Questions about a Galapagos cruise? Write to us: info@cruisestogalapagosislands.com

Cruises to Galapagos Islands: Every Ship Compared by Price, Size and Class

I'm Oleg G. I've been to the Galapagos three times, and this site puts every cruise option side by side, from budget boats to luxury yachts, so you can choose with real numbers instead of brochure copy.

Get a free consultation See all 75 ships

Oleg and his wife in wetsuits on a Galapagos beach during one of their cruises to Galapagos Islands
Snorkel stop between islands, on our second cruise. Our photo.

Find Your Cruise to Galapagos Islands

Tap what matters. The list updates as you go.

Budget
Guests on board
Days

75 ships

Aida Mariamotor yacht
Budget
16
66 ft
4, 5, 6, 8, 15
Angelitomotor yacht
Budget
16
70 ft
4, 5, 6, 8
Aquadive liveaboard
Budget
16
83 ft
3, 4, 7
Danubio Azulmotor yacht
Budget
10
81 ft
4, 5, 8
Golondrinamotor yacht
Budget
16
73 ft
4, 5, 8, 12, 15
Meraksailing ship
Budget
8
52 ft
4, 5, 8, 15
Nemo Icatamaran
Budget
12
4, 5, 8
Aggressor IIIdive liveaboard
Classic
16
100 ft
7
The Beaglesailing ship
Classic
12
105 ft
8, 15
Bonitamotor yacht
Classic
16
83 ft
5, 7, 9
Estrella del Marmotor yacht
Classic
16
75 ft
4, 10
Galaxy Orionmotor yacht
Classic
12
96 ft
8
Nemo IIcatamaran
Classic
14
72 ft
5, 8
Fragatamotor yacht
Classic
16
75 ft
5, 8
Edenmotor yacht
Classic
16
89 ft
4, 5, 7, 8, 10, 15
Yolita IImotor yacht
Classic
16
110 ft
4, 5, 7, 8, 10
Sambamotor yacht
Classic
14
78 ft
8, 15
Xavier IIImotor yacht
Classic
16
86 ft
4, 5, 7, 8, 10, 14
Archipel Icatamaran
Classic
16
89 ft
4, 5, 8, 11, 12, 15
Archipel IIcatamaran
Classic
16
88 ft
4, 5, 8, 11, 12, 15
Monserratmotor yacht
Classic
16
91 ft
4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 15
M/C Anahicatamaran
Premium
16
91 ft
4, 5, 8, 11, 12, 15
Belugamotor yacht
Premium
16
110 ft
6, 8, 15
Premium
16
88 ft
6, 8, 15
Calipsomotor yacht
Premium
16
115 ft
8
Premium
16
103 ft
7, 8, 10, 15
Nemo IIIcatamaran
Premium
16
75 ft
4, 5, 8
Kölnmotor yacht
Premium
16
104 ft
4, 5, 8, 12, 15
Galaxymotor yacht
Premium
16
114 ft
4, 5, 6, 8, 15
Premium
16
90 ft
4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12, 15
Premium
16
101 ft
5, 7, 9, 11, 15
Lettymotor yacht
Premium
20
83 ft
7
Premium
16
134 ft
4, 5, 6, 8, 15
Eco Galaxy IIcatamaran
Premium
16
5, 6, 15
Mary Annesailing ship
Premium
16
216 ft
15
Grand Daphnemotor yacht
Premium
16
125 ft
5, 8, 13
Premium
16
134 ft
4, 5, 8, 13
Solarismotor yacht
Premium
16
4, 5, 6, 7, 14
Tip Top IIcatamaran
Premium
16
112 ft
4, 5, 8
Tip Top IVmotor yacht
Premium
16
125 ft
4, 5, 8
Tip Top Vcatamaran
Premium
16
112 ft
7, 14
Santa Cruz IIexpedition ship
Premium
90
236 ft
5, 7, 9, 11
Isabela IIexpedition ship
Premium
40
183 ft
5, 7, 9, 11, 15
Galapagos Legendexpedition ship
Premium
100
4, 5, 8, 15
Coral I & IIexpedition ship
Premium
36
131 ft
4, 7, 8, 14
Galapagos Angelmotor yacht
Premium
16
115 ft
4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 11, 12, 15
Galaxy Diver IIdive liveaboard
Premium
16
115 ft
8
Premium
16
130 ft
8
Galapagos Skydive liveaboard
Premium
16
100 ft
7, 10
Aqua Maremotor yacht
Luxury
16
164 ft
8, 14
Elitecatamaran
Luxury
16
123 ft
4, 7, 8, 11
Celebrity Floraexpedition ship
Luxury
100
7, 10, 11
Grand Majesticmotor yacht
Luxury
16
127 ft
4, 5, 8
Silver Galapagosexpedition ship
Luxury
100
7, 14
Silver Originexpedition ship
Luxury
100
330 ft
7, 14
Luxury
20
142 ft
7, 14
Luxury
96
8
Luxury
48
280 ft
5, 7, 8, 10
Luxury
48
296 ft
8, 10
Luxury
16
98 ft
10
La Pintaexpedition ship
Luxury
48
209 ft
4, 6, 8
Ocean Spraycatamaran
Luxury
16
113 ft
4, 5, 7, 14
Endemiccatamaran
Luxury
16
115 ft
4, 5, 6, 8
Infinitymotor yacht
Luxury
20
161 ft
4, 5, 8
Passionmotor yacht
Luxury
14
159 ft
8
Natural Paradisemotor yacht
Luxury
16
111 ft
4, 5, 8
Gracemotor yacht
Luxury
16
145 ft
8, 15
Luxury
16
125 ft
4, 5, 8
Integritymotor yacht
Luxury
16
141 ft
6, 8, 15
Alyacatamaran
Luxury
16
105 ft
5, 6
Hermescatamaran
Luxury
20
164 ft
7, 8
Cormorant IIcatamaran
Luxury
16
148 ft
3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 11, 12, 15
Galaxy Siriuscatamaran
Luxury
16
120 ft
4, 5, 6, 11
Petrelcatamaran
Luxury
16
115 ft
4, 5, 6, 8
Sea Starmotor yacht
Luxury
16
137 ft
4, 5, 6, 15

The Four Classes of Cruises to Galapagos Islands, and What Each Costs per Day

Every ship on this site sits in one of four classes. The wildlife is the same on all of them; the money buys cabin size, food, group size and how the days feel.

Cheap Ships (or Tourist Budget Class)

7 ships · $300–400 per person per day

Budget-friendly Galapagos cruises with basic accommodations and simple meals. Lacks luxury amenities like jacuzzis, spacious cabins, quality dining, spas and even wi-fi but includes guided excursions with certified naturalist guides.

What this class buys you →

Classic Ships (or Tourist Superior Class)

14 ships · $400–500 per person per day

Tourist superior cruises offer good value for budget-conscious travelers who still want a reliable and comfortable experience. These vessels focus on the Galapagos’ wildlife and natural beauty rather than onboard luxury.

What this class buys you →

Premium Ships (or First Class)

28 ships · $400–500 per person per day

First-class cruises provide a high level of comfort and service, balancing quality with affordability. These vessels offer modern amenities, comfortable cabins with private bathrooms, quality dining with varied menus, amenities like sun decks, lounges, bars, and sometimes small pools or jacuzzis.

What this class buys you →

Luxury Galapagos Cruises

26 ships · $600–1,200+ per person per day

Luxury cruises offer the highest level of comfort, service, and amenities. These vessels are designed for travelers seeking a premium experience with spacious accommodations, gourmet dining, and top-tier naturalist guides certified by the Galapagos National Park.

What this class buys you →

Head-to-Head Ship Comparisons

When it is down to two boats, this is where the decision gets made. Each comparison puts the two ships' cabins, itineraries, food and prices side by side.

Eight of the ships compared on Cruises to Galapagos Islands: Aida Maria, Nemo III, Mary Anne, Tip Top IV, Santa Cruz II, Galapagos Sky, Endemic, Silver Origin
From a 16-guest budget yacht to a 100-guest luxury ship: the range these comparisons cover.
Aqua Mare vs Grand Majestic: Top-End Luxury Compared Cachalote Explorer vs Beluga: Classic First Class Comparison Catamaran vs Monohull: Stability, Space and Value in Galapagos Celebrity Flora vs National Geographic Islander II: Large Luxury Compared Celebrity Flora vs Silver Origin: Luxury Head-to-Head Coral I vs Coral II: What’s the Difference? Eco Galaxy II vs Elite: Eco-Luxury Comparison Ecoventura Origin vs Theory vs Evolve: Are They Really Identical? Endemic vs Grace: Intimate Luxury Yacht Face-Off Galapagos 16-Passenger Yacht vs 48-Passenger Ship vs 100-Passenger Ship: Full Breakdown Galapagos Legend vs Santa Cruz II: Large Ship Comparison Galaxy Diver II vs Galapagos Sky vs Aggressor III: Dive Liveaboard Comparison Grand Daphne vs Grand Queen Beatriz: Sister Ship Showdown La Pinta vs Isabela II: Mid-Size Ship Comparison Lindblad vs Silversea in the Galapagos: Which Luxury Operator Wins? Mary Anne vs The Beagle: Classic Sailing Ship Comparison National Geographic Endeavour II vs Islander II vs Gemini Natural Paradise vs Ocean Spray: First Class Catamaran Comparison Nemo I vs Nemo II vs Nemo III: Full Comparison Nemo III vs Reina Silvia Voyager: First Class Catamaran Compared Seaman Journey vs Archipel I: Budget Catamaran Showdown Silver Origin vs Silver Galapagos: Which Is Better? Tiburon Explorer vs Galapagos Sky: Premium Dive Boat Comparison Tip Top II vs Seaman Journey: Budget Value Compared Tip Top IV vs Tip Top V: Which Should You Choose? Yolita II vs Xavier III vs Eden: Budget Classic Value Comparison

How to Pick the Right Galapagos Cruise for Your Travel Style

Having explored the Galapagos both by cruise and land-based options, here’s my step-by-step approach to finding your perfect match:

Start with Your Budget Reality Check

Be brutally honest about what you can afford. Galapagos cruises range from $1,500 to $10,000+ per person. Sometimes a cruise simply isn’t the option because of budget constraints, and that’s totally fine. I actually did a land-based trip during my very first visit to the Galapagos, staying on Santa Cruz Island and taking day trips. It was incredible and cost a fraction of cruise prices while still delivering amazing wildlife encounters.

Go deeper →

Decide on Days and Route Priorities

Are you here for dramatic volcanic landscapes or world-class snorkeling? Different routes emphasize different experiences. Some focus on the northern islands with incredible marine life, while others highlight the geological wonders of the western islands. This decision shapes everything else. If you need help selecting your perfect cruise based on your priorities, I can connect you for free with the local agency I work with – they know these waters inside and out.

Go deeper →

Group Size Matters More Than You Think

I personally loved smaller ships with a maximum capacity of 16 people.

You get more personalized attention from guides, easier wildlife viewing without crowds, and a more intimate experience. But Galapagos cruises can accommodate up to 100 tourists on larger vessels. Bigger ships mean more amenities but less flexibility and potentially overwhelming group dynamics during excursions.

Go deeper →

The Internet Question

Decide upfront if you need to stay connected. Only first-class boats provide reliable internet – the rest offer little to none, and honestly, that’s the beauty of it. You’re so remote it forces you to recharge and disconnect. But this isn’t an option for some very busy people who can’t afford to be unreachable for a week.

Go deeper →

Comfort Level and Amenities

The Galapagos isn’t really about luxury, but if you prefer extra comfort like spas, fine dining, and jacuzzis, some Galapagos cruises cater to this niche. Just know it’ll cost serious money, and you’ll still be spending most of your time off the boat anyway.

Tell us your style, we shortlist the ships

What’s Actually Included in a Galapagos Cruise (From Someone Who’s Done It Twice)

Having cruised the Galapagos twice and researched every single option from budget to first class, here’s what you can expect from a Galapagos cruise:

Always included

  • Your cabin accommodation
  • All meals and snacks
  • Daily guided excursions with certified naturalist guides
  • Snorkeling equipment
  • Wet suits (though I recommend bringing your own)
  • Transportation between islands via pangas (small boats) for landings

Never included

  • The $200 Galapagos National Park fee
  • The $20 transit control card
  • Alcoholic drinks
  • Gratuities (expect $10-15 per person per day)
  • Gear upgrades like better wetsuits or underwater cameras
Giant tortoises in the highlands, a visit every itinerary includes

The Wildlife Experience

All cruises include twice-daily island visits – usually a morning and afternoon excursion. Your naturalist guide will lead small groups (8-16 people depending on your boat) to observe giant tortoises, marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies, and Darwin’s finches up close. The snorkeling opportunities with sea lions, turtles, and rays are incredible regardless of which cruise you choose.

A cabin with a sea view on the Endemic, a 16-guest catamaran

Onboard Amenities

Most boats include evening briefings about the next day’s activities, basic toiletries, and non-alcoholic beverages. Higher-end boats throw in welcome cocktails and sometimes wine with dinner.

Planning Guides Readers Use Most Before Booking a Cruise to Galapagos Islands

The questions that come up on every consultation, answered in full. Every guide is written from the same research as the ship reviews.

Galapagos Cruise Questions, Answered in Short

How Much Does a Galapagos Cruise Cost? (Full Price Breakdown 2026)

A Galapagos cruise runs anywhere from $1,500 per person on a basic 4-day itinerary to $14,000+ per person on an 8-day luxury yacht. Most first-time travelers land between $4,500 and $9,000 all-in, including international flights, mandatory fees, and extras.

Full answer →

How Long Should Your Galapagos Cruise Be? (4, 5, 7, 8, 10, 14 Days Compared)

Seven or 8 days is the near-universal recommendation from operators, guides, and experienced travelers, and it’s the right answer for most first-time visitors. A 4-day cruise sounds appealing on paper but delivers only 2 full active days once arrival and departure halves are subtracted. A 5-day cruise gives 3 full days, which works as a minimum but leaves most travelers wishing they had more time.

Full answer →

Best Time of Year to Take a Galapagos Cruise

There is no bad month to cruise the Galapagos, but the experience varies a lot depending on what you want to see. The warm season (December to May) brings calmer seas, clearer water, and excellent snorkeling. The dry season (June to November) delivers richer marine life, more wildlife activity on land, and cooler temperatures for hiking. Peak prices hit in July, August, Christmas, and Easter.

Full answer →

How Far in Advance Should You Book a Galapagos Cruise?

For most travelers, 6 to 12 months in advance is the right window. Christmas, Easter, and summer departures (June through August) should be booked 12 to 18 months out, and group or charter bookings need even more lead time. Last-minute deals exist but require genuinely flexible travel dates and come with real trade-offs on vessel choice and itinerary. Always book the cruise before the international flights, not after.

Full answer →

Is a Galapagos Cruise Worth the Money?

For travelers whose primary goal is wildlife and nature, yes, a Galapagos cruise is one of the best-value wildlife experiences on Earth when compared to alternatives of similar scope and ambition. A mid-range 8-day cruise at $6,000 to $9,000 all-in sits at roughly the same price as an equivalent African safari, and what it delivers is genuinely different from any other destination.

Full answer →

Last-Minute Galapagos Cruise Deals: Do They Actually Exist?

Yes, they exist and the discounts are real – 30 to 50% off rack rate is achievable on unsold cabins 30 to 60 days before departure. But they work reliably only in shoulder season (September, October, May), for travelers with complete date flexibility, ideally already in Ecuador. They don’t work during July, August, Christmas, or Easter, when boats fill months in advance.

Full answer →

What Is NOT Included in a Galapagos Cruise? (Hidden Costs Guide)

The listed cruise price never covers six things: the $200 National Park entrance fee (cash only on arrival), the $20 INGALA Transit Control Card, international flights to Ecuador, domestic flights from Ecuador’s mainland to the islands, travel insurance, and guide and crew gratuities. Beyond those universal gaps, most boats also exclude alcoholic beverages, wetsuit rental on budget vessels, laundry service, and any personal spending on souvenirs or extras in port.

Full answer →

Galapagos Cruise vs Land Tour: Which Is Better?

A cruise gives you access to 70% more visitor sites than a land tour, including the remote outer islands where the most extraordinary wildlife encounters happen. A land tour costs roughly half as much, offers more flexibility, and is a better fit for travelers with tight budgets, young children, severe motion sickness, or a desire to experience actual island life. Neither option is objectively better.

Full answer →

Oleg G., who writes the reviews on Cruises to Galapagos Islands, at Tortuga Bay

Who writes this

Oleg G.

Hello! My name is Oleg G. and I’ve traveled to the Galápagos Islands three times already. My first trip was in 2021 when I did a land-based adventure, which I shared in detail in this Galápagos Islands guide.

More about the site →

Ready to Find Your Perfect Galapagos Cruise?

After years of exploring every corner of the Galapagos and building relationships with the best local operators, I’ve partnered with a trusted agency that knows these waters better than anyone. We’ll help you select the ideal cruise for your specific needs – completely free of charge. Plus, through our local connections, we often secure exclusive discounts that you won’t find listed anywhere online.

Don’t navigate the overwhelming cruise options alone. Let my expertise and insider connections work for you. Reach out today and let’s match you with your dream Galapagos adventure!

4.9 out of 5 from 633 reviews of Happy Gringo on Trustpilot

Prefer email? Write to info@cruisestogalapagosislands.com or call +593 5-932-0593.

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GALAPAGOS

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