Galapagos Cruises

How does a 2-for-1, or $$$s off deal on a super deluxe Galapagos cruise yacht sound to you? It takes just seconds to browse through the very best Galapagos cruise options that currently have spaces available for your month of travel. Then, use the filters to narrow your search and zoom in on your preferences. Once you’ve found your cruise, either book directly using the online buttons, or contact our team to discuss your trip needs in more detail 😊

Getting to the Galapagos Islands is easy once you know how.

Click on the above link for all the basics you need to know: How to fly to Galapagos, and from where? How to get around the islands? How much luggage can you take to Galapagos? How to get back home again? What processes and controls are there to get to Galapagos?

Cruises depart from and return to either Santa Cruz island ( Baltra or Puerto Ayora) or from San Cristobal (Puerto Baquerizo Moreno).

One of the most frequently asked questions when planning a Galapagos vacation is: WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT GALAPAGOS?

While Galapagos weather does vary each month, there is no “best” or “worst” time for Galapagos travel. In fact, the Galapagos Islands are a fabulous year-round destination, with a pleasant climate throughout the year.

Even better, there are no Galapagos weather extremes to deal with. No snow or frost, no hurricanes, no extreme hot or cold temperatures.

That said, there are subtle differences in Galapagos weather each month. Trip planners will want to consider the Dry season vs. the wet season. There are also peak vs off-season tourist months to plan around. The famous Galapagos Islands wildlife follow climate seasons for nesting, mating, hatching & parenting - so, there's different action to see each month. Galapagos water temperature also varies through the year, with implications for snorkeling with/without a wetsuit. Each of these Galapagos climate factors can make a difference to your enjoyment of the archipelago.

For more detailed analysis about the subtleties of each month in the Galapagos Islands, check out our When is the best time to visit Galapagos? Blog post.

The Galapagos archipelago boasts 13 major islands, over 40 smaller islands, and many more rocky outcrops.

The overall size of the Galapagos Marine Reserve is huge, covering a protected area of 198,000 square kilometers (76,448 square miles). In fact, it’s the 2nd largest marine reserve on the planet, after Australia’s Great Barrier Reef.

Check out our interactive Galapagos Map for an overview of the islands.

In my opinion, the cruise itinerary is the single most important factor in your Galapagos trip planning. Not all routes are created equally, and certain islands are blessed with more diversity of wildlife than others.

Common cruise routes are: western islands, northern islands, south-east islands. All have their own highlights and are enjoyable in their own right, but my personal favorite will always be the western islands for the sheer diversity of wildlife present there.

Expert advice is a big plus before you book your trip. Ask our team of Galapagos experts to help you compare different cruise itinerary options for your dates of travel, and you’ll be sure to make the best choice.

For more information on itinerary planning, check out How to decide which Galapagos Islands to visit?

Galapagos cruises operate for anything from 4 up to 15 days, although the sweat-spot for most visitors is 6-8 days.

Don’t forget, the first and last days at the islands are cut short by the flight schedules, so a 4-day trip ends up as just 2 full days in the middle to enjoy, with short activities on days 1 and 4.

For a more detailed answer, check How many days for Galapagos?

Most days aboard a Galapagos cruise provides opportunity for wildlife watching, short hikes along designated trails, snorkeling, swimming, beach time, and panga (zodiac boat) rides.

Some of the higher end yachts also carry kayaks and SUP boards for guest use.

An early breakfast prepares you for your morning excursion, which could be a land (guided hike, beach time) or water (swim, snorkel) activity.

Back on board for lunch, free time for a siesta or to lounge on the sun deck, and quite often a brief cruise to a new visitor site.

The afternoon activity is similar to the morning, either on land or in the water, depending on the visitor site.

Then it’s time to shower and freshen up, enjoy a sunset cocktail, before dinner brings the day to a close.

All activities are accompanied by an English-speaking naturalist guide, who will also give briefings to prepare you for each activity.

Yes, all tourist activity, including cruises, is regulated by the Galapagos National Park Directorate. This ensure that all Galapagos yachts meet the required safety standards and have the correct permits in order.

Galapagos cruises are mostly all-inclusive tours. Whilst specific inclusions vary from yacht to yacht, typically you should expect:

• Meals: From lunch on day 1, until breakfast on the final day.
• Accommodation with private bathroom.
• Excursions as listed in the itinerary, with a certified naturalist bilingual guide (Spanish/English).
• Use of snorkel equipment.
• Use of wetsuits (not always)
• Use of kayaks & paddleboards (if the yacht carries them).
• Snack or refreshment after each activity.
• Purified water, tea, and coffee.

Typical Galapagos cruise exclusions are:

• Galapagos National Park Fee $200pp.
• Transit control card $20pp.
• Flights from mainland Ecuador to/from Galapagos.
• Airport transfers in Quito or Guayaquil.
• Single cabin supplement.
• Alcoholic beverages from the yacht bar.
• Tips for guides and crew.
• Travel insurance.
• Any other personal expenses.

Happy Gringo uses 4 different Galapagos yacht categories: Standard, Comfortable, Luxury, and Super Deluxe.

Each category represents differences in onboard facilities, yacht & cabin size, and standards of comfort.

With hundreds of Galapagos travel companies out there, how to sort the wheat from the chaff for your Galapagos Islands vacation?.

Important things to look for in the best Galapagos Cruise companies:

• 1. How many years has the company been in business? Look for a company with experience and reputation.
• 2. What do their clients think of them? Check out reviews on 3rd party sites like Trip Advisor, Trust Pilot, and Google Reviews. What is their average review score? How many reviews in total have they received?
• 3. How good is their online customer service? Are they responsive and helpful from first contact? If not, this can be a red flag.
• 4. What range of tours & services do they offer? Are their offerings aligned with your vacation needs?
• 5. Do they support responsible travel & conservation at the islands? Most Galapagos travel agents make ecological promises, but do they really deliver?

For heaps more useful info, please also check out our Galapagos FAQ page.