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6 Best Galapagos Cruises For Every Kind of Traveler

By Meena Thiruvengadam

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Galapagos cruises are the best way to experience the collection of remote, mostly uninhabited islands about 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador. But cruises in the Galapagos Islands aren’t like cruises anyplace else. The ships here are smaller, with some carrying as few as 16 passengers. There are no water slides, elaborate Broadway shows, casinos, or wild nightclubs. And don’t expect big bus tours in port either. 

Galapagos cruises are about experiencing nature and wildlife while limiting environmental impact as much as possible. Ships are built for sustainability and toting items like kayaks, paddleboards, and scuba gear. Itineraries may feature two active excursions a day, limiting downtime on board the ship. Instead of museums and historic sights, you’ll visit uninhabited islands to encounter marine iguanas, sea lions, unspoiled beaches, and the adventures of a lifetime. 

Trips to the Galapagos Islands are logistically complicated, making cruises an especially good way to experience the area. Travelers to the Galapagos Islands must first fly to Quito or Guayaquil, Ecuador, for a night before flying to the Galapagos to board their ships. All travelers must also be accompanied by National Parks Guides who can help them navigate these largely undeveloped islands. 

Galapagos cruise itineraries are typically a week long and cover a portion of the islands, sometimes more. Here's everything to know about cruising in the Galapagos, from frequently asked questions to the best itineraries to book now.

• Best luxury Galapagos cruise
• Best Galapagos cruise for stargazing  
• Best Galapagos cruise for adventure seekers  
• Best Galapagos cruises for solo travelers  
• Best small ship Galapagos cruise  

Best Galapagos cruises for families

When is the best time to cruise the galapagos islands .

With pleasant temperatures all year long, the best time to visit the Galapagos Islands is whenever you’re ready to go. Several cruise lines sail to the Galapagos Islands all year long. While you can see wildlife all year, December is hatching season for the giant tortoises, and July is mating season for blue-footed boobies and short-eared owls. Sea turtles lay their eggs early in the year and fully formed marine iguanas typically hatch in April and May. 

Are Galapagos cruises expensive?  

The Galapagos Islands aren’t a bargain destination. Expect to pay somewhere between $5,000 and $12,000 per traveler depending on the ship, itinerary, and length of the voyage. 

One thing’s for sure: Whatever your preference, there’s a Galapagos Islands cruise for you. These are six of the best Galapagos cruises for every type of traveler.

All listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. If you book something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

A suite on board Silver Origin comes with butler service.

Best luxury Galapagos cruise 

There’s no more luxurious way to sail the Galapagos Islands than on  Silversea's Silver Origin , a ship custom-built for cruising these islands. Silver Origin is Silversea’s first destination-specific ship and includes several features meant to minimize its environmental impact. The all-suite ship can carry up to 100 passengers, is all-inclusive down to the premium spirits in your stateroom's minibar, and includes the luxury cruise line’s signature butler service. There’s also a salon and fitness center on board, a rarity for ships sailing in this region. Most itineraries on the Silver Origin are seven nights, but longer cruises are typically scheduled around winter holidays. The Silver Origin sails the north, central, and western loops of the Galapagos Islands.

Best Galapagos cruise for stargazing 

This region may be better known for its landscapes and wildlife, but the Galapagos Islands are also an excellent place for stargazing. And there’s no better Galapagos cruise ship for stargazing than the  Celebrity Flora . The 100-passenger vessel feels more like a luxury yacht than an expedition ship. It has a stargazing platform on its top deck and provides binoculars to help guests spot constellations as the ship cruises along the equator. The modern expedition ship also offers a glamping experience that includes a naturalist-guided stargazing session and a luxurious night of glamping under the stars. Prefer to sleep in your bed on board? Have dinner under the stars at the ship’s restaurant before heading back to your suite. The Celebrity Flora ’s Galapagos itineraries range from seven to 16 nights. 

Best Galapagos cruise for adventure seekers 

Lindblad Expeditions has been cruising the Galapagos Islands for more than 50 years. It now sails to the Galapagos year-round in partnership with National Geographic, giving guests the chance to encounter giant tortoises, blue-footed boobies, penguins, sea lions, marine iguanas, and more. A staff of expert guides is on board to help travelers spot wildlife and better understand the volcanic landscapes, mangrove thickets, and seagrasses they encounter. Activities include unforgettable snorkeling adventures, hikes through pristine wilderness, and walks along remote beaches. Lindblad’s newest Galapagos Islands cruise ship, the National Geographic Islander II , feels more like a boutique hotel than an expedition ship and carries just 48 passengers in 26 suites. Some itineraries offer advanced divers the chance to commune with a variety of marine life. And while rugged adventures may await travelers off the ship, each suite offers travelers plenty of comfort: They come equipped with flat-screen TVs, in-room espresso machines, and bathrooms with double sinks.

Best Galapagos cruises for solo travelers 

Galapagos cruises aren’t cheap, especially if you’re sailing solo. Hurtigruten makes cruising the Galapagos Islands more affordable by waiving the single supplement on several of its Galapagos cruises. Hurtigruten Galapagos cruises range from seven to 14 days in length and take place on the MS Santa Cruz II , a ship that comes equipped with panga boats, kayaks, snorkeling gear, paddleboards, and a glass-bottom boat for viewing marine life. The ship carries a maximum of 90 passengers, and its operations are carbon-neutral. There’s a small gym and a hot tub on board. Regular prices start around $8,500 for a one-week cruise. Look for sales to bring your price down even further.

Best small ship Galapagos cruise 

Avalon Waterways may be better known for its European river cruises , but it also sails the Galapagos Islands. Avalon sails this region on two ships, the Treasure of the Galapagos and the Delfin III . The Delfin III , which also sails the Amazon in Peru, is its newest and most luxurious Galapagos cruise ship. The ship has just 22 suites, almost guaranteeing you’ll make new friends along the journey. The Treasure of the Galapagos is even smaller, carrying a maximum of 16 guests. And while there’s no long list of restaurants on board either ship, there are creative, locally inspired menus featuring seasonal ingredients and lots of vegetarian options. On board both ships, you’ll find daily natural history lectures, a team of multilingual naturalists, floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows, and plunge pools.  

For an adventure your kids will never forget, hop on board an Adventures by Disney cruise of the Galapagos Islands. Just be sure to wait until your kids are at least seven years old. This is the minimum age for most Galapagos cruises, though Disney recommends this itinerary for children eight and older. This isn’t your typical Disney cruise. It’s a small ship expedition itinerary with a hint of Disney magic in a setting fit for a fairy tale. Adventures by Disney's Galapagos itineraries span nine days and visit about 15 sites. 

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The Best Galápagos Island Cruises

A cruise is one of the best ways to see all that this remote Ecuadorian archipelago has to offer.

There's no better way to cover ground on your trip to the Galápagos Islands than to sail on a multiday cruise.

Galápagos National Park regulates the number and type of tourist boats that are allowed to operate in the famously biodiverse area. This helps with overcrowding, conserving the environment, and minimizing stress on the amazing wildlife of the Galápagos. Many tourist boats in the area offer five- to seven-day all-inclusive itineraries that are strictly monitored by the national park officials. There are also cruises operating illegally, so you have to take care when choosing a tour.

To help you find a cruise fit for your wildest dreams, we've rounded up 14 of the best options, whether you prefer a small ship or bigger vessel, an action-packed itinerary or a casual drift around this remote archipelago in the Pacific.

Small Galápagos Cruises

Most of the cruise ships in the Galápagos Islands carry fewer than 20 passengers. These vessels, typically motor yachts, can't provide some of the luxurious amenities available on larger ships, but they do ensure personalized service, a more intimate experience, and quicker trips on and off the boat.

Quasar Grace

The 18-passenger Grace was once owned by Grace Kelly. She and Prince Rainier spent part of their honeymoon on the motor yacht, and now you can sleep in their bedroom, the Grace Kelly Suite, which is one of nine rooms aboard. The ship sails three routes, taking eight to 15 days, and guests get plenty of snorkeling, hiking, kayaking, and panga rides along the way.

Ecoventura Letty

The Letty is one of the best full-service motor yachts in the Galápagos for value. This 20-passenger boat is a solid option with great service and comfortable accommodations. A trip on the Letty promises a 10 guest-per-guide ratio, as well as dinner with the captain. You get a choice between two seven-day itineraries, each including opportunities to snorkel, hike, and learn about the local wildlife from knowledgeable guides.

Ecoventura Origin

The 20-passenger Origin is like a floating boutique hotel. All 10 cabins are on the same deck, there’s an open-bar policy, and Wi-Fi is available on board. A unique hull design means this ship is also one of the most fuel-efficient in the Galápagos. Like the Letty , Ecoventura's Origin sails two routes around the archipelago, each lasting eight days and providing plenty of chances to get up close to nature.

Medium Galápagos Ships

If you're stuck between whether to book your cruise on a small ship or a large vessel — both have their advantages — one of these medium-sized boats accommodating 20 to 50 passengers could be the best of both worlds. You'll enjoy more space, a larger group to mingle with, and sometimes a wider variety of activities and services to accommodate more people.

Quasar Evolution

The 32-passenger Evolution was designed by Adriana Hoyos, a furniture and interior designer renowned for her work on luxury hotels across the Americas. Its cabins have a contemporary boutique-hotel aesthetic. There are indoor and outdoor lounges, a bar, and a library. Passengers can choose between three itineraries, ranging from eight to 15 days and taking different routes around the Galápagos.

Lindblad Expeditions National Geographic Islander II

All cabins on the 48-passenger National Geographic Islander II have windows, and some even have private patios. The ship offers deck hammocks, Wi-Fi, and food made with ingredients sourced from farms in the Galápagos whenever possible. Itineraries range from seven to 12 days and include cultural experiences in addition to wildlife viewing and water sports.

Large Galápagos Ships

Galápagos National Park officials have set a maximum of 100 passengers per vessel, so these are some of the largest ships in the archipelago. Travelers may opt for a larger-capacity cruise ship for more space (such as bigger hallways and staircases for easier movement around the ship) and increased services like an onboard doctor. The downside of traveling on a large ship is the time it can take to complete transfers by zodiac from the boat to the islands. Also, some areas of the Galápagos may be off limits to larger ships.

Lindblad Expeditions National Geographic Endeavour II

The 96-passenger National Geographic Endeavour II has Wi-Fi, a doctor, SUP gear, a clear-bottom zodiac, a free digital photo kiosk with iMacs, and a spa. Like the Islander II, food brought from the mainland is carefully prepared and packaged to prevent the introduction of invasive species to the Galápagos Islands.

Celebrity Flora

The 100-passenger Celebrity Flora features all of the design elements, amenities, and services of its sibling ships and then some. It has two 1,288-square-foot penthouse suites (the largest in the Galápagos), naturalist-guided stargazing sessions, and outdoor cabanas that you can reserve for a unique glamping experience.

Silversea Silver Origin

The 100-passenger Silver Origin is an all-suite ship with accommodations up to 1,722 square feet, some with in-room espresso machines and mini-bars, private verandas, and butler service. Tips are included in the price. The ship also has a fitness center, a spa, a communal fire pit, and two restaurants. There are more than 100 cruise options, some lasting as long as 18 days.

Galápagos Catamarans

These small boats have a unique hull design, like the dual parallel runners of a sled, that many believe makes catamarans more stable in the water.

Celebrity Xploration

The 16-passenger Celebrity Xploration is arguably the most luxurious catamaran in the Galápagos. Its eight suites and junior suites feature extras like binoculars, personal refrigerators, a pillow menu, and room service. The catamaran cruises two routes, a northern route and a southern route, both lasting seven nights.

Anahi Yacht Catamaran

The Anahi has eight rooms accommodating up to 16 passengers, including two spacious suites. Travelers can expect traditional yacht design details, like polished wooden floors and portrait windows. There are multiple itineraries to choose from, each stopping off at different islands and exploring different parts of the Galápagos. The cruises range in duration from four to 15 days.

Royal Galapagos Cormorant II

The Cormorant II can carry 16 passengers in nine cabins, all with private balconies. Some of the suites even come with walk-in closets and their own Jacuzzi tubs. Travelers can opt for a four- to eight-day cruise with inclusive excursions such as snorkeling, kayaking, and glass-bottom boat tours.

Live-aboard Dive Boats

If you’re a certified scuba diver, a live-aboard dive boat might be for you. These boats are built to accommodate the specific needs (and gear) of divers, and they navigate special routes and itineraries that include top dive sites. The Galápagos is home to whale sharks, hammerhead sharks, spotted eagle rays, manta rays, sunfish, and many other marine creatures.

Explorer Ventures Humboldt Explorer and Tiburon Explorer

Explorer Ventures ' two live-aboard vessels, the Humboldt Explorer and Tiburon Explorer , accommodate 16 passengers each. The Humboldt has a large dive deck, which makes it easier to get into and out of your dive gear. The eight-day excursion includes up to 19 dives and the 11-day excursion includes up to 28.

Galápagos Nortada

The 84-foot Nortada has only four cabins and can sleep eight guests. Passengers can congregate on the bridge, the galley, or in the dining room and lounge. Dive trips last either seven or 14 nights, and itineraries include up to four dives a day.

Galápagos Aggressor III

The Aggressor ships have been cruising around the Galápagos Islands since 1993. The Galápagos Aggressor III accommodates 16 passengers. Charters last a week and include four dives a day plus two land excursions.

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Small Ship Cruises in Galapagos

Explore the amazing Galapagos Islands aboard a small ship cruise. Discover the birthplace of Darwins ' Theory of Evolution '.

A Galapagos small ship cruise should be high on most people's destination bucket list. For many, the Galapagos Islands hold a certain amount of intrigue to those seeking one of the few remaining spectacular wildlife encounters on Earth. With its raw, natural beauty and amazing wildlife, the isolated Galapagos Islands are best visited by boat, and more specifically, a luxury cruise or liveaboard boat offering different levels of accommodation onboard. Taking a Galapagos small ship cruise ensures you will gain access to some of the best visitor sites, most of which are close to bigger cruise ships.

To preserve the natural beauty of the Galapagos Islands, the Galapagos National Park has reduced the number of guests to the visitor sites by requiring boats to wait 14 days before returning to the same area. This means that most boats offer alternating itineraries to cover as many of the best Galapagos sites as possible. Escape the crowds and explore the islands on a Galapagos Cruise in small groups and with experienced naturalist guides. All Galapagos small ship cruises have 12 - 100 passengers, ensuring a more personalized service and experience.

The Galapagos Islands were first made famous when British scientist Charles Darwin based his ‘ Theory of Evolution ’ on his findings there. Made up of a cluster of around 13 volcanic islands, around 95% of this area is now part of the Galapagos National Park system and declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site .

A Galapagos cruise will offer a truly unique experience. From the stunning landscapes, which look like something from the Jurassic Age, to the endemic wildlife with up to 26 species native to these islands and in their natural habitat, there is nowhere else on earth like the Galapagos Islands.

Best Galapagos Tours

While there are many things to see and do in the Galapagos, some of the best Galapagos tours involve visiting the below destinations;

Española Island - Expedition cruises to Española Island in the Galapagos offer the unique opportunity to observe the world's only waved albatross breeding site, along with stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife, including the famous blue-footed boobies and marine iguanas.

Baltra Island - The home of the first airport in the Galapagos Islands, Baltra Island is where many Galapagos cruises start and finish.

Charles Darwin Research Station  - Located close to Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island airport, a visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station is usually at the start or the end of the trip. The station is an information center, library, museum, and breeding ground for tortoises that will be introduced into the wild.

Tortuga Bay - located on Santa Cruz Island- gets its name from the black sea turtles that lay their eggs here. With a beautiful white sandy beach, Tortuga Bay also offers amazing snorkeling in the Galapagos Islands.

Fernandina Island - the youngest and one of the most pristine islands in the Galapagos, provides unparalleled opportunities to see unique species like the flightless cormorant and vast lava fields untouched by invasive species.

Darwin Bay -  located on Genovesa Island, this white sand coral beach is a great place to snorkel and appreciate the abundant wildlife in the water. It is the perfect way to see amazing wildlife up close!

Rabida Island - enchants visitors with its striking red sand beaches, diverse birdlife, including flamingos and brown pelicans, and excellent snorkeling opportunities among vibrant marine life.

El Chato Tortoise Reserve - Also located in Santa Cruz, the El Chato Tortoise Reserve is divided into 2 areas, Chato & Caseta. During the dry season, the reserve offers visitors the chance to observe Giant Tortoises in the wild.

Floreana Island - located at the south of the Galapagos Islands, Floreana is home to the ‘Post Office Bay’, where whalers placed an unofficial post box in the hope their letters would get sent home, as well as a great place to spot flamingos and sea turtles.

Isabela Island - the largest island in the archipelago, Isabela was formed by 5 young volcanoes joining together. With extensive lava fields in the north, dense vegetation, and unique red mangroves in the south, Isabela Island offers many great visitor sites in the Galapagos.

Chinese Hat - a small islet off the coast of Santiago Island in the Galapagos, offering a close-up view of volcanic formations, a thriving sea lion colony, and a unique landscape shaped remarkably like its namesake.

Due to its proximity to the equator, the Galapagos Islands see very little rainfall, and there is no best time to visit the Galapagos Islands to see wildlife. The area has 2 main seasons: the warm, wet season from late December to June or the cool, dry season from July to early December, which means there are amazing Galapagos itineraries year-round. Galapagos in January - May is the time when green sea turtles and marine and land iguanas start nesting. In contrast, June marks the start of the breeding of California Sea Lions, August for Fur Seals to start breeding, and tortoises in Santa Cruz island to lay eggs in the wild. Nutrient-rich waters from the strong Humboldt current in August offer excellent opportunities to snorkel with sea lion pups. Dolphin and whale spotting is very common in September & November on the crossing to Fernandina Island, and December marks the start of the warm season in the Galapagos and offers many wildlife encounters. Many wildlife species breed and nest year-round, such as the red-footed and masked boobies, flightless cormorants, penguins, and greater flamingoes.

How to get to the Galapagos Islands

The Galapagos Islands are located in the Eastern Pacific Ocean, 600 miles (1000km) off the coast of Ecuador in South America. International flights will usually arrive at Quito or Guayaquil international airports on the Ecuadorian mainland. Direct flights from US cities are available, as well as from some European cities. A domestic flight from Quito or Guayaquil is required to get to the Galapagos Islands. These flights are usually not included in the advertised tour cost but can be arranged when booking with Liveaboard.com. It is strongly advised that you make your domestic travel arrangements when booking your Galapagos cruise to ensure you arrive on time for the cruise departure.

Where do Galapagos Cruises depart from?

Most Galapagos cruises depart from Baltra Island, San Cristobal Island, where two domestic airports are located, or Puerto Ayora (Santa Cruz). Your cruise operator will then arrange to collect you from the airport and take you to your ship.

Very few boats sail directly from Ecuador, as most of the action and adventure lie within the Galapagos Islands themselves. So, you will get more out of your trip if you start it in the heart of the action.

Galapagos Cruise Tips

When planning your Galapagos trip, there are a few things to consider. When should you book? How many days? What to take? etc. Below are some tips to help you to get the most out of your trip of a lifetime;

Plan ahead - To avoid disappointment, planning your Galapagos Small Ship cruise well ahead of time is best. Most Galapagos yachts sell out at least 6 months in advance, so try to book early. That being said, sometimes there are good deals due to cancellations. So, if you are planning a spur-of-the-moment Galapagos cruise, checking for some last-minute deals is a good idea. This is one way to see Galapagos on a budget, but you risk the chance of the cruises being sold out.

Arrive early - trying to arrive at least 1 to 2 days before your cruise departure date is recommended in case of flight delays. The last thing you want is to miss a few days of your long-awaited Galapagos cruise and have to join the tour later.

Choosing the right trip - As mentioned earlier, yachts are restricted from returning to the same visitor site within 14 days. For that reason, you will see many different itineraries, ranging from East, West, North, South, A, and B. Most boats have put a lot of effort into scheduling the itineraries, so no matter which one you pick, you will have a memorable experience. Galapagos itineraries can be as short as 4 days, but most are 8 days long. However, the best way to see the Galapagos and all it has to offer is to do 2 back-to-back, 7-night itineraries; his way, you will cover most of the islands and visitor sites. Various boat sizes are available for cruising the Galapagos Islands. See our Best Small Ship Cruises in Galapagos page for more information.

Cruises versus Island Hopping - While you can still explore some of the visitor sites and islands of the Galapagos by staying in a hotel and moving from island to island, only a few areas in the Galapagos National Park are accessible by day boat. Taking a liveaboard is the only real way to explore the 40 National Park landing sites, with the added benefit of arriving early before anyone else arrives.

Snorkeling Gear - most Galapagos yachts will provide a full set of snorkel gear, but it is recommended that if you have your own and it is comfortable, take it with you. Particularly if you have your mask or need a prescription mask, wetsuits are generally not included in the cost of the trip, and it can be a good idea to arrange to rent one of these to keep you warm in the water and to protect you from the sun.

Galapagos Travel Advice - You will need a valid passport to visit the Galapagos, with at least 6 months still available. Most countries do not require a visa to enter Ecuador, but checking with your local embassy before making travel arrangements is a good idea. The local currency is the US dollar, but most yachts accept major credit cards. If taking cash, try to bring smaller notes, as many restaurants and stores do not accept $100 bills. You should also bring US$ cash to tip the guides and crew aboard your Galapagos cruise.

Galapagos Island cruises FAQ

With so many options to choose from online, finding the perfect Galapagos cruise (at the best rate!) and then booking it (easily and directly!) can feel like a daunting task. Not with LiveAboard.com. With one of the, if not THE, biggest Galapagos small ship cruise catalog found online, a best price promise (we price match!), an effortless and streamlined booking process that comes with a commitment-free "book now, pay later" guarantee, and a dedicated team of international cruise travel experts, you are sure to explore the Galapagos Islands by cruise in no time. Here's how you book your next small ship dream cruise in the Galapagos:

1. Go to the search page for Galapagos cruises

This will be your main starting point whenever you want to book a trip with us; a carefuly maintained list of small ship cruises and liveaboards, curated for the highest quality in terms of service level, safety, maintanence, customer experience and a whole other slew of indicators to guarantee our customers the best experience. Our inventory is updated frequently to reflect the most current pricing, current deals, and trip availability possible.

2. Decide when to go to the Galapagos Islands

After you decide what's the best time to visit the Galapagos Islands for you, simply update your desired month of departure to narrow down the list of available options.

3. Compare all the cruise ships in the Galapagos

With over 50 small ship Galapagos cruises to choose from, the odds of you finding a small ship cruise to your liking that's within your budget have never been better! Easily display boats by key considerations, like price range, duration, and facilities available onboard. Always keep potential candidates within a finger's reach by simply adding them to your Wishlist for easy future reference and comparison.

Please note that if you want to be informed about the latest and most interesting Galapagos cruise deals ASAP, you should sign up for our newsletter . There's no better way to secure those notoriously hard to find last-minute cruises to the Galapagos!

4. Read the Galapagos reviews by other customers

On LiveAboard.com you'll find both verified reviews by customers about their Galapagos Islands cruise, as well as their honest opinion of the Galapagos itself. This will not only help you decide what is the best cruise ship for you, but also when to go the Galapagos, or what part of the Galapagos islands you shouldn't miss. With the number of reviews covering up to 380 Galapagos cruise trips, you'll have a clear and concise picture of what to expect.

5. Find the perfect Galapagos itinerary

Small ship cruises in the Galapagos usually offer a range of different itineraries. This includes naturalist tours, snorkelling opportunities, and a whole range of activities and things to see and experience. Consult the itinerary details for more information.

6. Pick the cabin best suited to your needs

You found the perfect Galapagos cruise ship, picked your date and itinerary, and now it's time to select your cabin! Before actually selecting your cabin, you can inform yourself about the different types of cabin available on the boat page, under Accomodation. When you're ready, simply click "Select cabin" - you will be directed to the next page. Here you'll find information about cabin availability and pricing.

7. Fill out your details and book!

After you selected your cabin and progressed to the next page, there's only one final step for you to take to book your ideal Galapagos cruise! Simply fill out your contact details and submit the form. Please note that the trip hasn't actually been booked yet at this stage. We will need some time to verify the availability of the cabin(s) on your requested date and tour with the operator of the vessel. Unfortunately this manual action is a requirement due to industry standards in certain parts of the world.

Focus on sun protection above all else. Pack plenty of high-SPF sunscreen (reef-safe is ideal), a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses to shield yourself from the intense equatorial sun. Bring breathable, lightweight clothing like T-shirts, shorts, and swimsuits (incidentally, this should also answer any "What to wear during a Galapagos cruise" questions you might have. Since you'll be exploring both on land and in the water, pack comfortable, sturdy hiking shoes or sandals suitable for wet and dry landings, plus water shoes for snorkeling and beach walks. Don't forget a light rain jacket, as showers can pop up, and a sweater or fleece for cooler evenings on board.

Keep your gear safe from the elements with a dry bag or waterproof backpack. It's perfect for protecting your camera, binoculars, phone, and any other essentials during excursions. Consider packing a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated and reduce plastic waste. If you're into wildlife, a field guide or two will help you identify the incredible creatures you'll see. For versatility, a sarong or cover-up is great for sun protection or as a makeshift towel.

Remember, most Galapagos cruises have limited storage space, so pack light! Casual attire is the standard onboard, but you might want one slightly nicer outfit for dinners. Check with your specific cruise operator to see if they provide snorkeling equipment or wetsuits to avoid packing things you don't need. Finally, the Galapagos Islands have strict biosecurity rules, so ensure all your footwear and gear are clean and free of soil or seeds before you arrive.

The ideal time to visit the Galapagos depends on what you want to do, see or experience. Here's a quick overview of what to see and what to do in the Galapagos and when:

Warm/Wet Season (December - May)

Cool/dry season (june - november).

So ultimately, the best time to cruise the Galapagos depends on your priorities:

Book your next Galapagos cruise adventure to the incredible Galapagos Islands online today.

Galapagos Reviews

• 95 Verified Reviews

We would highly recommend the Legend. We are prone to seasickness, so we took a large boat. I don't think we missed out on anything compared to the smaller boats except the ship had to anchor a little further out than the smaller boats and tender us in to shore.We also spent 5 days on land based activities in the Galapagos after the cruise. You will see much more wildlife cruising and visiting the uninhabited islands than you will visiting the human-populated islands.

Cruising Galapagos in March on the Galapagos Legend

• 10.0 Exceptional

Great experience.. good combination with walking, hiking, beach, snorkelling, visiting with Zodiacs and swimming :-) Our guide Enrique was great! We even could use the kayak and the SUP. After each excursion we were welcomed back with a special drink and snacks...

Cruising Galapagos in July on the Endemic

• 8.8 Fabulous

Amazing, so much wildlife and very close encounters

Cruising Galapagos in December on the Nemo III

• 9.6 Exceptional

Excellent. Good planning and very good time when we come back to the boat.

Cruising Galapagos in February on the Galapagos Sea Star

5 star! We absolutely loved it

Cruising Galapagos in March on the Infinity

• 8.0 Very good

it is very very good

Cruising Galapagos in March on the Golondrina

It was an incredible vacation. The captain of Nemo2 was great, the naturalist Marcus was enthusiastic and very knowledgeable. The ship was great, we enjoyed the small group environment. Thank you !

Cruising Galapagos in April on the Nemo II

• Arnold Alexander V

Did not dive but great snorkeling

Cruising Galapagos in May on the Grace

Snorkelling was incredible

Cruising Galapagos in May on the EcoGalaxy

Really good BUT for us it was the snorkelling that made it exceptional

Cruising Galapagos in May on the Tip Top II

This trip was definitely a bucket list trip and it did not disappoint! We look forward to returning soon to visit the other islands....

Cruising Galapagos in July on the Monserrat

Wonderful, amazing adventure. I would recommend it to all my friends.

Cruising Galapagos in September on the Galapagos Legend

• 8.4 Very good
• Kent Man Chun Y

Excellent. Very comfortable way to explore the Galapagos.

Cruising Galapagos in November on the Grand Majestic

I was all very good. It’s an easy and relaxed way to get around. Every thing is maded for the gests. Don’t have to anything just enjoy.

Cruising Galapagos in December on the Fragata

Increíble!

Cruising Galapagos in December on the Monserrat

• 6.8 Review score

Snorkeling was good lots of fish decent visibility

Cruising Galapagos in February on the Natural Paradise

Overall, cruising in Galapagos is truly an amazing experience. We have traveled and sailed in other parts of the world, but nothing can compare to experiencing wildlife as you are able to do on Galapagos Islands while learning from professional and experienced Naturalists, there to answer any question you may have about what you see or hear. Each Island has it's own unique experience to offer from geology, history, flora, fauna and sea life - fantastic!!

Cruising Galapagos in February on the Nemo II

Didn't dive on this trip, but snorkeling certainly met our expectations. Conditions on the last few days of the trip weren't too good due to low visibility, but the first several sessions were wonderful. Wish I had seen more sharks and hammerheads especially.

Cruising Galapagos in February on the Grand Majestic

Didn’t dive but the snorkeling was fabulous.

Cruising Galapagos in March on the EcoGalaxy

Excellent - lots of sitings of the 2 dozen or so must see animals. Even had over 100 galapagos sharks circling the boat one night chasing flying fish.

Cruising Galapagos in April on the Natural Paradise

The winds reduced visibility a bit, but I would do it all again in a heartbeat!

Cruising Galapagos in May on the Archipel I

We did not dive. Snorkeling was such a fun adventure that allowed us to see many marine animals in the wild!

Cruising Galapagos in June on the Infinity

We only snorkeled but that was the highlight of the trip for us. Outstanding adventure!

Cruising Galapagos in June on the Galaxy

Not being a diver or snorkeler it was a wonderful introduction to the activity.

Cruising Galapagos in September on the Fragata

I highly recommend visiting the Galápagos Islands, once in a lifetime experience ! And I think the best way the visit is on a cruise ship! You get to see so much !

Cruising Galapagos in September on the Calipso

Loved it - everyday we saw new wildlife. It was incredible how unafraid the wildlife was of humans which allowed for relatively close & extended contact with the wildlife. Travel between the islands was very enjoyable on the Nemo III which is a sailing catamaran. The boat had tons of open space on deck for watching the landscape go by and for spotting marine animals i.e. dolphins & whales. Great trip - would highly recommend

Cruising Galapagos in October on the Nemo III

The entire trip to the Galapagos was amazing. If you like to see and engage with wildlife in the natural setting, the Galapagos is the place to do it. So much to see and experience.

Cruising Galapagos in October on the Fragata

Only snorkeled but was very good

Cruising Galapagos in November on the Treasure of Galapagos

no diving just snorkeling, great

Cruising Galapagos in November on the Eden

• Manuel Oern A

It was a nice expirence - water is cold and muddy.

Cruising Galapagos in November on the Bonita

the entire small cruise ship experience was incredible

Cruising Galapagos in December on the Golondrina

It was ok, a little too cold for my tastes

Cruising Galapagos in December on the Anahi

Snorkeling was amazing

Cruising Galapagos in January on the Natural Paradise

Snorkeling was a highlight for me.

The snorkeling was an incredible experience for the sheer amount of fish that can be observed.

Cruising Galapagos in January on the Calipso

Cruising Galapagos in February on the Infinity

Very good even if i would have appreciated to do the tunnels

Cruising Galapagos in February on the Cachalote Explorer

Absolutely Incredible! So many cool animals and experiences

Cruising Galapagos in February on the Archipel I

We only snorkeled but it was really great!

Cruising Galapagos in March on the Eden

Fantastic. Hopefully we will return again one day. Highly recommended.

Cruising Galapagos in March on the Archipel I

We haven’t dived yet but our snorkeling experiences were wonderful, a very vibrant marine life exists and you get to see so much from on top of the water

Cruising Galapagos in April on the Bonita

Heaven!!!!!

Cruising Galapagos in April on the Galapagos Legend

• Anna Marie S

snorkeled only. Absolutely wonderful experience swimming with the sea lions, turtles, penguins and beautiful tropical fish.

Cruising Galapagos in April on the Yolita

other than the freezing water the snorkeling was excellent

Snorkeling was as amazing as the excursions on land!

Cruising Galapagos in May on the Nemo II

The snorkeling was superb overall, though there were days when the water conditions were not ideal.

Cruising Galapagos in May on the Galaxy

We covered alot of area, and were kept nicely busy learning something every day, The trip certainly exceeded our expectations.

Cruising Galapagos in June on the Nemo II

• J. Miller T

no diving but the snorkels rivalled most of the dives I've been on lately....

We did not dive, but enjoyed our snorkelling experiences. The wet suits kept us warm and they were very buoyant. We saw so much marine life, tropical fish, sea stars, sea lions frolicking, marine iguanas feasting, sea turtles in abundance, sharks, stingrays, penguins….a sea lion catching a parrot fish, amazing!

Cruising Galapagos in June on the Passion

We did not dive. We were on a snorkel boat. The snorkeling was unbelievable! And I always felt safe because the guide was always in the water with us, and the two dingys were close by with two crew members available to pick you up with the wave of a hand.

Cruising Galapagos in July on the Galapagos Sea Star

Snorkeling was fantastic.

Cruising Galapagos in July on the Golondrina

We have seen so many different islands, fantastic beaches, volcanic landscapes. It was impressive.

Cruising Galapagos in August on the Golondrina

Every island we visited and every activity we participated in helped to make our 6 day cruise in Galapagos one of the best trips our family has ever taken. Galapagos is one of the most amazing places on earth and our cruise with Alya was a fantastic way to experience it.

Cruising Galapagos in August on the Alya

• 5.2 Review score

Not enough variety of wildlife

Cruising Galapagos in September on the Alya

Did not dive, only snorkeling once or twice a day with great experiences. Separately, for some reason you didn't ask about Santa Cruz island, but I can say the time seeing giant tortoises at El Chata ranch was very special and I think s highlight of anyone's trip to the Galapagos.

Cruising Galapagos in September on the Reina Silvia Voyager

interesting and fun

Was not so fun! Did it once and can’t tolerate the cold water that it affects my breathing. Maybe I’ll come back during warm weather, water might be a little warm!

Cruising Galapagos in September on the Galaxy

We snorkeled rather than diving, and the experience was a bit mixed. We had some days with rough water and poor visibility, but other days that were perfect. We saw sea lions, turtles, penguins, and marine iguanas in addition to the usual cast of fish.

WE did Snorkling and I felt safe and adventurous. Saw amazing fish and shore life.

Cruising Galapagos in September on the Natural Paradise

They were well organized with full wet suits, masks etc. We were given free reign with a good overview for safety. For me, the water was still to cold and tended to be murky and too few fish.Others took full advantage of the many opportunities and enjoyed finding the sharks, rays, etc. .

Snorkeling was great on all days! The best was the snorkel at Devils Crown where a huge pod of dolphins played around the catamaran and also escorted us during our snorkel event! We also saw some whales!!! GREAT EXPERIENCE!

Cruising Galapagos in October on the Alya

We didn't dive on Grand Majestic - but the snorkeling and land excursions were perfect!

Cruising Galapagos in October on the Grand Majestic

The snorkeling was excellent but some spots had more of a « deep sea » feel, which was frightening and exciting at the same time. The crew makes us feel very secure at all times so you really enjoy your experience. Plenty of wildlife to see underwater : penguins, sea lions, rays, sharks, turtles and all the colorfull fish!

I came for the animals as well as the history. Our guide was great with the animal information but he missed on a few of the historical places (mentioned above). After iguanas on every island, you tend to ignore them after a while. Snorkeling was good but again, it was almost the same species at each snorkel site. Too much of any animal, fish, etc. can get old. We stopped on Isabella Island multiple times to the exclusion of other islands. Not sure if we missed anything on the other islands or not, just making a note. Overall, I really enjoyed the entire experience and will highly recommend it others. Thank you! (I am hoping I got my info right on these stops as they are not in the order we did them so my notes may be off a bit.)

Cruising Galapagos in October on the Golondrina

It was great snorkeling. Water is cold after about 30 min.

Cruising Galapagos in November on the Solaris

Next time I would take a nicer boat but like I said staff was wonderful.

We snorkeled. The water was cold on the west end of the island chain but that’s where we had the best experience and interaction.

Cruising Galapagos in January on the Grand Majestic

Overall, it was a very good experience. We learned a lot about flora and fauna of Galapagos while enjoying all the fun activities

Cruising Galapagos in January on the Galaxy

We toured the southern islands and all excursions were fantastic! We kept thinking the next island couldn't get any better than the last one, then it did.

Cruising Galapagos in January on the Samba

• Alexander W

When the currents were strong the visibility was bad, but most of the time it was really enjoyable. Only needed a wetsuit half of the time.

• Mary Ellen S

We did not dive, but snorkeled which was amazing! Many turtles, rays, fish, sharks! Also pods of dolphins, killer whales!

Cruising Galapagos in February on the Passion

A trip of a lifetime, absolutely amazing, weather was great, sea was calm most of the time. Staff and boat both exceeded expectations

Cruising Galapagos in February on the Reina Silvia Voyager

We are world travelers- this trip has been the best we’ve ever taken. Be prepared! It is HOT and the islands treks are long and often rocky. The itinerary pace is extreme. There is very little down time. Everyday you are off the vessel by 8. Often by 6:30. Be prepared - while the ship is a luxury vessel - the activities can be taxing.

Cruising Galapagos in April on the Alya

Warm water, pretty clear, playful penguins, what could be better! ( I was snorkeling not diving)

We loved all aspects of our cruise except one night of unavoidable rocky seas. We enjoyed 8 days (no regrets) but would have been satisfied with 5 days as things began to repeat.

We did snorkel on a lot of different places. On some we were lucky on other less. But all by all seem a lot of different locations with a wide variety

Cruising Galapagos in April on the Golondrina

Overall the excursions were informative & very interesting and fun!

The snorkeling was really good, clear waters, an abundance of sea life, the different locations with there unique qualities and creatures. Don't remember the excursions on each island. But overall it was one of the best adventures of our lives!

Cruising Galapagos in June on the Reina Silvia Voyager

We didn’t dive but the snorkelling was wonderful, felt at times like swimming in an aquarium!

Cruising Galapagos in June on the Bonita

Very educational and interesting

Cruising Galapagos in July on the Passion

Just WOW! It was absolutely stunning! Especially Darwin and Wolf, therefore I am very happy that these two Islands were the main diving locations during the trip.

Cruising Galapagos in August on the Galaxy Diver

I’ve never snorkelled before, but it was all straightforward and very enjoyable

Cruising Galapagos in August on the Solaris

Only went snorkeling. Snorkeling is meh; I've seen much better in Caribbean and Hawaii

Amazing! The condition can be challenging but nothing too crazy, just need to follow the rules and the guide, then you'll be fine! Definitely worth it for everything you see down there!

Cruising Galapagos in September on the Galaxy Diver

Cruising Galapagos in September on the Solaris

Diving in the Galapagos was hands-down the best dives I've ever done. We saw soooo many sharks from massive schools of hammerheads, and Galapagos sharks, to whale sharks and even only Galapagos endemic sharks. Beyond sharks we dove with Iguanas, saw dolphins and scuba dived with playful sea lions. Also makro lovers will have something to enjoy with sea horses and other makrolife.

• 6.0 Review score
• Jean Francois R

Good thanks to the hammerhead sharks!

Fantastic for all the islands - the different unique environments for each one was so interesting.

Cruising Galapagos in October on the Bonita

• guillermo H

We saw whales, dolphins, manta ray

Cruising Galapagos in November on the Nemo II

The diving was amazing. At wolf and Darwin Island we saq so many hammerhead sharks and also lots of rays and other sharks and tons of fish. Also some dolphins,sea lions and turtles. They all came quite close, it was really awesome. Around isabella island we got to see lots of Manta and Mobula Rays and they passed right above us, I loved those. There we also saw some penguins. Sadly no whale sharks or other whales, but of course November is really not the season for those. We had a really great time and I am really happy to find such a great nature reserve!

Cruising Galapagos in November on the Galaxy Diver

Excellent. So much amazing wildlife and each island was unique. It really didn't matter where we went. It was all incredibly interesting.

Dawrin and Wolf Island were unbelievable!!

Our trip to Galapagos was the trip of a lifetime, spectacular in every way!!!

Cruising Galapagos in December on the Reina Silvia Voyager

Cruising the Galapagos Islands is an experience everyone should get to have. It provided me with a greater respect of the effect people have on the environment and its creatures.

Cruising Galapagos in December on the Yolita

Too good to be real. Most pristine and beautiful place I've dove in the world.

Cruising Galapagos in December on the Galaxy Diver

Wonderful! Boat size/amount of passengers was perfect. Appreciated that nat parks are so strict with landings and guide requirements, this is a fragile place that needs all the protection it can get.

Cruising Galapagos in January on the Coral I and II

Unfortunately El Nino brought very high water temperature and the amount of sharks was limited . In general a good diving but not amazing

Cruising Galapagos in January on the Galaxy Diver

I would definitely recommend this trip. It went to multiple islands so we saw a variety of wildlife and topography.

Cruising Galapagos in January on the Galapagos Legend

Very good though we saw only limited fish stock and sea lions

Cruising Galapagos in February on the Alya

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Galapagos Cruises & Tours

10 best galapagos cruises & tours for 2024-2025, galapagos southeast islands, northern islands, eastern galapagos catamaran cruise, galapagos multisport, islands and incas, north & central islands, southern islands, central east & southern islands, northwestern islands, top 6 galapagos private yacht charters for groups, find the perfect galapagos trip for you, galapagos yacht & small ship list, galapagos eco tours, galapagos luxury cruises, private galapagos charter cruises, galapagos tours by land, galapagos liveaboard diving cruises, 16 recommended galapagos yachts & small ships, galapagos legend, seaman journey, ocean spray, endemic galapagos, natural paradise, santa cruz ii, planning your galapagos trip, all galapagos cruises, how to choose a galapagos cruise: tips on selecting a galapagos yacht, types of galapagos trips to choose from.

• Galapagos Wildlife & Safari Exploration: Delve into the heart of the Galapagos' diverse ecosystems. Witness an array of iconic wildlife, from giant tortoises to blue-footed boobies, while exploring both by sea and land.
• Galapagos Small Ship Cruises: Join a wide array of expedition cruise ships designed for avid explorers. These cruises offer in-depth insights into the archipelago's unique flora and fauna. Expert naturalists guide you through iconic sites, providing a comprehensive Galapagos experience.
• Galapagos Private Yacht Charter: Enjoy an exclusive adventure with a private yacht charter. Tailor your itinerary, explore secluded spots, and indulge in personalized service, creating an intimate and unforgettable Galapagos experience.
• Galapagos Luxury Cruises and Tours: Experience the Galapagos Islands in opulence. Luxury cruises and land tours offer premium accommodations, gourmet dining, and curated experiences, ensuring a lavish exploration of this natural wonder.
• Galapagos Family Cruises and Tours: Create lasting memories with family-friendly tours and cruises. These specially crafted journeys cater to all ages. Enjoy interactive learning experiences and a chance for families to bond amidst the incredible landscapes.
• Galapagos Solo Travel: Embark on a solo adventure in the Galapagos. Join group tours or cruises that cater to independent travelers, providing opportunities to meet like-minded explorers while enjoying the freedom of solo exploration.
• Galapagos Land Tours: Discover the Galapagos Islands through land-based adventures. Immerse yourself in the unique landscapes, visit conservation sites, and witness the endemic wildlife on guided tours.
• Galapagos Honeymoon Tours and Cruises: Celebrate love amidst the enchanting Galapagos scenery. Honeymoon tours and cruises offer romantic escapes, combining exploration, breathtaking landscapes, and intimate experiences.
• Galapagos Active Trips: Satiate your adventurous spirit with active trips that combine exploration with thrilling activities. From snorkeling in pristine waters to hiking volcanic landscapes, these tours cater to active travelers.
• Galapagos Beaches: Whether on a land tour or a Galapagos cruise, you will visit several beaches during your stay. Bask in the sun, admire the different-colored sands of the archipelago, and go snorkeling with sea turtles and sea lions. Enjoy relaxation and water-based activities while exploring the unique coastal environments.
• Galapagos Most Popular Cruises and Land Tours: Opt for the tried-and-true experiences with Adventure Life’s most popular cruises and land tours. These journeys cover must-visit sites, ensuring a comprehensive exploration of the Galapagos Islands.
• Luxury Galapagos Cruises  have the top-rated naturalist guides, superb cuisine, and spacious, stylish cabins.
• Galapagos Catamarans  may have the best of both worlds. Catamarans are small 16-passenger yachts that are stable in the water and the most luxurious vessels to sail the Galapagos. 
• Galapagos Cruise Ships   have spacious cabins and public areas. Some have doctors onboard and may be a good choice for physically challenged travelers. 
• Budget Cruises make it possible to experience Galapagos on a budget. One should be very careful when choosing a low-price Galapagos cruise, but we only work with the best boats and take the risk out of choosing a trip that won't break your budget.
• A  4-day cruise is too short as the first and last days are used to fly from the mainland of Ecuador, so you only have two full days on the islands, which is not enough!
• A 5-day cruise (with three full days on the islands) will be sufficient for some travelers.
• An 8-day cruise is the perfect balance of enough time on the islands vs. cost.  
• The 15-day cruises offer complete circumnavigations of the islands for those with ample time and budget.

A Typical Day Aboard a Galapagos Cruise

Galapagos travel tips & cruise guide, best times of year to visit the galapagos, galapagos weather & climate.

• Limiting the number of visitors to most sites, 
• Prohibiting non-native species introduction.
• Requiring park-certified guides on expeditions and during all activities to ensure visitor safety and wildlife protection. 
• No feeding or touching the animals under any circumstances.
• No drones and flash photography that could disturb the local wildlife.
• Forbidding the purchase of products or souvenirs made from local flora or fauna.

Island-by-Island Galapagos Guide

Galapagos animals & wildlife, top galapagos species.

• Blue-Footed Booby: This colorful bird can be found throughout the archipelago. Recognized for their striking blue feet, these seabirds engage in captivating courtship displays and impressive diving skills.
• Waved Albatross: Española stands as the exclusive habitat for the Waved Albatross, showcasing its impressive wingspan of up to 8 feet. Witness the captivating courtship dance during the breeding season, a truly unique spectacle.
• Flightless Cormorant: Isabela and Fernandina host the unique Flightless Cormorant. This endemic species sacrificed flight for enhanced diving abilities. Witness their distinctive swimming style near volcanic shores.
• Nazca Booby:  Encounter this masked booby on Genovesa and Española, respectively. Marvel at their distinctive features and behaviors.
• Red-Footed Booby: Distinguished by its vibrant red feet, this seabird is recognized for its striking appearance and adept aerial dives. These sociable birds create captivating colonies against the backdrop of the Galapagos seas.
• Galapagos Hawk: Observe the Galapagos’ apex predator soaring over the islands, showcasing its adaptability and role as the archipelago's apex predator.
• Frigatebirds: Witness large colonies of magnificent Frigatebirds on North Seymour and Genovesa, displaying their aerial prowess. These seabirds with iconic inflated throat pouches contribute to the archipelago's unique avian spectacle.
• Galapagos Flamingo : Spot this elegant bird in Floreana and Isabela, showcasing their unique pink hues in the archipelago's lagoons. These graceful birds add to the Galapagos' diverse avian population.
• Galapagos Finches: Encounter diverse Galapagos Finches on various islands, witnessing their distinct beak adaptations. These iconic birds played a pivotal role in Darwin's theory of evolution.
• Giant Tortoise: Once inhabitants of most of the Galapagos Islands, this endemic species are now found only in a few places on the archipelago, such as Santa Cruz, San Cristobal, Isabela, and Floreana. These gentle giants display diverse shell shapes based on their island of origin.
• Marine Iguana: Galapagos is the only place in the world that harbors the unique Marine Iguana, a land iguana that adapted to life in the ocean. Basking on the archipelago’s black lava rocks, these iguanas dive into the sea to feed on algae, displaying a fascinating blend of terrestrial and marine behaviors.
• Land Iguana: North Seymour and Isabela host the distinctive Land Iguana, with North Seymour renowned for its population of yellow land iguanas. Isabela showcases both pink and yellow variants, illustrating the species' adaptability to different environments.
• Green Sea Turtle: Swim alongside the graceful Green Sea Turtles in the waters around Española and Isabela. However, these ancient mariners can be found throughout the Galapagos waters and add to the islands' marine wonder.
• Sea Lion: Each Galapagos Island offers vibrant encounters with this charismatic species. San Cristóbal's beaches are bustling with playful sea lions, providing fantastic opportunities for observation.
• Galapagos Penguin: Isabela, Fernandina, and Bartolomé are havens for this unique animal, the only penguin species near the equator. Thriving in nutrient-rich waters, Isabela and Fernandina offer prime locations to observe these agile birds.

Galapagos FAQs

• Santa Cruz Island is the centrally located "main island" in the Galapagos and serves as the biggest port for cruises and base for land-tours . The town of Puerto Ayora has a growing population of 18,000 people and a number of restaurants, shops, bars, and hotels. It is accessed by Baltra Island Airport.
• Isabela Island is the westernmost, biggest, and youngest of the inhabited Galapagos Islands. There are six active volcanoes here that can be explored and some of the best snorkeling opportunities as well. The quiet town of Puerto Villamil has managed to maintain its fishing village atmosphere despite the growth in tourism to the Islands.
• Floreana , in the southern part of the archipelago, is one of the most historic islands in the Galapagos, home to centuries-old legends and tales of betrayal and romance, pirates, whalers, and artifacts that remind us how real this period was in the Galapagos Islands.
• San Cristobal in the far east of the Galapagos Islands is the administrative capital of this Ecuadorian province from the town of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, and is home to some of the best surfing and land-based exploration sites, like the giant El Junco freshwater lagoon, geological formations, Cerro Brujo & Lobos Island and more.
• Galapagos & the Amazon: The  Ecuadorian Amazon   has the most easily accessible area of the Amazon Rainforests, and one of the most diverse. It's usually experienced from an eco-lodge. If you love the idea of another cruise, then visit Peru's Amazon  to take a river cruise from the town of Iquitos .
• Galapagos & Machu Picchu : Check off another wonder of the world by visiting Machu Picchu to see this impressive architectural landmark of the Inca empire. From here you can look out over the Sacred Valley and stop in the colonial city of Cuzco en route.
• Galapagos & the Andes : Whether you're taking in history and culture in the the colonial Ecuadorian capital city of Quito , exploring the active glaciated Cotopaxi Volcano , or enjoying national parks and colonial streets in the southern Andean city of  Cuenca , these towering peaks and volcanoes seem to put the whole world in perspective. 

Galapagos Ecotourism - Have a Positive Impact on the Islands

Responsible travel to galapagos with adventure life.

• Prioritize conservation! Travel to the Galapagos Islands is heavily monitored and fairly restricted by Ecuador's Ministry of Tourism in collaboration with the Ministry of the Environment and the Galapagos National Park. Those who have the privilege to visit this fragile archipelago also have to play their part and practice responsible tourism by booking with operators committed to "green" travel practices (like the ones that we feature). It's also up to you to follow the Leave No Trace guidelines and make sure to respect all of the rules that your guides tell you (like not feeding the animals and staying on the trails). 
• Plan your trip around your interests. From kayaking and scuba diving to hiking and photography, activities offered on most itineraries are varied and entertaining. Most cruises try to fit in at least two daily excursions and activities to maximize your experience. If you're an avid kayaker or photographer, for example, make sure that your itinerary allows for plenty of time for these options.
• Experience the marine life by snorkeling! Even if you've never been snorkeling or don't consider yourself a particularly strong swimmer, it is worth it to take the plunge in Galapagos and explore the fantastic rainbow of coral and marine life hidden underwater.
• Plan longer trips. While you might find a 4- or 5-day cruise for a much more economical price, we recommend staying at least 8 days. This will not only allow you to see more of the Galapagos Islands and experience more activities, but longer stays also help the local economy and community.

Top Activities & Things to Do in Galapagos

Galapagos scuba diving, main highlights of the top galapagos islands.

Santa Cruz Island  

Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station for a deeper understanding of Galapagos conservation efforts.

Explore the lush highlands, home to the famous giant tortoises in their natural habitat.

Discover the picturesque Tortuga Bay, a pristine white-sand beach with excellent snorkeling opportunities.

Isabela Island  

Hike to the rim of the Sierra Negra Volcano, boasting one of the largest volcanic calderas in the world.

Visit the Wall of Tears, a historical site built by prisoners during this inhabited island's former penal colony.

Snorkel in the crystal-clear waters of Los Tuneles, a unique underwater landscape formed by lava tubes.

Fernandina Island  

Witness the exceptional marine and birdlife, including the flightless cormorant and marine iguanas.

Explore Punta Espinosa, a hotspot for wildlife sightings, with unique lava formations.

Experience pristine nature with minimal human impact on the island's untouched landscapes.

San Cristobal Island  

Visit the Interpretation Center to learn about the natural history and conservation efforts in the Galapagos.

Explore Cerro Brujo, a breathtaking beach with opportunities to spot sea lions and seabirds.

Snorkel at Kicker Rock, a distinctive geological formation rich in marine life.

Baltra Island  

Begin or conclude your Galapagos journey at Baltra, the main airport gateway.

Explore the remnants of a World War II military base, highlighting the island's historical significance.

Witness unique flora and fauna adapting to the arid environment.

North Seymour Island  

Encounter the famous blue-footed boobies engaged in their intricate courtship dances.

Observe frigatebirds displaying their inflated red throat pouches during the breeding season.

Enjoy a picturesque landscape with endemic plants and rocky terrain.

South Plaza Island  

Marvel at the vibrant flora, including the distinctive red Sesuvium plants and Opuntia cacti.

Spot land iguanas, a unique species distinguished by their yellowish coloration.

Witness the incredible acrobatics of sea lions along the rocky shores.

Genovesa Island  

Explore Darwin Bay, a pristine white-sand beach surrounded by cliffs and rich birdlife.

Encounter the iconic red-footed and Nazca boobies, as well as other seabird species.

Hike to Prince Philip's Steps for panoramic views and the chance to spot short-eared owls.

Floreana Island  

Visit Post Office Bay, where an 18th-century tradition of leaving and picking up mail continues.

Snorkel at Devil's Crown, a submerged volcanic crater teeming with marine life.

Explore the highlands to see the unique vegetation and historical sites.

Española Island  

Witness the Waved Albatross during their mating rituals on Española's rocky cliffs.

Explore Gardner Bay's pristine beach, home to sea lions and marine iguanas.

Snorkel at Suarez Point to encounter diverse marine species, including colorful fish.

Galapagos Travel FAQs

Galapagos travel videos.

Real Galapagos Travel Reviews & Stories

Kevin's galapagos trip, our adventures in the galapagos, top galapagos travel destinations.

• Charles Darwin Center
• Daphne Island
• North Seymour
• Puerto Ayora
• Puerto Villamil
• San Cristobal
• San Cristobal Airport
• South Plaza Island
• Wolf Island

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Why Travel With Adventure Life

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Galapagos Islands cruises

Marooned from mainland Ecuador, the Galapagos Islands are a wildlife paradise that’s been allowed to blossom with minimal interference from mankind

Now home to throngs of spiky marine iguanas, giant turtles and blue-footed boobies, the islands are a haven for these creatures as well as visiting nature buffs. After all, where else can you laze beach side with a seal or kayak alongside inquisitive penguins? Our Galapagos Islands cruises mean you can see all this archipelago has to offer from the comfort of our well-appointed boats.

Our Galapagos Islands cruises

Galapagos islands highlights, why choose us.

With years of experience cruising in the Galapagos, our knowledgeable guides and crew are best placed to show you this incredible region.

Our cruising vacations combine the perfect blend of sailing and land expeditions, so you can see wildlife on and off the boat.

Safety is our number one priority, which is why all our boats are top-of-the-line and equipped with full safety features.

We’ve taken care of the details so you can focus on spotting wildlife. All our cruises include all meals onboard, tea and coffee, water, beach towels and snorkeling equipment.

Our staff live and work in the area, which means revenue from all our trips benefit the local economy.

We strive to use travel as a force for good. That’s why we choose to give back to the communities we visit, carbon offset all our trips and take our social and environmental responsibilities seriously. We’ve been officially certified as the world’s largest travel B Corp, which means when you choose Intrepid Travel, you can rest assured you’re travelling to improve the planet.

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Frequently asked questions

Do i need a covid-19 vaccine to join an intrepid trip.

Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards

From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travelers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (excluding all Polar trips and select adventure cruises).

However, we continue to strongly recommend that all Intrepid travelers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and others.

Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.

What’s included in your Galapagos Islands Cruising tours?

You’ll have comfortable accommodation on the boat each night as you cruise around the islands of the Galapagos. As a rule, expect your days to be filled with walking treks and snorkelling, all accompanied by an experienced naturalist guide, as well as a variety of optional activities. With the exception of the first and last days of the trip, fresh meals will be provided by the on-board chef for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

For more specific information, check the daily itineraries and Essential Trip Information of your chosen trip.

What’s not included in your Galapagos Islands Cruising tours?

Any activities not listed in the itinerary for each trip that have not been assessed by us. Therefore, our staff and leaders are unable to assist with booking these activities. The decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion. This includes any and all diving activities. Due to our internal safety policy, our leaders are specifically prohibited from recommending or assisting with booking diving activities.

The additional following costs are also not included in our listed travel prices:

Wetsuit hire (not included on trips aboard Daphne but included on trips aboard Grand Queen Beatriz).

Telecommunications charges

Bar, beverage and other personal charges (unless otherwise specified in the Essential Trip Information)

Any additional airfares (unless otherwise specified in the itinerary)

Passport and visa expenses

Government arrival and departure taxes

Galapagos National Park fee and Galapagos transit card

Isabela Island port fee (if applicable)

Baggage, cancellation and medical travel insurance

Excess baggage charges

The voluntary gratuity at the end of the voyage for shipboard staff and crew

What’s the difference between your Galapagos Islands Cruising trips and other Intrepid Galapagos Islands trips?

There is no better way to see the Galapagos Islands than by boat. Unlike our other trips, which rely on ferries and then overland travel, boats allow you to discover the more remote islands, like Fernandina, the west coast of Isabela and the bird watcher’s paradise of Genovesa. Highly regulated the authorities ensure that the number of boats at each site at any one time are limited. Far from restricting your experience, this system enhances it because the itineraries are designed in such a way as to eliminate the amount of vessel crossover. The result is visitors witness more of the wildlife they’ve come to see without vying with boatloads of other tourists to see it  

Where are the Galapagos Islands?

The Galapagos Islands are located in the Pacific Ocean off the western coast of Ecuador in South America, right on the equator.

How far are the islands from mainland Ecuador?

The islands are 973 kilometres (605 miles) off the Ecuadorian coast, and are considered a remote location from the mainland.

When’s the best time to visit the Galapagos Islands?

One of the best things about the Galapagos is that it has one of the most temperate climates on the planet making it a great place to visit all year round. 

If you’re seeking the warmth, temperatures average around 86°F from January to May, but you’ll encounter some humidity and the occasional rain shower. The cooler dry season from June to December sees temperatures closer to the 80°F mark, but this is also when sea mammals and birdlife tend to be easiest to spot.

That being said, there’s something to see all year round, with giant tortoise eggs hatching in January, blue-footed boobies dancing their way through courtship in May, and fur sea lion pups abundant in October.

What is the climate like?

While the Galapagos Islands are on the equator, its unique location means it avoids the extremes of a tropical climate and the weather is fairly reasonable all year round. They do experience a distinct ‘dry season’ from June to December and a ‘warm season’ from January to May. The dry season brings the Humboldt Current from the south to cool the air and water. While the highlands of the larger islands stay green with the atmospheric mist that creeps over the skyline, there’s little precipitation around the sea-level islands. The warm season brings higher temperatures to the islands and the water that surrounds them, while the skyline gets a little cloudier, with rain a daily occurrence.

What is the water temperature in the Galapagos Islands?

Average water temperatures vary between seasons. In January to June the water tends to be between 20C–26C (70F–80F), while in July to December temperatures are closer to 18C–23C (65F–75F).

Do you cruise between the islands during the day or at night?

The short answer is a bit of both. Expect to do some island-hopping during the day, but the longer hours of travel will likely take place in the evening. Check your daily itinerary for specific travel information.

How rough are the seas? Will I get seasick?

The waters around the Galapagos Islands are usually pretty calm, with seasickness a minor issue for most passengers. Bearing in mind the unpredictability of nature, big swells and major storms are a rarity. January to April are known for pretty glassy conditions with only minor swells, while the water starts to get rougher from June to August, with the shifting Humboldt Current making August and September the months of liveliest waters. Consequently, travel times can be longer than usual. If you suffer from seasickness you may want to reconsider travelling during this period.

The extent and severity of seasickness varies from person to person. Some may be lucky enough to experience no symptoms at all while others may suffer headaches, dizziness and vomiting. Usually all symptoms of seasickness resolve after some time adjusting to life on-board. If you are prone to experience motion sickness, we recommend consulting with your doctor before arriving to see what medical solutions might work for you.

You can also  read our guide  to beating seasickness for alternative methods of combating seasickness.

How much should we tip the staff and crew?

If you have enjoyed the services provided by your guide and crew, a tip will be very much appreciated. As a guideline US$10-15 per passenger, per day, is standard for the crew, with US$7-10 per day for your guide. Tips can be left in envelopes in your cabin on the last day of your journey.

Some restaurants on the islands may already include a 10% service charge in the bill, in which case an extra tip isn't required. At places that don’t include a service charge, feel free to round up the bill or leave some spare change.

What activities are included?

Included activities are different for each day and trip, but as a rule, most guided walking treks and snorkelling activities are included. Check your daily itinerary for specific information.

How do we get from the boat to the shore?

You will be using a zodiac boat (or panga) during wet and dry landings and when returning from snorkelling.

What food will be offered on-board?

Meals will be prepared by your on-board chef for breakfast, lunch and dinner, using fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. For breakfast, expect toast, spreads, muesli and eggs with fresh fruit and juices. Lunch will typically be a mix of hot and cold dishes, as well as salads or vegetables, fruit salad and juice. Dinner includes fresh seafood, chicken or pork, pasta, rice, vegetables, salads, and dessert.

Are drinks available on-board?

Coffee, tea, soft drink and water are available 24 hours. Each boat also comes with a fully stocked bar.

What should we pack for the Galapagos Islands?

The weather in the Galapagos is fairly temperate all year round. In most cases you’ll either be in the water snorkelling or on an island walking. Otherwise you’ll be relaxing on the boat as you travel between islands. You should check the Essential Information of your trip for a specific list, but below is a suggested packing guide for the Galapagos:

Daypack (a smaller backpack that you can take with you on island excursions)

Comfortable clothing for warmer temperatures (shorts, t-shirts, light long sleeved tops and pants)

A fleece or warmer jumper for the evenings or early mornings

A light rain coat or poncho

Comfortable shoes. Trainers or walking shoes are sufficient for most trips, however, a number of trips include a volcano walk and some travellers may feel more comfortable in hiking shoes or boots.

Sandals or thongs/flip flops/sandals

Sunscreen (bio degradable and waterproof if available) and lip balm (to combat the effects of wind burn)

Sunhat (that can be secured as it can get windy out on the water)

Swimming costume

Water bottle (filtered water is available on board the boat)

Bio-degradable shampoo, conditioner and soap

Pegs (so you can hang your swimming costume or towel out to dry)

Insect repellent (for island visits)

US adaptor/electrical plug

Binoculars (for keen birdwatchers)

Camera (underwater if you have one)

Any required medications

Some passengers choose to bring their own snorkelling equipment, but this is a personal choice. Diving masks, snorkels and fins are provided on-board the vessel for use by all passengers. Beach towels are also provided. Wetsuits are available for hire at an additional cost.

Are there any luggage restrictions?

Although each cabin has space to store bags, space is always restricted on a boat, so we suggest that you take a backpack or soft-sided duffle bag with you. These bags should be easily stored in your cabin. Larger fixed suitcases are usually too big to store in the cupboard space.

If you are travelling with a larger bag you do have the option of leaving it behind at the start hotel on Day 1and borrowing one of our kit bags, which hold about 12kg. This service is provided by the hotel, and although we haven’t had issues with theft in the past, we highly recommend that you don’t leave any valuables behind.

The airline that we use for our Galapagos trips has a check-in baggage allowance of 23kg per person and a cabin baggage allowance of 10kg.

Will there be a certified nature guide on board?

Each trip is accompanied by an experienced naturalist guide. Our guides are registered and trained in conservation and natural sciences by the Charles Darwin Foundation and licensed by the Galapagos National Park Service. The guide will be on board with you for the duration of the trip and will accompany you on all excursions.

What animals can I see on the Galapagos Islands?

The wildlife in the Galapagos Islands is precisely why most people choose to visit. The sheer diversity and variety of life on land, in the air and under the water is mind-boggling, and it’s difficult to provide an exhaustive list. Here are just a few of the biggest drawcards to the islands:

Giant Galapagos tortoises

Darwin’s finches

Galapagos land iguanas

Marine iguanas

Frigatebirds

Blue-footed boobies

Red-footed boobies

Galapagos hawks

Flightless cormorants

Galapagos sea lion

Sally Lightfoot crabs

Waved albatross

Galapagos penguins

Lava lizards

Galapagos mockingbirds

Large painted locusts

Can I charge my phone on-board?

You can charge your phone on-board, however, electricity in Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands requires US plugs so you may need to take an adapter. Additionally, mobile phone coverage is almost non-existent whilst travelling around the islands. You may find that you only have some limited service when you are closer to the bigger islands.

Is internet access available on-board?

Wi-Fi is not available on the boat at all whilst in the Galapagos Islands. There is limited access on the bigger islands of Santa Cruz, San Cristobal and Isabela and there may also be the occasional internet cafe for you to use if there is time.

Is there air conditioning on-board?

Cabins are air-conditioned, as are communal indoor areas.

Do I need any immunisations or vaccinations to visit the Galapagos Islands?

Though there is no risk of yellow fever in the Galapagos Islands, a vaccination certificate is required for travellers coming from infected areas.

It is always recommended that you visit your doctor or travel clinic for up to date advice and make sure to schedule vaccinations 4-6 weeks before your departure date, as some require time to become effective.

Recommended vaccines and precautions

Hepatitis A (transmitted through contaminated water)

Rabies (transmitted through bites of infected mammals)

Yellow Fever (transmitted through bites of infected mosquitoes)

Diphtheria (transmitted through person-to-person contact or contact with infected objects, such as a cup or tissue)

Tetanus (transmitted through infections to cuts or puncture wounds)

Typhoid (transmitted through contaminated water)

Malaria (transmitted through bites of infected mosquitoes)

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THE 10 BEST Galapagos Islands Boat Rides & Cruises

Boat rides & cruises in galapagos islands.

• Scuba & Snorkeling
• Fishing Charters & Tours
• Kayaking & Canoeing
• Shark Diving
• Speed Boats Tours
• Boat Rentals
• Dolphin & Whale Watching
• Surfing, Windsurfing & Kitesurfing
• Stand-Up Paddleboarding
• Submarine Tours
• Gondola Cruises
• Parasailing & Paragliding
• Swim with Dolphins
• Water Sports
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Los Tuneles
• Charles Darwin Research Station
• Las Tintoreras
• Santa Cruz Island
• Likely to Sell Out
• Special Offers
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Day Tour to Isabela Island with Tintorera Islet, Snorkeling Wetlands & Flamingos

2. Day Tour to Santa Fe Island and Hidden Beach with snorkeling and fishing

3. Day tour to Pinzón Island and La Fé/Palmitas Bay with snorkeling and fishing

4. Day Trip to Bartolome Island from Puerto Ayora

5. Isabela Island Tour in Galapagos with Kayak and Snorkeling

6. Day Tour to Floreana Island with Snorkeling and Fishing

7. Day tour to San Cristobal Island with private Land Tour and snorkeling

8. Full-day Adventure Tour at Kicker Rock (León Dormido)

9. Galapagos Intensive 5 days, land base (3Islands) Excludes galapagos flight

10. North Seymour Island Day Tour with Snorkeling

11. Private Charles Darwin Station Tour &Tortuga Bay Beach with lunch

12.  Tour of the city to Isabela + Tintoreras from Santa Cruz

13. Full Day Tour 360 San Cristobal - Best of the Island

14. 8 Day Galapagos Island Hopping

15. 12-Day Galapagos Superior Adventure (Tourist Class)

16. Beach Wildlife and Snorkel Adventure with Underwater Specialist

17. Full Day Galapagos 360 Tour from San Cristobal (naturalist guide)

18. 4-Day Galapagos Islands Cruise: Itinerary C (South) aboard the Monserrat Yacht

19. 4-Day Galapagos Island Hopping Tour: Isabela, Boat Tours and Airport Transfer

20. Galapagos- Santa Cruz Explorer 4 days

21. Day Trip to North Seymour Island from Puerto Ayora

22. 8-Day Galapagos Island Hopping Superior: Kicker Rock, Los Tuneles, Local Flight

23. Day Trip to South Plaza Island from Puerto Ayora

24. Bay Tour in Santa Cruz - Galapagos Islands

25. Tour to North Seymour & Las Bachas beach * (Santa Cruz) *

26. Tour to Bartolome Island + Bahia Sulivan

27. Full-day Adventure Tour at Espanola Island (Waved Albatross Island)

28. 5 days excursion to Galapagos Islands with Snorkel and Volcanoes

29. Tour to Tuneles & Cabo Rosa (Isabela Island)

30. Kicker Rock Day Trip from San Cristobal: Snorkeling & Wildlife

What travelers are saying.

• Day Tour to Isabela Island with Tintorera Islet, Snorkeling Wetlands & Flamingos
• Snorkeling in Cabo Rosa Tunnels Isabela Island
• Day tour to Pinzón Island and La Fé/Palmitas Bay with snorkeling and fishing
• Day Tour to Santa Fe Island and Hidden Beach with snorkeling and fishing
• Full Day Tour Pinzon Island + La Fe/Las Palmas - Snorkeling & Fishing
• Yacht Steffi
• Smart Galapagos
• Galapagos Blue Sky
• Eco-Challenger Galapagos Tour Agency
• Shark Bay Dive Center
• Galapagos Alternative
• Pahoehoe Galapagos Tours
• Rebecca Adventure Travel
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• Guiding Galapagos Expeditions

Galapagos cruise guide: Best itineraries, planning tips and things to do

The Galapagos Islands are a seasoned traveler's dream — a bucket-list vacation that allows you to observe exotic animals and plants and experience Ecuador's hospitality.

From your pre-cruise stay in Quito to optional post-cruise visits to a nearby cloud forest, you'll marvel at the variety of species, foods and climates you'll encounter in just a week or two on a Galapagos cruise .

Because the islands are largely a preserved national park, the Ecuadorian government limits the number of visitors. That translates to an unspoiled environment that's a far cry from touristy.

Most people who visit aren't novice travelers. However, they're likely first-timers to this remote destination. If a Galapagos cruise is new territory for you, this planning guide will provide the overview you need to prepare for your foray into one of the world's most untouched, undeveloped areas.

For cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Why cruise to the Galapagos?

The Galapagos Islands are remote and largely undeveloped, so they're perfect for travelers who prefer destinations that are more difficult to get to or ones that aren't overcrowded with tourists.

Additionally, the islands are home to many plants and animals that you can't find anywhere else, offering a once-in-a-lifetime chance to see them up close.

A Galapagos cruise can also offer a hassle-free way to tour the islands compared to a land-based trip. The cruise booking may cover many travel logistics, including pre- and post-cruise hotel stays, land-based adventure extensions and meals.

Additionally, when you cruise, you don't have to worry about transportation from island to island, hiring a guide (official Galapagos National Park guides are required to accompany all travelers on the islands) or where you'll spend each night. Most of the islands are uninhabited, after all, which means there are no human-made structures — including hotels.

However, be warned: A cruise to the Galapagos isn't particularly relaxing. Expect at least two excursions per day with little downtime. The bright side is, with someone else handling all of the planning and execution, you'll have the time to truly enjoy and absorb all you're sure to see.

When do cruises go to the Galapagos?

Cruises to the Galapagos operate year-round, which means there's no universal "best" time to visit. The best time for you and your travel companions to go will depend on your priorities and preferences.

During the hot, rainy season, which runs from December to June, the weather is warmer and cloudier, but the snorkeling and diving conditions are also better. It's an ideal time for anyone who doesn't mind heat but might want a bit more protection from the sun, particularly if they enjoy underwater sports.

On the flip side, the dry, cool season — July to November — offers more blue skies but also colder water temperatures. Although you can spot wildlife in the Galapagos all year, this season tends to attract more fish, mammals and birds because of the nutrients and plankton that become available as water temperatures cool.

If you'd like to time your trip to see certain animals or animal behaviors, below are some timeframes to keep in mind.

January — March

In the early part of the year, sea turtles lay their eggs ashore, and giant tortoise eggs continue to hatch. Many types of birds — including flamingos, Galapagos doves, mockingbirds, finches and Nazca boobies — begin their mating and nesting rituals, as do land and marine iguanas.

By March, frigate birds prepare to mate as they puff out their bright-red throats, and Galapagos hawk chicks hatch.

April — June

In the second quarter of the year, sea turtle, land iguana and marine iguana eggs hatch, and the mating seasons for blue-footed boobies, albatrosses and Galapagos sea lions begin.

Whales also start moving through the area as they migrate to the equator. By midyear, whale, dolphin and whale shark sightings become more common.

July — September

Frigate bird eggs start hatching, and flamingos and flightless cormorants initiate the mating process during this time of the year.

When August rolls around, Galapagos hawks — the islands' rarest birds — begin the courtship process. In September, Galapagos penguins begin a months-long mating ritual.

October — December

In the final stretch of each year, giant tortoise eggs start hatching, and sea lion pups begin to mature. Young albatrosses begin to develop their wings.

Best Galapagos cruise ships

Due to government restrictions, it's not easy for cruise lines to break into the Galapagos market. A few well-known brands have done it, including Avalon Waterways, Celebrity Cruises , Hurtigruten Expeditions and Silversea Cruises . However, they don't always own the vessels they operate.

In the case of Celebrity and Silversea, the lines built their ships specifically for the destination. However, Avalon, Hurtigruten, National Geographic and Abercrombie & Kent charter ships that are owned by other companies that are already established in the region.

Because of that, it's common for more than one travel company or cruise brand to sell sailings on the same ship. If you're confused about which ship to book or how to book it if it's offered by multiple companies, go directly through your favorite cruise line, or contact your travel agent .

If you're used to mainstream cruising, Galapagos vessels won't be what you're accustomed to. Each has one small restaurant for meals, at least one bar and lounge that often doubles as a lecture or briefing room, limited self-service laundry facilities, hot tubs, outdoor seating, a guest services desk and maybe a small store for sundries.

There is also likely to be a water sports platform and equipment storage area with outdoor showers or hoses for rinsing off shoes and feet when you return from landings ashore.

What you likely won't find on board are theaters, casinos, large fitness centers, organized exercise classes and spa facilities. Your vessel might have an open-bridge policy, though; check it out to see if you can catch a peek inside.

Don't be surprised if you don't receive a room key. On many expedition sailings, passengers aren't issued keycards because the line doesn't want travelers taking their cards ashore and potentially losing them there. Almost everything is included in the fares, so there's no need to charge anything with a card. Cruisers leave their cabin doors unlocked when they aren't in their rooms, which some people find uncomfortable. (Don't worry. Your stateroom will have a safe for small valuables.)

Galapagos-based ships are required to hire locally, so most of the crew on ships in the area are Ecuadorian. That lends itself to a more immersive experience, both on board and ashore. Food is often traditional and sourced as locally as possible, and crew members happily answer questions about the culture and customs in Ecuador.

Ultimately, if you'd like an experience that's closer to what you'd find on a mainstream cruise or if you're set on a more upscale vibe on a newer vessel, go with Celebrity or Silversea. If you'd prefer a small group and aren't overly concerned with your onboard surroundings, you'll want to avoid Silver Origin and Celebrity Flora, both of which are larger vessels.

Below is a more extensive breakdown of the ships you can sail under each company in the Galapagos.

Abercrombie & Kent

With more crew than passengers, service on Abercombie & Kent voyages is top-notch. The Galapagos is no exception.

The line charters all of its vessels, which means it doesn't own the ships. When you sail with A&K, you'll be on one of four ships, depending on the specific itinerary you choose.

La Pinta is a 48-passenger vessel owned by Metropolitan Touring. Refurbished in 2019, it offers modern touches without too much excess.

Three other ships — Origin, Theory and Evolve — are luxury expedition yachts rented from Ecoventura, part of the Relais & Chateaux family of luxury brands. Each carries just 20 passengers in a plush, high-end atmosphere that contrasts beautifully with the Galapagos' rugged terrain.

Aqua Expeditions

Aqua Mare joined the Aqua Expeditions fleet in 2021 and underwent a total overhaul to bring it up to the standards of the luxury line, which operates four other yacht-style ships.

The vessel plies the waters of the Galapagos, offering space for up to 16 passengers across seven cabins. Highlights include marble bathrooms, sustainably sourced food and a 1-to-1 crew-to-passenger ratio.

Avalon Waterways

If you want to sail with Avalon Waterways, known mainly for its European river cruises, you'll find yourself on board one of two vessels chartered by the line in the Galapagos.

Treasure of Galapagos is a yacht-style motor catamaran that carries up to 16 travelers. What's interesting about the ship is that it's also marketed and sold by other operators, including Galapatours, Audley Travel, Rainforest Cruises and Vaya Adventures.

Avalon's other charter, Delfin Amazon Cruises' luxurious Delfin III, can hold up to 44 cruisers. Voyages on this vessel take passengers for a sail on the Peruvian Amazon in addition to making stops in the Galapagos. Unlike most other Galapagos expedition vessels, the ship boasts a spa and a sun deck with a plunge pool.

Celebrity Cruises

The newest ship sailing expedition cruises for Celebrity, 100-passenger Celebrity Flora is also the only ship in Celebrity's fleet built specifically to sail the Galapagos.

The ship has a nature-focused theme and features neutral colors and wooden accents. Unlike other bare-bones vessels that sail the region, Celebrity Flora offers modern, cushy touches, including a small fitness center, a massage room, cabins outfitted with TVs, water fountains and refillable bottles, complimentary mini-bar setups and spacious bathrooms.

Also sailing to the Galapagos for Celebrity are 48-passenger Celebrity Xpedition and 16-passenger Celebrity Xploration. Much smaller than Flora, they don't offer the same high-tech amenities like fast Wi-Fi and touch-screen in-cabin temperature controls. However, that's often just fine for adventurous travelers who know the focus is on the destination and not the ship.

G Adventures

G Adventures runs a few ships in the Galapagos; your chosen itinerary will determine which ship you sail. Yolita, which has room for 16 people plus crew, features eight cabins, each with a queen bed or side-by-side twin beds.

Sixteen-passenger Eden is also equipped with eight cabins, seven of which sleep two people in twin-bed configurations and one of which offers a queen bed.

Reina Sylvia Voyager also carries up to 16 cruisers across 10 cabins, including two for solo travelers. Only two of the rooms lack balconies, which means most accommodations offer fresh air. One nice touch is that the ship also has a dedicated barbecue area.

Hurtigruten Expeditions

Metropolitan Touring's 90-passenger Santa Cruz II is operated in the Galapagos by Hurtigruten Expeditions, which owns 25% of Metropolitan Touring.

The vessel is bright and modern but with only the most basic in-cabin comforts. (There are no TVs or bathtubs — showers only.) Although all cabins are outsides (no balconies), the ship does have a small fitness center, two lounges, a small selection of books and a game and movie room.

Lindblad Expeditions

Lindblad Expeditions, which has partnered with the National Geographic brand for several years, operates two vessels in the Galapagos. The first, National Geographic Endeavour II, has room for up to 96 passengers across 52 outside cabins, some connecting to accommodate groups.

Billed as a cross between a luxury hotel and a scientific research center, it offers underwater cameras and video microscopes that provide additional wildlife-viewing opportunities.

A second vessel, National Geographic Islander II, began sailing for Lindblad in 2022 and accommodates 48 passengers in 26 staterooms. It features light, bright and modern decor with marble double-sink bathrooms with rain showers. It also offers a heated marina, indoor and outdoor dining and a 1-to-1 crew-to-passenger ratio.

Quasar Expeditions

The smaller of Quasar Expeditions' two ships is Grace, a 16-passenger vessel with an interesting past. Aristotle Onassis presented it to actress Grace Kelly as a wedding gift in 1956 when she married Prince Rainier III — hence, its current name. Since Quasar adopted it into the fleet, it has been modernized with touches that have helped it age gracefully.

Evolution carries 32 people plus crew. Built in 2005, it isn't as old as Grace, but it still features an art deco style that creates a nostalgic but luxurious ambiance. Amenities include a promenade deck that runs completely around the vessel and a large Jacuzzi tub.

Silversea Cruises

Silversea originally purchased a 30-year-old vessel, Silver Galapagos, to operate its voyages in the region. However, when expedition cruises began to soar in popularity, the ultra-luxury line sold the ship and built one specifically designed for the Galapagos.

With a capacity for up to 100 passengers, Silver Origin, which debuted in 2021, is arguably the most luxurious vessel sailing in the region. Its list of uncommon amenities — butler service, a fitness center, salon and spa — might just make you forget you're not on a larger ship.

Getting to the Galapagos

Making your way to the Galapagos can be a bit of a trick. Your first goal will be to reach either Guayaquil or Quito, the capital of Ecuador, both of which serve as jumping-off points to Baltra or San Cristobal, where you'll board your ship.

For North American travelers, the journey will require a minimum of two flights — one to Quito or Guayaquil and another to Baltra or San Cristobal, depending on where your sailing departs. However, if you're unable to find a direct flight from your hometown to Quito or Guayaquil, it's possible a third (or even fourth) flight could be necessary.

Plan an extra day or two of travel on either side of your cruise to account for any flight connections.

Best Galapagos itineraries

The Galapagos — which comprises about 100 small islets and 19 larger islands, only four of which are inhabited — can be difficult to break into regions, particularly since itineraries vary by cruise line.

Not all lines offer visits to all of the islands, and there can be some overlap, with islands showing up on itineraries in more than one region.

For example, Galapagos sailings begin and end on either Baltra Island or, less frequently, San Cristobal, where you'll land after flying in from mainland Ecuador and before boarding your ship. Centrally located Santa Cruz Island, which is inhabited, tends to show up on several itineraries, as does Isabela Island, which is the largest in the group.

In general, cruise lines will break the islands into north, south, east and west loops. However, some lines offer inner, outer and central loops. Others feature a combination. The best way to choose between them is to decide which islands you'd most like to visit.

In most cases, sailing around each region takes at least a week. Exceptions like Hurtigruten's four-day western offering allow passengers to complete the entire trip in seven days, from when they first leave home to when they return. For anyone wishing to make their adventure last longer, cruise lines will allow passengers to sail back-to-back voyages that string different itineraries together.

Many sailings also offer pre- and post-cruise hotel stays, usually in Quito but sometimes in Lima, Peru, with a Machu Picchu add-on. Some also offer the chance to tack on a pre- or post-cruise visit to the Choco Cloud Forest, about 3.5 hours from the center of Quito.

Note: To visit the Galapagos, you will likely have to fill out several forms, including a formulario del viajaro (traveler's form) and possibly a health declaration form.

Additionally, the country requires a tarjeta de control de transito (transit control card) for each passenger, along with an entrance fee. Most cruise lines will take care of those last two for you. (Keep the transit control card with you; you'll need it to enter and leave the Galapagos.)

Here's a rough breakdown of which islands you might visit in each region. It's also possible you could visit the same island more than once on a sailing. Again, note that specific itineraries will vary by cruise line and are subject to change.

On a northern loop Galapagos cruise, you might visit Baltra Island, Santiago Island, Bartolome Island, Isabela Island, Fernandina Island, Santa Cruz Island and Genovesa Island.

The southern loop typically includes Baltra Island, North Seymour, South Plaza, Santa Fe, San Cristobal Island, Floreana Island, Santa Cruz Island and Espanola Island.

On eastern loop itineraries, you can expect stops at Baltra Island, Mosquera Islet, San Cristobal, Santa Fe Island, South Plaza Island, Santa Cruz Island, Espanola Island or North Seymour.

During a cruise along the western loop, you might call on the islands of Baltra, Santa Cruz, Isabela, Fernandina and Floreana.

On inner loop voyages, you might check out Baltra Island, Daphne Island, Santiago Island, Rabida Island, Isabela Island, Bartolome Island, Santa Cruz, North Seymour Island and San Cristobal.

As part of an outer loop cruise, you might make calls on Baltra, Daphne, Espanola, Floreana, Isabela, Fernandina, South Plaza and Santa Cruz Islands, as well as Champion Islet.

Central loop

If you opt for the central loop, you might find yourself on the islands of Baltra, Rabida, Santa Cruz, Santa Fe, Espanola, San Cristobal, Lobos and Bartolome.

Things to do in the Galapagos

Whether you do your pre- and post-cruise planning on your own or through your cruise line, you're almost guaranteed to end up in Quito at some point.

There are tons of things to do, but some of the don't-miss activities include a ride on the TeleferiQo cable car for a view of the city; a trip to the Mercado Central for fresh fruit and empanadas; stops at two well-known churches, Basilica del Voto Nacional and Iglesia y Convento de San Francisco; and visits to chocolatiers, statue restorers, hat- and mask-makers and herbal healers for some local flavor.

On the islands

Because the islands of the Galapagos are largely uninhabited and undeveloped, activities are mostly limited to what nature offers.

They include scenic panga (inflatable boat) rides to view wildlife; wet landings from panga to shore that will allow you to hike or laze on the beach; snorkeling; glass-bottom boat rides; paddleboarding; swimming and nightly recaps back on board. Sometimes crew members also give talks about topics relevant to the sailing.

During calls on inhabited islands, you might also check out the world's weirdest, smallest post office; visit baby giant tortoises or have lunch ashore before biking to a coffee plantation where the owner will teach you how to make moonshine from sugarcane.

In the cloud forest

Before or after your cruise, should you choose to visit the Choco Cloud Forest, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, you're likely to stay at the Mashpi Lodge, an eco-friendly resort in the canopy. There, you'll be assigned a dedicated guide who will help you plan your daily activities based on your interests and desired exertion level.

Options include hiking, swimming in waterfalls, night walks to spot critters that only emerge after dark, rides on the property's sky bike and Dragonfly gondola rides, educational lectures, massages, and visits to the on-site life center (where you can watch tayras steal bananas and visit a butterfly garden) or science lab (where staff biologists will tell you about the new species they've discovered).

Peru add-ons

Several cruise lines feature Peru add-ons as part of their longer itinerary packages. Lima is often advertised, but I've also seen Cuzco as an option, particularly for travelers wishing to visit the obvious highlight: Machu Picchu.

Must-see sights in Lima might include visits to the Huaca Pucllana pyramid; the El Parque del Amor monument, which offers stunning sea views; the local fish market in the Chorrillos district; Plaza de Armas, where you can see the government palace and city hall; and the catacombs at Museo Convento San Francisco.

Best Galapagos cruise ports

Floreana Island, one of the most southerly islands in the Galapagos cluster, has two common stops, and they're both notable — but for very different reasons.

Punta Cormorant offers an easy trail that leads to a stunningly serene beach, where you're likely to see sea turtles bobbing in the water nearby. Swimming isn't allowed, but the peacefulness that will wash over you is worth the short trek. Along the way, you can climb a quick set of stairs for great views over the island.

On the opposite side of the island is Post Office Bay, named for what might be the world's smallest post office. It's definitely one of the quirkiest. A small door in an old barrel gives way to a pile of postcards stuffed into a Ziploc bag. The idea is that new visitors leave postcards hoping that someone after them will deliver them. Then, they take old ones addressed to people who live near them and, when they return home, make every effort to hand-deliver them to the recipients.

The island of Rabida is an aesthetic standout, thanks to its pristine red-sand beaches. However, that isn't its entire claim to fame.

Rabida is also where you'll find a unique menagerie of birds, including pelicans, mockingbirds, doves, flamingos, white-cheeked pintail ducks, yellow warblers and Darwin finches. If you're a birder eager to check a ton of species off your list, it's a stop you won't want to miss.

Santa Cruz, one of the Galapagos' four inhabited islands, is connected by a bridge to Baltra Island, where most cruise passengers arrive before boarding their vessels. Santa Cruz is one of the most common stops on Galapagos cruise itineraries. It's also where many non-cruise travelers stay when they visit.

The island's Puerto Ayora is where you'll find the Charles Darwin Research Station, home to a center that protects, hatches and studies giant tortoises. It also studies plant life and invasive species in the area.

Another popular stop on many excursions is Rancho El Manzanillo, a reserve toward the western side of the island where you'll find groups of giant tortoises. (Did you know a group of tortoises is called a "creep?")

Following lunch, you'll don a pair of borrowed rubber boots for a guided walk along the grounds. Watch out: There are so many giant tortoises that you risk tripping over them — or their equally giant excrement. Don't worry, they'll withdraw into their shells if you get too close, creating a hissing sound that should give you a heads-up.

For a more active daytime pursuit, you can bike four miles outside Puerto Ayora to El Trapiche, a plantation that grows coffee and sugarcane. The owner will show you how he makes moonshine from the latter.

San Cristobal

San Cristobal Island, another of the Galapagos' inhabited islands, is home to a second airport that cruise passengers sometimes use to reach their ships.

The island is the place for travelers to spot frigatebirds and red-footed boobies, as well as giant tortoises (useful if you missed out on Santa Cruz Island).

The Cerro Colorado Tortoise Breeding Center, on the south part of the island, focuses on mitigating threats to the islands' giant tortoise population. It's another location where giant tortoises are bred in captivity and released into a monitored natural habitat to be protected and studied.

Isabela Island is the largest island in the Galapagos. One of its highlights is Punta Vicente Roca, at the island's northwestern tip. It's home to many animals, including flightless cormorants, Galapagos penguins, sea turtles, marine iguanas and fish in a rainbow of colors.

Another landmark of a visit to Isabela Island is a cave-like rock formation. You can't go inside, which adds a slight mystery to the place, but you can observe playful sea lions as they swim around your boat and take in the cacophony of blue-footed boobies as they roost on the rock above.

A call on Genovesa Island, one of the northernmost in the Galapagos group, features a unique hiking opportunity in the form of Prince Philip's Steps (also called El Barranco).

The stairs are essentially a natural rock formation. Although wooden handrails have been added for safety, the climb is steep and the path narrow; participants should be in decent shape to make it to the top for sweeping views and potential sightings of Nazca boobies, red-footed boobies, red-throated frigatebirds and endemic lava gulls.

This area is also great for snorkeling, offering a chance to view unicorn fish, parrotfish, angelfish, butterflyfish, surgeonfish and hogfish. If you visit during the right season, you might come face-to-face with hammerhead sharks or manta rays.

Known for its favorable snorkeling opportunities, Punta Espinoza on Fernandina Island offers plentiful chances to get up close and personal with underwater life. Onshore, you can spot sea lions, marine iguanas and beautifully colored Sally Lightfoot crabs.

A short and fairly flat hike will take you over lava rocks to beaches where sea lions laze, play and mate, barking as they make their presence known.

Simultaneously, listen for the spitting of marine iguanas. Gross as it seems, the sound is like a series of adorable little sneezes as they purge, through their nostrils, the salt they accidentally ingested during underwater feeding.

Arguably one of the most iconic views in the Galapagos is the one from the Pinnacle Rock volcanic formation on Bartolome Island, one of the smallest of the main islands.

Ideal for hikers, the walk to the top takes about a half hour, at which point you'll be rewarded with vistas of nearby Daphne Minor, Daphne Major and Santiago Islands.

Animal sightings on Bartolome might include Galapagos penguins, herons and elusive Galapagos hawks. Should you choose to snorkel at the nearby beach, you're likely to see sharks, rays, sea lions and red-lipped batfish.

When to book a Galapagos cruise

Because Galapagos cruises operate all year, there isn't a shoulder season, so fares remain steady year-round. However, you can find times to snag deals.

Keep an eye out for sales around Black Friday and Cyber Monday, as well as wave season — the period during the first three months of each year when cruise lines offer deep discounts, added perks or a combination of the two.

Also, check with your travel agent to see if they can offer you anything extra — like a land-based add-on or extra onboard credit — if you're considering booking.

Because of the length and price of most Galapagos sailings, you'll likely want to plan at least six months in advance, if not further.

When I priced out a few sailings over the next 18 months, I noticed that fares within the next two months are actually higher than those for voyages six months out. In other words, booking at the last minute is unlikely to get you a deal.

What to pack for a Galapagos cruise

Because the Galapagos Islands are near the equator, the sun is particularly intense. Pack protective clothing like long-sleeved (but lightweight) sun shirts, hiking pants that zip off into shorts, hats (preferably with neck protection), sunglasses and sunscreen with a high SPF.

Beyond that, quick-drying clothing made from synthetic fabrics is best. You'll also need comfortable shoes, including hiking boots and water shoes that can get wet. (I recommend Keen-style sandals, water socks or Crocs.) Bring extra socks; merino wool works well to regulate temperature and keep you comfortable.

In terms of accessories, you'll want binoculars, a day pack (waterproof, if possible) that you can use ashore and a water bottle if your cruise line doesn't provide one. Toss some seasickness remedies into your bag, and download some movies or TV shows onto your smartphone or tablet in case your cabin doesn't have a TV.

In the Galapagos, what not to bring is just as important. Most ships in the region aren't fancy. Although people do change for dinner, you likely won't need dressy clothes.

Also, keep any fresh fruits and vegetables at home, along with loose nuts and seeds. The local government is extremely cautious about preventing visitors from introducing anything foreign that could harm the islands' delicate ecosystems.

Your luggage will be screened carefully when you arrive, and you could face steep penalties if you're caught with contraband.

Bottom line

The Galapagos is a region unlike anywhere else on Earth, which means a trip there is full of nuance.

Because sailings can cost upwards of $10,000 per person and last two weeks or more, you'll want to know what to expect ahead of time, so you can get the most out of such a sizeable investment in both time and funds.

From choosing a ship and itinerary to determining what to put in your suitcase, you have much to consider when planning a Galapagos cruise.

If you take your time and enlist the help of a seasoned travel agent, you should be able to eliminate many of the usual snags and focus on enjoying your time on some of the world's most untouched islands.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• 15 ways cruisers waste money
• The ultimate guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin

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From the bow of your luxury expedition vessel, search the coastline for bottlenose dolphins. and if you’re feeling particularly adventurous, snorkel alongside the playful sea lions during an outing on your yacht..

You’ll see plenty of creatures during your tour of the Galápagos, including green sea turtles and —during a pilgrimage to the island of Isabela— the famed giant tortoises. Try and match their leisurely pace as these prehistoric reptiles mosey across the island.

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A flash of cobalt can give away a cartoonish blue-footed booby, while a line of birdsong may belong to one of Darwin’s namesake finches.

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We own three expedition ships in the Galapagos Islands: The M/V Galapagos Legend (for 100 guests), the M/Y Coral I and M/Y Coral II (for 36 & 20 guests respectively). We offer spacious decks, comfortable lounging areas and a wide variety of cabin and suites. Your comfort and enjoyment is our priority.

For us at GO Galapagos – Ecuador , safety is preponderant. Our fleet complies with the official requirements of the Galapagos National Park as well as local and international maritime authorities. We adhere to a strict policy of ethical treatment and protection towards the fragile environments in which we operate.

Among the international codes and certifications from International Maritime Organizations we do abide by: International Safety Management (ISM) Code, DOC Certificate (document of compliance) according to the International Convention for Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), Safety Management Certificate (SMC), International Ship Security Certificate (ISSC), MARPOL´s International Oil Pollution Prevention (IOPP) and the Galapagos National Park license and certificate, enabling and categorizing  our operation as safe, eco-friendly and pollution-free.

[:en]Galapagos Legend[:es]Galápagos Legend[:]

[:en]This impressive vessel, with capacity for 100 guests, was extensively refitted in 2017 to better enhance your Galapagos experience. As well as being the fastest cruise ship operating in the islands, she remains the only vessel with an onboard pool.  Fast, sleek and beautifully appointed, she retains a cozy, homely and intimate atmosphere. Her classic, yet contemporary interiors perfectly balance the huge open deck space.[:es]Esta impresionante embarcación, con capacidad para 100 personas (capacidad máxima permitida en las Islas), fue ampliamente remodelada en 2017 para mejorar tu experiencia en las Galápagos. Además de ser el crucero más rápido que opera en las Islas, sigue siendo el único con piscina a bordo. Rápido, elegante y bellamente decorado, conserva un ambiente acogedor, hogareño e íntimo. Sus interiores clásicos y a la vez contemporáneos equilibran a la perfección el enorme espacio de la cubierta abierta.[:]

Coral I & Coral II

[:en]The Coral I & II are gorgeous, comfortable, sister yachts offering charming social areas distributed on three decks, with both outdoor and interior spaces allowing you to enjoy an intimate expedition experience in your own way. With a capacity for 36 and 20 guests respectively, the vessels offer open deck areas with a Jacuzzi to make the best of your relaxing time while cruising the islands. The interiors are thoughtfully designed to resemble a private yacht experience in a cozy ambiance. The restaurant serves delicious Ecuadorian and international cuisine even extending to a BBQ dinner on the open-air Moon Deck. They are the perfect cruise vessels for charter groups where the thrill and comfort are guaranteed.[:es]Los Coral I y II son yates gemelos espléndidos y cómodos que ofrecen encantadoras áreas sociales distribuidas en tres cubiertas. Ambos cuentan con espacios exteriores e interiores, lo que te permite disfrutar de una experiencia de expedición íntima a tu manera.   Con capacidad para 36 y 20 personas, respectivamente, estos barcos ofrecen áreas de cubierta abierta con jacuzzi para aprovechar al máximo tu tiempo de relajación mientras navegan por las islas. Los interiores están cuidadosamente diseñados para parecerse a un yate privado en un ambiente acogedor. El restaurante sirve deliciosa cocina ecuatoriana e internacional que incluso se extiende hasta una cena de barbacoa al aire libre en la Cubierta de la Luna. Son los cruceros perfectos para grupos chárter, donde la emoción y el confort están garantizados.. [:]

Services aboard our fleet

Onboard service and facilities.

• Two guided excursions every day
• Snorkeling and other optional activities every day
• Snorkel equipment at no cost
• Wetsuit rental available
• Large variety of fresh, local and international cuisine.
• Al fresco BBQ dinner & breakfast (breakfast Galapagos Legend only)
• Coffee station available 24 hours
• Wide selection of wines and local beers
• Delicious snacks & beverages after excursions
• Wi-Fi zones with internet service
• Pool, Jacuzzi and sun beds
• Beach & pool towel service
• Drying machines available for complimentary use
• Variety of on board activities
• Briefings on the following day’s activities
• Informative lectures about Galapagos
• Fitness Center*
• Naturalist Guide Center*
• Glass bottom boat*
• Medical attention 24 hours a day*
• Cruise director*
• Expedition leader*

Cabin service and facilities

• Double and triple cabin options
• Two types of pillows
• Complimentary Go Galapagos thermos and bag
• Organic shampoo, conditioner and soap
• Housekeeping 3 times a day and turn down service
• Hotel and Destination Guide in every cabin
• TV entertainment system
• Alarm clock / speaker
• Air conditioning system
• Reading light
• Safety deposit box
• Plentiful storage space

Eco Luxury Experience

Providing an ecologically sound cruise definitely does not mean that we have to compromise on luxury! Go Galapagos - Kleintours is acutely aware of the fragility and importance of the Galapagos National Park in which we have been operating and doing things right since 1983. Some of our eco-friendly practices include that all toiletries provided in our cabins are biodegradable and made from natural components as well as all the cleaning products used during housekeeping. As a complimentary gift, guests will find a thermos in each cabin to be refilled at one of our vessel’s potable water stations, thus reducing the use of plastic bottles. Our vessels are equipped with sophisticated water treatment plants to desalinate, filter and purify water for consumable use. The decor of our vessels is acquired from sustainable-certified teak plantations and all our food supply is carefully planned to reduce kitchen waste. We aim to live the present and protect the future. While being pampered on one of our 5-star, boutique cruises, with true local flavor and personalized service, we want you still feel good about yourself in the comforting knowledge that our sustainable practices will preserve the integrity of the islands for generations to come.

Crew & Guides

Every crew member is trained to provide a first-class service with exceptional professionalism. Genuinely friendly individuals, fully dedicated to providing the best hospitality services, with attention to detail and personalized assistance, our crew’s passion and commitment creates a one of a kind experience for our guests. We fully understand how important your Galapagos experience is to you and as such, our team of naturalist guides has been carefully selected and trained to make it complete. Having been certified by the Galapagos National Park Service, our expert guides are ready to conduct informative walks covering every aspect of biology, geology, oceanography and human history relevant to the islands. Our group size ranges from an average of 12 to a maximum of 16 clients per guide. English or Spanish speaking groups are standard with many other languages available on previous request. Go Galapagos - Kleintours runs a series of specialist conferences, delivered by renown experts, aimed at the naturalist guides to further expand their knowledge in different fields such as geology, biology, photography, ornithology, and other related studies.

Have fun on the Galapagos Islands

These two yachts are the intimate experience guest are looking for, with their respective capacity of 19 and 12, their cabins offer a sense of an intimate and private yacht experience. In small spaces, the service is more personalized and meeting fellow travelers are easy to share the experience of the trip. All social areas are designed with style and comfort, as well as the cabins that include excellent amenities. The external open deck areas have perfect spaces designed to socialize, relax and enjoy the best of the Pacific sun.

A Typical Cruise Day

A soothing morning wakeup call signals a freshly prepared al fresco breakfast on deck. Armed with snorkel gear, sunblock and camera we then board our pangas and head towards shore for our morning adventure. Every excursion is different, but might include a visit where we squeeze past boobies nesting on the narrow trail, sit and watch endemic waved albatross absorbed in their intricate courtship ritual, or stare into the eyes of a curious sea lion underwater as it peers into our face mask.

Returning aboard for a sumptuous, buffet-style, lunch we are able to enjoy time to relax in the pool, jacuzzi or on deck looking for wildlife and watching the scenery change as we cruise to our afternoon destination.

With every new visitor site being different from the last, we can once again expect another uniquely Galapagos experience for the afternoon hike. This could quite possibly be followed by another fabulous snorkel with turtles, large schools of yellow-tailed surgeonfish or even penguins! Some might choose to follow the dramatic shoreline in a kayak or effortlessly glide over the sea bed from the comfort of our motorized glass-bottom boat.

Return to the vessel to enjoy a delicious BBQ on deck as the sun sets on the horizon or, a sophisticated a la carte dinner. After dinner is a time to enjoy one of our many onboard activities, relax or be outside stargazing.

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Welcome to Monserrat Galapagos Cruises

Monserrat is named after the Virgin of Montserrat, patroness of Catalonia in Spain. For centuries, sailors worldwide have adopted her as their loyal companion and have revered her as their protector through their journeys at sea. Our yacht proudly carries her name as an amulet for both our sailors and guests.

A once in a lifetime experience both on the trails and onboard!

• 1 naturalist guide for every 10 guests make for a more private and rewarding Galapagos experience!
• Enjoy from the privilege of a small more personalized cruise setting with 11 crew members catering to a maximum of 20 guests.
• Our kitchen staff will keep you pampered while you are onboard
• Small boat cruising has less impact on the Galapagos ecosystem

Short and Long itineraries that capture the best of the wildlife in the Galapagos

• Each of our 4 combinable itineraries paint a different picture of the evolution of wildlife in the Galapagos.
• Combination results of 7, 10, 11 and 14 night itinerary options for an in depth experience of the enchanted islands.
• Departures every Thursday and every Sunday
• You can visit 6 different trail/sites in our 3-night cruises up to 28 different trails/sites in the Galapagos in our 14-night itinerary
• Plenty of snorkeling opportunities

First Class cruise in the Galapagos islands

• Modern cabins with all the essentials
• Beautiful social areas to relax after a day of adventure!
• A great choice for solo travelers, couples and people of all ages!
• The highest levels of safety and care for the environment.

trip of a lifetime

Discover the monserrat cruise experience, galapagos highlights: unparalleled cruise destination.

GUEST REVIEWS

The boat, the Monserrat, was very well taken care of and the crew was the best! Our guide did a wonderful job and was very knowledgeable! We will be referring everyone we know to travel through your travel agency and sail with the Monserrat! Thanks again!

Galapagos cruise for 5 days on Montserrat

We sailed from San Cristobal to Espanola, Floreana and then Santa Cruz on the Monserrat Yatch. The cruise involves viewing wildlife, visiting beaches and walks on the islands which was particularly great in May as the birds were nesting. We saw the waved albatross and Galápagos penguin.There were lots of snorkelling opportunities and they were brilliant with beginners like us. The itinerary was well paced, with early morning starts, and siesta time before the afternoon activity. The food was surprisingly good. Milton our guide was brilliant, very knowledgeable and enthusiastic

Galápagos Islands aboard the Monserrat

This was a tremendous trip for us. We were on the boat for 3 nights and 4 days. The wildlife and the snorkelling was amazing. Like other trips in this area, breakfast 7.30 and then off for a half day excursion . Back for lunch and then away again either snorkelling or walking on the Islands. So many photo opportunities! The guides are knowledgeable and friendly.

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An iconic expedition

About Galaxy

Live a unique experience and explore the Galapagos Islands aboard our renewed Galaxy Yacht Cruise, exclusivity and personalized service for your dreamed trip while exploring the Enchanted Islands.

Key Features

16 passengers, 1 bilingual guide.

Located on the main deck at the back of the boat, for your entertainment on board, the lounge has a TV, DVD player, small library and toy library. The windows give a beautiful light and a very appreciable view of the sea.

Matrimonial Cabin

Cabin size: 15m 2 Located on the upper deck, ideal for couples or friends, there are 4 double cabins convertible into a matrimonial one, equipped with large windows that offer beautiful light and a spectacular panoramic view of the ocean.

Delve into the multifaceted richness of Ecuadorian gastronomy, exquisitely accentuated with native ingredients from the Galapagos Islands, ingeniously amalgamated with global culinary accents to invigorate your senses.

Our chefs brilliantly manipulate local products to cater to a myriad of dietary preferences. Be it pescetarian, vegan, vegetarian, or gluten-free, we assure you a memorable gastronomic journey tailored to your liking.

Enjoy one of the most exhilarating and interesting activities in the Galapagos, which is snorkeling, which will allow you to explore and discover its beautiful rich marine fauna and flora. We provide you with complete equipment for this, fins, mask and snorkel as well as long and short wetsuits, included in the price.

Itineraries

Itinerary a, technical specifications and safety features.

Safety Equipment

• 6 lifebuoys
• 2 survival rafts, 15 passengers each
• 30 life jackets for passengers
• 20 life jackets for crew
• Flare gun, smoke signals, flashlights with SOS signals and other types of visual signals.
• CO2 extinguishers
• Fire detectors and complete fire protection system
• Fire extinguishers
• External automated defibrillator
• Medicine cabinet

The Sun Deck has a wide Solarium equipped with Lazy Chairs.

On the Upper deck we have 4 cabins and the bridge.

On the main deck, besides the 3 cabins, we have the Dining room with the coffee station, as well as the Living room and a Boutique Briefing area.

On the lower deck, there is the kitchen, one twin cabin, the guide and crew cabins and the dining room for them.

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Galapagos Luxury Cruises

It is an environment like nowhere else in the world – similar to something you would see on the pages of National Geographic. This archipelago of volcanic islands 500 miles west of Ecuador served as the basis for Charles Darwin’s theory of natural selection. And as such, visitors to the island cruises circuit to witness countless wildlife wonders – marine and land iguanas, giant tortoises, fur seals, sea lions, birds galore, and more.

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When you sail the Galápagos Islands on a luxury cruise, you quickly recognize that this is an expedition of a lifetime. Few places have been as ground-breaking in the development of scientific knowledge and our comprehension of life on Earth

as this one. Galápagos National Park on the island of Santa Cruz is a landmark conservation area and marine reserve teeming with wildlife like Darwin’s finches, frigatebirds and gulls, blue-footed boobies, and several species of iguanas and tortoises. Visitors will continue to tick their wildlife bucket lists throughout their luxury tour of the islands, scuba diving, and snorkeling, cruising via glass-bottom boat and following private naturalist guides to observe iguanas, tortoises, sea lions, crabs, cormorants, crabs, albatrosses and herons, even penguins. The islands were designated a national park in 1959, at the same time measures were introduced to protect the islands and the almost 30,000 square miles of ocean that surround them. To witness such unique biodiversity is to also appreciate the size of the human footprint and the fragility of the

ecosystem here. By experiencing Galápagos luxury in small groups on nimble cruise ships of 100 passengers or less, you get closer to the action. Luxurious yachts with private balconies also offer plenty of pampering to go along with the adventure. After all, this is not your typical vacation whatsoever.

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Meet Our Travel Designers

What is your approach to planning a luxury cruise? With new clients, I like to get to know them and really listen to their needs or wishlist, as well as asking all the appropriate questions to assist me in my research.

Jackie Grittani

Senior Travel Designer

What is your approach to planning a bespoke luxury cruise? Learning about the clients past travel experiences (good or bad) to determine what would be a suitable fit for them moving forward. Also asking questions to understand the clients interests, preferences, wants and desires.

Cheri Ozimac

What is your approach to planning a bespoke luxury cruise? I try to find out what the client’s version of luxury is. What their interests are, do they like small ships or medium size. I ask what they are interested in spending and what kinds of trips they’ve done in the past.

If you’re considering a Galápagos cruise, let our expert Travel Designers make your vacation truly customized from start to finish. Having spent the last three decades traveling and experiencing the best luxury offerings firsthand, Tully Luxury Travel has an exceptional understanding of the Galápagos Islands. We have the contacts and the relationships in place to ensure your travel needs are met – milestone celebrations, romantic dinners, private tours, dietary requirements, special room-service requests – all the details curated in step with your every wish. With a Galápagos luxury cruise, our Private Travel Designers have the insider information that will elevate your experience that much more. We can suggest itineraries that reach all the islands you have in mind, the luxury ships with all the amenities you want, and the experiences that are an absolute must-do. The time to start planning your next vacation is now. Our private luxury travel service also allows us to secure the best amenities and VIP extras at no additional cost. That’s the Tully Difference. Talk with a Travel Designer and start planning your bespoke luxury Galápagos cruise today.

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Galapagos Unbound - Signature Tour

Current Offers - Galapagos Unbound - Signature Tour

Please send me more info and current offers for your Galapagos Unbound - Signature Tour.

Our Signature Tour is the ultimate Galapagos Islands adventure, and we’ve just made it better than ever.

Why This Tour:

• Galpagos Unbound is rated 5/5 on TripAdvisor from 159 unsolicited, independent travelers. 
• We have exclusive access for a once-in-a-lifetime Galapagos beach camping opportunity!
• Kayak with graceful sea turtles and other uniquely quirkly marine life in private coastlines and coves where few visitors travel.
• Walk along pahoehoe and a’a lava flows as you hike Sierra Negra Volcano and Volcan Chico and witness how the Galapagos Islands were created by raw, uninhibited force and beauty. 
• Our guides are personally trained in the "Adventure Unbound Difference," where other companies use National Park guides untrained in delivering the full Galapagos experience you deserve. 

Check out our itinerary below and you can immediately see the Galapagos Unbound difference. We pioneered Galapagos land tours and have consistently advocated for environmentally low-impact travel through these utterly enchanting "enchanted isles."

Trip Overview

Few places on Earth offer such close contact with wildlife as the Galapagos Islands, with this far-flung Ecuadorian archipelago protected as a national park since 1959. While most Galapagos tours are cruise-based, this small group, multisport adventure offers an active way of discovering the islands while gaining a completely different perspective.

It combines gentle paddles to remote coves with nights spent camping on pristine beaches and a hike to the rim of an active volcano. During snorkeling excursions, you’ll come face-to-face with the Galapagos Islands’ abundant marine life, before watching as seabirds soar above your camp at sunset.

This trip is designed to offer an intimate experience of a world like no other while accessing sites that aren’t visited by cruise vessels. While exploring five different islands, you’ll enjoy peace of mind that you are traveling in the most sustainable manner possible, with a small carbon footprint and “Leave No Trace” principles in practice. Our tours are designed to bring a strong economic benefit to the local communities we visit and the opportunity for guests to experience the Galapagos way of life.

All of our stable sea kayaks are designed for two paddlers and trips include support from a panga to ensure everyone’s comfort and safety on the water. While some paddling experience is advisable, we provide a briefing on kayaking techniques and safety at the start of our trips.

Galapagos Unbound was featured in the New York Times on January 8, 2006 with Tim Neville's article in the travel section. While our original itinerary has been somewhat modified, the essence remains unchanged as our certified, local guides work with the Galapagos Park Service to provide an unsurpassed Galapagos multisport adventure.

• Looking to go on a Family Adventure to the Galapagos? Go here: Galapagos Family Travel
• Wanting a Galapagos + Mainland Ecuador Combo Tour? Go here: Galapagos Multisport
• How about a Machu Picchu stop too before or after your Galapagos adventure?: Machu Picchu Tours
• Here's also a great sea kayaking alternative to this Galapagos trip: Galapagos Kayaking Expedition

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Arrive in Guayaquil

Fly into Guayaquil, which is located on Ecuador’s mainland and serves as a gateway to the Galapagos Islands. After being greeted by an Adventure Unbound representative, you’ll be transferred to your hotel in the city center.

ACCOMMODATION : Wyndham Hotel Guayaquil

Guayaquil to San Cristobal

After breakfast at the hotel, our Adventure Unbound rep will transfer you back to the airport for your flight to the Galapagos Islands. Our journey begins on San Cristobal, the easternmost island in the Galapagos, where we will be met by a naturalist guide from Galapagos National Park.

After lunch in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, we will try on our snorkeling equipment and wetsuits before embarking on the first kayaking trip. Our two to three-hour paddle will take us beneath volcanic peaks and along the shores of Lobos Island, which is a popular destination for spotting blue-footed boobies and marine iguanas. Our destination this afternoon is Manglecito Beach where our exclusive beach camp awaits.

ACCOMMODATION : Exclusive Beach Camping

MEALS INCLUDED : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Explore Galapagos Beach Camp

After a leisurely morning spent exploring Manglecito Beach, we’ll embark on a three-hour paddle to yet another beautiful beach. If you get tired or need assistance, our support boat is always nearby and you’ll have the opportunity to rest over lunch at a secluded beach.

After lunch, we will go snorkeling at Kicker Rock where you may be lucky enough to spot Galapagos sharks and eagle rays. In the mid-afternoon, we’ll arrive at our beach camp where you can settle in to watch sea birds soaring above as the sunsets over the Pacific Ocean.

*Note: Boat ride to Kicker Rock on Shared Services in groups from 4 to 7 people

ACCOMMODATION : Exclusive Beach Camp

MEALS INCLUDED : Breakfast, Box Lunch, Dinner

Explore Isabela Island

Our day begins with a boat ride to the airport, from where we will fly to Isabela Island. After checking into our hotel, we’ll visit the Tortoise Breeding Center, which is managed by the Galapagos National Parks Service to protect the archipelago’s iconic tortoises. You can get up close to these gentle creatures during a walk through the surrounding marshlands.

Lunch will be served on one of Puerto Villamil’s white sandy beaches, from where we will hop back into our kayaks for a paddle along the coastline. In addition to an abundance of birdlife, you may be lucky enough to spot Galapagos penguins nesting amongst the rocks. Keep your snorkeling gear handy if you want to observe the area’s incredible marine life.

  *Note: The order of the activities can vary depending on National Park schedules.

ACCOMMODATION : Isabela Hotel

Sierra Negra Volcano

Wake to watch the sunrise before we drive into the highlands of Isabela Island where we will embark on a hike to the Sierra Negra Volcano. It is one of the largest calderas in the world, measuring more than six miles in diameter, and erupted as recently as 2005. Along the course of the hike, you’ll encounter impressive lava formations and enjoy superb views across the caldera. After returning to the hotel, you’ll have time to relax at the beach or enjoy a stroll around town.

Los Tuneles + El Finado 

Today begins with a boat ride to Los Tuneles, a remarkable lava formation that was created as a volcanic flow solidified upon contact with the seawater. It’s a magnificent snorkeling destination, with its crystal clear waters revealing a remarkable underwater world.

After lunch onboard our boat, we will continue to El Finado, a tranquil inlet where you can snorkel alongside white-tipped reef sharks and a variety of tropical fish. Weather permitting, we will enjoy a barbecue on the beach in the evening.

Santa Cruz Island + Giant Tortoises + Lava Tunnels

After an early start, we’ll depart by speed boat for Santa Cruz Island where the Darwin Research Station is located and enjoy a scenic drive through the lush highlands. You’ll have the opportunity to walk alongside Galapagos tortoises in their natural environment and watch as they feast on the surrounding vegetation. We will then continue to a series of old lava tunnels, which offer a fascinating insight into the island’s geological past. Dinner tonight is on your own at a restaurant of your choosing.

ACCOMMODATION : Santa Cruz Hotel

MEALS INCLUDED : Breakfast, Lunch

Tortuga Bay + Santa Cruz Island

Today begins with a two-mile hike from Puerto Ayora to Tortuga Bay, taking in prickly pear cacti and palo santo trees along the way. At Tortuga Bay, you will have a few hours to relax before we continue to a calm cove that’s ideal for snorkeling. In the afternoon, we’ll return to our kayaks for a gentle paddle around a series of shallow lagoons that provide a habitat for rays and sharks. In the evening, we’ll congregate for a farewell dinner to end our trip.

Return to Guayaquil

This morning, we will travel to the airport on Santa Cruz Island for our return flight to Guayaquil, from where you can transfer to the international terminal for your flight home.

MEALS INCLUDED : Breakfast

Dates & Rates

Supplementary information, *free galapagos flights, free mainland ecuador to galapagos islands tickets on select departures. discount totaling $615 value discount per person on the total tour price. please inquire for additional details. promotion does not apply to inter-island airfare. if any of these *dates depart with 8 or more we will also discount the immigration fee of $20 per person.,   2024 pricing:.

4 - 7 Guests  - $6820 per person

8 - 12 Guests  - $5850 per person

Please note that an additional amount of $1020 should be allowed for internal flights and park tariffs. From August 1, 2024 the National Park will increase the Park Fee to $200 making a total extra of $1120.

This is broken down into:

• $615pp Galapagos Round Trip
• $300pp Internal Galapagos Flight and Boat Transfer
• $120pp Galapagos Park Fee and Immigration Tax.  $220pp from August 1, 2024

Single Supplement - $800

December Supplement - $375

Tiered Pricing Explained

Our trips are budgeted for full or near full sign-ups which enables us to offer trips at the lowest possible price. Because of numerous fixed costs, it is more expensive to operate a trip for a small group. Therefore, on some of our trips, in order to avoid having to cancel a trip, we have a “tier-pricing” system to avoid canceling a trip with a low number of sign ups. We have found that most people also prefer this alternative to having a trip cancelled. Thus, you will note on our trip prices there may be different price for 6-8 people versus 9-10, versus 11-12. We may initially invoice you at the higher tier price, and refund the difference depending on the final group size. Trip costs quoted are based on foreign exchange rates current at the time of this printing. We reserve the right to raise the trip fee if there are exceptional cost increases beyond our control.  Prices are based on double occupancy.  If desired, we will strive to pair you up with another single guest to elimate the single supplement fee however, please note that this is not always possible.

Included: 

Full service of our Adventure Consultants

Hand-crafted itineraries

Professional Galapagos Naturalist Guide

Experienced English-speaking guide(s)

Double accommodation in hotels and for camping

Specialized activity guides based on activity of trip (kayaking, biking, hiking, etc.)

All necessary kayaking, camping and snorkeling equipment

All transportation as noted on the itinerary

All meals and drinks as noted on the itinerary

Private pre-tour orientation meeting

Not Included

International flights to Ecuador 

Ecuador to Galapagos round trip flights (*Free Ecuador to Galapagos flights may be offered on select dates)

Internal island transfers

$120 National Park fee and Immigration Tax

Items of a personal nature

Alcoholic beverages

Travel insurance of any type

Additional hotel nights pre or post tour

Cost of hospitalization or evacuation if necessary

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Faq & more, where are the galapagos islands located.

The Galapagos Islands (or Archipelago de Colon) are a Province of Ecuador located about 500 miles (800 kilometers) west of the Ecuadorian coast and are located directly on the equator.

What is the weather like?

Visit this page for a month-to-month detail on weather. Because the Galapagos Islands are on the equator, it’s warm most of the year. The warmest season is usually January to April and average temperatures range from a low of 70F/22C to around of 84F/31C. This is also the “wet season” and there may be afternoon thundershowers. During a severe El Nino year, it’s more likely to rain at any time of day. April to December is considered the “dry season” and is cooler, with average temperatures ranging from around 68F/19C to 82F/27C. At this time of year it is not uncommon to have the "garua" (misty rain) early in the morning and in the highlands of Santa Cruz and San Cristobal. Our experience is that the time of year doesn’t make a lot of difference in terms of the amount of rain as there isn’t enough to impact your trip too much.

When is the best time to visit the Galapagos Islands?

Whenever your schedule allows! Because it’s on the equator, air temperatures don’t change a lot. However water temperature does fluctuate as much as ten degrees during the year. The cooler Humboldt Current comes up from Antarctica from May to September/October and the sea is cooler and tends to be rougher at this time of year. Cooler water temperatures mean you generally see more sea life because there is more food for the animals that depend on the planktons and other sea nourishment. From November to April, the cooler Panama Current flows from the north and brings warmer water. The sea tends to be calmer at this time of year. If you’re going on our land-based tour then rough water is less of a concern. If you’re doing a cruise, and you are prone to seasickness, you might want to consider coming in the November to April time frame. Check out further recommendations on when to go here.  

For a month to month comparison of temperatures and wildlife activity check out the Galapagos Calendar.

When should I arrive to Ecuador? When should I depart?

On this tour, you should arrive on day one of the itinerary. This is included as a travel day to ensure all guests in the group are checked in and ready for the tour of Quito on day two. On the final day, you should expect to arrive back to Quito around 4 p.m. Taking into account the minimum-three-hours check-in required for international flights, you shouldn't plan to depart anytime before 7 p.m. Many guests opt to stay over and fly out the next morning. 

What is the altitude in Quito?

The capital city of Quito sits at about 2,850 meters, or 9,350 feet. When spending time exploring the city, some guests do experience mild sensitivity. Arriving a day or two early for acclimation is a great idea if you are afraid you might have issues. Some ways to avoid becoming ill are to drink plenty of water (more than you would normally think to), taking frequent breaks when walking and keeping a slower pace. 

What is the best way to get to the Galapagos Islands?

From the U.S. and Canada there are daily flights via Houston, Los Angeles, Atlanta, New York and Miami, to Quito, Ecuador.

Do you arrange international air to Ecuador?

We do not arrange international air travel but we do have a great air travel specialist we refer you to if you’d like.

Do you take care of our ticketing for air travel within Ecuador?

Yes, all Domestic flights between mainland Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands will be included on your invoice. We will make the arrangements in conjunction with our partners in Ecuador.  Flights to the Galapagos Islands depart several times daily from both Quito and Guayaquil aboard Boeing 737’s or Airbus 320’s or similar.

Will we have to exchange any money before we travel to Ecuador or once in the country?

Ecuador uses the US dollar which was adopted as the official currency in 2000. Be sure to bring cash bills in good condition because bills with markings or tears won’t be accepted. There are also ATM machines in the larger towns. It’s also a good idea to alert your bank that you’ll be traveling to Ecuador so they don’t stop the transactions.

Are you able to arrange extensions to our Galapagos tour?

We have been running trips in Ecuador since 1992 and know the country well. We have plenty of ideas for extending your trip whether it be to the Amazon, the Cloud Forest, the highlands in the north or south, or whatever might be your special interest. We can also arrange extensions to Peru and Machu Picchu.

How far in advance should I book?

There are a lot of arrangements to be made for a custom trip like our Unbound Signature active adventure. It’s very helpful with our planning if you book four to 12 months in advance. However, if you can’t plan that far ahead, then it’s usually not a problem to book up to about two months in advance. If you find yourself looking for last-minute space just call us and check!

What do I need to bring to snorkel and what is the experience like?

The Galapagos is surely one of the best places in the world to snorkel. The flourishing ocean life is an ecological treasure, and one of the main draws to the archipelago. You will have multiple chances to snorkel, sometimes at multiple locations in a day. We do recommend you try snorkeling ahead of time for your trip to get the most out of your experience, if you have never done so. Wetsuits aren’t strictly necessary, but “shorty” wetsuits (knees to elbows) of about 2mm are recommended to keep out any chill. We have full snorkel gear available to use including wetsuits.

What equipment or gear do I need to bring?

We provide all of the kayaking and camping equipment, while you need to simply bring your clothing and personal gear. We also provide wetsuits and snorkeling gear for your convenience, or your may bring your own. We send a complete list with items to bring such as paddling gloves, a water bottle, flash light, etc. We suggest traveling “light” for this adventure. 

Is it possible to go scuba diving in the Galapagos?

We recommend if you'd like to enjoy some scuba diving, that you stay on the islands for an extra day or two. This can easily be arranged at an additional cost. Please note that most diving locations in the Galapagos are very technical and often require certification in addition to significant experience. 

How does this trip compare to the Galapagos Island Explorer tour?

Both trips are ten days in length. This itinerary offers time spent on three islands, rather than the four seen on the Galapagos Island Explorer tour. This tour offers camping on the beach, while the other does not. The Galapagos Island Explorer does offer more frequent departures than the Signature tour. Both tours offer plenty of time spent snorkeling, kayaking and wildlife-viewing. 

How does this trip compare to the Galapagos by Kayak tour?

These are the only two tours to offer beach camping, however there are only two nights camping on the Unbound Signature tour. The Galapagos by Kayak tour is shorter at nine days in length, and visits two islands rather than three. It does include the most amount of paddling and camping, and is geared more toward kayak enthusiasts in particular. The Unbound Signature tour is a broader multi-sport tour, perfect for families with children. 

Will the tour guide speak English?

Yes. Spanish is the official language of Ecuador and the Galapagos but all tour guides are bilingual and speak english.

Will my credit card work in Ecuador?

Yes, most major credit and debit cards are accepted in Ecuador. There are plenty of ATM’s to use if you prefer to purchase things with cash as well.

Custom or Private

You love this itinerary but want to change it a bit to make it perfect for you?  Or, are you wanting to simply make it private?  Either way, we can do it!

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Adventure Time: Things You Need To Know Before Taking An Expedition Cruise

“Leave your suitcase on the dock, grab a life jacket, and jump on the boat.”

Instead of using a walkway to get to our ship, we had to take a short boat ride, so I dutifully snapped the clasps of the bright red life jacket, found a spot on the edge of an inflatable zodiac boat (holding on to the rope behind me for dear life), and wondered what I had gotten myself into.

But by the end of the week, I was grateful that I had signed up for the expedition cruise. Though I had researched what to expect on the trip, experience is truly the best teacher. As the week unfolded, I learned a lot about this form of exploration and the type of people who take such cruises. Below are the most important takeaways.

Expedition ships are much smaller than traditional cruise ships

One of the first things to know before signing up for an expedition cruise is the ship size will pale in comparison to what you’re used to. While ships will vary in size, the MS Santa Cruz II holds up to 90 passengers, and our sailing had a little more than 60 passengers. I stayed in an explorer cabin, which had a comfortable double-size bed, wide window, and crisp navy and white nautical-inspired decor.

Since the ship is smaller, you can feel more movement, and we did experience some intense swaying one night, which made me nauseous. The crew provided me with anti-nausea medication, and I spent a few hours on the observation deck getting fresh air. Sea sickness is more common on a smaller ship, and if it’s your first time on a smaller cruise ship, it may take some time to get your “sea legs.”

And though the ship was small, the food was a big highlight. Hurtigruten Expeditions is a top-of-the-line cruise company, and the food they provided did not disappoint. Breakfast was a buffet of traditional dishes like bacon, eggs, pastries, waffles, and fresh fruit, and lunch and dinner were made-to-order three-course meals and included ceviche, roasted chicken, and prime rib. Alcoholic drinks were complimentary during mealtimes and there also was a bar for ordering drinks at night.

Your packing list is going to look a little different

The dress code on an expedition cruise is very casual. For most of the cruise, we wore our expedition gear (for me that meant leggings or shorts and a T-shirt). For a warm-weather voyage, it’s important to bring clothes that are going to get wet and possibly dirty and lots of sun protection because you’ll spend 90 percent of your day outdoors.

Be sure to pack a sunhat, water shoes, swimsuits, or a rash guard. I purchased a long-sleeve swimsuit at the airport in Quito, which turned out to be one of my best travel purchases. It’s also important to bring a backpack to store a change of clothes. In order to get to our expeditions, we had to disembark on the zodiac boat (sometimes two or three times a day) and we spent most of our time hiking, snorkeling, or swimming.

Off-ship activities are the focus

Expedition cruises are all about, well, you guessed it, expeditions. I had come with the sole purpose of seeing the Galápagos Islands, which are made up of 13 main islands and several small islands and islets. People flock here for the biodiversity and remoteness of the islands; most are uninhabited, and when we landed on an island, we were the only ones there. 

Each day, there was a full itinerary waiting for us, and I explored several islands during the cruise. The first was Isabela, the largest of the Galápagos Islands. The volcanic island was covered in lush vegetation and it looked like something from a Jurassic Park movie. We sailed around the perimeter of the island, and I saw penguins, marine iguanas, and blue-footed boobies. Later that afternoon, I went for a glass-bottom boat ride where giant stingrays and sea turtles greeted us.

On Fernandina Island, we hiked the rocky terrain, dodged cacti, and took photos of sea otters just inches from us. My favorite stop was Santa Cruz, the most populated island, which is home to Galápagos National Park and the Charles Darwin Research Center. After visiting both centers, we headed to a tortoise farm, where we had close encounters with giant 100-year-old tortoises. Our last stop was Floreana Island, home to pink flamingos and white sand beaches. 

An open mind and sense of adventure are necessary

Though you could carve out time to relax, an expedition cruise isn’t necessarily for travelers who want to lie by a pool with a cocktail in hand or who need non-stop entertainment. On our cruise, nightly activities included our tour guides hosting educational lectures, and our schedule was packed with activities (some that started as early as 7:30 a.m.).

An expedition cruise is great for those who have already done a bit of traveling and want to go deeper into exploring a location. My cruise was made up of a mix of families, retirees, and professionals in search of adventure. Though it wasn’t a typical cruise experience, this trip ended up making a significant impression on me. The wilderness of the Galápagos Islands coupled with up-close encounters with the wildlife is something I’ll never forget.

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Cruise Itinerary

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Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Sat, Nov 23, 2024

Departs: 3:30PM

At Sea - Cruising

Sun, Nov 24, 2024

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Tue, Nov 26, 2024

Docked: 8:00AM to 11:00PM

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Docked: 8:00AM to 8:00PM

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Docked: 7:00AM to 4:00PM

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Sun, Dec 1, 2024

Arrival: 7:00AM

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Celebrity Reflection

On Celebrity Reflection® enjoy endless ocean views, catch some sun, and play your favorite outdoor games on a ½ acre of real grass at The Lawn Club. Then, cap off the outdoor fun with delicious grilling specialties at Lawn Club Grill. You can also take your palate to new heights with exciting culinary experiences by our Global Culinary Ambassador, Chef Daniel Boulud. Shop in luxury boutiques. And, invigorate your senses at The Spa. From unforgettable spaces to world-class amenities, and distinct features, you’ll rest and recharge the moment you step aboard.

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The airy Main Restaurant offers exquisite menu selections, which change nightly to give you a variety of classic and contemporary choices. And the service? Legendary.

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The exclusive restaurant for guests of the Retreat. Select and cutting edge, the globally inspired menus at Luminae are not available in any other restaurant on board.

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Ensemble Lounge is the ideal setting for an aperitif en route to an extraordinary dining experience, or a digestif afterward.

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Sit back and relax, listening to up-tempo tunes and enjoying a collection of rare vodkas and a portfolio of fine caviars.

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A unique music venue with spectacular ocean views. The perfect daytime spot to gaze over the sea with a cocktail in hand and dance the night away after the sun sets.

The Retreat is an unparalleled vacation experience that includes every stunning suite, a private restaurant, and an exclusive lounge that rivals any high-end resort.

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Tailored services and amenities await you in these exceptionally appointed staterooms. We're here to help you make the most of your time on board and on shore.

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S.T.E.M. activities are powered by experiments, demonstrations and everyday science that will amaze young minds.

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Bring your workout routine along on your modern luxury vacation and enjoy a variety of new fitness classes and seminars along with world class cruise fitness amenities.

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Aboard Reflection, Celebrity's European-inspired piazza and elegant galleria hold riches of chic sophistication. Marble walkways lead you to modern boutiques and fine jewelry stores.

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When you visit the Art Gallery, you'll be surrounded with one of the world's largest permanent collections of contemporary art, accompanied by a complete art program.

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Who said grass can’t be on a ship? Enjoy a friendly pick-up game of leisure sports like Croquet, Bocce, golf putting, Blongo or Baggo.

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Price is per person and applies to selected sailing, lowest available fare stateroom category, based on double-occupancy, reflects any promotional savings, and is subject to change and availability until booked. Additional terms and conditions apply to offers. Full deposit must be paid by deposit payment required due date. Standard full deposit penalty is applied if booking is cancelled within final payment period; see Celebrity’s cancellation policy for details. Non-Refundable Deposit Bookings (“NRDB”): To qualify for the lowest available cruise fare, guest must choose a non-refundable deposit. All deposit payments for NRDB made after 03/02/23 are non-refundable from the time of booking. NRDB are applicable to groups at prevailing rates. Not applicable to incentive, contract, or charter groups. Nonrefundable deposit offers are applicable to sailings within final payment, however full deposit is due at time of booking. 

Celebrity Edge® Series Iconic Suites, Edge Villas, Penthouse Suites, Royal Suites, Celebrity Suites, AquaClass® Sky Suites, and Sky Suites (and Family Suites during Holiday sailings) require double the deposit amounts listed.

All Included  pricing applies to sailings booked and departing on or after October 4, 2023, excluding Galapagos cruises, in an inside, ocean view, veranda, Concierge Class, or AquaClass stateroom (“Eligible Bookings”). All guests within an Eligible Booking who choose “All Included” pricing, will receive a Classic Drinks Package and an unlimited Basic Wi-Fi package. All guests in the same stateroom must choose the same rate.  Please visit www.celebritycruises.com/things-to-do-onboard/onboard-packages/beverage-packages for further information on available beverages and full restrictions and www.celebritycruises.com/things-to-do-onboard/onboard-packages/internet-and-phone-packages for further information on wi-fi.

All Included pricing applies to new individual bookings only. Changes to booking may result in removal of Offer. Prices and Offers are subject to availability and change without notice, may be withdrawn at any time, and not applicable to charters or contracted groups. All Included pricing is non-transferable and not combinable with certain rates including, Travel Agent, Interline, Net, Exciting Deals, or worker cabins.  Single occupancy guests paying 200% cruise fare are eligible for All Included pricing. Refer to celebritycruises.com and the Cruise Ticket Contract for additional terms and conditions. Celebrity Cruises reserves the right to cancel offer at any time, correct any errors, inaccuracies, or omissions, and change or update fares, fees, and surcharges at any time without prior notice.

Imagery and messaging may not accurately reflect onboard and destination experiences, offerings, features, or itineraries. These may not be available during your voyage, may vary by ship and destination, and may be subject to change without notice.

*Port sequence may vary by sailing date.

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Customer Comments and Reviews

Traveled to Galapagos Land Based plus Peru Hi Diana, I wanted to let you know we are home from our wonderful vacation.The entire trip was magical. You planned everything to the extreme detail. Our VIP treatment made the trip even more special. We always felt taken care of in every way. From airport pick up and drop off to drivers and tour guides. The hotels were beautiful. We especially loved our stay in Cusco. The Monasterio was very special. All were top notch! Thank you again for your attention to detail and providing us with a vacation to remember. We are considering doing another trip in a few years to see other parts of the Galapagos and Cusco. We will definitely use you again. We will also refer our friends to your service as well!! Best Regards, Rose Brown and Jerry Hodge April, 2024

Traveled to Galapagos Land Based plus Peru Hello again, I just wanted to tell you what a wonderful trip we had! Your attention to detail and fabulous planning made this trip a dream come true. Every part of this trip was exceptional from the guides and tours to the hotels and travel arrangements in between. I've always done my own planning for trips and there are usually a few disasters due to my lack of knowledge or overlooking important details. I've never had a trip like this where everything is arranged for me, so this was a delightful surprise. My daughter and I had the experience of a lifetime and I wanted to thank you so very much. Thanks again, Julia and Veronica Johnson May, 2023

Traveled to Darwin's Footsteps Hello Sebastian, I hope that you are well. It’s been a week since we returned from Ecuador with so many wonderful memories. We have you to thank for organizing such a perfect trip. All of our guides were so thoughtful and generous. They made the trip run so smoothly. We were excited to see all the beautiful creatures both on land and in the water. The hotels were wonderful and the staff was very accommodating. Thank you so much for your special attention to our needs. All the best, Lee-Ann Martin May 1, 2023

Traveled to Land Based Tour If you fancy a vacation based more on animals than monuments, Ecuador has it all. While you can handle all the arrangements yourself, we found it easier to work with an Ecuador-based travel agency, Galapagos Travel Center (www.galapagosislands.com), which booked all our flights, hotels, guides and meals. Brian Blum The Jerusalem Post April 30, 2023

Traveled to Darwin's Footsteps Tour Hi Elizabeth, Thank you for all of your work and assistance in planning our vacation! We had a wonderful trip. Everything was so well organized and we felt taken care of every step of the way. The itinerary featured excellent sights, locations, and activities. We took thousands of pictures of the environment and its amazing creatures. The hotels were great. Finch Bay was a treat. Iguana Crossing had outstanding service. The Swissotel in Quito had a great location, amazing service, and yummy room service. The guides were all really knowledgeable and helpful. Erica and Soto in the Galapagos, and Jorge in Quito, were particularly wonderful. Isla Grill was a fantastic restaurant. I really enjoyed every meal and the incredible fruit juices. The bonus excursions in Quito were so much fun. We loved old town Quito and had an incredible meal at a local restaurant. The Equator exhibits and museums were great. The antigen testing was professional and timely, both in taking the test and getting the results. We were very impressed with how seriously everyone took Covid-19 precautions and greatly admire that so many people were vaccinated and masked. I will write a review on Tripadvisor as well. But I wanted to reach out and let you know the trip was wonderful and a complete success. Thank you so much! Best, Russell Johnson September 27 – October 4, 2021

Traveled to Ecuador Scenic Tour and EcoGalaxy Dear Gabriela, We are already home from our fantastic trip to Ecuador and Galapagos and I have to say: we are all missing your beautiful country already... First of all: many many thanks to you (and Lilian Chafla before you) for all your help making this trip real. All those emails we exchanged made our trip so smooth and relaxing because we were prepared. Thanks for your time and tips, everything was just perfect. We had fantastic guides, both on mainland (Maria E. Segura and our great driver Marcelo Proaňo) and on Galapagos (Juan). They were very nice people, knew a lot about your country and also answered all our questions during the trip. Please, tell them again "MUCHAS GRACIAS". The hotels we stayed in were again super great, very pleasant, very well located. We wouldn't change anything. The food was - fantastic, sooo good everywhere. All those restaurants we visited for lunches... It was a gourmet trip for us as well. The itinerary on mainland - very well prepared, everything was smooth (except unexpected landslide on the way to Guayaquil) and we saw such nice places. I took hundreds of photos, so Ecuador will stay with us forever. On Galapagos we felt like in the Paradise. Eco Galaxy catamaran was like a 5* hotel. I mentioned already our guide Juan, can't forget about the crew - from the captain to the engineers, all were smily, helpful all the time, we enjoyed a lot of fun on the boat with them. Food - it was like in a Michelin Star restaurant, lunch and dinner 3-course menus, fresh, always arranged on the plates and sooo good. And the program, again, we saw as much as we could, enjoyed every minute on the boat, on the islands and mainly snorkelling and exploring the marine and underwater life. You all in Ecuador did an amazing job and this vacation will remain in our hearts forever. We felt safe, welcome, enjoyed every minute every day. THANKS, THANKS, THANKS to Ecuador, we will always promote you country... And maybe we come back once :-). With many regards, Andrea Janouskova and family August 2021

Traveled to Island's Secrets, Land Based Tour Lilian, Just wanted to thank you for helping arrange our trip. We had a wonderful time. Everything went smoothly. Our transportation and our taxi driver (whose name I forget) were timely and dependable. Our hotel (Cucuve) was wonderful and the staff very attentive. Our daily excursions were great and our guide (Isabel) was very informative. We could not have asked for a better experience especially considering the limited time to put it together. Thanks again for your help. Daniel & Andrea Sappenfield February 2020

Traveled to Land Galapagos Hi Rosa, I'm sorry for taking so long to thank you for the wonderful job you did in planning our vacation in the Galapagos Islands. The tour guides and tours were excellent and we loved the hotels you chose. Not to mention, that the yacht was spectacular. It was great that you spoke to everyone concerning our lunches, so that there was tuna fish everywhere. We had a terrific adventure, took many pics and you played an important part in it. Thanks and best wishes, Sharon and Stuart Yedwab July 2019

Traveled Land Galapagos + Ecuador + Amazon Dear Magus, On behalf of our group, I wanted to thank you for organizing such a perfect Ecuador tour for us!! Everything ran like clockwork and we loved all of our tour guides. There were many moving parts to our adventure (flights, transfers, hotels, ferries, meals, guides, etc.) and we were extremely pleased with it all. Our tours in Quito went beyond our expectations, the Napo Wildlife experience was fantastic, and the people and wonders of the Galápagos Islands made this trip one we will always treasure. Thanks to you and the Galapagos Travel Center for a job well done!! Sincerely, Doris Paelermo May 2019

Traveled to Galapagos Dreams, Land Based Tour Hello Daniela, We are back at home now. Just want to let you know how great our trip was. When we arrived in Quito our driver Javier was waiting for us. Took us to the Casa Joaquin. It is a wonderful hotel in a good area. Everything was clean and staff was very helpful and friendly. Breakfast was very good also. We did lots of walking the first day. The next day Javier picked us up and took us to Pululhua, and Mitad del Mundo. Later when the weather was more clear he took us to the Teleferiqo cable car. He was a great tour guide with good english and lots of information. The next morning we had to go to airport early and he was waiting for us to take us there. Also the hotel packed us a lunch to take with us which was really nice. Our flight to Baltra was great and on time. When we arrived at Baltra, our guide Christian was waiting for us to help us get to the Hotel Santa Fe. This is a great small hotel with friendly staff and the swimming pool was so nice to have after the days when we were out in the hot sun. The breakfasts were also very good. Christian was a great guide to have in Puerto Ayora. Excellent english and he was always on time. Our boat trips to the 3 islands were amazing. Seen so much wildlife. One day we were on the Promesa. Next 2 days were on the Queen Karen. Both nice boats and good meals. Got to see lots of wildlife and snorkelling. Again, great guides and crew. The best restaurant was the Almar. Perfect location on the waterfront and we could order anything off of the menu. The Garrapata was not as good. It was very busy and not enough staff. And they only had a limited menu for guests that had meals reserved. Once they forgot to bring us the dessert we had ordered. Other than that, the Manzanillo where we had lunch with Christian was very good also. Puerto Ayora and the islands was the nicest place we have ever been on vacation. The transfer back to the airport was great and flight was on time to Guayaquil. The Wyndham Guayaquil was such a nice place to relax for a couple of days. Lots of nearby restaurants and the pool area on the 9th floor was so nice. This is one of the nicest hotels we have stayed at. 5 star Thank you so much for all the planning you did for us to make this an unforgettable vacation. We will definitely recommend to friends and family should they ever wish to visit Galapagos or Ecuador. We also hope to return sometime in the future. Terry and Nancy. Terry Bucholtz April 2019

Traveled to Island's Secrets, Land Based Tour Hi Daniela, I'm back in Quito, and off on the birding trip tomorrow. I want to thank you personally for all the organisation and support. Also thanks to Raoul and Fernando who took me around Puerto Ayora on Day 1 to find a Western Union agent with internet and enough cash to get me financial again. Then took me all over Santa Cruz. Day 2 & 3, David Ascencio, mi tochia, was fantastic as a guide, knows the birds and everything on the other islands. Inry picked me up last day and was a great guide also, took the time to show me an owl on the way to the airport. Lastly, a special testimonial to the Sanchez family at Hotel Portal de Cantuna in Quito, to lend $200 to a stranger is beyond any kindness I have ever received. And the hotel is a fantastic touch of old Quito, most highly recommended to any clients looking for somthing memorable in Ecuador. Otra vez, gracias y vaya con dios. David Betram June 2018

Traveled on the Majestic + Land Ecuador + Amazon + Peru Hi Esteban, Thank you, thank you, thank you. We had an amazing trip. You could not have planned this any better nor had the staff more attentive, guides were friendly and very knowledgeable and the hotels were very nice. Swissotel was the best. The Hathaway's became ill a couple of days after we got there and the hotel staff arranged for a doctor to come to their room and look after them. Everything ran like clock work. We were met on time at every part of the trip regardless of our arrival time. We would not have been able to plan such a trip on our own. I will gladly give your name and contact to anyone I know planning a trip to either the Galapagos or Machu Picchu. Your planning was outstanding. Also, the Travel Group in Peru were amazing. John Hathaway in our party had his wallet fall out of his pocket at the hotel in Lima. We notified the hotel, they located the wallet and Daniela from the Travel Group met us at Lima airport on our return flight to give John his wallet, then went the extra mile and arranged for us to go to Museo Larco for the afternoon and the taxi to come back and pick us up, instead of sitting in the airport all afternoon. Our flights didn't leave until after midnight so it would have been a long wait. Thank you doesn't seem enough. I would appreciate it if you forward this to your supervisor. I would like them to know what an outstanding job you did for us. Our best regards. Carol & Craig Bennett May 2018

Traveled to Land Based Galapagos + Ecuador Andes Dear Daniela, You turned what was a potential disaster (and we were all pretty sure it was) into a great trip. We had a wonderful time on the islands. Your redefined planning was great. We feel as if we saw most of everything on the islands we visited. All the guides and hotels were fabulous. I am much aware that it took a lot of effort on your part to pull that together. We even had great adventures in Mindo & Otavalo, which otherwise we would have missed. I will highly recommended your company and especially you to all the people who ask about our trip. I can’t say enough about how helpful you were. Thank You from all of us, Yours, Devon Icaza March 2018

Traveled to Majestic Cruise + Ecuador Andes Hi Daniela, I would like to thank you so much for making Monica’s and my trip to Galápagos and Quito/Mindo such a nice and wonderful experience for life. It wouldn’t have happened without your help - thank you so much! I will recommend you to everybody going to Ecuador/Galápagos - 5 STARS! (Just wished I had bought even more chocolates at the Mindo Chocolate Factory hahaha!) Thanks a lot! Magnus September 2017

Traveled to Land Based Galapagos + Ecuador Andes Hi Olga, We are just back at the Hotel in Quito and have had a wonderful dinner- it was exquisite. We wanted to congratulate you and your services on an excellent trip- we have had the best time and felt that we have had 100% attention with all guides and transfers and it has surpassed our expectations. Thank you so much from Julie. We will highly recommend your services to those wanting to travel to Galapogos. Our only recommendation that we decided to do, as we all love lobster, was to eat out each night. This gave us a good feel for the town which we loved as well. As a point- Maybe give that as an option to guests. We felt if we ate at the Hotel we would stay there and not explore as the days were full and tiring, but wonderful. We enjoyed drinks at the bar most days - Caiparinas were our favourites. Many thanks once again. We loved all your staff and could not fault them. Attention to detail always.. Superb- excellent. Many thanks, Julie Henry September 2017

Traveled to Land Based Galapagos Hi Elizabeth I just wanted to tell you what a terrific time we had on our vacation. It was very organized and we felt we were in good hands. Thanks Bonnie Sidler January 2018

Traveled on a Ecuador Land Tour Hi Veronica, We have finished our trip in Ecuador today. Thank you very much for your assistance in trip planning and your advice so far. The arrangements were terrific and your staff are so knowledgeble and helpful. We have a very good experience in Ecuador and for sure we will come again in the future. Cheers, Ada January 2018

Traveled on a Land Based Diving Tour Dear Diana, Had a fantastic week in Galapagos, Iguana scuba was an excellent team and the dive locations were varied and fantastic. Day tours gave me a chance to venture onto the islands that I saw on the boat and explore them thoroughly. Food was also great and the last day was such a wonderful finish. Thank you for all your work in making the trip a reality. Simon Masson January 2018

Traveled to Land Based Galapagos + Ecuador Andes Hi Lorena We have just arrived back from our holiday spending six days in the Galapagos islands and touring Quito. I would like to thank you for providing us with an incredible holiday. We thought the planning of our itinerary was perfect and couldn't think of any way it could have been improved. Our guides (Julie and Santiago) gave us great personal service while providing lots of extra info and attending to all our needs. Also the tour guides were excellent. We enjoyed our holiday so much that we are planning on returning to the islands sometime in the future . Well done, we are certainly pleased we chose to book our holiday with you. Best wishes Yvonne and Clark Yvonne Campbell November 2017

Traveled to The Forgotten Path & Beyond - Land Based Hi Tannya, I just wanted to let you know we had a wonderful trip. Thank you very much. With the exception of the speed boat back to Santa Cruz from Isabela everything went very smoothly. I can't wait to visit again in a few years. If we visit again, I'm sure that we can visit different islands. Thank you again for your help in planning our wonderful trip. Thanks, Robert and Rebecca Johnson May 2017

Traveled on the Sea Star Journey Dear Lorena, We've just returned back home to Moscow, from our long honeymoon. We had time to reflect on our honeymoon and came to the conclusion that we were very happy with your services, wanted to reach out, thank you once more explicitly. The whole trip was perfectly arranged, timing was great, all the logistics in between worked very well – we had the great feeling of being taken care of. The Galapagos Islands were the highlight of our four weeks honeymoon, for sure – we will come back at some point, would love to rely on your services then again. All the best & many thanks again! Zhenya and Max January 2017

Traveled on the Angelito Dear Grace, Thank you very much for all your work regarding our Galapagos cruise booking. The trip was awesome, we enjoyed every moment, everything was perfect. If we ever decide to visit Galapagos again, we will use your agency. And of course - we will recommend your services to all our friends. Thank you again, All the best, Aga Karmolinska January 2017

Traveled on the Natural Paradise Hola Veronica! El viaje en el Natural Paradise fue absolutamente perfecto. El barco es fantástico y muy cómodo, la comida deliciosa, el personal tremendamente amable, la guía Malena preparadísima y encantadora, y las visitas a las islas enormemente interesantes. Muchas gracias por sus servicios Leonardo y Manuela November 2016

Traveled on the Majestic Good Morning Veronica, As I am back from vacation this morning, I just wanted to thank you very much for your prompt follow up and perfect organization of our vacation in the Galapagos . The service on the Majestic, was really first class, everyone on board was always ready to please us, always a smile on their face, the guide "James" very knowledgeable and fun to be with, the quality of food and beverage was more than acceptable on such a short boat .we cannot wait to come back as four days was way too short. I will recommend strongly your company to however is interested to go to the Galapagos. And as you can see below, service is my business. Best Regards Frederic Morineau August 2016

Traveled on the Galaven Olga, The cruise was fabulous! I loved to activities, the crew and guides were very knowledgable and helpful. Wish I booked longer! Thanks for checking! Britt Christiaansen June 2016

Traveled on the Seaman Journey Hi Daniela, We just finished the cruise and it was fantastic! Thank you so much for all of your help in planning this vacation. It was a trip of a life time. Bipasha Chiu March 2016

Traveled on the Darwin Buenos días Olga, Perdón que no contesté tu mail. Recien llego a Buenos Aires, y el celular no me funcionó con ninguna red en Ecuador, por lo cual no pude chequear los mails. Quiero darte las gracias una vez mas por tu atencián. El viaje fue excelente, asi como también lo fue el Crucero. Excelente atención de los tripulantes, y muy buen conocimiento del guia, super recomendable. Saludos, Celeste January 2016

Traveled on the Beyond Evolution Merry Christmas, Grace! Everything with the itinerary was straightened out and we had a very special time in The Galapagos! Every guide assigned to us was intelligent,engaging, & personable. The hotel was quite comfortable, well located to the town, and the people were accommodating. The Galapagos is truly amazing! Thanks for your help arranging our tours and stay! Warmest Christmas Greetings! Cathi Zanolli December 2015

Traveled on the Majestic Hi Veronica, We arrived home Saturday late afternoon and are still recovering from the whirl-wind tour. Anyway, we had an excellent time. All of the plans you made for us worked exactly as expected. All pick-ups and drop-offs were on-time; all tour guides were excellent, and the tours themselves were wonderful. I don't think Troy or I would change a thing in regards to our itinerary. We especially liked Sacha Lodge and the program that they put together. This tour exceeded our expectations in many, many ways. Our tour guide was awesome (Jorge), the food was wonderful, the itinerary that they put together for us was excellent. If we are ever in the area again we will definitely go back to Sasha. Thank you very much for putting together a wonderful trip for us and we will definitely recommend you and your company to our friends. Sincerely, Chris and Troy November / December 2015

Traveled on the Darwin Footsteps Hi Tannya, We’re back from our Galapagos trip and I just wanted to send you a quick email and let me know how great it was. Thanks you very much for putting such a great trip together for us!! Everything worked out really well, the tour guides were all very friendly and knowledgeable and we had a very pleasant time all in all!!! Thanks again. Thank you Thomas R. Arnold December 2015

Traveled on the Majestic Dear Veronica, The trip was amazing, the Majestic boat and the crew were perfect. The room was comfortable and the food great. Our guide Billy did a great job! And all the others too! We had have a wondeful time on board, nice snorkeling trips, brid watching and beach time! Thank you for recommending the Majestic! Bettina Budde & Igor December 2015

Traveled on the Hotel Based Tour Hi Tannya, We would like to report that our Galapagos trip was awesome. Everything went as stated in the written itinerary, our guides were wonderful, there was always someone to meet us and direct us. In addition our accommodations were lovely and well situated.The tours were great too. Thank you for your planning and arranging. We would definitely recommend your travel services to others. Thanks again for helping us make an exceptional family trip!!! Peggy and Quince October 2015

Traveled on the Majestic Magus, I wanted to thank you for all your hard work on our behalf. We had a wonderful time in Ecuador and Peru and really enjoyed all the activities and arrangements. The boat was fantastic with a great crew and Billy was an excellent guide. All the people we met .... drivers, guides, airport pick up and drop off were friendly, helpful, and professional. The hotels were magnificent ( especially Palacio Nazarenas ) and the staff could not do enough to make sure we were happy with everything. It really was a trip of a lifetime and we all have memories that will last for years. As I said earlier, the trip far exceeded our expectations and we are most appreciative. Thanks again Gary July 2015

Traveled on the Seaman Journey Dear Esteban, Our stay in Ecuador came to the end. We are waiting for our plane in the airport. I would like to say you Thanks a lot for the wonderful journey you organize for us. We felt it love in your country. It is really a nice land. All the best Elena and Victor July 2016

Traveled to a Land Galapagos Tour + Diving Daniela, Thanks again for all your tips and your help organizing. It's been a magnificent few days here and we enjoyed every single tour, we loved every guide and we appreciate the entire program we put together. Certainly it's a magical place to begin with but I am glad we went through you to have these experiences planned out. We appreciate your help a lot!!! Thanks so much!!! Michael Scholz April 2017

Traveled on the Penguin's Persuit Tour Dear Lilian, I want to sincerely thank you and your staff for putting together such a wonderful trip for me! I thoroughly enjoyed my trip and the beauty and uniqueness of the Galapagos Islands. Everything went well and all your guides were professional and knowledgeable. I liked my hotels as well. I've already been raving about the trip and your company to friends and family! Regards Thomas Lenihan March 2015

Traveled on the Land Based Tour Dear Veronica, Greetings from Quito as well. :) I'm in Quito for a week on invitation and staying at the JW Marriott. Thanks to your patience and arrangement, I had a wonderful experience in my Galapagos Island land based tour. I was a little worried initially but that went away the moment i met your rep at the airport. Everything went smoothly per the itinerary. Special thanks to my main tour guide, Erika Jaramillo, who was very knowledgeable and patience. I hope to bring my family to South America and Galapagos Islands for vacation in the near future and will recommend Galapagos Travel Center to my friends who are planning to Galapagos soon. Best regards Al Cheok March 2015

Traveled on the Queen of Galapagos Dear Paola, We are now back from our Galapagos Trip and wanted to inform you, that we had a great time! The guide and the crew gave their best, the boat was great and we had a wonderful time. We can only recommend this tour! Thanks and regards Vincent January 2015

Traveled on the Seaman Journey Veronica, With regards to the services you have provided, everything was very OK. All on time and as per schedule. The trip was also very interesting. The Seaman was rocking a lot and my wife was seasick as well as various in the boat, but that is very little anyone could do about it. Thanks and regards, Couto January 2015

Traveled on the Majestic Hi Grace, Thanks for your help planning our trip to the Galapagos. Everything was perfect. We loved the Hotel Plaza Grande in Quito, and the Majestic was a wonderful ship. All of the connections and transfers went smoothly. Thanks, Andrew Ascher November 2014

Traveled on the Astrea Dear Magus! Thanks for the great organization, everything went well. Now we have a crisis in the country as soon as Russian ruble stabilized, we will return to the Galapagos Islands. Best regards. Tibelius Svetlana November 2014

Traveled on the Sea Star Journey Dear Veronica, We just returned home from our wonderful vacation in the Galapagos. We wanted to give a BIG thank you (gracias) to the entire crew aboard the Grand Odyssey - Dominica. They took excellent care of us and made our travels safe & comfortable. We certainly would recommend the services of your agency as well as the cruise we took. Thank you, Colleen y Ashok Mittal October 2014

Traveled on the Angelito Hi Grace, I just wanted to let you know that the cruise in Galapagos was amazing. We've had a great time. Thanks! I want to thank you very very much for all the work you did for us. All the reasearch, 1000 (fast) reply's on e-mails, information,... It was a pleasure to book with you! Kind regards, Michiel and Julie Correwin September 2014

Traveled on the Fragata Hello Grace, A quick note to say how much we enjoyed our time in The Galapagos. A place of such magic. The Fragata was a great boat with a crew that looked after us very well. Our naturalist, Myra, was also superb. So thank you for the time and effort you put in to ensuring we had a wonderful experience. Warm regards, Glynis Green June 2014

Traveled on the Reina Silvia Hi Dani, Thanks again for everything. The trip to the Galapagos was perfect! That glitch with our missed connection in Miami was a bit stressful, but the concierge at the Hilton handled all the details of retrieving our luggage from the airport when it finally arrived on Friday night around midnight. The Reina Sylvia and it's crew were wonderful hosts, and our guide, Patricia, was very knowledgable and passionate about the islands. We even managed to squeeze in a 3 hour city tour of Guayaquil when we returned. All the drivers and agents that took us to and from the airport were very kind and helpful. So once again, thank you and all the others involved. Thanks again, Denos and Debbie Schaffer May 2014

Traveled on the Galaven Hi Veronica, We are back from our trip which was absolutely fantastic I can't believe we've done it. We had a lovely time and experienced some amazing things on our trip. Thank you so much for all your efforts in booking our dream trip everything went according g to plan and the whole experience was really good. Regards, Nicki Hilton May 2014

Traveled on the Majestic Hi Paola, Just wanted you to know what a great adventure we had on our Galapagos trip 28 April - May 5 on the Majestic. We couldn't have been more pleased and I want you to know how much I appreciate working with you over the many months of planning. It was definitely the trip of a lifetime. Thanks for all you did. Best regards, Rick Gould April 2014

Traveled to a Galapagos Hotel Hi Magus I would just like to say thankyou for all your help with organizing our wonderful holiday. It was out of this world. I would thoroughly recommend all the places we stayed. The tour guides were excellent. Inca Trail - the Enigma group and Edgar were the best. Obviously the scenery was stunning but the itinerary they did was far better than the others in that we set off earlier and walked longer on the first day - in essence we were on our own and didn't see the hordes of other walkers. Food was lovely - couldn't believe the standard! Napo wildlife Centre- was a stunning location, loved every minute. Again great food. Galapagos cruise on the Majestic lived up to all the expectations and was worth researching all the different boats. I think we chose the best . The guide was very knowledgeable and we had lots of snorkelling and land excursions. We saw sharks, sea turtles and penguins plus all the known land birds and animals. Food -yet again was delicious We also loved Quito and Lima and the Galapagos hotel- a shame the holiday had to end. I have already mentioned you to a friend who is looking to go next year. Best wishes Magus and hope you get many more bookings as you provide and excellent service, Regards, Mary and Russel Sharp March 2014

Traveled with a Tailor-made Tour Package Hi, Peter. We are now back in Sweden, tired but very happy with our trip. All expectations were met by a wide margin, and it was great to be pampered from landing in Quito to his departure from Lima. A very big thank you to you and your colleagues in Ecuador and Peru. Thanks also for the nice weather, even though it is the rainy season, we had no interference from above. With best regards . Sincerely, Birgitta and Peter Kreutz February 2014

Traveled on a Galapagos Hotel-based Tour Dear Magus, I thought you might like to know how we liked the island-hopping trip to Galapagos that you arranged for me. Here are my thoughts. The hotels were excellent - large clean comfortable rooms, friendly and courteous staff, great locations. The guides were very pleasant company, always on time, and they gave us a lot of very good information, and helped us a lot with finding wildlife and fish. The meals you arranged were very good, and there was always enough food. And we really enjoyed the activities you chose for us. So I think you arranged our vacation very well, and we really enjoyed it. If family and friends ask me about your service, I will tell them that you are trustworthy and reliable. I will only add that, when they reach the Islands, they should always ask their guides to confirm the plans shown on the voucher, and they should bring their own mask and snorkel. Sincerely, Martin A. Farber January 2014

Traveled on a Galapagos Hotel-based Tour Hi Peter! I hope all is well with you and I want to say that my week in the Galapagos has been simply wonderful. I am super happy with everything. Galapagos is my new paradise and it's definitely not the last time I'm here. Thanks for everything :) Linda Levin January 2014

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15 top adults-only cruises for 2025 & 2026.

Pack your bags and leave the kids behind for your next cruise adventure.

Top Adults-Only Cruises

Courtesy of Carnival Cruise Line

If your idea of getting away from it all includes a vacation without the kids, consider booking an adults-only or adults-oriented cruise . While some lines provide a fully adults-only experience (i.e., children are not allowed on board), others offer adult-focused venues and activities on the ship to keep you separate from younger patrons.

The following cruise lines provide upscale amenities, immersive excursions, sophisticated dining options, lively nighttime entertainment and time for relaxation among like-minded – and similarly aged – travelers.

Find your perfect cruise

Viking Ocean Cruises

Courtesy of Viking

Travelers ages 18 and older are welcome aboard Viking 's adults-only ships, which feature destination-focused itineraries around the world. The line's 11 oceangoing ships carry between 930 and 998 guests (at double occupancy) and offer luxurious, comfortable Scandinavian-style spaces. The line will add Viking Vesta to its ocean fleet in 2025.

Viking's exploration program boasts special access to behind-the-scenes experiences curated for travelers who are interested in history, food, the arts or science. Immerse yourself in local culture with a visit to a traditional family farm near Bergen, Norway, or spend an evening dining on Chinese specialties at a home-hosted dinner in Shanghai .

In addition to these off-the-beaten-path excursions, guests can visit iconic sites like the ancient city of Ephesus (Kuşadasi) in Turkey and the Acropolis in Athens, Greece . Viking also hosts onboard enrichment programs like cooking classes and lectures by historians. Cruise fares include stateroom accommodations with a private veranda, all meals (including specialty dining venues), wine and beer at onboard lunch and dinner, 24-hour room service, one free excursion per port, complimentary Wi-Fi access, and access to onboard amenities such as the Nordic Spa and fitness center.

In addition to its ocean vessels, Viking offers river cruises in destinations around the world – including Mississippi River cruises aboard Viking Mississippi. The line also has two Polar Class 6 expedition ships, Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris, which traverse waterways from Canada, the U.S. and South America to remote destinations in Antarctica and the Arctic.

Virgin Voyages

Courtesy of Virgin Voyages

Virgin Voyages offers an adults-only retreat for guests ages 18 and older. The line currently has three sister ships: Scarlet Lady (the first in the fleet), Valiant Lady and Resilient Lady . The line's fourth ship, Brilliant Lady, is set to debut in September 2025.

All the ships in this adults-only cruise line feature 1,404 cabins (most with balconies) and RockStar Quarters suites, where guests have access to Richard's Rooftop, an exclusive outdoor deck space. The superyacht-inspired vessels boast 20-plus eateries, including restaurants by Michelin-starred chefs, and a variety of onboard fitness and wellness spaces. At Redemption Spa, relax and recharge in the mud room or salt therapy chamber – and then take rejuvenating dips in the hot and cold plunge pools. You can even order a bottle of bubbly anywhere on the ship via the Virgin Voyages app's secret "Shake for Champagne" feature.

Itineraries on Virgin Voyages span destinations in the Caribbean, Europe and Morocco, as well as trans-Atlantic crossings. The line will also feature 21 new ports across its global fleet in 2025, including destinations in Iceland, Turkey, Oman, Italy, Portugal, the Cayman Islands and more. Cruise fares cover meals at all the dining venues and basic beverages such as soda, water, tea and coffee. Gratuities for the crew, Wi-Fi access, entertainment and group fitness classes are also included. While on board, be sure to indulge in a swanky dinner at The Wake and an immersive show at The Red Room, a unique multiform theater at sea.

P&O Cruises

Courtesy of P&O Cruises

Two ships in P&O Cruises' U.K.-based fleet – Arcadia and Aurora – are exclusively for adults 18 and older. Arcadia, the slightly newer of the two ships (debuted in 2005), carries 2,094 guests at double occupancy, plus 866 crew. The ship departs from Southampton in the U.K. and sails to a variety of European destinations, ranging from Spain and the Canary Islands to Norway and Iceland; some cruises visit the U.S. and Canada. The ship will also sail world cruises in January 2025 and 2026.

Arcadia's 15 restaurants, cafes and bars include Indian cuisine with a British twist at Sindhu, as well as steaks and seafood by renowned British chef Marco Pierre White at Ocean Grill. Passengers can take a class to sample the line's branded gins; sip Champagne at Intermezzo, the ship's cocktail and Champagne venue; or enjoy a pre-dinner aperitif at the yacht-inspired Spinnaker. After exploring exciting ports of call, head back on board to enjoy Arcadia's elegant interiors and top-notch service. You can splurge on a stone therapy treatment and a visit to the thermal suite at the spa for some extra pampering, followed by a live show at the three-tiered theater, The Palladium. Then, finish off the evening dancing the night away at The Globe.

Aurora is a slightly more intimate ship, carrying 1,874 passengers (double occupancy) and 850 crew members. A four-level atrium gallery sits at the heart of the vessel. Itineraries include destinations in the Mediterranean, the Baltic, the British Isles, Iceland, the Caribbean and South America. There are 19 restaurants, bars and cafes on the ship, including club-style restaurant Alexandria and casual spots like The Beach House. After dinner, live entertainment and dancing await you at the show lounge Carmen's, as do larger productions at the ritzy 660-seat Curzon Theatre.

Top Cruises Designed for Adults

While some all-inclusive – or mostly all-inclusive – boutique and luxury cruise lines are family-friendly, many of the onboard venues and activities are adult-by-design. Since there are few (or no) activities geared toward younger cruisers and no babysitting services, you typically won't find parents with young children on these ships.

Courtesy of Azamara

Azamara's four upscale boutique ships provide immersive travel experiences geared toward adults. These smaller ships – accommodating a maximum of 702 guests – sail waterways and rivers that larger ships can't access, docking in city centers and unique ports of call around the globe.

Many Azamara voyages also offer longer stays and overnights in port, unlike some competitors' itineraries. Some even feature special events, such as a 12-night voyage from Rome to watch the Monaco Grand Prix in May 2025, or a 25-night cruise in February 2025 from Buenos Aires, Argentina , to attend Carnival in Rio de Janeiro . In addition, the line is extending its offerings on Country Intensive voyages in 2024 and 2025 with itineraries in various continental European countries, the United Kingdom, South Africa, Iceland and Australia.

On board, you'll find a wide selection of casual and formal dining options ranging from Windows Cafe to the main dining room, Discoveries Restaurant. Specialty restaurant offerings include top-notch steak and seafood at Prime C and Italian fare at Aqualina. Atlas Bar is a unique venue on Azamara Onward (the line's newest ship), though its artisanal cocktail menu is also available on the line's other ships. Discoveries Lounge is another guest-favorite spot, and wine aficionados will enjoy pairing limited-production and rare vintages from the Wine Cellar with dinner.

Cruise fares include stateroom accommodations; select spirits, wine and beer; gratuities; 24-hour room service; and nonalcoholic beverages. You'll also have access to complimentary AzAmazing Celebrations with special evening and daytime events ashore and on the ship. You can purchase a package that includes additional amenities like unlimited Wi-Fi, specialty dining, shore excursion credits and other perks. Butler service and other extras come with suite accommodations.

Courtesy of Scenic

When it launched in 2019, Scenic Eclipse I was touted as "The World's First Discovery Yacht." The intimate vessel offers an all-inclusive, ultra-luxurious experience for just 228 guests (double occupancy). The line's second luxury yacht, Scenic Eclipse II, which is nearly identical to its sister ship, debuted from Lisbon, Portugal , in April 2023. The Polar Class 6 rating enables these two yachts to sail to destinations like Antarctica; on these expedition-style voyages, the ship carries only 200 guests and offers a nearly one-to-one crew-to-guest ratio.

All suite accommodations include a private veranda or terrace; butler service; state-of-the-art amenities; a king-size Scenic Slumber Bed; and an in-suite minibar stocked with wine, spirits and other personally selected beverages. You'll also find indulgences like onboard helicopters for intimate excursions and the line's submersibles for underwater exploration.

Guests can enjoy up to 10 dining experiences on the ship, including French fine dining at Lumière; innovative Asian flavors at Koko's Asian Fusion; Italian, steak and seafood specialties at Elements; or an immersive dining experience at Chef's Garden @ Epicure. When it's time for an after-dinner drink, sample craft cocktails or the impressive selection of whiskeys available at Scenic Lounge Bar. Other onboard activities include getting an invigorating treatment at Senses Spa or just relaxing with Champagne and spectacular views on deck 10 at the Sky Bar.

Scenic's ships sail to destinations in Australia and the South Pacific; Europe and the Mediterranean; Asia; the Americas and the Caribbean; and the polar regions of Antarctica and the Arctic.

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Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Courtesy of Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Following Seven Seas Grandeur's launch in December 2023, this line now has six luxury vessels in its fleet. Regent Seven Seas ' all-inclusive fares include round-trip business class or coach airfare (depending on the destination); complimentary pre-cruise hotel stays; two- or three-night land packages; all meals and beverages; free shore excursions; prepaid gratuities; and more. Seven Seas Grandeur is a sister ship to the elegant Seven Seas Explorer and Seven Seas Splendor ; it features 372 luxurious all-balcony suites and an impressive ratio of 548 crew members to just 744 guests (double occupancy).

In the evenings, diners can choose between French cuisine at Chartreuse; creative Asian fare at Pacific Rim; steaks and seafood at Prime 7; Italian dishes at Sette Mari at La Veranda; or design-your-own-entree options at the ship's largest specialty restaurant, Compass Rose. For a casual evening, plan to dine alfresco at the Pool Grill. Adults can also enjoy pre-dinner cocktails in one of the lounges and nightly entertainment at the Constellation Theater. For a nightcap, sip a fine cognac in one of the ship's favorite hideaways, Connoisseur Club. There are also plenty of options for exercise, fitness and relaxation at Serene Spa & Wellness.

If you're planning a once-in-a-lifetime adventure on the high seas, consider booking the Regent Suite. Situated on deck 14 – and boasting more than 4,400 square feet of indoor and outdoor space – this luxurious accommodation features an impressive balcony with a minipool spa, in addition to two bedrooms, a living room and dining room, and a private in-suite spa. Cruise fare for the suite also includes a long list of high-end amenities such as access to a private dining room called The Study, a personal car and guide in every port, free in-suite spa services, a complimentary cocktail party for eight guests, a private butler and more.

Regent's 2025-2026 Legendary Voyages include sailings to destinations like Barcelona, Tokyo and more. If a world cruise is on your bucket list, you can circumnavigate the globe for 154 nights beginning in January 2026 aboard Seven Seas Mariner.

Silversea Cruises

Courtesy of Silversea Cruises

Silversea's all-inclusive luxury ocean and expedition cruises offer voyages to more than 900 destinations across the seven continents. Silversea's 11 ultra-luxury ships and expedition vessels range in size from 51 to 364 suites and boast spacious ocean view accommodations – most with private verandas. Cruise fares cover door-to-door transfers from home to the ship, including airfare (business class in some destinations) and pre- and post-cruise hotel stays. On board, guests will have butler service, a nearly one-to-one ratio of guests to staff, 24-hour gourmet dining, premium alcoholic beverages, one complimentary shore excursion in each port, gratuities and more.

Silver Ray is set to become the 12th ship in the Silversea fleet when it debuts in summer 2024. The luxury vessel adds more open spaces and top-notch cuisine. Silver Ray is also the second vessel in the fleet to be powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG) and is billed as a more sustainable cruise ship.

Four of the line's ships are purpose-built expedition vessels that sail to the farthest reaches of the Earth, including Antarctica, the Arctic and Greenland, French Polynesia and the Pacific, Asia, and more. On these sailings, guests will experience immersive exploration with as many as 28 expedition staff per cruise. Unique upcoming itineraries visit Greenland and the Arctic Circle, as well as remote locales like Robinson Crusoe Island, Tahiti and more.

Seabourn Cruise Line

Courtesy of Seabourn Cruise Line

Seabourn features an all-inclusive adult-focused experience on its five luxury ocean vessels and two expedition ships. One of the line's newest ships, Seabourn Pursuit, is an ultra-luxury Polar Class 6 purpose-built expedition vessel with 132 oceanfront veranda suites. The ship is equipped with two submarines for underwater exploration, kayaks and 24 Zodiacs. There's also a 24-person expedition team to assist guests with exploring far-reaching destinations like Antarctica, the Arctic, the Kimberley region of Australia, the Amazon and the Northwest Passage.

The new Seabourn Ovation accommodates up to 600 guests (double occupancy) and offers amenities found on most of Seabourn's ships: well-appointed oceanfront suites, living areas with dining tables, verandas and nearly a one-to-one staff-to-guest ratio. Guests can try Seabourn's new Mediterranean venue, Solis, on four of the line's ships, including Ovation. You'll also find health and wellness programs curated by Dr. Andrew Weil.

The Seabourn Conversations program is another highlight. Accomplished experts host adventures ashore, participate in meals and chat with guests on board. For a special treat, don't miss the Caviar in the Surf beach party. This event (available in select destinations) includes chilled Champagne, caviar, music and a barbecue set against a backdrop of white sand beaches and turquoise waters.

Windstar Cruises

Michel Verdure | Courtesy of Windstar Cruises

Windstar's six intimate ships accommodate between 148 and 342 guests. Passengers can choose between cruising on one of the line's three-masted Wind Class vessels or one of its three Star Plus Class ships.

Windstar just announced the addition of two new ships to its fleet; Star Seeker is expected to launch in December 2025, followed by Star Explorer in December 2026. These two vessels will feature 112 suites with private verandas and infinity windows, two Owner's Suites with wraparound balconies, a water sports platform, a two-story spa and fitness center, and more. The ships are constructed with ice-strengthened hulls that position them for exploration in remote destinations like Antarctica.

Windstar's adult-focused and casual – but still elegant – onboard experiences feature locally inspired top-notch dining, guest lecturers, a water sports platform on all ships, an open bridge policy and an engaging social environment. If you're looking for a romantic getaway, Windstar is also regarded as one of the most romantic cruise lines for a wedding, honeymoon , vow renewal or anniversary trip, especially in magical destinations like the South Pacific or Europe.

Windstar's smaller ships can reach ports, coves, harbors and villages that are not accessible by larger vessels. They also offer more than 2,000 immersive cultural experiences in port, many with small groups. You'll find culinary-themed voyages in partnership with the James Beard Foundation, as well as wine-focused itineraries around the world. What's more, Windstar's itineraries offer late evenings and overnights in its ports of call, allowing guests to experience local culture and cuisine after dark.

Windstar will begin sailing in South America in December 2025 with the 312-passenger (double occupancy) Star Pride, offering excursions to UNESCO World Heritage Sites like the town of Cusco , Machu Picchu and the Galápagos Islands .

Other Top Adults-Only Cruise Options

While these larger ships offer activities for families and children of all ages, adults can also find hidden retreats and venues just for grown-ups. These spaces are typically quieter and situated away from the crowds.

Celebrity Cruises

Courtesy of Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity Cruises offers spaces created with adult guests in mind. On Celebrity Beyond and the newest addition to the fleet, Celebrity Ascent , adults can have a unique dining experience at Le Voyage by Daniel Boulud. The world-renowned Global Culinary Ambassador for the line, Daniel Boulud created the menu at this elegant venue, incorporating dishes inspired by his travels. You'll also find an impressive wine list to accompany your dining experience.

When it's time to relax, The Solarium is a popular adults-only area located on the Resort Deck of all Celebrity ships. This light-filled pool area encased by a glass dome is the perfect quiet space for reading a book or taking a nap. While there, you can also grab a light breakfast or lunch at the Spa Cafe and Juice Bar, or order your favorite cocktail while lounging in the hot tub.

Other adult-focused venues to check out on Celebrity Ascent, Beyond and Apex are the new elevated bar spaces. The Edge series World Class Bar – a popular spot on other Celebrity Cruises ships – features craft cocktails in a beautiful setting. And don't miss the two-story Sunset Bar on Celebrity Ascent, a reimagined space by interior designer and TV personality Nate Berkus. The aft location of the bar offers almost twice the space as previous iterations and beautiful wake views.

Princess Cruises

Courtesy of Princess Cruises

The Sanctuary, a retreat for guests ages 18 and older, offers an escape from bustling public spaces. The relaxing top-deck venue is available on all Princess Cruises ships and features plush lounge chairs, a spa-like setting and Serenity Stewards, who serve light bites and other refreshments. To fully unwind, consider reserving a private cabana, where you can book an open-air massage. The child-free venue varies from ship to ship, with some offering the exclusive Retreat pool, cabanas and a bar area, and newer iterations featuring more space.

Spellbound by Magic Castle is an exciting new venue aboard the line's newest ship, Sun Princess, for adults 21 and older. The collaboration with The Magic Castle private club in Hollywood offers guests an evening of magic, illusions and theatrical cocktails in a Victorian-inspired space.

If you're heading off the ship for an excursion to Princess Cays (the cruise line's private island in the Bahamas), plan to chill out for the day in an adults-only Sanctuary Bungalow. Located just minutes from the ocean and beach, the rentals accommodate four people, and the price includes two complimentary float rentals. You can also order a gourmet picnic to enjoy while lounging on shore.

Back on the ship, adults can reserve a spot for the line's new Winemaker Dinners, a partnership with Caymus Vineyards. These 12-guest evenings are offered fleetwide, two to three times during each cruise. Winemaker Chuck Wagner personally selected the wines from the notable Napa Valley winery to pair with the elevated five-course menu.

Carnival Cruise Line

The Serenity Adult-Only Retreat is located on all of Carnival Cruise Line 's ships. Access to this tranquil outdoor hideaway is complimentary for passengers 21 and older. While there, guests can enjoy relaxing loungers, daybeds and whirlpools. Take in the warm sun and ocean breeze with a signature sangria in hand, or stop for a healthy meal at the Fresh Creations salad bar (available on select ships) for an alfresco lunch.

Disney Cruise Line

Courtesy of Disney Cruise Line

Though Disney Cruise Line tends to attract families and younger travelers, it also offers multiple spaces and activities for adults 18 and older. Disney's newest ship, Disney Wish , boasts several luxurious adults-only venues featuring characters and scenes from "Beauty and the Beast."

For top-notch steaks, contemporary Italian cuisine and panoramic ocean views, make a reservation at the Cogsworth-inspired Palo Steakhouse. If you prefer French-style fare and world-class wines served in an elegant and shimmering setting, Enchanté by three-Michelin-starred chef Arnaud Lallement is the perfect place for a romantic dinner for two. Before dinner at either venue, enjoy a signature cocktail at The Rose. After dinner, you won't want to miss the galactic libations and ever-changing views of faraway galaxies at the adults-only Star Wars: Hyperspace Lounge bar.

Depending on the ship, adult travelers can also dance the night away in a trendy club, watch live entertainment or a cabaret show, catch a sports game on satellite TV, or relax with an after-dinner cocktail at a bar or lounge. Outdoors, the kid-free Quiet Cove Pool is a tranquil place to relax on all the ships. For even more pampering, Senses Spa & Salon boasts treatment rooms with ocean views, luxurious spa villas and other amenities. On Castaway Cay, Disney Cruise Line 's private island, adults can head to Serenity Bay – a scenic, adults-only stretch of the beach.

Norwegian Cruise Line

Courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian Cruise Line has three adults-only outdoor venues for guests 18 and older (though specific spaces vary by ship). On Norwegian 's Bliss, Escape, Getaway and Breakaway ships, the Vibe Beach Club sun deck invites guests to relax in oversized hot tubs and comfy daybeds, adding perks like a full-service bar and chilled towels. Guests can enjoy two-story beach clubs on Norwegian Joy and Norwegian Encore, while the clubs on Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva include the line's first infinity hot tubs. You can purchase a multiday pass in advance for the club, and cabana rentals are available for more privacy.

At Norwegian Epic's two-level Posh Beach Club, complimentary perks include fruit skewers, cold water spritzers and a snack menu. Multiday passes are available to all adult cruisers, while travelers who book a Haven suite can access Posh Beach Club for free. Spice H2O is another adults-only venue on the Norwegian Bliss, Joy, Escape, Getaway, Breakaway, Epic, Star and Spirit vessels; access is complimentary. At night, the space becomes an open-air dance club where you can spend the evening partying under the stars.

Royal Caribbean International

Michel Verdure | Courtesy of Royal Caribbean International

Solarium is Royal Caribbean International 's complimentary, child-free space open to guests 18 and older. Located at the front of every ship in the fleet, this indoor-outdoor oasis (or indoor-only on Quantum Class ships) offers impressive vistas and endless views of the sea. Thanks to a full glass canopy over the interior space, adult passengers can enjoy quiet lounging areas, swimming pools and whirlpool tubs with a view, no matter the weather. Select ships feature a cascading lagoon for further relaxation.

Be sure to grab a tropical cocktail or zero-proof drink at Solarium Bar (or Sunshine Bar, on Quantum ships) to sip poolside while enjoying the ocean vistas. Guests of both bars must be at least 21 years old when sailing from North America or a minimum of 18 when departing from South America, Europe, Asia, Australia and New Zealand.

Adult cruisers (18 and older) can relax and chill out at the first suspended infinity pool at sea at The Hideaway on Royal Caribbean's newest ship, Icon of the Seas. The beach-vibe neighborhood, perched eight stories above the sea at the back of the ship, features Champagne cocktails, a DJ spinning tunes, full-size daybeds, a wraparound bar, and endless ocean and sunset views from the multilevel terrace.

Frequently Asked Questions

"Adults-only cruise ships – or adults-only spaces on cruise ships – have become increasingly popular over the years," says Chris Gray Faust, executive editor at Cruise Critic. "That's not only because fewer people are having families. It's also because parents themselves often want the chance to get away, either by themselves for a romantic trip or with friends to celebrate a special occasion, girls' or guys' weekend, or milestone birthdays."

"I seek out adult spaces on cruise ships primarily because I want my experience on a ship to mirror my life on land – a little quieter, with more sophisticated food and drink options," she explains. "I also appreciate the opportunity to connect with my friends who are parents in a space where we can have personal one-on-one conversations or let loose a bit with some drinks. Adults with children are more than just their kids, after all – and they also appreciate a space where they don't have to worry about their little ones."

Anne Scully, a partner at the luxury travel company EMBARK Beyond, says, "With so many cruise lines and sailings, it's always a good idea to have options – and adults-only cruises are very popular." She adds, "Viking and Virgin have always focused on adults-only cruises and most river cruises also cater to adult passengers."

Adults-only cruises are designed with guests ages 18 and older in mind, from the staterooms and dining venues to the onboard entertainment and shore excursions. What you typically won't find on board are water or theme parks, climbing walls, game rooms, and restaurants serving kid-friendly foods.

If you're looking for a relaxing, fun and romantic vacation without the kids in tow – and you don't want to deal with the other passengers' children on your getaway – consider booking a sailing specifically for cruisers at least 18 years old. Alternatively, select a cruise line or ship that caters to mostly adults and doesn't offer any services, kids clubs, babysitting or activities for children.

You don't have to be a kid to be a Disney Cruise Line fan. While the line does not have an adults-only vessel within the fleet, there are plenty of kid-free spaces for adults only. Adults can enjoy cocktails, dinner and entertainment in several venues and relax at designated pool areas on the ship. There's also private, adults-only stretch of beach, Serenity Bay, on the line's private island, Castaway Cay.

In addition, Disney offers one of the best programs to keep youngsters entertained at sea, so you'll find that many of the children hang out in the kids club during the day and in the evening. These club spaces are divided by age groups, and they're typically open until midnight or 1 a.m. so parents – and even adults without kids – can enjoy a night out on the ship sans kids.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Gwen Pratesi has been an avid cruiser since her early 20s. She has sailed on nearly every type of cruise ship built, including the newest megaships, luxury yachts, masted sailing ships, river ships in Europe and Vietnam and Cambodia and an expedition vessel in Antarctica. She covers the travel and culinary industries, specializing in cruises, for major publications including U.S. News & World Report.

You might also be interested in:

• The Best Cruise Lines for Couples
• The Best Party Cruises
• The Best Gay Cruises
• First-Time Cruise Tips
• Cruise Drink Packages: Your Options by Cruise Line

Top Adults-Only All-Inclusive Resorts

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Gwen Pratesi and Amanda Norcross May 2, 2024

Celebrity Cruises: Summer 2024 Deployment Breakdown

• May 11, 2024

Celebrity Cruises’ 2024 summer capacity will be concentrated in Europe, with six ships. In addition is a unique summer program in the Far East, plus deployment in Alaska, Bermuda and the company’s continued year-round presence in the Galapagos.

With the Celebrity Beyond and the Celebrity Reflection in the region, the company is also maintaining a year-round programin the Caribbean.

Cruise Industry News looked into the company’s full deployment for the 2024 summer. Here’s the breakdown:

Celebrity Ascent Capacity: 3,260 guests Built: 2023 Homeports: Barcelona (Spain); Piraeus (Greece); and Civitavecchia (Italy) Length: Seven to 12 nights Itineraries: Several different itineraries sailing to the Eastern and Western Mediterranean, the Greek Isles, the Italian Riviera, Turkey, and more Sailing Season: April 27 to October 26

Celebrity Apex Capacity: 2,900 guests Built: 2020 Homeport: Southampton (England) Length: Four to 13 nights Itineraries: Series of UK-based cruises to the Mediterranean, the Norwegian Fjords, Scandinavia, Iceland, the British Isles, the Canary Islands, and more Sailing Season: May 15 to October 23

Celebrity Silhouette Capacity: 2,886 guests Built: 2011 Homeports: Amsterdam and Rotterdam (Netherlands); Piraeus (Greece); and Barcelona (Spain) Length: Seven to 12 nights Itineraries: Seven- to 12-night cruises to Northern Europe, Scandinavia, the Norwegian Fjords and the British Isles, followed by fall season in the Mediterranean that features ten- and 11-night cruises to Italy, Greece, Croatia, Span, France, and more Sailing Season: May 5 to November 29

Celebrity Equinox Capacity: 2,850 guests Built: 2009 Homeports: Lisbon (Portugal); Barcelona (Spain); and Civitavecchia (Italy) Length: Nine and ten nights Itineraries: Different itineraries cruising across the Western and Eastern Mediterranean, with visits to the Italian Riviera, the Greek Isles, Turkey, France, Portugal, Spain, Morocco, and more Sailing Season: May 16 to November 21

Celebrity Constellation Capacity: 1,950 guests Built: 2002 Homeports: Barcelona (Spain); Piraeus (Greece); Civitavecchia and Ravenna (Italy) Length: Ten and 11 nights Itineraries: Eastern Mediterranean featuring Croatia, Italy and Montenegro Sailing Season: April 23 to November 7

Celebrity Infinity Capacity: 1,950 guests Built: 2001 Homeports: Piraeus (Greece); and Barcelona (Spain) Length: Seven to 11 nights Itineraries: Ten- and 11-night cruises to the Eastern Mediterranean visiting Greece, Turkey and Cyprus, as well as 12-night cruises to the Canaries, and seven- to nine-night cruises to the Greek Islands and Turkey Sailing Season: Year-round

Celebrity Edge Capacity: 2,900 guests Built: 2018 Homeport: Seattle (United States) Length: Seven nights Itineraries: Week-long cruises to Alaska visiting Skagway, the Tracy Arm Fjord, Juneau, and Ketchikan, as well as Victoria, in Canada’s British Columbia Sailing Season: May 11 to September 20

  Celebrity Solstice Capacity: 2,850 guests Built: 2008 Homeport: Vancouver (Canada) Length: Seven nights Itineraries: Regular week-long cruises to Alaska visiting Ketchikan, Tracy Arm Fjord, Skagway, Juneau and Icy Strait Point Sailing Season: May 6 to September 22

Celebrity Summit Capacity: 1,950 guests Built: 2001 Homeports: Vancouver (Canada); and Seward (United States) Length: Seven nights Itineraries: Week-long cruises to Alaska and Canada sailing one-way between Vancouver and Seward and visiting Juneau, Ketchikan, Icy Strait Point, the Hubbard Glacier, and more Sailing Season: May 10 to September 6

Celebrity Beyond Capacity: 3,260 guests

Built: 2022 Homeport: Fort Lauderdale (United States) Length: Six to eight nights Itineraries: Alternating schedule of six-night cruises to the Western Caribbean and eight-night cruises to the Southern Caribbean Sailing Season: Year-round

Celebrity Reflection Capacity: 3,030 guests Built: 2012 Homeport: Fort Lauderdale (Spain) Length: Three to eight nights Itineraries: Short cruises to the Bahamas and Florida that include visits to Perfect Day at CocoCay, in addition to six- to eight-night cruises to the Caribbean Sailing Season: Year-round

U.S. East Coast

Celebrity Eclipse Capacity: 2,850 guests Built: 2010 Homeports: Cape Liberty and Boston (United States) Length: Seven to 12 nights Itineraries: Week-long cruises to Bermuda, in addition to 11- and 12-night cruises to Greenland, Iceland, Canada & New England Sailing Season: May 11 to October 11

Asia and the Pacific

Celebrity Millennium Capacity: 1,950 guests Built: 2000 Homeport: Yokohama (Japan) Length: 11 to 13 nights Itineraries: “Best of Japan” with visits to Hakodate, Aomori, Kobe, Hiroshima, Shimizu, Nagasaki, and more Sailing Season: March 16 to October 18

Celebrity Flora Capacity: 100 guests Built: 2019 Homeport: Baltra (Ecuador) Length: Seven nights Itineraries: Week-long expeditions to the Galapagos Islands visiting Daphne Island, Elizabeth Bay, Puerto Egas, Caleta Tagus, and more Sailing Season: Year-round

Celebrity Xploration Capacity: 16 guests Built: 2007 Homeport: Baltra (Ecuador) Length: Seven nights Itineraries: Week-long expeditions to the Galapagos Islands visiting Mosquera Island, Dragon Hill, Cerro Brujo, Kicker Rock, and more Sailing Season: Year-round

Celebrity Xpedition Capacity: 100 guests Built: 2001 Homeport: Baltra (Ecuador) Length: Seven nights Itineraries: Week-long expeditions to the Galapagos Islands visiting North Seymour, Santa Fe Island, Bahia Post Office, Puerto Ayora, and more Sailing Season: Year-round

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