability, holds, contract and cabin plan.
The itinerary that fits your priorities and dates, explained site by site.
Island flights, TCT, park fee, hotels and transfers in Ecuador.
Diets, celebrations, kids, mobility, guide language and specialties.
We work only with the best boats that meet every requirement, and we explain how to check that each boat’s operator and owner comply with their permits and obligations. Use this checklist on any charter proposal; tick items as you confirm them.
Charter rates change by boat, season and year, so we never publish a number we cannot stand behind. Instead, see how each choice pushes the whole-boat total and the per-person share, then ask us for a current, itemized quote.
Holiday weeks are requested first, so the best boats are held early.
Bigger and more luxurious boats raise the whole-boat rate; an expedition ship spreads it across more guests.
More nights means a higher total rate, and more islands.
The whole-boat price is shared by your group, so filling cabins lowers the per-person cost.
Late requests mostly cost you choice: fewer boats and dates left.
Park entrance fee, TCT, flights, gratuities and some drinks are often outside the boat rate. We show them line by line either way.
Relative guidance only, based on how charter pricing typically behaves. No dollar figures are implied.
Get a current itemized quote ↗More on cost: Galapagos yacht charter cost · When a charter is cheaper per person · Charter vs booking several cabins
Own meal times, kids’ pace and cabin control. Charter with kids · Multigenerational charter
Several households, one plan. Charter for multiple families · Family reunion charter
Anniversaries, milestones and retreats. Celebration charter · Corporate retreat charter
Group sizes: 12 guests · 16 guests · 20 guests · 30–48 guests · 49–100 guests
Your group books the whole permitted vessel, with its crew, naturalist guide and meals, on a park-approved itinerary. We take your brief, shortlist boats that meet every requirement, send an itemized written proposal, verify the operator and owner, and then organize flights, park fee, TCT, transfers and details until you are home. What a private charter is.
It depends on the month, your group size and the boats you want. Holiday weeks and larger groups need earlier holds because the whole vessel must be free; shoulder weeks can leave more room. How far ahead to book a charter.
Not freely. Every vessel sails itineraries approved by the Galapagos National Park. Within each visitor site you gain flexibility on pace, meal times and activity mix. How customizable a charter really is.
A licensed guide is required, and on many vessels the guide’s berth affects how many guest beds remain. We confirm it in the cabin plan before you book. Naturalist guide cabin on a charter.
Often the park entrance fee, the Transit Control Card, mainland–island flights, gratuities and some drinks. We list each item in writing. Park entrance fee · Tipping.
No. Bareboat (self-skippered) charters are not available for tourism in the Galapagos. Every charter is crewed and guided on a permitted vessel. Galapagos yacht charter overview.
Terms vary by operator, vessel and season, so we put deposit timing and cancellation language in writing before you commit, and we recommend travel insurance. Charter cancellation terms.
Email hola@galapagosislands.cruises with your dates or travel window, headcount by age and what matters most. We reply personally with honest options and the right price for your dates.
Galapagos is unlike anywhere on Earth: wildlife that evolved nowhere else and still shows little fear of people. A private boat lets your group take it in at your own pace.