Whether you watch turtles hatching, get lazy with the sea lions or take a dive around the reef, a cruise through the 13 islands of the Galapagos is one of the best ways to see as much as possible in a limited time frame.
While most cruise itineraries tend to be similar in the Galapagos, the amenities on board vary considerably, as do the quality of tours and shore excursions offered. Here’s what sets each cruise line apart.
Best cruises to the Galapagos
Best for an all-inclusive, stress-free trip: Celebrity
Absolutely everything you could imagine is included in the price of your cruise with Celebrity. Your freshly brewed coffee, post-scuba diving snacks, and award-winning shore excursions will all be paid for before you set sail, so you can simply sit back and enjoy the moment. They’ve even got your tips covered for you.
Silverseas Cruises continues to be recognized as one of the world’s most luxurious liners. This year, they’re taking it up a notch with their newest ship to sail into the Galapagos, Silver Origin. Alongside the usual plush interior, outrageously comfortable beds, and lavish ensuites are private horizon balconies and the finest Ecuadorian cuisine to sail the high seas.
While picking cruise liners, we prioritize itineraries that allow guests to spend as much time as possible on the islands, whether that be in the form of free time or with an experienced guide to lead the way.
We also make sure that the onboard amenities, hospitality and dining options were all in-line with the price point on offer. You’ll also find that each of these cruises has numerous eco-friendly policies and green facilities to lessen your impact on this unique corner of the world.
Of course, this isn’t only the opinion of our experienced team. Information is collected from current blogs, well-established travel websites and magazines, and from unbiased reviews. That way we can give you the honest information needed to make a well-rounded decision.
When is the best time to cruise to Galapagos?
The Galapagos Islands experience two distinct seasons each year: the dry season and the wet season. Cruises are available year-round, and when you decide to sail away from this picturesque archipelago depends entirely on what you want to get out of your trip.
December to June, wet season. Ignoring the odd downpour or two, the wet season is arguably the best time to visit the Galapagos. Temperatures hover between 25°C and 30°C, sea conditions are calm and the iconic sea lions, tortoises, and whale sharks are at their most active.
July to November, dry season. Although weather conditions are less favorable during the dry season, with cooler temperatures and cloudy days, this is the time to see giant tortoises return to the highlands, penguins courting and plenty of adorable seal lion pups. Unfortunately, you are more likely to have a few rough days at sea.
Peak season is relatively sporadic throughout the year with school holidays and family vacations increasing boat numbers considerably during the summer vacation and Christmas break.
What are the must-do cruise excursions in Galapagos?
We’ll admit it, the Galapagos is all about the wildlife. There will be plenty of shore excursions to choose from that allow close encounters with whales, penguins, iguanas and more. Here are some we highly recommend:
Santa Cruz. Opt for a guided walk around the highlands and you’ll be in with a good chance at spotting a giant tortoise in its natural habitat — one of only two natural habitats in the world.
Champion Islets. If you’ve never donned a scuba tank before, this is the perfect time to do it. Once you’re comfortable in the water, you’ll be swimming with sea lions, hammerhead sharks and some of the most vibrant fish you’ve ever had the pleasure of seeing.
Española. One for the avid bird watchers out there, the island of Española is home to 45 bird species you won’t find anywhere else in the world, including the Waved Albatross. Remember to pack your binoculars!
Rábida. Hidden behind this island’s vibrant red sands is a lagoon that is home to a flamboyance of pink flamingos. Access is by foot only, so grab your boots and get going.
Isabela Island. If you’ve only got time for one hike on the Galapagos Islands, make it along the caldera of Sierra Negra Volcano, which rewards walkers with beautiful vistas and plenty of local wildlife.
Bottom line
We’re mindful that a cruise to the Galapagos is going to cost you — but it’s sure to be worth every penny. To find out where you can cut costs on your cruise, check out these latest cruise deals and discounts.
Frequently asked questions
To preserve local wildlife, Galapagos National Park limits the number of ships allowed in the park at one time. While this is great news for the native flora and fauna, it means cruises to the Galapagos don’t come cheap.
Expect to pay no less than $3,000 dollars for a seven-day trip for a basic cabin and amenities. Remember, not all cruise lines will include the park’s entrance fee of $100 per person in their rates.
Cruises to the Galapagos can last anywhere from three to 27 days.
Cruises generally start at Santa Cruz Island or San Cristóbal Island.
US citizens can stay in Ecuador for a total of 90 days without a visa. Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months past the date of entry for an easy time at customs.
It’s best to check with a medical professional around eight weeks before your trip, as vaccinations can differ with each itinerary.
Lily Jones is a travel writer at Finder. She also writes for other titles and manages her own blog, A Lil Guide. Lily graduated with a degree in Russian and Management studies from University College London in 2016. Having discovered her passion for travelling at a young age, she has lived in many cities around the world including St Petersburg, Melbourne and London. Other than travel, Lily has an innate passion for all things food.
With babysitting and tot-friendly activities, these are the best cruise lines for toddlers that will have your little one smiling at sea from ear to ear.
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