Choosing Your Galapagos Cruise

Organised Cruises

The appeal of the Galapagos lies in discovery cruises focused on the archipelago's remarkable wildlife (including the famous giant tortoises) and flora. Since nearly all public-access sites across the islands are only reachable through organised tours, these cruises are the only real way to explore the archipelago.

There are around a hundred cruise boats in the Galapagos, with a maximum permitted capacity of 100 passengers. Most—including the most comfortable—depart from Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island. The busiest (and most expensive) times are around Christmas/New Year’s, with a secondary peak in July-August.

Itineraries

Categories

Three types of tours are offered, many with optional diving:

1. Day trips returning daily from a hotel, usually in Puerto Ayora. Generally not recommended due to the time spent travelling to and from key sites.

2. Multi-day itineraries with different land-based accommodation. Better than the first option, but still requires returning to lodging each night.

3. Tours with overnight stays on board. These are the best choice, offering greater flexibility and making the most of your time.

Duration

Various options are available: day trips, 3- or 4-day packages, 5- or 7-day cruises, or even longer.

Services

As expected, offerings vary widely in terms of services, comfort, and price.

Start by comparing different options: check the routes and visiting zones, accommodation type (on board or on land), boat type (larger boats travel farther but may not access all sites and accommodate more people), onboard comfort (larger boats are usually more comfortable), diving options (is equipment included or extra?), and the target audience (nationality, languages spoken on board, etc.).

Prices

Galapagos cruises are quite expensive, and prices have been rising. Rates vary significantly based on services and duration. Expect roughly under $100/day for budget options with minimal comfort, around $120 for standard packages, and $150+/day for higher-end cruises. Keep seasons in mind—December/January and summer are the most expensive times.

Booking

Three booking options exist:

1. From home via a European or North American tour operator (who subcontracts locally). The advantage is simplicity, with no need to plan or budget during your trip. The downside is potential inflexibility with dates and often higher costs.

2. From mainland Ecuador. Agencies in Quito or other cities offer plenty of options. Benefits include guaranteed availability (many local agencies block spaces in advance) and competitive rates. When comparing, check if return flights to the Galapagos and the park entry fee are included.

3. On-site. Usually the most economical option—you can visit agencies, compare, and negotiate. However, in high season, you may not secure your preferred cruise on your preferred date, or spaces may be limited.

In Summary

Choose based on your preferences and budget. Still, it’s generally best to book locally during the off-season or from Quito/Guayaquil on the mainland.

Opt for cruises with overnight stays on board. Though pricier, they offer a richer experience.

Smaller boats may be more appealing (fewer passengers and greater freedom to explore the islands).

A 5-day cruise seems ideal for many, covering the archipelago’s key wildlife and flora.

Plan at least two or three extra days beyond your cruise to explore Santa Cruz or other independently accessible spots, like Isabela Island.