The Galapagos archipelago is a collection of volcanic islands with a rugged beauty all their own and is a protected national park where tourism is strictly limited. It is a rare privilege to visit this isolated location. With expert naturalist guides, you learn about the wildlife ashore, in the skies and under the ocean, as well as the remarkable geography, geology and history.
Galapagos Expedition Cruises
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Our top picks
Celebrity Cruises
7 Night Galapagos Inner Loop Cruise
From Baltra to Baltra
5 Jul - 12 Jul 2026 (7 Nights)
From £5,750 per guest
HX Expeditions
Galápagos Islands - Nine of the Best Isles
From Lima (Callao) to Quito
7 Jul - 22 Jul 2026 (15 Nights)
From £8,053 per guest
National Geographic - Lindblad Expeditions
Galápagos Escape: A 7-Day Voyage
From Quito to Guayaquil
7 Jul - 11 Jul 2026 (4 Nights)
From £9,046 per guest
HX Expeditions
Galápagos Islands – Iconic Wildlife & Sublime Scenery | Western Route
From Lima (Callao) to Quito
7 Jul - 22 Jul 2026 (15 Nights)
From £5,295 per guest
Our Insight
Highlights of a Luxury Galapagos Expedition Cruise
The Galapagos Islands are the ultimate bucket-list destination: a breathtaking archipelago of remote volcanic isles brimming with wildlife found nowhere else on Earth.
The true highlight is, of course, the wildlife. A luxury cruise allows you to explore the best islands, home to more than 7,000 endemic and native species. As you sail through a landscape of rugged volcanic peaks, ancient lava fields, lush highlands and pristine white-sand beaches, the surrounding waters invite you to snorkel or dive alongside sea lions, penguins, vibrant tropical fish, rays, sharks and even whales.
Guided by expert naturalists and park rangers, you gain fascinating insights into the same ecosystems that inspired Darwin's groundbreaking work and continue to shape modern conservation efforts today.
Reach the Galapagos with flights from mainland Ecuador. Most visitors arrive via Quito, Ecuador's capital, dramatically set high in the Andes and home to a beautifully preserved UNESCO-listed Old Town, or Guayaquil, known for its lively atmosphere and excellent restaurants.
If you have come this far, consider extending your journey to neighbouring Peru where the wonders of Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley and beyond await.
The small ship difference in the Galapagos
Although there are a couple of hotels on the main islands, visiting the Galapagos by small ship is by far the best option to get away from the crowds, see the different wildlife and topography as you travel from island to island, and get a true sense of how extraordinary this destination is.
All vessels here must be Ecuador registered, with a maximum capacity of just 100 people on board. Everything is expensive, so ask us to help you choose the best option for your particular tastes. A bad choice is a false economy. Ships range from intimate yachts and catamarans carrying just 10 to 12 guests, to larger expedition ships accommodating up to around 100. Each is equipped with Zodiacs as well as kayaks and snorkelling gear for immersive exploration.
Every vessel is accompanied by expert naturalist guides and park rangers, ensuring that all visits adhere to the strict regulations governing where tourists may go ashore. Thanks to their smaller size, Galapagos ships can land directly on beaches, allowing guests quicker, easier and more in-depth access to this extraordinary environment. When you book a Galapagos cruise with us, we make a donation to the Galapagos Conservation Trust.
Galapagos expedition cruise itineraries
Small ship Galapagos cruise itineraries all include charter flights between Quito or Guayaquil and San Cristobal or Baltra, the two main departure ports for the Galapagos. On 7, 10 or 14-night cruises, you visit all of the region's most well-known islands (the variation can depend on the time of year you are sailing) so it is worth double checking with us if there is an island or wildlife species you definitely wish to see.
To make the most of your Galapagos adventure, a reasonable level of fitness is recommended. You need to be able to step in and out of Zodiacs and walk over uneven terrain. Being able to snorkel, or willing to give it a try, will greatly enhance your experience. Most excursions are included, ranging from guided hikes and relaxed beach snorkelling to deep-water snorkelling for more confident swimmers, offering the chance to encounter an even greater variety of marine life.
Expedition cruise lines in the Galapagos
One of our favourite ways to experience the Galapagos is on Silversea's stunning 100-guest Silver Origin, the most luxurious ship in the Galapagos, purpose-built to navigate and explore this extraordinary environment.
National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions are also an excellent choice for the Galapagos, with an astonishing four ships in the region to choose from, for between 16 and 96 guests. HX's MS Santa Cruz II operates exclusively in the Galapagos Islands, with interconnecting rooms for family groups, excellent facilities, two outdoor hot tubs, great areas to interact with the experts on board, and indoor and outdoor dining areas.
Billed as the first true superyacht in the Galapagos, Aqua Expeditions' Aqua Mare offers an intimate and exclusive way to explore one of the world's most fascinating destinations with just 16 lucky travellers, offering an amazing 1:1 staff-to-guest ratio. Finally, Celebrity Cruises, although best known for their large mainstream ocean ships, have almost 20 years of experience operating expedition ships in the Galapagos on the 100-guest Celebrity Flora.
The best time to cruise the Galapagos
There is no single best time to visit the Galapagos Islands. It is a year-round destination where most of the iconic wildlife can be seen at any time, since few species are migratory.
That said, the climate does change with the seasons. From June to December, the cooler Humboldt Current brings lower ocean temperatures and misty conditions, with rainfall greening the highlands of the larger islands. Between December and May, the warm season sets in, bringing daily showers, more cloud cover and warmer waters perfect for swimming and snorkelling.
Travel Tips and FAQs for Galapagos Cruises
How to Get to the Galapagos Islands
Flights to the Galapagos Islands depart from Quito (about 2 hours 15 minutes) and Guayaquil (around 1 hour 30 minutes). To reach these cities, you can fly from the US via hubs like Miami or Houston or, to bypass US immigration, take a European carrier such as KLM through Amsterdam (approximately 11.5 hours to Quito) or Iberia via Madrid (around 11 hours to Quito). Currently, there are no direct flights from the UK.
What to Pack for a Galapagos Cruise
You will not need any special gear, just sturdy shoes for hiking across lava fields, a good camera and ideally an underwater camera like a GoPro. Binoculars are useful for spotting wildlife, and sun protection is essential: high-quality sunscreen, a sun hat and sunglasses with polarised lenses to reduce glare and make it easier to see marine life. A dry bag is recommended to keep your belongings safe during Zodiac rides. Pack lightweight, breathable clothing, along with a light jacket or fleece for cooler evenings and a rain jacket for wet conditions. Snorkelling equipment will be provided on board.
What Happens on Board a Galapagos Cruise?
Each day is built around shore excursions, often starting early to take advantage of the cooler morning hours. You disembark by Zodiac for either wet landings directly on the beach or dry landings onto a dock or rocky shoreline, guided by an expert naturalist. Typically, you return to the ship by mid to late morning, leaving time to relax after lunch before afternoon activities. Each evening, a briefing outlines the plans and destinations for the following day.
Is a Galapagos Cruise Good for Families?
A family cruise to the Galapagos is a fantastic option, and we recommend it for older children (from aged eight upwards) who will be fascinated by the wildlife.
What our clients say
“The expedition leaders inspired us with their knowledge of their beloved islands. The wildlife and sunsets far surpassed our expectations. A wonderful holiday I will never forget.”Mrs Wells
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