Each of our Galapagos cruises offers different experiences based on the type of vessel you choose for your trip. If you’re looking for a more intimate and exclusive holiday experience then a luxury yacht is a great option, whilst those that want more space and facilities on their cruise should opt for a larger boat. If you’re planning a holiday during the Humboldt current months of August through December then a catamaran cruise is usually the best option.

Whilst there are 127 islands in the Galapagos archipelago, only 19 of these are particularly large and only 4 are inhabited by a human population. Tours are available to many of these uninhabited islands, so the length of cruise that you choose will really depend on how much of the archipelago you want to see.

Many of our guests opt for 4-day, 5-day or 8-day Galapagos Cruise that feature Galapagos highlights and tour the main islands. If you’d like to stay in any location for more than a couple of days then we recommend at least a week to really enjoy what each of the islands has to offer.

Each of the Galapagos Islands has something different to offer visitors, so choosing where you would like to visit can be tricky. The four inhabited islands; Santa Cruz, San Cristóbal, Isabela and Floreana are very popular with visitors as they have the most to offer in terms of activities and accommodation. 

If you’re looking for wildlife, Española and Fernandina are known for their impressive populations of rare animal species. Santiago offers some of the most dramatic scenery, whilst Genovesa if you want to enjoy some serious bird watching.

The Galapagos is a year-round destination, so the best time depends on what you want to see. December to May is the warm season, with calmer seas, warmer water for snorkeling and short tropical showers. June to November is the cooler, dry season, when the Humboldt current brings nutrient-rich water, so marine life and seabird activity peak but the seas can be rougher. If you are prone to seasickness, a catamaran is a comfortable choice from August to December.

It depends on the vessel, the length of the trip and the season. Our small-ship cruises start from about $4,145 per person for a 4-day itinerary, 8-day cruises such as the Monique start from $8,290 per person, and our 7-day land-based Island Hopping Tour starts from $6,582 per person. Cruise prices include all meals, guides, activities, snorkeling gear, kayaks and wetsuits. Park fees (about $220 per person), flights to the islands (about $530 to $550 round trip) and gratuities are extra. See our Cruise Promos page for current offers.

A cruise lets you sail overnight and reach remote islands such as Espanola, Fernandina and Genovesa, so you see more of the archipelago with less travel time. A land-based tour keeps you in hotels on the inhabited islands, Santa Cruz, Isabela and San Cristobal, with day trips by boat. It suits travelers who prefer more space or are prone to seasickness. Both include expert naturalist guides.

Every visitor pays the Galapagos National Park entrance fee and buys a Transit Control Card. Together they come to about $220 per person for most international adult travelers. The transit card is bought at the airport in Quito or Guayaquil, and the park fee is paid when you land in the Galapagos. Neither is included in the cruise or tour price.

Yes. US citizens need a passport valid for at least six months and do not need a visa for a tourist stay in Ecuador of up to 90 days. You fly into Quito or Guayaquil on mainland Ecuador, then take a short flight to Baltra or San Cristobal, where your cruise or tour begins.

Pack light, quick-dry clothing, a light jacket for evenings and boat rides, swimwear, a sun hat, sunglasses and reef-safe sunscreen. Bring sturdy walking shoes for lava trails and sandals or water shoes for wet landings, plus motion sickness tablets and a waterproof bag for your camera. On our cruises, snorkeling equipment and wetsuits are provided.