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About Galapagos Islands Cruises

Discover an archipelago of such breathtaking biodiversity that it inspired Charles Darwin. Today, it promises unrivaled opportunities for wildlife watching.

Trace the story of life itself by taking a cruise to Galapagos, one of the world’s most wildlife-rich areas. This stunning archipelago features all kinds of evolutionary oddities, including giant tortoises, flightless birds, swimming lizards and Darwin finches. Snorkel around these islands where colonies of multicolored fish frequent the waters. Even those who are not impressed by wildlife will be awed by the Galapagos’ volcanic scenery and forest-covered islets.

Cruises to Galapagos are rarely mega-ship expeditions found in places such as the Caribbean. Most operators offer ships with occupancies no larger than 100 people, sometimes taking as few as 20 or 10 guests. Visit these unique natural landmarks, which feels like escaping into untamed wilderness, where nature is free to run its course.

Choose between several different types of Galapagos cruises. This trip doesn’t have to use your entire vacation budget, as Galapagos cruise deals are available with economy berths. For something a little more upscale, choose operators that offer luxury options for a truly relaxing journey, far more comfortable than Darwin’s expedition on the Beagle.

Look for Galapagos cruises with Level 3 guides, a designation given by Galapagos National Park to specialists in the field. These highly trained expedition leaders can describe the lives of giant tortoises in Santa Cruz or explain the striking lava flows of Fernandina.

Remember, visiting Galapagos comes with some restrictions. In order to preserve the natural beauty and thriving ecosystems that make the islands so special, Galapagos National Park is open only from sunrise to sunset. As such, when it comes to debarkation, Galapagos cruises run tight schedules to ensure that you can fit everything into your onshore visit.

Take a Galapagos cruise at any time of year to see the native wildlife. June to September and December to January are the peak seasons, but weather throughout the year is largely amenable to cruises. Bring seasickness medication as the ocean around Galapagos can at times get uncomfortably choppy.

As Galapagos is still a wild, untamed swath of nature, bring appropriate all-weather gear. Quick-drying clothes and sturdy footwear are both recommended.

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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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Best Galapagos cruises for an epic wildlife adventure of a lifetime

About 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador , in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, the Galapagos Islands are a remarkable place to visit for wildlife sightings. You can see flightless Galapagos penguins, Galapagos sea lions, giant Galapagos tortoises, marine iguanas and hundreds of other species found nowhere else on earth.

The islands are also one of the places in the world that are best explored by cruise ships.

To get close to Mother Nature in the mostly unpopulated islands, you need to get on the water — and land on islands in the company of a licensed Ecuadorian naturalist guide. Galapagos National Park tightly controls who comes in and where ships can explore.

All the ships are Ecuadorian flagged, Ecuadorian crewed and owned by Ecuadorian companies, sometimes in partnership with leading cruise companies. Excursions, often twice a day, are included in cruise fares. The sailings are year-round, and routes are always subject to change based on park control.

Related: 9 things I wish I had known before taking a Galapagos cruise

The cruise companies use various descriptors of where they go, but basically: If your ship heads north and west, you'll see more volcanic landscapes; if you go south or central you'll explore more beaches and bays. Wildlife sightings on both routes are thrilling, both above and under the sea — where you may find yourself snorkeling with sharks and sea lions.

Birdwatchers may want to do a full 14-night trip to touch every corner and add many species to their Life List. For the rest of us, a week or less can provide enough brag-worthy wildlife encounters to last a lifetime.

Choosing a ship will depend on how long you want to explore, how much you want to pay and what level of luxury you expect. It's not uncommon for travelers to combine a Galapagos cruise with land exploration in Quito, Ecuador; the Ecuadorian Amazon; or Machu Picchu in Peru. Most cruise lines offer add-on land-based itineraries.

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

Here are our picks for the best Galapagos cruises.

Short cruises on La Pinta

This intimate, 48-passenger yacht is operated by Metropolitan Touring and offers popular four-night and six-night itineraries. These are a good option if you are short on time.

Cabins are spacious, with floor-to-ceiling windows, so you can take in the views even when getting ready for the day or relaxing in bed. Four cabins can be connected for families or friends traveling together (some sleep three). The entire ship sports a comfortably upscale ambiance, and a favorite hangout is the sun deck with its hot tub and bar.

An expedition leader along with onboard naturalists will guide you through your trip. The ship is equipped with kayaks for guest use, and a glass-bottom boat provides views for those who aren't into snorkeling.

Cost: Four-night cruises start from $5,525 per person; six-night cruises from $7,001 per person. Small-ship expedition specialist UnCruise Adventures also charters La Pinta. Seven-night packages combining one night in Guayaquil with a six-night cruise start from $9,595, available on select dates from March through November.

Hurtigruten expedition experience on Santa Cruz II

Also operated by Metropolitan Touring, the 90-passenger Santa Cruz II is an expedition ship with contemporary decor and comfortable single, double and triple cabins.

When you aren't in your cabin you might catch views from the ship's two hot tubs. Activity equipment includes snorkeling gear (with wet suits available to rent), a glass-bottom boat and kayaks, plus a top-deck fitness room.

The ship, which is operated on a carbon-neutral basis, is under charter to the well-regarded expedition company Hurtigruten for select dates each month in 2023.

Cost: Eight-night packages combining a six-night cruise with two hotel nights in Quito are available from $7,999 per person. Other options include four-night cruises from $4,551 per person and six-night itineraries from $5,735 per person.

Yachting with Quasar Expeditions' Grace

Quasar Expeditions has the most historically prestigious ship in the Galapagos market. The 16-passenger Grace is a classic yacht from the 1920s that carried Princess Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier of Monaco on their honeymoon in 1956 (in the Mediterranean).

Reflective of the golden age of travel, it's all about luxury on board — polished woodwork, gourmet meals and service from a crew of 10, plus two naturalist guides.

Cost: Seven-night cruises start from $8,500 per person.

Island exploration with Adventures by Disney on Galapagos Legend

Adventures by Disney offers sailings in the Galapagos on the 100-passenger Galapagos Legend in March, June-August and December.

The minimum age is 7 and the recommended age is 8 and older. The comfortable ship has the rare-in-the-Galapagos feature of a swimming pool, plus a hot tub. When Disney is on board, its trained Adventure Guides lead special Junior Adventurers activities for kids, in addition to the usual snorkeling, kayaking and glass-bottom boat rides. Select sailings invite special guest experts on board to give workshops and presentations in their area of expertise.

Cost: Fares for eight-night trips beginning with two hotel nights in Quito followed by a six-night cruise start at $7,399 (adults) and $6,699 (children). Other companies, such as Go Galapagos, offer three-night cruises on Galapagos Legend starting from $1,842 per person.

Relais & Chateaux experience on Origin and Theory

Ecoventura's 20-passenger all-suite yachts, Origin and Theory, are both recognized by the prestigious Relais & Chateaux gourmet restaurant and luxury hospitality association, and intimate and luxurious exploration is their calling card.

The crew of 13 includes a French-trained chef, a concierge and two naturalists.

Pampering ensues — even for young guests who are on board select family departures during which added activities include a cultural exchange with local students. Check out the rare Galapagos publications in the library when you're not in the outdoor Jacuzzi, on the kayaks or on paddleboards.

Cost: Seven-night cruises are available from $9,450. Or, charter the entire yacht for yourself for $189,000.

Superyacht sailing with Aqua Expeditions

Aqua Expeditions is well known in luxury circles for its superyachts in the Peruvian Amazon and Asia. The company recently launched the 16-passenger, all-suite, all-inclusive Aqua Mare in the Galapagos.

The interior decor is by Italian superyacht designer François Zuretti, and the Peruvian Japanese-fusion cuisine is by chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino, famed for his "jungle cuisine."

Among the spacious suites, the top Owner's Suite is 861 square feet. The Jacuzzi is big enough for six guests. The yacht is also stocked with kayaks and paddleboards for guests to use.

Cost: Seven-night cruises start from $9,450 per person. Charter the entire yacht starting at $196,000.

Galapagos with Avalon Waterways

River cruise line Avalon Waterways is known for sailings in Europe and on the Mekong. However, it's also in the Galapagos, chartering the 16-passenger small ship Treasure of Galapagos for seven-night sailings from February through November 2023.

All cabins on the ship — including the 430-square-foot master suite — have balconies and are done up in welcoming, contemporary decor. The ship's design is outdoor-focused, with alfresco dining and a bar near the Jacuzzi.

Indoors is a small lounge and dining area. Wine and beer are included with meals.

Cost: Seven-night cruises (beginning with two nights in Quito) start from $5,251 per person. Other Galapagos operators sell four-night itineraries for the ship starting from $3,695 per person.

Expedition sailing with Lindblad's National Geographic Endeavour II

Top expedition company Lindblad Expeditions has been sailing in the Galapagos for more than 50 years, evident by the seasoned team of naturalists and the experiences they deliver, including exploring the sea thanks to innovative underwater equipment.

This 96-passenger ship is a spacious base camp. Passengers can explore with Zodiacs, kayaks, glass-bottom boats and stand-up paddleboards.

Select expeditions feature guest National Geographic biologists, authors and photographers, who can help you get the perfect wildlife photos. The cruises are popular with families, and a diving program is available for advanced divers.

Cost: Fares for a 10-night cruise (including two nights in Guayaquil) start from $7,710 per person. Lindblad also has a 52-passenger all-suite luxury yacht in the market, the National Geographic Islander II, with as many crew members as guests. Fares for its seven-night cruises start from $9,390 per person.

Ultraluxury experience on Silver Origin

Ultraluxury line Silversea Cruises delivers everything on a silver platter on the 100-passenger Silver Origin.

Request Champagne from your butler while you lounge in the hot tub. Guests will likely also appreciate the high-tech walls that feature touch-controlled HD screens allowing you to zoom in on exclusive wildlife videos shot by drone in Galapagos National Park.

There is also the luxury of space to spread out, indoors and out, amid gorgeous contemporary furnishings. Everyone stays in a large butler-serviced suite.

In addition, the cuisine is extraordinary — the Ecuadorian executive chef even takes time to explain the local ingredients he uses. The staff includes one naturalist guide for every 10 guests.

Cost: Fares for seven-night cruises start from $12,250 per person.

All-suite megayacht cruising on Celebrity Flora

With a design similar to Silver Origin, Celebrity Cruises' Flora delivers a first-class experience.

Suites include either a step-out balcony or an "infinite veranda" created when you push a button to open the top half of a wall of glass.

Menus are crafted by a chef who helmed Michelin-starred restaurants. Personal suite attendants cater to your needs while experienced naturalists lead star-gazing sessions.

Perhaps the coolest experience on board is glamping on the top deck, overnighting under the stars in a cabana equipped with a double bed.

Cost: Fares for seven-night cruises start from $7,918. Celebrity Cruises also offers sailings on the 48-passenger Celebrity Xpedition, a small luxury ship. Seven-night cruises start at $5,119 per person. Additionally, seven-night sailings aboard the even more intimate, 16-passenger Celebrity Xploration start from $5,550 per person.

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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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Galapagos Cruises

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A Destination. An Adventure. An Experience of a Lifetime

You'll always remember the islands that time forgot. In the Galapagos, modern explorers come eye to eye with ancient tortoises, comical birds, and other amazing beasts—plus landscapes as fantastical as the animals—for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

For seven glorious days, you'll follow in the footsteps of Darwin, viewing this realm through the eyes of certified naturalists, making discoveries on shore excursions—two per day included—in small groups of travelers who share your interests.

Each evening, you'll come home to one of three vessels that are as extraordinary as the islands. The luxurious, 100-guest, all-suites Celebrity Flora—the first and only resort at sea in the region to receive a Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star Rating. The popular 48-guest Celebrity Xpedition. Or the intimate 16-guest Celebrity Xploration. Everything you want or need will be included—stunning accommodations, inspired food and drink, unlimited Wi-Fi—all delivered with superlative service.

Plus, after 17 years of award-winning Galapagos cruises and vacations, we can open your world even wider with all-inclusive packages of 10–16 nights in South America. Explore lofty Quito, capital of Ecuador; mystical Machu Picchu, high in the Andes Mountains; historic Lima, seaside capital of Peru; and charming Cuzco, ancient city of the Inca—complete with air transfers, five-star accommodations, and tours.

Join us for a rare, life-changing experience. 

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Discover The Galapagos With Us

We offer the most diverse Galapagos expeditions available with 3 stunning ships, 6 unique cruise itineraries, 12 islands, 34 ports of call, and 18 all-inclusive vacation package options ranging from 10 to 16 nights including Quito, Ecuador or the wonders of Machu Picchu, Peru. If a luxury vacation to the Galapagos Islands wasn’t on your bucket list before, it definitely should be now.

A Truly All-Inclusive Galapagos Experience

Flights between Quito, Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands on all Packages 10 Nights or greater.

Twice-daily Galapagos National Park certified Naturalist guided excursions, including equipment.

All Gratuities, Park Fees and Daily Briefings are on us.

Always stay connected, no matter where you are, with complimentary unlimited Wi-Fi.

Enjoy your favorite beverages throughout your voyage with with unlimited drinks onboard.

All meals onboard with menus crafted by our Michelin-star chef.

What's Included on your Galapagos Vacation

7 night galapagos cruise.

During Your Cruise

• 7 Night Galapagos cruise on one of our luxury vessels
• Some of the world's most up-close and stunning wildlife encounters
• Gourmet dining onboard featuring locally sourced cuisine and Michellin Star chef menus
• All drinks onboard including beer, wine, spirits, soft drinks, coffee, and teas 
• Unlimited Wifi
• All Gratuities, Park Fees and Daily Briefings are on us
• Galapagos Meet & Greet service by Naturalist
• Twice-daily guided excursions
• Daily Galapagos National Park certified Naturalist briefings and expert discussions
• Entrance to Galapagos National Park and Galapagos Tourist Card
• Complimentary use of snorkeling equipment, mini-wet suits, binoculars and walking sticks
• Complimentary room service upon request
• Premium bedding & stateroom amenities

View 7 Night Cruises

10/11 Night Galapagos & Quito Package      

• All services and amenities applicable to a 7 Night Galapagos Cruise

Before and After Your Cruise

• 2 Night pre-cruise luxury accommodations at JW Marriot Quito
• Full-day guided tour of historical Quito, including a visit to the Equator Line at the Intinan Solar Museum
• Round-trip flights between Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands
• 1 or 2-Night post-cruise luxury accommodations at JW Marriot Quito or EB Hotel (depending on guest flight schedules and/or package length)

View 10/11 Night Packages

16 Night Galapagos & Machu Picchu Package

Before Your Cruise

• Full-day guided tour of historical Quito, including a visit to the Equator Line at the Intinan Solar Museum 
• Round-trip flights between Quito, Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands

After Your Cruise

• 2 Nights at the Westin Lima upon arrival and 1 or 2 nights at Weston Lima for departure based on return flight schedule
• 2 Nights in The Sacred Valley at Tambo del Inca Hotel
• 2 Nights in Cuzco, the center of the former Inca Empire at either Hotel Belmond Monasterio or Hotel Belmond Palacio Nazarenas

View 16 Night Packages

Three Great Reasons to Visit The Galapagos

Once in a lifetime, you can walk in the footsteps of Darwin, getting closer to the natural world than you ever have or ever will, coming home with a radically new understanding of the planet. With us, you'll encounter flora found nowhere else, come face to face with fauna that has not learned to fear humans, and hike moonscapes that barely resemble Earth.

While the animals of the Galapagos Islands get the glory, the evolution and adaptation of plant life here is equally important. Check out the beautiful lava Cactus, which only grows on barren lava fields. The Prickly Pear Cactus found only on these islands. And, the magnificent Scalesia, which grows up to sixty feet tall.

Since the animals here don’t fear humans, you can truly get up close and personal, looking into the eyes of a Galapagos marine iguana, and walking among penguins – the only penguin species north of the equator. Here, you’ll discover creatures whose very existence forms the basis for one of the most famous scientific theories in history.

The Adventure

Nature lovers flock to this exotic terrain born of fire. Once, volcanos spat and lava flowed, creating an archipelago of 19 islands with a marine reserve that serve as a living museum of evolution. Extreme isolation and the convergence of three ocean currents developed the most unusual wildlife.

Expand Your Comfort Zone

On our award-winning Galapagos adventures, you'll meet amazing wildlife, trek unearthly landscapes, and see it all through the eyes of experts. You'll relax in spacious accommodations, savor globally inspired cuisine made with locally sourced ingredients, and be treated to exquisite service. All while treading lightly and supporting local communities.

Leave the World a Better Place

We work hard to minimize our footprint, and Ecuador’s secretary of tourism has acknowledged our efforts. We support the community by sourcing fresh seafood from local fishermen and pillow treats from local chocolatiers. Guests have donated $1.5 million to the Galapagos Fund and helped plant 50,000 trees. Celebrity Flora, our newest ship here, features dynamic positioning to protect the seabed, silicone paint to glide with less fuel, solar panels to make electricity, and no single-use plastics.

Balance Exploration With Relaxation

A few million years ago, volcanos erupted, creating these moonscapes where lumbering tortoises, comical birds, and other wildlife evolved in isolation. Today, you can experience this wondrous environment on shore excursions led by naturalists—two each day—as active or leisurely as you choose. Climb the hills to find colonies of red-footed boobies, hike the coast to spot colorful Sally Lightfoot crabs, watch the sea lions go surfing, or just relax and enjoy the sandy beaches and deck-side bars.

Service: Little Things Make a Big Difference

All of our ships feature service so attentive, so intuitive, yet so unobtrusive, that the things you want tend to appear before you even realize you want them. On our luxurious new Celebrity Flora ® , for instance, your personal suite attendant—yes, every stateroom is a suite—helps you unpack when you arrive, brings the rich morning coffee just the way you like it, restocks your minibar seamlessly, and so much more. These islands may be primitive, but your time with us will be anything but.

Certified Experts Lead the Way

Sailings include two shore excursions per day, each the adventure of a lifetime. Onboard naturalists, certified by Galapagos National Park, lead small groups of no more than 12 explorers. Activities are curated by our highly trained team of experts and each night we brief you on upcoming adventures. On the top deck of Celebrity Flora, you can even join optional Galapagos Glamping—stargazing with the naturalists and waking to a private breakfast.

Savor Globally Inspired, Locally Sourced Cuisine

One thing makes our world-renowned cuisine, with menus crafted by a Michelin-starred chef, even better. It's the locally sourced ingredients. From the robust coffee grown on Ecuadoran plantations to the fresh local seafood, almost everything was grown, raised, or caught nearby. Then we make culinary magic in venues such as the upscale Seaside Restaurant and alfresco Ocean Grill on Celebrity Flora. In every restaurant on every ship, fine dining will be the highlight of every evening.

A Typical Day in the Galapagos

The morning.

Start the day with a leisurely breakfast, the perfect combination of coffee and fresh air. Then, get suited up with wetsuits for the day’s adventures. Get comfortably seated in your tender for your morning’s commute to your first island where you’ll find yourself surrounded by hundreds of marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies, and so much more. Relax at the beach, snorkel, or take in a guided hike as you get to know the incredible habitants of this island up close.

Exploring works up an appetite. Return to the ship for a freshly-prepared lunch as you recall the morning’s adventure. As you dine, your ship gently moves to your next island destination. After lunch, suit back up, hop into your tender and get ready for another afternoon of excursions. From white sand beaches to black fields of lava flows, each island presents unique discoveries.

As the evening sun begins to lower, meet at the bar to unwind and talk with fellow explorers about your experiences. Take in a briefing about what the next day holds before settling down for a gourmet dinner, full of fresh seafood and incredible local flavors. Relax, and get ready to rest up in the haven of your room for tomorrow’s adventures.

Extraordinary Yachts for an Extraordinary Destination

Choose from three amazing vessels to experience these amazing islands. The luxurious 100-guest mega yacht Celebrity Flora®, acclaimed as best small ship, rivals any boutique resort—and with better scenery. The popular 48-guest Celebrity Xpedition® is the ship that put us on the map in the Galapagos. The intimate 16-guest Celebrity Xploration® is the most personal way to explore here. 

Celebrity Flora

Celebrity Xpedition

Celebrity Xploration

Featured Galapagos Itineraries

10&11-night outer loop cruise with quito, ecuador.

on Celebrity Flora

10&11-Night Inner Loop cruise with Quito, Ecuador

16-night inner loop cruise with machu picchu, peru.

Your All-Inclusive Galapagos Adventure Awaits

Learn more about the galapagos, galapagos cruise loops: which one is best, incredible things to do on a machu picchu & galapagos cruise, why are the galapagos islands important, view all galapagos cruises & packages.

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Budget Tours & Trips to Galapagos Islands

Explore a varied offer of budget Galapagos adventures that will take you through some of the most well known destinations such as Isla Santa Cruz and Isla Isabela. Each affordable Galapagos Islands tour will provide you with memorable experiences for some of the lowest prices on the market. Find here the best Galapagos tours .

89 Budget Galapagos Islands tour packages with 148 reviews

• In-depth Cultural
• Christmas & New Year

Galápagos Adventure: Snorkelling & Sea Lions

This was a great tour, the galápagos is amazing! G-adventure has a well organized tour. There are some early morning days but they don't matter because you are in the Galápagos! The rooms are basic but have air conditioning which is good since it is very hot there. José was a fantastic guide and had so much knowledge about the islands. Definitely choose the add-on snorkeling trips they are worth it. I think the Galápagos needs to be on everyone's list.

Galápagos Express Adventure: Wilderness & Wildlife

My tour guide was amazing! He is so passionate about The Galapagos. He took great care of us.

Galapagos Discovery

I was disappointed with the booking process as there was no direct communication with the tour provider Intrepid. Further TR should have explained that there is a "Upgrade" version of the same 9 Day Galapagos trip package. I would have preferred the upgrade version of the package with options of paying single supplements etc However I was lucky to be in the young vibrant group just being able to keep up with their more energetic a activites. That keeps me feeling young! Beginning with Marcello and Carlos doing the briefing, they are so helpful with questions. Carlos is contactable throughout the trip with my chances in the return flight and connect me with a stay in a Jungle lodge in Cocao. Special mention of Priscela, our tour leader: She showed unprofessionalism and very attentive to my safety and comfort. Over concerned perhaps for possibly unforeseeable frailty in a 75 young senior. She worries about me during the tour more than my mother! So thanks very much Intrepid for a memorable journey in Galapagos

Galapagos Experience

What a great trip! So close to the animals, seeing them do what they do, and feeling a new connection to our planet was a great take-away. Competent aware guide with laid back attitude. Accommodations good and it was nice to have the ferry tickets and transfers handled. Recommend and take your reuseable water bottle.

• Hiking & Trekking

Affordable Galapagos 8 Days Tour

The islands are great. The hotels are ok, except the one in Santa Cruz witch is great, Hotel Isla. The trekking for the volcano in Isabela is very tiring, and there is no time to change before taking the speedboat back to Santa Cruz. Tourradar could give the guests the possibility to fly back, even with an extra cost. The snorkel were great, really incredible, specially the one in Leon Dormido, Kicker Rock. In all I strongly recommend this tour. Gustavo

• 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

5 Days San Cristobal Island Wonders

• Book With Flexibility This operator allows you to rebook your dates or tours with them for free, waiving change fees.

10 Days Galapagos Highlights Small Group Tour

Really enjoyed it. Our guide was Pedro, and he really knew his stuff. The canoe rides and sightseeing were unforgettable. The food and restaurant service was great. The only suggestion I have is to give warning when the power and water are to go off, so we could plan around it.

Galapagos Experience: 5 days

• €134 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

• Volunteering

Galapagos Experience Volunteering & Travel 3 Weeks

GALAPAGOS ISLANDS DISCOVERY TOUR 4 DAYS / 3 NIGHTS

When we arrived in the Galapagos, Johnny, the owner of Natura Gardens welcomed us with a sign. He showed us how to get a bus ticket, rode with us in the boat taxi and then transported us in his vehicle to the hotel. Upon our arrival at the Natura Gardens, Johnny, his family and staff were so welcoming, accommodating and generous. My husband and I were celebrating our Honeymoon. Johnny created the word "LOVE" with rose petals on our bed and made us a romantic candlelit dinner with fresh flowers. We were astonished and overjoyed with his thoughtfulness to make our stay so special. You can feel Johnny's love for his community and excitement for the excursions we participated in. He always asked about our experiences and our thoughts. Johnny knows a lot about the Galapagos and told us a lot about the area. He did a wonderful job giving us our itinerary and what to expect for each activity. The food was excellent and always served in a timely manner. We absolutely recommend the Natura Gardens for your next stay! The staff are so friendly and welcoming, their generosity is unmatched.

Ultimate Galapagos 6 Days Tour

Alejandro organised a tailor made tour of three and a half weeks encompassing pretty well all of Equador. The highlights for me were the Galapagos Islands and Amazon jungle. What a contrast and what a treat. I feel very lucky to have experienced all that Equador has to offer. A fantastic experience

7 Day Galapagos Island Hopping Budget

We had a lot of fun in the Galapagos on the Rebecca Adventure tour. This was different from tour groups in the past since one just follows the itinerary purchased and not necessarily in a big group. For example, the first three days of our 7 day tour overlapped with the 9 day tour, then on day 4 we traveled to a different island while the 9 dayers had one more day on Isabela. It felt like our private tour with others joining us for each excursion. The coordinators for each island were each top notch and met with us each evening to let us know what to expect the next day. Day guides and transportation were always on time. A no worry, no hassle vacation.

Highlights Of Quito and Galapagos Islands

The experience was great. Nearly everyone who assisted us was very helpful. The one exception was Cecelia on Isabella Island. At the beginning of the second day, no one showed up to take us to the designated locations. Our hotel manager called the local tour company and reported that we had been forgotten. The name of the company was something like Georeisen. The representative told me she would get someone to pick us up. Guess who showed up? Cecelia! She made no reference to our being forgotten, and she didn’t apologize. Her English is poor. Actually, my high school Spanish is what allowed us to communicate. She should not be a tour guide.

6-Day Galapagos Islands plus Bike, Kayak, Hike, Snorkel

Discover the best of Santa Cruz in a basic 4 days and 3 nights tour!

It was a short tour that we squeezed in before our longer tour in Peru so no complaints but wish we had stayed longer in Galapagos too and visited some islands. The tour was simple and easy going. Not really a group tour but several one day tours. since we had different people with us in different days. The guides were friendly and respectful. The islands are a step back in time. Felt like we were in a Jurassic parks movie with giant turtles iguanas and seals. The boat trips were amazing. A very unique place.

What people love about Budget Tours in Galapagos Islands

This was a great tour, the galápagos is amazing! G-adventure has a well organized tour. There are some early morning days but they don't matter because you are in the Galápagos! The rooms are basic but have air conditioning which is good since it is very hot there. José was a fantastic guide and had so much knowledge about the islands. Definitely choose the add-on snorkeling trips they are worth it. I think the Galápagos needs to be on everyone's list.

lovely tour - very good itinerary and comfortable pace

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• Last-Minute Galapagos Cruises

We have last-minute availability and specials that change daily!  It would be almost impossible to keep it updated.  You can use the quick form on this page, email ([email protected]) or call (800-214-0579) to talk with our no-hassle Adventure Consultants and we'll find something perfect for you!

Find yourself craving an adventure, and craving it now? Jump on a last-minute cruise to the Galapagos Islands , exploring the enchanted isles and their fascinating wildlife, with Galapagos Unbound. We offer last-minute Galapagos cruises that take all of the pressure off of planning a trip so that you can simply book, pack and adventure on into one of the world’s most astounding destinations. Explore the Enchanted Isles aboard one of our carefully selected, Galapagos small ships   for an intimate size, incredible comfort, exceptional staff, world-class cuisine and, of course, Galapagos Island-hopping fun. When you’re not on board, hike the Galapagos Island’s lunar landscapes, trek its volcanoes and delve into its underbelly as you follow the twists of lava tunnels. With plentiful marine life, glistening waters and wildlife that isn’t just world-class but out-of-this-world, there’s plenty to explore offshore as well! Just because booking your Galapagos cruise is last-minute doesn’t mean your adventure needs to be.

We also have Galapagos vacation deals which doesn't always mean last-minute but does help the budget friendly traveler.  We also suggest checking out our multi-sport tours to get a good idea as to why we are an award-winning tour operator.

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10 best 5-day galapagos luxury cruises for 2024-2025, north & central islands, western islands, central east islands, northern galapagos catamaran cruise, private charter - central east islands aboard hermes ultra luxury cruise, private charter - western islands aboard hermes ultra luxury cruise, galapagos luxury catamaran cruise, eastern islands, southern islands, northern islands, our 10 favorite 5-day galapagos cruises for 2024-2025, 2 deals on 5-day cruises to galapagos for 2024-2025, top galapagos travel destinations.

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Exploring Galapagos Islands on the Cheap: A How-To Guide

S oft, snow-white sand. Belching sea lions at your feet. Radiantly coloured fish swimming before you. These are the things that come to mind when one daydreams of a visit to the Galapagos Islands.

For many, that is all the Galapagos ever is – a mere daydream. It's often dismissed as unfeasible to visit due to its exorbitant costs.

But what if you could travel the Galapagos on a first class, all-inclusive cruise with a personal guide for up to a third of the retail cost? What if you could dine and sleep on <$60 a day in one of the world’s most sought-after holiday destinations? I’m happy to tell you that you that this is not a dream , but a feasible reality that we ourselves have done.

Intrigued? Here's our ultimate guide on how to see Galapagos on the cheap!

• 1 Galapagos 101: What you need to know
• 2 How much does a trip to Galapagos cost?
• 3 Why last minute cruises exist
• 4 How to book a last minute cruise in Galapagos
• 5 Where to book a last minute Galapagos cruise
• 6 Booking a last minute cruise: Must-know facts
• 7 Last minute cruise booking checklist
• 8 When to visit Galapagos
• 9 Getting there: Flights & inter-island transfers
• 10 Where to stay
• 11 What if you don't book a last-minute cruise?

Galapagos 101: What you need to know

First off, yes, you can visit the Galapagos Islands without a tour . This is the most important myth to dispel, as there are four islands that tourists can reside on without being on any sort of tour. These islands are Santa Cruz, San Cristobal (a.k.a. Chatham), Isabela, and Floreana (a.k.a. Charles or Santa Marta). The islands are serviced by ferries.

You can fly into the Galapagos yourself and stay on any of these islands. Santa Cruz and San Cristobal are the busiest, most populated islands and have the most to offer in terms of tours, restaurants, and accommodation. However, all of the islands have beaches, sights, and activities which can be explored for cheap or free on your own. For tips on that, read our post here !

How much does a trip to Galapagos cost?

This depends on how you want to explore the Galapagos, and the flexibility of your trip. If you want to do a pre-booked multi-night cruise, this is the most expensive option. A midpoint alternative would be booking a last minute cruise after arrival. The cheapest approach is to stay on an island and do day tours. In this post we'll compare all of these options!

NOTE:  By using the right credit card, you can save hundreds of dollars on your trip. For example, foreign transaction fees on most credit and debit cards are up to 3%, which add up quickly over a trip. You should use a no foreign transaction fee card like the  Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card to avoid these fees, earn travel points on every purchase, and get a massive sign-up bonus of 60,000 points (worth $750 ) when you hit the minimum spend of $4,000 in the first 3 months with your everyday purchases.

Land based, day tours only

Concept : Stay on an island (and/or island hop), do land or sea-based day tours and visit local sites Pros : Cheaper, flexible option & easy-going pace Cons : Cannot access many islands by day tour Average cost : $500-$800 USD  for 5-nights with activities & food (breakdown below) Example tours: – Puerto Ayora: Bartolome Island and Sulivan Bay Day-Trip – From Santa Cruz: Galapagos, Excursion to Tortuga & Tour – Cerro Mesa Reserve and Garrapatero Beach Tour Book through: GetYourGuide , Viator

Last minute cruise

Concept : Stay on an island & attempt to book a last minute discounted cruise Pros : Significant savings, able to visit more distant islands Cons : No guarantee of finding a cruise, requires flexibility Average cost : $800-$1800+ USD  for a 5+ night cruise (breakdown below)

Pre-booked cruise

Concept : Book a cruise in advance Pros : Security of knowing you have the cruise, route, and class you want Cons : Expensive! Average cost : $2500+ USD  for a 5+ night cruise (breakdown below) Example tours: – Galápagos Islands 5-Day Nature Tour – 6-Day Galápagos Adventure Tour on 4 Islands – San Cristobal: 4-Day Galapagos Island Tour Book through: GetYourGuide , Viator , Intrepid Travel , G Adventures

Land-based, day tours only: Cost breakdown

Basing yourself on an island and taking day tours is the most affordable way to see the Galapagos. Take note once more, there are only four islands in the Galapagos that tourists can stay over on without a tour : Santa Cruz, San Cristobal, Isabela, and Floreana.

Detailed cost breakdown:

• Accommodation : prices start at $25+ USD/night for single, budget private room. A basic budget double room is ~$40 USD/night on average.  HotelsCombined.com  is comprehensive for Galapagos and includes hostels.  AirBNB has comparable listings too.
• Food : $5-$15+ USD per meal out (cheaper to eat outside of tourist zone!)
• Tours and activities : $50-$200 USD per tour (land tours cheapest, diving tours most expensive)

GRAND TOTAL : $550-$800+ USD  for 5 nights (varies depending on accommodation, # of tours taken, and where you dine e.g. such as local or DIY meals vs tourist restaurants)

Booking a last minute cruise: Cost breakdown

This approach works for those who are flexible with their trip duration and  are okay with the possibility of not finding a last minute cruise. If you don't find a last minute cruise, you can simply do land-based day tours/island hopping.

Here is a cost breakdown of finding a last minute cruise:

• 5-night cruise : $800-$1700+ USD total (varies by cruise class, duration, route). This is inclusive of accommodation costs.
• Food : included
• Tours and activities : included (note: tipping and other items like wet suits could be extra)

GRAND TOTAL: $800-$1700+ USD

Note: Keep in mind you must also allocate extra costs for accommodation &/or activities before and after your cruise.

Pre-booked cruise: Cost breakdown

A pre-booked cruise is the most costly way to see the Galapagos. This is why people envision The Galapagos as an expensive place. Prices vary by company, class, and route, but you will pay a premium to have a secured spot on a particular ship in advance. There are endless company options, but  Viator , Intrepid Tours , and G Adventures  are popular and have accessible reviews.

• 5-night cruise : $2500-$5000+ USD (varies by class, ship, route, etc.). Accommodation costs included.
• Tours and activities : included (note: tipping and other items like wet suits for diving could be extra)

GRAND TOTAL : $2500+ USD

Note: Keep in mind you must also allocate extra costs for accommodation &/or activities before and after your cruise. Prices vary hugely by company, class, boat size, route, and more.

Why last minute cruises exist

Cruise ships charge outrageous prices in advance for their tickets, preying on holiday-goers who have a fixed annual vacation slot to fill. In reality, these seats do not always sell out and as a departure date approaches, remaining tickets are hugely slashed in price to fill the spots. In both the Galapagos and mainland Ecuador (Quito and Guayaquil), there are businesses that operate entirely on selling last minute cruise tickets.

Now, one can never guarantee a booking within a set timeframe, but there's usually at least some options within a few days window. The worst case scenario is that you don't book a multi-night cruise and do a land-based approach instead. This is arguably not a bad alternative, given the abundance of wildlife and world-class beaches that  can be seen for free or via day tours . We've done this on our second trip to Galapagos, and it worked out great.

At the bottom of this article is a map marked with important reference points. It includes where to book last minute tours and cheap/free activities. 

How to book a last minute cruise in Galapagos

As the name implies, “last minute” cruises must be booked on short notice – typically a few days before departure . Last minute cruises are booked in person, usually at tour shops that specialize in selling vacant cruise spots.

Where to book a last minute Galapagos cruise

Guayaquil, Quito, and the Galapagos Islands (Santa Cruz and San Cristobal specifically) all have shops that sell discounted tours. Below is a list of shops offering last minute tours.

Personally we've only booked on arrival to Galapagos (in Santa Cruz), which is usually the cheapest option. Mainland tourist shops find cruises the exact same way as Galapagos-based companies; that is, by making a phone call to contacts in the islands. However, cruises sold on the mainland often involve increased pressure to book and (false) claims that you definitely won't find cruises on arrival.

Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz

Moonrise tour agency.

About : This is a family run business that mainly specializes in last minute cruises. We used them in 2013 to book several day trips and were pleased with their service and the tours themselves. Address : Avenida Charles Darwin near the corner of Charles Binford (See map) Website :  www.galapagosmoonrise.com Phone : 05/2526-589

Joybe Tours

About : This is another family run business that sells day tours and last minute cruises. We used them in 2013 to book our multi-night last minute cruise and were hugely impressed with our first-class cruise! Address : See map Website : N/A Phone : N/A

Quito & Guayaquil

About : Based in Quito and Guayaquil, this company occasionally posts last minute deals on their website, otherwise visit in-person in Quito. Note: this recommendation comes from Frommer's (we haven't personally used them). Address : Quito – Almagro N31-80, Edificio Venecia. Guayaquil – in the Edificio Samborondon Business Center, Torre A Piso 3. Website : www.ecoventura.com Phone : Quito – 02/2907-396, Quayquil – 04/2839-390

Quasar Expeditions

About : One of the bigger cruise operators and also has an office in Puerto Ayora. Note: this recommendation comes from Frommer's (we haven't personally used them). Address : Quito – Almagro Plaza, Ponce Carrasco E8-06 y Av. Diego de Almagro, Oficinas 1101-1106 Website : www.quasarex.com Phone : USA – 1.866.481.7790, UK – 0.800.883.0827, Australia – 1.800.463.266

Zenith Ecuador Travel

About : Has access to ~100 boats and can reach contacts to try and find a last-minute deal. Simply provide your dates and requirements and ask to speak to eh owner, Marcos Endara (tell him you are a Frommer's reader). Note: this recommendation comes from Frommer's (we haven't personally used them). Address : Quito – Juan León Mera 453 and Roca Website : www.zenithecuador.com Phone : 02/2529-993

Booking a last minute cruise: Must-know facts

Choosing a route, boat, and company, routes & itineraries.

Whatever you do, don't book a last minute tour blindly. Research your preferences ahead of time, including which islands you want to see. Each island and cruise route offers unique wildlife and scenery. Some itineraries focus more on landscapes, while others feature diving or wildlife.

There are more “typical” cruise ship routes which include visiting islands that you can see independently on day tours (e.g. Floreana, Bartolome, etc.). These routes tend to be cheaper since they are closer to the main islands, whereas those going to more remote islands are more costly.

Companies & boat types

When choosing a boat and a company, try to look up reviews in advance. Where possible, find out who will be the naturist guide, as this is the wildlife narrator of your entire trip! Trip Advisor is a good place to get trip reports on companies, boats, and tour guides. It can also be a useful place for determining the going rate for full price and last-minute bargains for ships, routes, and classes.

As you research, make a shortlist of boats and routes that meet your approval (we've got a handy list below). It will be hard to remember this on the spot, so we really do advise making a “must have” list. You can then cross-check this against the last-minute options available. You may wish to print this out beforehand in case wifi is not accessible.

Allow buffer time & bring CASH

If your holiday time is fixed, you may want to book two weeks off if you want to do a 5-7 day cruise. Buffer room is essential. In our experience, we had 12 days which was plenty to book a 5-night cruise in two days time. It may take a couple days  of popping in and out of cruise shops to find a ship/route you like that works with your departure date.

Take note that most last minute tour offices only accept cash for tour bookings.  Be  sure to know your bank’s daily withdrawal limit, bring some cash ahead of time, determine your tour budget and ensure that you can withdraw that amount over a couple of days beforehand to pay for your cruise.

Know what's included in your tour

When booking, be sure to clarify what is included in the price (meals, diving equipment, tours, etc.) . Most often alcohol is not included, so if you want to drink, factor this into your on-board cash stash. Finally, tipping is expected. Be sure to bring cash for this too so you can tip crew members after your tour ends.

Be wary of bottom of rock bottom deals

Tread cautiously around extremely cheap cruises.  Reduced costs may be due to under-qualified guides with limited English, or boats that are crammed or unreliable. There's nothing like forking out a wad of cash for a disappointing trip. Know what you want, be prepared to ask questions, then show up and see what's on hand.

Last minute cruise booking checklist

Here is a checklist when booking!

Our experience booking a last minute tour

In 2013 we booked a 5-night, first class cruise for less than one third of the retail price. We did so within two days of arrival to Santa Cruz and booked at Joybe Tours. Our boat was The Odyssey , a 16-person yacht that included visited the Isabela, Fernandina, and Bartholomew Islands. We had a very knowledgeable and friendly guide, great food, and tours. It was the rainy season when we visited (December), which meant occasional drizzle, warmer ocean water for swimming, and less tourists.

In total, we paid $840 USD each for our all-inclusive first-class cruise . We splashed out on this once-in-a-lifetime experience, but there were cheaper alternatives available. The less pricey options were lower class boats that visited islands we could (and later did) access via day tour.

When to visit Galapagos

When is the best time of year to visit the Galapagos? The truth is, there are benefits to visiting in different months. Galapagos birds, fish, and animals have different breeding  seasons, so you can see surges of particular species at various times of the year.

• The warm, rainy season is from late   December to June . This means warmer waters for swimming, but the chance of cloud and showers (though these are often quick passing).
• The cool, dry season is from  late June to December.  “Cool” is a relative term here as the days are still warm but the water is cooler. As the temperatures are a bit more comfortable, this is the breeding season for sea lions, shore birds, fur seals, marine iguanas, which is exciting for wildlife viewing.
• Peak periods include Christmas/New Years (late December/early January), and June to September. Consider that you will have a harder time finding last minute cruises and accommodation during these periods. It may be wise to at least book accommodation ahead during peak times.

Getting there: Flights & inter-island transfers

The cheapest way to get to Galapagos from Ecuador is between  Quito, Ecuador and  Baltra Airport, Galapagos (GPS).  Baltra is the airport for Santa Cruz, even though it is physically located on a different island. After landing in Baltra, tourists are immediately transported to Puorto Ayora, Santa Cruz by bus and ferry. Be sure to have small cash for these transports (a few dollars will suffice). Alternatively, you can pre-book an airport arrival transfer direct to your hotel, which includes all ferry tickets and coach transfers, and the option to stop at the Charles Darwin Station. Departure transfers are also available.

If you wish, it is possible to plan an open-jaw trip by flying into one island and out of another. You can transfer between islands by ferry ( pre-book on Viator ), and fly in or out of San Cristobal (SCY) airport.

Flight costs

If you book in advance (~6+ weeks), a flight to Baltra should be around $200+ USD  one-way from Quito. You will find the best rates by searching  Skyscanner , and we recommend selecting “whole month” when searching to find the cheapest day.

If you're not planning to start or end in Quito, try searching from your preceding destination to the Baltra Airport anyway. There's a good chance Skyscanner will be able to find a cheap route between the two points, usually connecting via Quito or Guayaquil.

For more hacks on how to find cheap flights to Galapagos , check out our other posts:

• How to Book the Cheapest Flight Possible to Anywhere
• How to Fly Cheap in South America: A Guide to Budget Airlines and Air Passes
• How to Find Airline Mistake Fares (& Get Ridicuously Cheap Flights)

How to get between islands in Galapagos

A handful of islands in the Galapagos can be accessed by transfer ferries. You can book these yourself in person by showing up at the relevant dock. Transferring islands is essential if you wish to book an option-jaw flight (flying into one island and out of another).

Generally speaking, there is one early morning (e.g. 6AM) and one afternoon (e.g. 2PM) ferry between islands each day. These are general time estimates subject to change, and you must confirm this on arrival as it varies by island. It's recommended to buy ferry tickets the day prior so you know the timing in advance.

Prices range from around $20-$60USD one-way depending on the island. As of 2016 prices between San Cristobal and Santa Cruz were $30 USD one way.  This website provides a schedule, but we cannot take liability for errors in the schedule or price ( confirm in person and in advance of your travel plans). Alternatively, pre-book your island transfer with pickup direct from your hotel on Viator ( San Cristobal to Santa Cruz  and  Santa Cruz to San Cristobal ).

Where to stay

Before flying into the Galapagos Islands, you'll likely start your trip in Quito or Guayaquil. From there, you can fly to Baltra or San Cristobal and stay in one of four islands where tourists are allowed to stay. These include Santa Cruz, San Cristobal (a.k.a. Chatham), and Floreana (a.k.a. Charles or Santa Marta).

Quito, Ecuador

Hotel plaza internacional.

The Hotel Plaza Internacional is what I call a budget “boutique” hotel. This colonial-style accommodation will set you back $26 USD/night for a private double room with an ensuite.

My best friend and I stayed here in November 2015 on our “flashpacking” trip (i.e. you can get cheaper but this is good value for what it is). We loved the generous free breakfast (eggs are extra but worth it!), and the gorgeous city view. The hotel staff were very helpful and were always be happy to flag a taxi on our behalf to ensure a fair price.

Guayaquil, Ecuador

Villa garza inn.

The Villa Garza Inn  ( read reviews ) is another mid-range budget option that is clean, spacious, and with a friendly staff on board. Most attractively this hotel includes FREE transport to and from the airport. The price per night is $44/USD, but factoring in the inclusion of transport, free wifi, and a private ensuite room – this is a pretty good option. Ask the owners for food recommendations nearby, we had phenomenal asado (BBQ meat) up the street!

Santa Cruz Island, Galapagos

Santa Cruz is the busiest of the four tourist islands. Its capital, Puerto Ayora, is filled with tourist shops, tour booking agencies, bars, and even a small grocery store. There are several land-based activities accessible here, including lava tunnels, a tortoise sanctuary, and a lagoon (check our post here for ideas).

Santa Cruz has the most booking agencies for day trips and last minute tours, so this is arguably your best starting point if you're trying to snag a discounted cruise.

Hotel España

We stayed at Hotel España  ( read reviews ) in 2013 and once again in November 2015. This is a clean, centrally-located budget option that starts at ~$29USD/night for a single private room with an ensuite. It's definitely a great “flashpacker” style option, especially if you get a room in the newer half of the building. Free functional wifi and a TV are included. The main lobby has hammocks that are perfect for swinging in with a beer at the end of a jam-packed day!

San Cristobal Island, Galapagos

San Cristobal is the second busiest of the islands that tourists can stay on. It is noticeably less buzzing and built up, but is still freckled with tourist shops and restaurants. The peace and quiet can certainly be a welcome reprieve from the busyness of Santa Cruz, and it does offer some stunning hikes and snorkel sights accessible on foot.

Hostal Laura de Casa

This cute little hostel is clean, fairly close to the main strip, and is colourfully outfitted. During our visit in November 2015 the wifi was strong and so too was the hot water. The owners have created an adorable garden here where guests can lounge. Single rooms start at $25 USD/night.

Floreana Island, Galapagos

Floreana is the quietest inhabited island, with a population of just 150. Unfortunately (or fortunately!), the tranquility means far less options for accommodation and dining. Most commonly tourists stay on Santa Cruz and/or San Cristobal, but if your budget allows it, there are definitely more off-the-beaten track vibes to be had here.

Isabela Island

One of the most volcanically active places on earth, this is the largest island in the Galapagos. On offer here is plenty of volcanic landscapes, the second largest volcanic crater on earth, and colourful wildlife including flamingos and sea turtles. We haven't stayed overnight at this island but made a day visit to it during our multi-night cruise in 2013 and it was incredible! Transfers from Santa Cruz to Isabela Island can be pre-booked on Viator .

Book in advance or on arrival?

Accommodation in Galapagos is a bit pricier to book ahead online, but can be essential during peak travel periods such as Christmas and New Years. We've visited twice (in November and February) and booked accommodation on arrival during these visits. While not booking ahead is a gamble no matter what, you can usually determine how busy it is based on remaining availability on sites like Booking.com .

Keep in mind that in South America, many accommodation options are not listed online. Countless times while backpacking we would panic upon discovering no accommodation vacancies online, only to find that there were many (unlisted) places available when we arrived.  If you're hesitant to book on arrival , you can always book your first night or two and then explore your options when you get there.

For more tricks and websites to help get the best hotel rates when you travel, check out “ How to Book the Cheapest Hotel Possible “!

What if you don't book a last-minute cruise?

Put simply, being land-based is not a bad way to explore the Galapagos. If you aren't looking to visit remote islands or particular diving/spots sights, then you probably won't be disappointed with this option!

If you want to see the main highlights of Galapagos – sea lions, volcanic craters, tortoises, marine iguanas, glimmering beaches and the like – you can do all of this being land-based . Remember, you can also island hop to San Cristobal, Santa Cruz, Isabela, and Floreana without a tour, offering your own DIY island exploration.

Day tours are highly recommended (do at least a couple!). This will allow you to see islands that you can't access without a tour (which is the majority of them). Prices range from $70-$200+ USD and most include a meal (diving/snorkel trips are priciest). Bartolomé Island is an excellent tour for stunning scenery. South Plaza Island (Isla Plazas) showcases yellow land iguanas and gorgeous contrasts of red and green flora from cacti and shrubbery.

Besides booking tours, you can also visit beaches, lagoons, lava tubes, tortoise reserves entirely on your own. Keen to snorkel or kayak? You can even rent that gear yourself. For detailed ideas on how to explore the islands yourself, check out our article on cheap & free Galapagos activities .

Eating cheap & local

Get off the tourist strip.

If you wander a bit, you'll find Mom and Pop restaurants lining the backstreets, just North of the tourist strip. Prices are around the $5 mark per meal. Take note these are true hole in the wall places (to keep well, check our health tips here to avoid food poisoning!).

When in doubt or lost in translation, just ask for the platos del dia or almuerzo (plate of the day) which is usually a tasty, filling combination of soup, salad, rice, and a meat (often fried fish or chicken). Yum!

Make or bring your own food & snacks

Making your own meals helps stretch the funds here. San Cristobal actually has a small grocery store where you can stockpile items like tuna, bread, and produce for a DIY picnic anywhere. Prices are still shockingly higher than the mainland, but these DIY meals are much cheaper than a meal on the tourist strip.

Keep in mind that you cannot bring any produce (e.g. fruit, veg) out of protection for the flora here. Even some packaged goods like nuts may be sacked by airport security.

The Thrifty Gist

• Consider a land-based approach to seeing Galapagos via day tours or free/cheap activities on your own
• Avoid booking ahead for a multi-night cruise if you can
• If booking a last minute cruise, be sure to bring cash and/or know your bank's daily withdrawal limit
• Consider basic accommodation, pack some of your own meals, and/or check out local dining spots to cut costs. Save your budget for tours and exploring!

Related Posts

• 10 Ways to Explore the Galapagos on a Budget
• How to Plan Your Own Trip (& Save Big Travel Bucks)

Have you travelled the Galapagos on a shoestring? How did you cut costs? Have a general question or comment on how to do the islands cheaply? Share below!

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Thanks for the info Jen. I have a couple of questions – do you have any advice/comments on a single woman travelling alone? and since day trips don’t go to some islands, would it be a good idea to check for day trips first and then maybe book a multi-day cruise to islands that don’t have day trips? thanks, Maggie

I was wondering how you would book a last minute cruise yet still be able to have nice accommodations in case you don’t find one.

Thanks, Mary

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Six Days for $900: How to Visit the Galapagos on a Budget

“Can we really stay in the Galapagos on a budget?”

Sherri’s voice carried quickly in the early morning air. A mother walking her son to school looked back over her shoulder at us; along the road, cars filled with diving gear and men in board shorts passed by.

We were waiting for our tour guide to arrive: for a man we’d never met who was about to take us to San Cristobal island for a day of snorkelling .

Except we happened to be an hour ahead of schedule – hence sitting on the kerb outside his closed-up shop at 7am. And they say the Galapagos islands are luxurious…! 

6am is time for napping

Traveling to the Galapagos on a budget

Of course, if you’ve decided to take one of the (hopefully!) affordable Galapagos cruises around the islands , then you probably don’t need to worry about missing the start of your tour.

But for those of us on a definite Galapagos budget – those who opt to spend their visit searching out the cheap Galapagos tours and day trips to different islands – there’s no time to waste.

Going back in time in the Galapagos Islands…

Travellers who’ve already been in South America for a while might be confused about the Galapagos. This isn’t mainland Ecuador – not at all.

First up, the Galapagos islands have a different timezone (hence why I neglected to wind my watch back an hour as the plane landed, and got out of bed an hour earlier).

Second, the hospital, dentists and at least twenty pharmacies are all clustered together on the main road; the sole purpose of the vast majority of shops is to sell boat tours; and there’s one long street with all the evening’s food options flanking either side, with tables jostling for space on the tarmac.

Most of all, there’s an overwhelming sense of safety and security. While Quito may be known as one of the most likely cities in South America to get pick-pocketed, this small island couldn’t feel more different.

Puerto Ayora is an Ecuadorian city with a great deal of wealth. There are sealions lazing on the pier, iguanas scuttling along the pavements and herons swooping overhead.

And Santa Cruz island, located in the middle of an infamous archipelago, is the place where pretty much every Galapagos-bound visitor arrives.

So what’s the cheapest way to visit Galapagos?

When I decided to volunteer in Ecuador I knew that the Galapagos islands were a must-see, but I didn’t want to spend a large part of my budget on an expensive cruise. So I decided to try attempt the cheapest way to get to Galapagos:  fly to the archipelago, stay on the main island of Santa Cruz and take day trips to the surrounding islands.

While this can start off as a good idea, it’s very easy for the money to start vanishing. We met people who were spending two weeks on Santa Cruz and taking day trips almost every day: when you add up the $70+ day trip price, plus nightly dinners and accommodation, it starts to look like an all-inclusive cruise would be more economical!

My friend Sherri and I were certain we could get the majority of the Galapagos experience without the huge price tag – but obviously that comes at a price of its own.

• We didn’t eat a huge amount, and the meals we had weren’t at all fancy.
• We walked most of the time, resulting in occasional flipflop blisters and a fair amount of sunburn.
• We hungrily searched out every free activity we could – even if it involved extra effort and time.

But it worked!

We managed to experience a large amount of what the Galapagos had to offer for a surprisingly cheap price – each spending approximately $900 (or £600 of my own native British currency) for a six day trip.

Intrigued? Sceptical perhaps? Here’s how I saw the Galapagos islands on a budget of $900…

How to visit Galapagos Islands on a budget – the full breakdown

First up, I don’t suggest this method for everyone.

This is essentially the ‘Galapagos Islands Backpacking Method’: it’s for the long-term travellers who are happy to cut all possible corners, rather than families with only a few weeks holiday to travel Ecuador with. Put simply, it’s not the glitziest style of travel!

Secondly, it’s helpful to know the cheapest time to visit Galapagos. Many will say there’s no ‘bad’ or ‘best’ time, but avoiding the summer and Christmas/New Year influxes of tourists is a good start. We went in April when the rainy season was finishing, which meant lots of lush green vegetation and not many tourists. August to November is the coolest part of the year, which is best for clear diving waters. September is the least touristic month and so probably the best for scoring last-minute Galapagos tour deals.

Thirdly, decide how long to spend in Galapagos. We opted for just under a week: bearing in mind that arrival and departure days are mostly spent travelling, that gave us three or four days of solid exploring.

Finally, you should be relaxed about this style of trip, and have enough free time to play with.  That’s because we booked everything last-minute, from flights to accommodation to day trips once we’d arrived. It’s the absolute best way to guarantee you’re getting the best Galapagos Islands deals (and bartering in Spanish is pretty fun too!)

Flights to/from the Galapagos:  $430 (£274)

There’s no doubt about it: when flying to the Galapagos cheap tickets are hard to find. But the vast amount of visitors seem to come to Ecuador for these islands only – when it’s surely much more cost effective to combine a budget Galapagos trip with a few weeks in the rest of the country?

– Fly to the Galapagos from somewhere close. Because I’ve been living in Cuenca for the last five months it was no hassle to book the two hour internal flight to the Galapagos. And instead of flying from Quito, I flew from Guayaquil, my nearest airport, which cut my air fare pretty much in half.

– Book your flights last-minute. By booking flights just two weeks before I wanted to be in the Galapagos, I got a great deal: just $430 round trip (or £274 for us Brits).

Galapagos airport tax on arrival: $100 (£64)

The other major sting in transport prices is the requisite Galapagos entrance tax of $100 – unless you can prove you’re Ecuadorian national, when it’s $6.

But I don’t recommend attempting the identity fraud method unless your passport looks suspiciously like an Ecuadorian one. The last thing you want is to be thrown back on the plane without having seen a single sea lion.

Local transport in Galapagos:  $10 (£6.40)

Emerging from Baltra airport was a tad confusing. We weren’t met by a guide and whisked away, and there weren’t any visible directions for those not joining a cruise (presumably because not many people do it!). Luckily we worked it out soon enough.

The airline bus ride to the water is free. This is followed by a five minute $1 boat ride across to Santa Cruz island. After that you either wait patiently for a non-visible bus (timetable not strictly adhered to), or sight three other people in your eye-line and approach one of the many pick up truck drivers, waiting patiently in the parking lot, to be your taxi for the next 45 minutes.

The journey cost us $12 split four ways, and making conversation with our driver resulted in good tips for what to do for free on the island.

There’s little need for transport in the actual town of Puerto Ayora, as it’s small enough to walk everywhere. That said, heading to the various beaches on the island’s coast require the use of a water taxi to cross the bay –  but at 60 cents a ride, it’s not exactly expensive!

Galapagos accommodation:  $15 a night (£9.50)

After 45 minutes of rudimentary Spanish while driving through the bizarrely sparse but bird-filled Santa Cruz, we were firm friends with our taxi driver. So when we mentioned we had no accommodation sorted, he dropped us in the centre of town near a cluster of hotels, and threw his arms around vaguely to ensure us that everywhere here would be fine.

Check out some Galapagos hostels here!

The first place we walked into had decent enough private rooms with heavy duty fan and an ensuite for $15 each a night, and the smilingly rotund Miguel, the owner, rubbing his stomach in satisfaction that we wanted to stay there, sealed the deal for me.

Hostal Lirio del Mar was parallel to the main street of Avenida Baltra and only a few minutes walk to the harbour, which made it easy for us to come and go as we pleased. There are cheaper places to be found in town, but Lirio del Mar was more than suitable for what we needed.

Galapagos food:  $90 for six days (£57)

Spending money on food is where the budgeting really shows – and it’s much easier to do if you’ve only recently been living the “I’m an impoverished student” lifestyle.

Avoiding the $5 or $6 ‘American Breakfast’ options on the harbour, we headed further into town where we had a typical breakfast of bollon de queso and aji plus a coffee for $3 .

On trip days, we breakfasted on yoghurt and fruit purchased from the tienda next door and kept overnight in the hostel fridge. Being in a hot climate tends to make me less hungry anyway, so we usually just had a snack for lunch; an empanada from a street stall, some cookies or a bag of crisps, none of which cost much.

Occasionally a doughnut from the supermarket if we were feeling particularly rebellious.

But dinner time on Santa Cruz is where a budgeter can really see the pay off. While there’s plenty of dining options for tourists, Puerto Ayora is fundamentally an Ecuadorian town – and Ecuadorians like to eat.

So every night, the main food street is littered with whiteboards advertising that evening’s ‘ cena ‘ offering; a soup, main dish of meat, rice and salad, and a glass of juice, all for the princely sum of $4.

It also arrives on your table faster than any other order – perfect if you’re hungry.

Our hostal did have a kitchen, so while we never fully utilised its cooking capabilities there was clearly an option to eat even cheaper than we already were. For supplies we headed the supermarket on the waterfront, where there was more than enough available to cook with, if we’d so fancied.

As there’s no potable water on the island we also picked up bottled water in bulk (four litres for a couple of dollars), and refilled little bottles each day.

Galapagos day trips:  approx $70–$100 per trip (£45–£64)

Without a doubt, the bulk of your galapagos islands budget will be spent on day trips..

Day trips from Puerto Ayora allow tourists already staying in land-based accommodation to catch a small tour boat in the early morning, spend the day at sea and return to Santa Cruz in the early evening.

The downside to day trips is that many of the most popular islands to visit aren’t that close to each other, so it’s only possible to see a few via the day tour method – hence why so many visitors take multi-day cruises instead. (It’s also possible to book a few short, multi-day tours if you fancy a longer stint at one specific island (ie two days/one night or three days/two nights) – just make sure you’re getting a good deal. And be sure to check the accommodation you’ll be using on board! 

Read more: How to find a Galapagos cruise on a budget

However, the upside of a day trip – apart from the much cheaper cost! – is that you’ve got the freedom to decide exactly when and where you want to go.

If you fancy a full day of snorkelling in the waters around San Cristobal , followed by a day off exploring Santa Cruz, and then a day on land at Isla Isabela, it’s perfectly doable.

As a general rule, all day tours should include:

• transport to and from the island
• a guide (specify that your guide gives his tour in English too if you don’t feel your Spanish is up to scratch)
• lunch either on board the boat or on the island
• depending on the company, they may also include snorkel gear (mask & fins) for free / for a rental price

NB: Bear in mind that Isabela island charges you a $20 tax upon arrival which is never normally included in the tour price – i.e. you’ll have to pay it as an extra.

In the Galapagos, it’s a good idea to haggle

After six days, we felt like we’d talked to pretty much every agent – including Stalin, an enterprising young guy who constantly alternated between smiling, winking, and asking us out for beers, which we turned into an opportunity to successfully bargain for a discount!

Remember: the same tour will often be sold by multiple agents in different shops, but it’s ultimately up to your particular agent to choose the end price of the tour (which essentially means he’s able to work out what commission he’s going to make). So spend enough time bartering and you can easily save $20.

Galapagos activities:  free!

Ah, the magic word! Everything touristy on Santa Cruz island is free, from the otherworldly rock chasm of Las Grietas to the Charles Darwin tortoise breeding centre to the stunning white sand beaches of Tortuga Bay.

All you need are a couple of willing legs and a large dollop of suncream. We explored the island thoroughly over three days, and spent our other two days on trips to other islands.

I’d also recommend heading to the Tourist Information office on Avenida Charles Darwin to pick up a free guide book with maps of all the main islands and highlights of each.

This little book was indispensable for me and Sherri – not least because we both have a pretty terrible sense of direction!

Unexpected bonuses to seeing the Galapagos on a budget

While I couldn’t help being overwhelmed by the amount of nature and wildlife in the Galapagos, I’m more of a people person at heart. One of my favourite things to do when travelling is seek out the hidden elements of a place, to really feel like I’ve discovered something special – and through choosing to stay on Santa Cruz rather than onboard a boat in the water, we were able to see parts of the island that many people probably never experience.

We had the time to stumble across a hidden mosaic garden, for instance, delighting in the detail the creators had clearly worked hard to achieve.

We discovered the local graffiti and gorgeous colours that make Puerto Ayora a wonderfully bright and exciting place to wander through.

We spent hours at the fish market, watching the birds flutter excitedly over the latest catch.

And all the while, the sealions slumped under the tables and snored in total relaxation.

He’s not dead. Promise. He’s just trying his damnedest to get extra fish thrown to him.

Budget versus all-inclusive: which style of Galapagos trip is best?

We spent a large portion of our time postulating about how our trip compared to a cruise.

Although the benefits of cruising are more than evident, I still whole-heartedly believe that I had just as good an experience of the Galapagos when doing it cheaply. We visited three different islands, snorkelled with giant turtles, sea lions and sharks, sunbathed as much as we were physically able and ate a great deal of fresh fish.

Plus, by the end of six days spent on Santa Cruz, primarily in Puerto Ayora, we felt like we knew the place backwards. We’d discovered the best place for a local breakfast of bollon de queso and unholily delicious fresh homemade ahi ; chatted with the friendliest tour operators; befriended the supermarket staff; rode with a variety of different water taxi drivers; and had sampled the majority of the evening cena plates on offer.

The Galapagos is an incredible place, but its not just about the animals, the weather and the landscapes. The people who live on these islands are incredibly warm and welcoming, and deserve equal recognition for why this destination is so favourably touted worldwide.

If you’re still considering opting for a budget Galapagos cruise instead of spending your time here, by all means do it – but perhaps tack a few more days onto the end of your trip, and take some time to explore Puerto Ayora too. Because for the ever-constant influx of tourists who experience Santa Cruz and the archipelago as their sole impression of Ecuador, there are few better places in which to form their opinion.

Have you ever budgeted like this on a ‘luxury’ destination? Do you think you could spend less money in the Galapagos than I did?

Let me know in the comments (and please pin this article if you found it helpful) .

A bite-sized budget guide

Round trip flights from Guayaquil: $430 | £274 Airport arrival tax: $100 | £64 Local transport: $10 | £6.40 Accommodation for six nights at $15 per night: $90 | £57 Food: $90 | £57 Two day trips at approx $80 each: $160 | £102

Total: $880 | £560

Flora Baker is the founder and editor of Flora the Explorer, where she writes about her travels around the world, her volunteering exploits and her ongoing attempt to become fluent in Spanish by talking to anyone who'll listen. Follow her on Facebook , Twitter , and Instagram .

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137 comments.

Bobbi Lee Hitchon

Every review of story I’ve heard of people visiting the Galapagos makes it sound so much harder to get to and much more expensive. This guide is so helpful and makes it seem a bit easier to visit than I thought. Thanks for sharing all the facts from your trip. I’m really keen to visit one day. Although would like to do a lot of diving here on top of touring the island.

Wonderful to hear Bobbi – I’m so glad you found it useful! You can easily do a range of day trips to different islands and practice your diving. The only reason I didn’t dive was because I’m a tad scared of the whole ear pressure thing (I’ve never dived before) – plus it was obviously a bit more expensive than snorkelling 🙂

Tim Meredith

Brilliant – as always. Thanks Flora.

Tim! Thanks so much for reading, I didn’t know you were a regular visitor here 🙂

I love reading about how to achieve perceived “expensive” trips on a budget. I am sure this will be priceless information for budget travellers who previously thought the Galapagas unachievable. I love the way the seals own the place.

Same here – it’s a great challenge to try and experience these ‘pricy’ places for less money. Hopefully the tips I’ve provided will help out the more budget minded amongst us!

Michael Hodson

Comprehensive. Impressive. Glad you had a great time and this is a fantastic resource, Flora. Well done.

Thanks so much, Michael – really glad you enjoyed the piece!

So good to hear that it’s possible to do it on a budget. Thanks for this great guide!

You are one of my favorite travel bloggers and I love the advice you’ve given in this post. The Galapagos are now on my bucket list – and I’ll have to use your tips to do it on the cheap! Thanks for this one. It’s bookmarked, for sure.

Aww thanks so much Coti! They’re definitely a buck list destination, particularly when it’s not half as hard to see them cheaply as everyone seems to think! Looking forward to hearing about your Ecuadorian adventures 🙂

Daynne@TravelnLass

huge THANK YOU, Flora!

As a solo wanderlust “of a certain age” presently expatting in Vietnam (Mongolia! Laos! Cambodia, et al, oh my!) – I’d pretty much given up on the notion of ever setting my baby blues on those legendary Galapagos Isles. Far too spendy for this budget traveler, and worse, I figured it was all sewn up with touristy cruise boats.

You make it sound so lovely, so easy and so very DOABLE!

Shoot, I may have to change continents here shortly! 😉

Seriously. Thanks for breaking it down so sweetly. Your report is truly an inspiration!

You are so very welcome Daynne! Your expat adventures sound absolutely amazing – Mongolia is high up there on my list of where to head to next. But I’ve got to admit, much as I love Asia, South America is definitely the place to be :p

“South America is definitely the place to be”.

No doubt purely wondrous Flora, but I spent 20+ years as an int’l tour operator in Latin America (specializing in Belize and Costa Rica) so I’m now enjoying exploring this half of the globe.

Do give a shout when you’re ready to head to Mongolia, I spent a month there in the Gobi and western Mongolia staying with local eagle hunters in the Altai Mountains, and would be happy to give you a few tips.

Sounds like an incredible twenty years experience, Daynne! And of course I didn’t mean that South America is the only worthy place to spend time – it’s just proving incredible for me at the moment 🙂 I’ll definitely take you up on your offer of Mongolia tips too!

This Battered Suitcase

This is SUCH a great guide to the Galapagos. I had an extremely similar experience to you – I spent 8 days there last year and about $1500. The difference was that I went scuba diving, which cost $350. I wish this post had been around last year because I seriously travelled there on a wing and a prayer, hoping that I could do it as cheaply as possible. I think I could have even cut down a little bit more, but I agree with you, I thought that my experience was just as great as those who choose to take an expensive boat tour. I also felt right at home in Puerto Ayora, and yes, I met Stalin, too!

I will definitely be sending people to this guide in the future! Thank you for such a comprehensive piece.

Aha Stalin gets everywhere doesn’t he?! Really glad to hear you agree with my pricings though Brenna, and it wasn’t just a fluke that I spent so little – I’m still debating whether it would’ve been worth it to try my first attempt at diving while in the Galapagos. Thanks for reading!

Hi. Can you tell me how many dives was the $350 for? Thanks

It’s always been a dream to visit these islands, but I’ve always brushed them off as being too expensive for me… This post was absolutely perfect in convincing me I can do it on my budget, so thank you so much!

Wonderful Jaime! I’m so glad I’ve convinced you that the Galapagos are doable 🙂

Melissa @ Suitcase and Heels

Thanks for this detailed post. I actually wasn’t really aware that the Galapagos could be experienced in any way *but* a cruise. Glad to know there are other options. 🙂

It’s crazy how many people aren’t aware of the non-cruising option: myself included before I started researching!

Exactly! Thanks to your blog!

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Great tips! I’m thinking of heading there as part of my RTW tour & it’s always good to know how to get a bit more bang for your travel buck.

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Hi, thanks for this post, we are busy planning our 3 month trip and we are super keen ontthe galapagas, but its so expensive! This gives us other inspiration! I’m curious though, do you think this would be possible with very little (almost no) Spanish?

Thanks agaifor the post.

Yeah probably – I don’t think my Spanish was an integral part of making this trip so cheap. But I’d recommend asking around for cheaper hostels, as that’s usually where a lack of Spanish catches you out. Shoot me an email if you’ve got more questions about the Galapagos as I’d be more than happy to answer!

Thanks for the info. I am a science teacher looking to go there with my wife and two daughters (10 and 11), and had only been looking at the tours. I think I might try a hybrid trip – 3-4 day tour mixed with a couple days on our own… Will let you know what happens, assuming the trip happens this summer.

Sounds like a great idea Steve – I think doing a mix of both styles of Galapagos trips is a really good way to get a cohesive experience of the islands. Plus you normally have to spend at least the day you arrive and day you depart on Santa Cruz anyway, so you may as well do some day trips too! I hope you and your family have a wonderful time. Definitely keep me updated on how it goes!

Thanks for the great information. I am planning to go in late April with my daughter for 4-5 days. We also plan to be very budget conscious with day trips etc. She is already in Equador for a semester abroad. I was planning to meet up with her in Guayaquil and leave from there. My thoughts were to wait until I get to Guayaquil to book a flight. (I will be a couple days ahead of her) Do you think late April is slow enough that I could expect to get two seats on a flight with only a day or two notice?

Glad you found the article useful, Patrick! Because I’ve only booked flights to the Galapagos once I’m afraid I don’t have knowledgable info about whether that time of year will be safe enough to book flights a few days before, but I think there’s probably a good likelihood that you’ll be fine. Just keep tabs on how many flights there are available for a week or two before you plan to go and then make a decision from there 🙂

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Wow, 900$! Everyone I spoke to spent at least twice that amount, and I’m sure they weren’t stumbling upon any mosaic gardens. Makes me regret not going to the Galapagos when I was in Ecuador… But I’ll definitely be heading back, and then I’ll do the islands broke backpacker style!

Great to hear it Nikita – the backpacker experience of the islands is absolutely worth it, and you’re really not missing a huge amount doing it that way either.

I enjoy what you guys are up too. This type of clever work and exposure! Keep up the very good works guys I’ve added you guys to blogroll.

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Really usefull ! Thanks a lot. May I ask you, where did you sleep? Because when I’m surfing the internet, I can only find very expensive hotels…

Hey Elise, I stayed at the Hostel Lirio del Mar which was $15 a night. There are a few other options in Santa Cruz that are similar in price: Hostel Elizabeth, on the sea front, is pretty good value, and Los Amigos is the cheapest around at $10 a bed but it’s usually overbooked because of that fact. The latter can be booked online/over the phone though!

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Hi thank you so much for all of this wonderful information. I am planning on going to the galapagos this june with my mom and your blog is EXTREMELY helpful for trying to plan a trip on a budget! Thank you!!!

I’m so glad this helped you out, Talia! If you need any more help don’t hesitate to let me know 🙂

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Great stuff, Flora. Thanks for writing this up, very helpful for my upcoming trip!

You’re welcome, Martin! Let me know if you need any more help with planning your Galapagos trip 🙂

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Thanks Irina!

Dear Flora, Thanks for the info. I’m planning to go in July but we are concerned that we won’t find a hotel/great hostel/apartment for 2 couples (4people) I’ve been doing searches in the web but find the prices high .

Do you suggest to book a place once we get there? What do you recommend that has a good view/clean and it can even be a house rental?

Please help

Are you looking for a place to stay in Santa Cruz? There are a lot of different options but it completely depends what you’re after. I specifically spent as little as I possibly could both times I visited the islands, so the places I stayed really weren’t that great! There aren’t really any hostels on Santa Cruz though so you’ll probably be staying in two double rooms. I’d say just wander around when you arrive as then you’re more able to negotiate for a lower price, and you can see what the place is like before you agree to stay there.

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Do you have to bring your own snorkel gear?

No, not at all – every day tour company will normally provide snorkel equipment, and you can rent sets from a lot of places on the islands for a few hours or a day etc if you’re just wandering to a beach without a tour.

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Thanks for finally talking about >Six Days for $900: Doing the Galapagos on a Budget <Liked it!

Flora- Thanks for your guide- it’s awesome!

So here’s my dilema; I am travelling to the galapagos islands, but alone.

I am debating a hostel based tour, but I know that everything on offer is totally doable alone!

My question is- did you meet fellow travellers doing the trip alone too? Ideally, i’d like to make some hostel friends and tag team together for day trips (at least the ones that don’t involve paid for day tours). I’ve been reading a lot about people taking similar trips to yours, but am yet to find someone who went without a friend!

Hi Sophie, glad you enjoyed the article! I travelled to the Galapagos twice, but for both visits I was with someone I already knew before. I did meet other travellers on the islands who were travelling solo but didn’t spend that much time with them. I think there’s definitely a chance you’ll meet other people in hostels who want to go – particularly if you stay in hostels in Guayaquil, as most people go there solely to hit the Galapagos 🙂

When are you going to Galapagos? If you would like – we can connect. I just purchased my ticket from Canada from Calgary. I am going to fly into Quito Dec 16th 2014 and will leave from Quito back on Jan 1st. And yes, all alone as well! Not a whole lot of time but if you are going there this upcoming holiday, hit me up at [email protected] .

Nathan or Sophie- I too will be traveling to the Galapagos solo from December 24th to Jan 2nd- maybe we could all connect. I’m actually trying to figure out where to stay. I’m a little nervous about staying in hostels by myself since I’m not familiar with the area and do not know if it is safe. Any recommendations?

How was your experience to the Galapagos?! Was it easy to meet up with fellow solo travelers?

I am going Feb 1, 2015 – Feb 10. Just curious how your experience was and if you had any advice.

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Thanks Flora, this was very helpful in deciding on how many days to spend in Galapagos, I have decided on spending 5 days (Mar 1 / 15 – Mar 7 / 15) including travel days from / to Quito. You are quite the traveler!!

Hope you have a great trip, Steve!

Thanks for this enlightening post Flora!

However, I’m still relatively unclear as to how the boat tours work? i.e. do we sleep on the boats, or is it a day tour to a specific island, also price-wise, would it be cheaper to go on a boat tour or just hop on boats yourself and visit various islands and places?

I’m planning on making a trip in Feb. 1 – Feb. 10. Any feedback would be appreciated!

Thanks, Ken

Hi Ken, thanks for your comment!

The boat tours I’ve mentioned in this article are day tours only, so tourists would already be staying in accommodation on Santa Cruz island, getting a tour boat at 8 or 9am and returning to Santa Cruz in the evening. The issue with doing this is that a lot of the most popular islands to visit aren’t that close to each other, so it’s only possible to see a few via the day tour method – hence why so many people do the cruise option (from anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks on board a boat).

If you check out my other article about booking a last minute Galapagos cruise that might help you out further. Doing a few day tours is undoubtedly cheaper than a two week cruise but it totally depends on what you’re wanting from the experience. Hope that helps a bit!

Thanks, just checked out your last minute Galapagos post–extremely informative!!

However, I just had a few more follow up questions.

1. How long did it take for you to get such a good bargain deal for a cruise? Is it common to fly to the Galapagos and book cruises at a discount?

2. Would it be more difficult for a solo traveller to get the same deal as what you had gotten?

Usually the closer to the departure date of the cruise, the cheaper it will be – boats often have a few spaces left over and it’s in the organiser’s best interest to sell it for cheap rather than not sell it at all. Obviously the timing can be a tricky task though, as you’d almost certainly book your flights to/from the islands ahead of time so you’re somewhat stuck to a rigid window of how many spare days you have to play with for cruising.. Ultimately you just have to chance it, I think! If you’re more concerned with saving a substantial amount of cash then it’s worth it.

I don’t know about the solo traveller thing. Because I speak good Spanish and was booking for two of us I was able to bargain with the price, so obviously there’s less leverage with just one traveller. Shouldn’t make too much of a difference though!

Hi! Just wondering what months you were in Galapagos? We are going in late June to mid-July and wondering whether we need to book in advance day trips to islands/snorkelling trips/guided half-day trips etc, considering it is peak season. Or would it be safe to barter and look around when we get there? Cheers 🙂

Hi, so sorry I missed your comment! I visited the islands first in May and again in March the following year. I’m afraid I can’t remember what counts as peak season but I think it’s safe to say that day trips should always be cheaper/more reasonable when you’re booking on the ground & have a chance to barter and ask around 🙂

Such a great post and love your constant feedbacks to your reader’s comments! We’re planning a trip to Galapagos in mid-April and we’re planning to do the same thing as you did and stay in Puerto Ayora and take day trips throughout our trip. However, the more tour companies I contacted, it seems they don’t offer day trips to San Cristobal and Isabela. Is that true?

We’d love to visit San Cristobal (Punta Pitt and Cerro Brujo) and Isabela (Volcano Sierra Negra) but these companies are saying we have to stay 1-2 nights to work. Consequently, from your experience, are we able to actually find tours once we arrive there that do 1 day trips to those places?

Thanks so much for your help!!

Hi Sherman, sorry I didn’t respond to your comment earlier (especially after you mentioned my level of feedback!). I hope you had a fantastic trip to the islands though 🙂

This is great insight about the islands. If I don’t want to do the cruise, is there another way to get to the galaapagos other than an airplane that you can purchase from Quito or Guayaquil? And you mentioned there are hostels in Santa Cruz that we can find once we land? I didn’t realize you can grab daily tours once we arrive at santa cruz. I thought everything had to be booked ahead of time. Good to know.

I’m pretty sure the only way to arrive in the Galapagos archipelago is via plane from Guayaquil – but maybe there’s some kind of boat option!?

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Galapagos Tour Guide on a Budget: $600 to 900 | Adrian Sanchez's Peace Corps Paraguay Blog!

[…] See the pictures below of me in the Galapagos and this other helpful guide: Six Days for $900: Doing the Galapagos on a Budget […]

Planning a trip to Ecuador and the Galapagos for next year and this has been so helpful, but also reassuring. Very worried that costs will skyrocket, I’m glad it seems achievable. Any tips for Quito and surrounding area as we would have to fly into there?

I haven’t actually spent a huge amount of time in Quito, sadly — you’re probably better off researching some other bloggers 🙂

Where to travel in 2016: The Wishlist | Dan Flying Solo

[…] The ultimate untouched, man escaping, nature trip. As an avid Scuba Diver and a lover of all things wildlife this is one of those places that smashes it out of the park. It is certainly no cheap trip, but Flora The Explorer has got some tips on have to save some pennies when you head to the Galapagos on a Budget. […]

Great article! Any additional thoughts for a pair of septuagenarians who are heading there this February of 2016?

Hi Jack, sorry for not getting back to you sooner – I must have missed your comment! Hope you had a fantastic trip to the Galapagos though 🙂

Thanx for responding

A Last Minute Galapagos Cruise

[…] days trying to experience the best of the Galapagos as cheaply as I could. And I managed to do so with only $900, something I was very proud […]

theswindian

Amazing and useful post! Would love to hear more. I’ll be going through your blog in minute detail in the next few weeks 🙂

Aww that’s lovely to hear! Hope you enjoy more of my writing 🙂

Thanks for the excellent info. I will be heading there on September 2 and already have my flight and lodging paid for so that takes care of a big chunk. I am planning to do lots of day trips and hope to get to know Puerto Arroyo well. Thank you.

So glad I could help out, Jan! Hope you have a fantastic trip to the Galapagos 🙂

Hey realy like your blog about Galapagos, but I booked a tour on the Astrea Yacht and the service was very very good. I think that you also get to know very much if you travel like zou did , but you can not compare it with a tour on the yacht because you get to see other islands and diving places. But still I hope you keep writing your amazong blogs.

Cheers for the recommendation, Ralf!

Galapagos Islands Tours On A Budget

[…] you can do Galapagos on your own –– however you’ll get a lot more from your Galapagos trip if […]

Hi Flora, loved reading about your experience and the tips. Am thinking of heading to the Galapagos in late December or early January. One daughter is already living somewhat near Cuenca, and the other would fly down with me to visit her. The boat tours sounded amazing b/c they go to so many islands — but way beyond our budgets. However, a good friend of mine who went there a few years ago and is VERY athletic (swam a 5K while there), says that the day trips on the boats are just exhausting physically and she wouldn’t do it that way again. What can you tell me about that? I have one 22 year old who gets seasick (but took Dramamine and managed well on a couple rough Atlantic one hour excursions). My friend was highly recommending we NOT do day trips. How did you find the trips? Which islands did you go to? And what wildlife did you see and what did you miss? So many questions!! Thank you!!!

Hi Anne, thanks so much! I’m not sure which of these questions I’ve already answered in our emails, but I really enjoyed taking day trips (I don’t usually get seasick unless it’s really rough/bumpy though) and I didn’t have prior expectations/desires about seeing specific wildlife so was really happy with everything we saw. Not totally sure about every species I saw, but we went snorkelling with turtles, baby seals and above groups of sharks on the day trip to San Cristobal (my other day trip was more island than animal focused)

Just found a round trip flight from Quitos for $200! & hoping I can be just as lucky for a few days on a boat.

This…is a bloody brilliant blog post. Thank you so much! It’s been ridiculously helpful in our planning of a Galaps-on-the-cheap trip as part of our Americas trip. 🙂

That’s fantastic to hear Hayley! I’m so glad you’ve found this article useful – have a fantastic trip to the Galapagos!

Had a great time with my two daughters (18 and 22) — LOVED Nemo III — they treated us so well and gave us a great last minute cruise deal for 3 nights, 4 days — 3 of us in 2 bunk room — one Q size, 1 almost double size upper bunk.. Stayed at Estrella del Mar — $70 a night for 3 of us and was right on the bay, quiet, 2 rooms, one with windows with a great view. Be careful at agencies — arranged a 1 day trip to Isabel, and almost got ripped off — make SURE you get an invoice that says exactly everything that is included. Young man met us at our hotel, took us to the dock, and we were put in the “lesser” group without all we had been told was included. Called him from Isabel and with much pushing and assistance from others, rearranged on the fly. Speaking Spanish helped, but I trusted the young man too much at the start. Thank you for all your tips, Flora.

Fantastic news, Ann! I’m so glad you had a fantastic time with your daughters – and that you managed to negotiate for both a last-min cruise AND for the elements you actually paid for! Well done 😀

Hi Flora, Thank you for the great info!! What time of year did you visit ? We are planning to go there in late Oct to early Nov. We are interested in doing land based tours and visiting a few islands. I know Oct. is not the peak season, but would you recommend we book a land based tour a few months ahead or do you think we will be able find tours easily once there for a better price too? Also, If we do risk it by booking there will we have difficulty communicating with the tour agencies as I speak little to no spanish? Thank You for any information you have.

Hi! I visited the islands first in May and again in March the following year 🙂 As I’ve said in earlier comments, I never booked anything before arriving at the islands so I can’t honestly compare prices, but I found booking on the ground to work well for me. My Spanish certainly helped when discussing prices, but tour operators usually speak some English too!

Ahh!! Thank You Flora!!! Again, great information and much appreciated!

cheap galapagos cruise deals – Best Cruise Offers

[…] Six Days for $900: Doing the Galapagos on a Budget […]

norway cheap galapagos deals – Cruise Liners

I would love to do exactly this someday, stay in Equator for 2 weeks and 1 week doing the islands but on a budget. The cruises seem very expensive and not my thing anyways, thanks for the wonderful article

Galapagos Islands Tours On A Budget | Barefoot Expeditions

[…] you can do Galapagos on your own –– however, you’ll get a lot more from your Galapagos trip if you […]

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Galapagos Cruise Deals

Find the best Galapagos cruise deals all in one place. Review our extensive selection of Galapagos Island cruise deals, discounts, special offers and money-saving tips all on this page. Browse the list of special offers below to find the best Galapagos deals on upcoming cruises. Our deals are updated daily. For further savings, and to make sure you get the best Galapagos cruise prices, read the tips below and contact our experts who know the nuances of Galapagos deals.

Our advice can save you thousands while ensuring you choose the right cruise for your interests, style and budget. Let us be your guide to cruising the Galapagos on a budget and finding discount Galapagos cruises that don’t sacrifice your experience or the islands’ sustainability. Our experts have years of experience helping travelers find budget Galapagos cruise ships and last-minute Galapagos cruise deals. Contact us and we’ll do the hard work for you.

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ON THIS PAGE – Galapagos Cruise Deals : Galapagos Cruise Prices Explained Early Booking Galapagos Deals Last Minute Galapagos Deals Solo, Child & Group Deals The Cheapest Time to Go 4 Tips for Visiting Galapagos on a Budget View All Galapagos Cruise Deals

Galapagos Cruise Prices Explained

The cost of a Galapagos cruise can vary considerably depending on a number of factors including the length of the itinerary, the time of year, the time of booking, the class of yacht or ship, the amenities on board, the quality of service and the booking agency. The average cost of an 8-day Galapagos cruise is $5,000 per person. Shorter cruises of 5 days or less and discount cruises can start as lows as $2,500 per person. There are also added but required additional costs like flights from mainland Ecuador, National Park fees and pre/post hotels to consider (and look for on sale and as discounted perks). But how do you find these low rates and Galapagos deals? Browse this page, then talk one-on-one with one of our specialists about the best budget Galapagos cruise options available today.

Book Early for the Most Available Galapagos Cruise Deals

The easiest way to secure the best price on a Galapagos cruise is to book early, sometimes up to one year in advance. Early-booking discounts are significant, saving hundreds or even thousands of dollars per person. Early booking also ensures you get the best selection of ships, cabins and itineraries assuring you not only save money but select the right experience for this once-in-a-lifetime destination. Booking early is the most secure way to get a Galapagos Islands cruise cheap.

What is early? Typically in the Galapagos, that means over a year in advance, but at least 6 months prior to departure. Last minute Galapagos cruises may have appealing discount prices, but they may not be the best match for your travel style, cabin preferences and so on. View all Galapagos deals below & filter the sidebar settings for early-booking deals to see what’s on sale. Or learn more about the best time to go to Galapagos or take a deeper look at information on 2024 Galapagos cruises and the years ahead to better determine which time might be best for your travel group’s booking.

Finding Last Minute Galapagos Island Cruise Deals

Last minute Galapagos cruise deals are an option for travelers with flexibility. The Galapagos only offers small boats, ranging in size from 12 to 100 guests, so they do tend to sell out in advance, early. But last minute Galapagos cruise availability is sometimes an option and can save money. Last minute Galapagos Island cruise deals are usually seasonal, so see the section below on the cheapest time to cruise the Galapagos Islands.

And be aware that there is often a downside to these type of Galapagos discounts. For example, flights may be more expensive when you book a last minute Galapagos cruise. Or you might not have the best choice of cabin to suit your needs.

If you are interested in Galapagos last minute deals, within the next 60 days, view the listings below and contact our experts with your preferred travel dates. Galapagos last minute availability can change daily, and our crew can help you find the best cruise at the eleventh hour. Sometimes there can be unadvertised specials for last minute Galapagos cruises, so get in touch and let us do the work for you. Our extensive relationships and buying power can help you save money.

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Solo, Child & Group Galapagos Deals

There are also specialty Galapagos deals to consider for solo travelers, families with young children and groups large and small. Read on for nuances about Galapagos cruise deals available to these types of travelers.

Where to Look for Child Discounts

If you book with AdventureSmith Explorations, we’ll help you find these family Galapagos deals. But as you browse around, notice that some ships will offer discounts for children. Examples are $500 off all guests ages 18 and under. Depending on the agency or operator you book your trip with, these child discounts are found in various places. On AdventureSmith Explorations, find these details in the Inclusions, Terms & Notes section of each trip’s Itinerary Details. Holiday dates may be excluded so be sure to read the full terms & conditions, or speak with one of our specialists for a final quote.

Travel as a Group or Charter a Boat to Save

The same is true for groups of travelers. Even as few as 8 traveling together can save off published rates, and our team can connect you to these often-unpublished hidden Galapagos cruise deals. If you have a slightly larger group of around 16, look to charter a ship. Galapagos Islands yacht charters can save 10-30% off the standard per-person rate.

Best Galapagos Cruise Deals for Solo Travelers

Solo or single travelers are often challenged to find cheap Galapagos cruises because of single supplements. But it is possible for solo travelers to find a budget Galapagos cruise at the equivalent of the double per person price. Some yachts and small ships will have a dedicated single cabin offered at the double rate. Others have a male or female share program where you can guarantee the double rate if you are willing to share with a same sex roommate. Many will guarantee the double rate, even if a shared roommate is not found. Look for single-occupancy pricing on our website or contact our experts to find a great deal on a solo cruise.

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What Is the Cheapest Time to Visit the Galapagos Islands?

The Galapagos are great for travel year-round, but there are better times of year to find a cheap Galapagos cruise. The least expensive time of year to visit the Galapagos Islands is in September and October, just after the summer holiday has ended. May is also a good time to find Galapagos cruise deals, just before the busy summer season starts. Early December, after Thanksgiving and before Christmas is a good time to find discount Galapagos cruises, and the period just after New Year holiday in mid January is a good time to find budget Galapagos cruises. Stay away from busy holiday periods such as Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter. Summer is also a busy time when ships sell out and there are fewer Galapagos deals to be had. Timing your cruise can save considerable money. Learn more about the best time to visit Galapagos .

How to Visit the Galapagos Islands on a Budget – 4 Tips

Special offers aside, there are natural ways to find Galapagos savings beyond discounts. Here are four key factors we educate travelers about. If you are seeking to visit the Galapagos Islands on a budget, read on.

1. Choose a Shorter Itinerary

Logically, the shorter the cruise, the lower the cost. Galapagos cruise itineraries are approved in advance by the Galapagos National Park and are available in a wide variety of lengths from 4 to 15 days. But know this: We recommend travelers consider at least an 8-day cruise if you wish to experience a wide variety of Galapagos habitats and species. Galapagos travel takes considerable time and effort (and money), so shorter cruises may mean less value despite their lower overall price. Read more about this consideration in our comprehensive guide on how to choose the best Galapagos cruise or head to our Galapagos Trip Finder to view all itineraries.

2. Look to Low-Cost Yachts & Ships

Low-cost yachts such as the 36- and 20-guest Coral I and Coral II , the 16-guest Beluga , 16-guest Cachalote Explorer , 16-guest Seaman Journey or small ships such as the 100-guest Legend offer shorter affordable cruises and frequently feature deals to entice travelers.

3. Choose a Discount Cabin

Many Galapagos yachts and small ships have what is known as the entry-level cabin or the loss leader cabin. This is the cheapest cabin on board and often advertised at the lowest “from” price. It may be smaller or have a porthole instead of a window or otherwise be less appealing than other cabins on board. But it comes with the best price. Usually there are only one or two of these aboard a boat (and luxury Galapagos cruises may have none), so you must book early to secure the entry level discount cabin.

4. Book a Triple Cabin

Some Galapagos cruise ships offer triple cabins, providing an economical way for friends and family to save money. Typically, a triple cabin will have two twin beds, or one full bed and the third person sleeps on a converted couch or roll-away type bed. This can be a good option for families with one child. Aboard a discount yacht or small ship the cabins can be small and three adults in one cabin may be cramped, but this can be a great way to save money.

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View All Galapagos Cruise Deals

Let’s face it, traveling to the Galapagos Islands can be expensive, but our tips and deals can help make the Galapagos affordable. While we don’t recommend you shortchange this trip of a lifetime, it is possible to cruise the Galapagos on a budget. View all of the available Galapagos cruise deals here to find out what’s on sale now. Expiration dates are listed, with offers updated regularly, so check back often on this page or contact us to stay in the loop on Galapagos deals.

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Hear It from Our Travelers Who Booked Galapagos Deals

Coral I far exceeded my expectations! I have already recommended AdventureSmith to many friends!

I loved the boat, the activities, and really hats off to our trip planner, Taylor, for all she did to plan this trip for us in record time with such care and attention to detail.

I most enjoyed the variety and amount of wildlife... Andrew was very helpful in booking the trip!

We were very pleased with how the trip went. Overall we felt we were able to make good use of the limited time that we had available.

Our accommodations on board the Legend were very comfortable, the food was delicious, and the staff delightful.

Galapagos was awesome. The sites were topnotch - it was so great to see exotic wildlife in its habitat.

Coral I far exceeded my expectations! The naturalists were amazing. The hikes on the islands were the best part of the trip.

Accommodations Review

Cabin 14 was perfect for 2 friends traveling together.

Meals Review

The vegetarian food options could have been better. Too much TVP.

Crew & Guides Review

The staff was friendly, professional, and effecient!

AdventureSmith Explorations Review

I have already recommended AdventureSmith to many friends!

Featured in this Traveler Review

• Coral I & Coral II Galapagos Cruises
• Coral I & Coral II

The trip was just amazing. I loved the boat, the activities, and really hats off to our trip planner, Taylor, for all she did to plan this trip for us in record time with such care and attention to detail.

It was so nice to have a deck! We had purchased a cruise on a different boat and we loved the upgrade. The bathroom was nice, and the bedroom was spacious and very comfortable. I was very pleased with the cabin.

Hot water was iffy. Sometimes, we had it; other times I didn't. I also had various vibrations when the boat was encountering rocky water. These things were hard to fix because they were intermittent.

I loved the food. It was plentiful, varied and delicious (the chef never overcooked the fish). The food was delicious: varied, plentiful, cooked to perfection and often very creative. It was also beautifully presented! And the table was always set beautifully, too

Itinerary Review

The geology -- how varied it was from island to island -- will always stick with me. I'm not a beach person, but I adored the wild variety of beach colors: black, red, yellow, peppered white. I also loved sea kayaking and snorkeling. I sometimes felt activities were too short, especially the beach visits.

I didn't like when the cruise lost half our passengers and we had to adjust to new guests to fill out the boat. I think this should be fixed so an 8-day cruise has the same people throughout, including crew members. Part of the experience is getting to know one's fellow passengers, but this was difficult when suddenly half the boat got off and new people got on.

Transportation Review

No hiccups, even though we were dealing with travel to Ecuador during Covid. Taylor kept us up-to-date on changes in testing protocols, including the dropping of PCR testing in Galapagos but its continuation for admittance back into the U.S.

As noted above, Taylor did an outstanding job. Way beyond the call of duty! She answered emails with punctuality and care, and she had correct and thorough answers to everything. She did an exceptional job.

Better than excellent. Our naturalist, Josey, was positively amazing! And the crew was so diligent, punctual and thorough. One afternoon, I wanted to swim from the beach back to the boat. To ensure my safety, Josy sat in the Zodiak/Panga while I swam alongside. So kind. She knew so much about the habits of birds. And when she didn't have a ready answer, she said so. She also kept us organized and on time. I loved her!

Traveler Advice

• Natural Paradise Galapagos Cruises
• Natural Paradise
• Taylor Cranney

Espanola island by far the highlight of the trip. I most enjoyed the variety and amount of wildlife and the ability to take a short hike.

Lots of variety.

The leaders were very knowledgeable. It was great the way they kept the three groups from coral one and two separated on the island visits so you felt like it wasn't such a big group.

Only thing we were unaware of, on arrival in Baltra, bus ride to dingy, to 45 min bus ride, to another dingy then to boat. Andrew was very helpful in booking the trip! I would use them again as well!

• Andrew Browning

We were very pleased with how the trip went. All the bookings worked well, most importantly the connection with GoKlein on the Galapagos. The airport in Quito was very efficient, the hotel in Quito excellent and the visit to the Galapagos memorable. Coincidentally, our main traveling companions on the Galapagos were a school group with two teachers, one of them a biologist. We got along with them very well and they enhanced the visit. Overall we felt we were able to make good use of the limited time that we had available.

The hotel La Casona de la Ronda is a premium hotel and lived up the billing. They were very helpful and the food was good. We enjoyed the Coral II as well. The cabins were fine and the food very good. We were fortunate to have good weather and calm seas so were able to enjoy the entire boat. The crew were universally friendly, efficient and helpful.

The food in La Casona and on the Coral II was all very good and gave us a good introduction to Ecuadorian cooking. Our meals in restaurants in Quito varied from good to excellent.

On the Coral II we had two national park guides, Edison and Miguel. Both were very knowledgeable and professional. As matters worked out, we spent more time with Edison and recommend him highly. Both guides worked well with the school biology teacher who was also on the boat, which was a bonus in terms of the information and insights that we were given.

Be open-minded and flexible. While Spanish is not essential, any and every level of Spanish will be rewarded.

• Kleintours Go Galapagos

Our accommodations on board the Legend were very comfortable, the food was delicious, and the staff delightful. 

Dessert twice a day, and all of it delicious. There was a really nice variety of foods available. It seemed that at every meal there was something to suit most dietary requirements. I enjoyed tasting the different fruit juices available at breakfast.

Cesar, the main guide for our group, was fantastic. Dora was very enthusiastic. All of the guides were helpful.

I was very careful to pack little that was not on the packing list provided. There were a few things I wish that I had taken in addition to the clothing on the list. I would have taken something slightly more dressy than hiking clothes as many of the women on our cruise had nicer blouses and sundresses.

Make sure you check in advance to see what kind of weather to expect. When we visited at the end of March and the beginning of April it was quite warm, but I understand other times of year can definitely be cooler.  

• Legend Galapagos Cruises
• Galapagos Legend

Galapagos was awesome. The sites were topnotch - it was so great to see exotic wildlife in its habitat. Our naturalist (Marcella) was fantastic. She was both knowledgeable and enthusiastic. She was a highlight by herself. Our waiter (Edourado) was also delightful. He was an engaging young man that provided great service and he was highly personable. The group that we were in was also fantastic. We hit it off with everyone in our group. Highlights for me were seeing the giant tortoises, the blue footed boobies, and the frigates. We particularly enjoyed the hiking.  As neither of us can swim, we enjoyed the snorkeling the least - but that's on us.

Vessel was good. It was comfortable without being over the top - just what we liked. Beds were comfortable and everything was clean.

Food was also good. We like the buffets for breakfasts and lunch. You could eat as much or as little as you liked. A served supper was a great idea. I ate fish at every meal that I could as I love fish.  

My wife and I were both over the moon about Marcella our naturalist. She was very knowledgeable but it was her enthusiasm that really set her apart. She was just fun to be with. We also really liked Eduardo our server. He gave great service and he was fun to talk to. He is still learning English but he worked so very hard on it. It was nice to get to know him and a little of his family circumstances. My wife and I hate feeling that people are there to serve us. We like it better when we feel that we are all on the same level with guides and servers doing their jobs. We're not above anyone. We were able to make connections with Marcella and Eduardo. It's the connections that will sit well with us on our return.

Aaron was awesome. He really stayed on top of things and made sure that every detail was in place. Great job Aaron.

100+ combined years of experience, 7 continents explored, decades of expedition cruising around the world & here to help you find & book your dream trip.

Top Affordable Galapagos Cruises

After viewing our Galapagos cruise deals you may want to expand your search. These cruises are consistently rated as a top value by our travelers and experts. Explore our most affordable Galapagos tours, then reach out to our crew to find the best Galapagos cruise prices for you. Our Galapagos experts are known for our personalized service, unbiased knowledge and personal experience to ensure travelers find the lowest price & Galapagos deals that suit your travel style. Come explore with us!

The 36-passenger Coral I and the 20-passenger Coral II are sister ships with ample deck space, outdoor Jacuzzis and delicious cuisine. The Corals combine the versatility and intimacy of a yacht with the comfort and space of a small ship at a great value.

Stable and smooth, the 16-passenger Cachalote Explorer is well suited for exploring the best visitor sites in the Galapagos in a small group. Two 8-day itineraries (with shorter 6-day options) offer kayaking, snorkeling and daily shore hikes with naturalist guides.

Galapagos Legend small ship cruises bring luxury, quality and service in a casual setting. The 100-passenger Galapagos Legend is known for being affordable, stable and great for family travelers who want to see wildlife, hike and snorkel in the Galapagos.

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Trains Moscow to Elektrostal: Times, Prices and Tickets

• Train Times
• Seasonality
• Accommodations

Moscow to Elektrostal by train

The journey from Moscow to Elektrostal by train is 32.44 mi and takes 2 hr 7 min. There are 71 connections per day, with the first departure at 12:15 AM and the last at 11:46 PM. It is possible to travel from Moscow to Elektrostal by train for as little as or as much as . The best price for this journey is .

Get from Moscow to Elektrostal with Virail

Virail's search tool will provide you with the options you need when you want to go from Moscow to Elektrostal. All you need to do is enter the dates of your planned journey, and let us take care of everything else. Our engine does the hard work, searching through thousands of routes offered by our trusted travel partners to show you options for traveling by train, bus, plane, or carpool. You can filter the results to suit your needs. There are a number of filtering options, including price, one-way or round trip, departure or arrival time, duration of journey, or number of connections. Soon you'll find the best choice for your journey. When you're ready, Virail will transfer you to the provider's website to complete the booking. No matter where you're going, get there with Virail.

How can I find the cheapest train tickets to get from Moscow to Elektrostal?

Prices will vary when you travel from Moscow to Elektrostal. On average, though, you'll pay about for a train ticket. You can find train tickets for prices as low as , but it may require some flexibility with your travel plans. If you're looking for a low price, you may need to prepare to spend more time in transit. You can also often find cheaper train tickets at particular times of day, or on certain days of the week. Of course, ticket prices often change during the year, too; expect to pay more in peak season. For the lowest prices, it's usually best to make your reservation in advance. Be careful, though, as many providers do not offer refunds or exchanges on their cheapest train tickets. Unfortunately, no price was found for your trip from Moscow to Elektrostal. Selecting a new departure or arrival city, without dramatically changing your itinerary could help you find price results. Prices will vary when you travel from Moscow to Elektrostal. On average, though, you'll pay about for a train ticket. If you're looking for a low price, you may need to prepare to spend more time in transit. You can also often find cheaper train tickets at particular times of day, or on certain days of the week. Of course, ticket prices often change during the year, too; expect to pay more in peak season. For the lowest prices, it's usually best to make your reservation in advance. Be careful, though, as many providers do not offer refunds or exchanges on their cheapest train tickets.

How long does it take to get from Moscow to Elektrostal by train?

The journey between Moscow and Elektrostal by train is approximately 32.44 mi. It will take you more or less 2 hr 7 min to complete this journey. This average figure does not take into account any delays that might arise on your route in exceptional circumstances. If you are planning to make a connection or operating on a tight schedule, give yourself plenty of time. The distance between Moscow and Elektrostal is around 32.44 mi. Depending on the exact route and provider you travel with, your journey time can vary. On average, this journey will take approximately 2 hr 7 min. However, the fastest routes between Moscow and Elektrostal take 1 hr 3 min. If a fast journey is a priority for you when traveling, look out for express services that may get you there faster. Some flexibility may be necessary when booking. Often, these services only leave at particular times of day - or even on certain days of the week. You may also find a faster journey by taking an indirect route and connecting in another station along the way.

How many journeys from Moscow to Elektrostal are there every day?

On average, there are 71 daily departures from Moscow to Elektrostal. However, there may be more or less on different days. Providers' timetables can change on certain days of the week or public holidays, and many also vary at particular times of year. Some providers change their schedules during the summer season, for example. At very busy times, there may be up to departures each day. The providers that travel along this route include , and each operates according to their own specific schedules. As a traveler, you may prefer a direct journey, or you may not mind making changes and connections. If you have heavy suitcases, a direct journey could be best; otherwise, you might be able to save money and enjoy more flexibility by making a change along the way. Every day, there are an average of 18 departures from Moscow which travel directly to Elektrostal. There are 53 journeys with one change or more. Unfortunately, no connection was found for your trip from Moscow to Elektrostal. Selecting a new departure or arrival city, without dramatically changing your itinerary could help you find connections.

Book in advance and save

If you're looking for the best deal for your trip from Moscow to Elektrostal, booking train tickets in advance is a great way to save money, but keep in mind that advance tickets are usually not available until 3 months before your travel date.

Stay flexible with your travel time and explore off-peak journeys

Planning your trips around off-peak travel times not only means that you'll be able to avoid the crowds, but can also end up saving you money. Being flexible with your schedule and considering alternative routes or times will significantly impact the amount of money you spend on getting from Moscow to Elektrostal.

Always check special offers

Checking on the latest deals can help save a lot of money, making it worth taking the time to browse and compare prices. So make sure you get the best deal on your ticket and take advantage of special fares for children, youth and seniors as well as discounts for groups.

Unlock the potential of slower trains or connecting trains

If you're planning a trip with some flexible time, why not opt for the scenic route? Taking slower trains or connecting trains that make more stops may save you money on your ticket – definitely worth considering if it fits in your schedule.

Best time to book cheap train tickets from Moscow to Elektrostal

The cheapest Moscow - Elektrostal train tickets can be found for as low as $35.01 if you’re lucky, or $54.00 on average. The most expensive ticket can cost as much as $77.49.

Find the best day to travel to Elektrostal by train

When travelling to Elektrostal by train, if you want to avoid crowds you can check how frequently our customers are travelling in the next 30-days using the graph below. On average, the peak hours to travel are between 6:30am and 9am in the morning, or between 4pm and 7pm in the evening. Please keep this in mind when travelling to your point of departure as you may need some extra time to arrive, particularly in big cities!

Moscow to Elektrostal CO2 Emissions by Train

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Best Resorts Near Museum of Labor Glory, Elektrostal, Russia

Resorts near museum of labor glory, property types, distance from, traveller rating, hotel class.

• Best Value Properties ranked using exclusive Tripadvisor data, including traveller ratings, confirmed availability from our partners, prices, booking popularity and location, as well as personal user preferences and recently viewed hotels.
• Traveller Ranked Highest rated hotels on Tripadvisor, based on traveller reviews.
• Distance from Museum of Labor Glory See properties located closest to the place of interest first with confirmed availability for your dates from our partners.