Cabins and solo travel
Cabin types and single options.
GALAPAGOS CRUISES · PLAN
Plan it once, plan it right.
Everything you need to plan a Galapagos cruise, in the order you need it.
Galapagos cruise planning — Reference image only.
01 / STEP BY STEP
Your planning timeline
Choose when
Best time to cruise: warm season or cool season.
Set a budget
What drives cruise cost: boat class, length and season.
Pick route and boat
Itineraries and cruise ships.
Book flights
How to get there: via Quito or Guayaquil.
Paperwork
Entry requirements: passport, TCT, park fee.
Pack
02 / ON BOARD
Life on board
Family cabins
Triples and interconnecting cabins.
Group size limits
16 visitors per guide, explained.
Seasickness tips
Prevent and manage motion.
Safety
Water, landings, sun and health.
Food on board
Meals, diets and drinking water.
03 / MUST READ
Short on time?
Read the Galapagos cruise tips list first: the dozen things we wish every traveler knew before booking.
Traveling as a group? A Galapagos charters option may cost less per person than separate cabins.
04 / TRAVEL PREP
Paperwork and flights for US travelers
Entry and park fee
Visa rules for US citizens · Park entrance fee · Transit Control Card
Flights
Flying from the US · Baltra or San Cristóbal · Arrive a day early
Packing and rules
05 / TOOLS
Free planning tools
Built from 40+ trips and our records of 76 ships and 841 itineraries.
Galapagos Ship Comparison Tool
Side by side, up to three ships.
Galapagos Cruise Budget Calculator
Fees, flights and extras in one total.
Galapagos Charter Cost Splitter
Share a charter fairly.
Galapagos Trip Date Planner
Work back from your sailing date.
Galapagos Wildlife Finder
Which islands, which months.
Galapagos Charter Brief Builder
A complete brief in two minutes.
06 / FREE GUIDES
Free PDF guides
Galapagos Cruise Planner 2027 (Free Guide)
Seasons, 2027 holidays, deadlines, checklists.
Galapagos Wildlife by Month (Free Guide)
The wildlife calendar on one page.
The Galapagos Charter Planner (Free Guide)
Every step of a private charter.
Galapagos Cruises from the USA
Flights, entry and timing for US travelers.
07 / FAQ
Plan Your Galapagos Cruise: questions
How far ahead should I book a Galapagos cruise?
For holidays and summer, 9 to 12 months ahead is common. Last-minute space exists but choice is limited. Early vs last-minute booking.
How many days do I need?
Most first trips work best with a 5 to 8-day cruise plus a night in mainland Ecuador on each side.
Do I need a visa?
US citizens usually do not need a visa for tourist stays in Ecuador. Visa details.
Is a cruise better than a land-based trip?
For remote islands and more sites, usually yes. See island hopping vs cruise.
Can you help me plan?
Yes. Email hola@galapagosislands.cruises with dates, group size and interests.
PLANNING HELP
Share your dates and wishes.
We point you to the boats and routes that fit, and answer your planning questions.
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.