A Galapagos charter quote usually comes as a single price for the whole boat for the whole itinerary. Some sellers divide it per person or per day to make it easier to read, which is useful but can hide differences. Converting every quote to the same unit, and checking the same inclusions, is the only way to compare fairly. To compare ships, routes and trip lengths side by side, start with our guide to Galapagos cruises.
Galapagos charter quotes: what is the quick answer?
Quick answer: convert every quote to the total whole-boat price for your exact dates, then divide by the number of guests and nights. Check that each quote includes the same items: meals, guide, transfers, snorkel gear, wetsuits and drinks. Flights and park fees are usually extra.
See our main guide to Galapagos charters and the Galapagos charter cost page.
Per day, per trip or per person: how do they relate?
Per trip is the real price. Per day is per trip divided by the nights; per person is per trip divided by the guests. A 16-guest yacht quoted at US$120,000 for 7 nights is about US$17,100 per night, or US$7,500 per person for 16 guests. If only 12 guests travel, the price per person rises to US$10,000, because the boat price does not drop.
Use our charter cost splitter to see how numbers change with group size.
What is normally included in a charter quote?
Typical inclusions: the whole boat with crew, a certified naturalist guide, all meals, guided visits, panga rides, snorkeling gear and island transfers. Often included on luxury boats: wetsuits, kayaks, paddleboards, soft drinks and house wine. Usually excluded: flights to the islands, the park entry fee, the Transit Control Card, premium alcohol, tips and insurance.
GIC Expedition Atlas · Charter quote math
Compare quotes using the same unit and the same inclusions.
What is the naturalist guide cabin and why does it matter?
On many small yachts the guide sleeps in one of the guest cabins, so a 16-berth yacht may carry 15 or 14 guests on a charter. Ask whether the quoted capacity already accounts for the guide. Read Galapagos charter capacity and the guide cabin.
Which five lines should you check before you sign?
Before you sign, confirm: the exact itinerary for your dates; the maximum guests including the guide cabin; the payment schedule and cancellation rules; what happens if the boat is unavailable for technical reasons; and the list of included and excluded items. Our before you book a Galapagos charter checklist covers each one.
Why can two quotes for the same boat differ?
Different sellers may quote the same yacht at slightly different prices because of commissions, promotions or currency. More often, the difference comes from inclusions: one quote may include the island flight, wetsuits or drinks, another not. Ask both sellers for an itemized quote and compare line by line.
Also check the season. Many boats have high and low season rates, and a date that straddles two seasons can be priced either way.
How do payment schedules usually work?
Charters often require a deposit of 30 to 50 percent at booking, with the balance due 60 to 120 days before departure. Cancellation penalties increase as the date approaches, and many charters become non-refundable in the final months. Because the amounts are large, many groups choose travel insurance with cancellation cover and pay with a credit card.
About us: we are the team behind GalapagosIslands.cruises, local experts who have traveled the islands more than 40 times. We are not a travel agency or a cruise operator. We publish independent guides and, when you write to us, we help you narrow the options and point you to the right vessels and next steps.
Frequently asked questions about Galapagos charter quotes
How are Galapagos charter prices quoted?
Usually as a whole-boat price for the full itinerary; some sellers also show per day or per person.
Does the charter price drop if fewer guests travel?
No. The whole-boat price stays the same, so the cost per person rises with fewer guests.
Are park fees included in a Galapagos charter?
Usually not. The park entry fee and Transit Control Card are paid separately by each guest.
What is a typical charter deposit?
Often 30 to 50 percent at booking, with the balance due 60 to 120 days before departure.
Can I negotiate a Galapagos charter quote?
Sometimes on shoulder-season dates; ask what can be added rather than only asking for a lower price.
Send us two charter quotes at hola@galapagosislands.cruises and we will help you line them up. See Galapagos charters for boats by size.
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