Small Galapagos Cruise Ships: 20 to 48 Guests Compared

Ships for 20 to 48 guests

Ship	Type	Class	Guests
La Pinta	Cruise Ship	Luxury	48
National Geographic Gemini	Cruise Ship	Luxury	48
National Geographic Islander II	Cruise Ship	Luxury	48
Isabela II	Cruise Ship	Luxury	40
Coral I & Coral II	Motor Yacht	First Class	36
Evolution	Cruise Ship	Luxury	32
Evolve	Motor Yacht	—	20
Hermes	Catamaran	Luxury	20
Infinity	Motor Yacht	Luxury	20
Letty	Motor Yacht	First Class	20
Origin	Motor Yacht	—	20
Theory	Motor Yacht	—	20

Vessel names, classes and guest numbers come from published specifications collected in September 2026. Fleets change: we confirm the current layout before you book.

Is a small ship right for you?

Family walking a Galapagos trail with a naturalist guide — Reference image only

Families

More cabin options, sometimes interconnecting cabins.

Grandparent and grandchild watching giant tortoises in the Galapagos — Reference image only

Mixed-age groups

Two guides can run a slower and a faster walk.

Small yacht in a calm sheltered Galapagos anchorage — Reference image only

Motion-sensitive guests

A bigger hull than a yacht, usually steadier.

Guests sharing a table on the upper deck of a small Galapagos cruise boat — Reference image only

Social travelers

A few more people to meet, still no crowds.

Small Galapagos Cruise Ships: questions

What counts as a small ship in Galapagos?

There is no official class. We use it for vessels of about 20 to 48 guests, between 16-guest yachts and 90 to 100-guest ships.

How is this different from a small ship cruise style?

This page compares vessels; Galapagos small ship cruises explains the travel style and who it suits.

Do small ships have more guides?

Yes. Groups above 16 need more naturalists on shore, so these ships carry two or three.

Can a group charter a small ship?

Yes. See large group charters for 21 to 48 guests.

How do I compare them?

Email hola@galapagosislands.cruises and we compare routes and cabins on the dates you want.

Find the right mid-size ship.

Tell us your group and dates; we compare the 20 to 48-guest ships that are free.

Galapagos is unlike anywhere else on Earth: wildlife that does not run from you, islands still shaped by volcanoes, and a park that limits every visit. Tell us how you like to travel and we will match you with the right boat.