DESTINATION

Galápagos

From the ancient giant tortoises and playful sea lions to the dramatic volcanic landscapes and pristine waters, discover why the Galápagos Islands are the ultimate bucket-list cruise destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.

Set Sail for the Galápagos Islands

The Galápagos Islands are one of the most extraordinary destinations on Earth—a living laboratory of evolution where fearless wildlife exists nowhere else on the planet. Located 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador, this UNESCO World Heritage Site offers an intimate cruise experience unlike any other. With dramatic volcanic terrain, crystal-clear waters teeming with marine life, and year-round mild equatorial temperatures between 70-85°F, the Galápagos deliver a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that stays with you forever.

A picturesque view of a colorful Alaskan fishing harbor with vibrant boats docked along wooden piers, backed by snow-capped mountains and a distant glacier at sunset.
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Spectacular aurora borealis dancing in vibrant green and blue hues above snow-covered mountains and a calm fjord waters. The dramatic night sky illuminates the rugged winter landscape with ethereal light.
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A breathtaking coastal scene featuring a small boat, seals on rocky shores, and bald eagles soaring against a vibrant sunset in a lush Alaskan landscape with snow-capped mountains.
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A picturesque harbor view of Ketchikan, Alaska, featuring colorful waterfront buildings, fishing boats, and mountains at golden hour, showcasing the town's maritime character.
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Extraordinary Wildlife

Encounter fearless animals found nowhere else on Earth—giant tortoises, marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies, and playful sea lions just steps away.

World-Class Snorkeling & Diving

Swim alongside sea turtles, reef sharks, rays, and penguins in some of the most pristine and biodiverse waters on the planet.

Volcanic Landscapes

Explore otherworldly terrain shaped by millions of years of volcanic activity, from lava tunnels and calderas to dramatic black-rock coastlines.

Explore the Galápagos Islands

The Galápagos archipelago consists of major island groups, each offering unique wildlife encounters and landscapes. Our expert cruise advisors will help you choose the perfect itinerary to match your interests and sense of adventure.

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Central Islands

Key Islands: Santa Cruz, Baltra, South Plaza, North Seymour, Santa Fe

Known For: Charles Darwin Research Station, giant tortoise breeding centres, vibrant sea lion colonies, land iguanas

Ideal For: First-time Galápagos visitors seeking iconic wildlife encounters

Duration: 4-5 day itineraries

Norwegian Fjords
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Western Islands

Key Islands: Isabela, Fernandina, Santiago, Rábida

Known For: Galápagos penguins, flightless cormorants, active volcanoes, whale watching, dramatic lava fields

Ideal For: Adventure seekers and wildlife photography enthusiasts

Duration: 5-8 day itineraries

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Eastern & Southern Islands

Key Islands: San Cristóbal, Española, Floreana, Genovesa

Known For: Waved albatross colonies, red-footed boobies, historic post office barrel, stunning snorkeling at Kicker Rock

Ideal For: Experienced nature lovers seeking remote, less-visited islands

Duration: 5-8 day itineraries

Compare Galápagos Cruise Itineraries

Feature Central Islands Western Islands Eastern & Southern Islands
Typical Duration 4–5 days 5–8 days 5–8 days
Main Departure Points Baltra Airport, Santa Cruz Baltra Airport, Santa Cruz San Cristóbal Airport
Best For First-time visitors, families, iconic wildlife Adventure seekers, photographers, divers Experienced nature lovers, birders
Highlights Darwin Research Station, giant tortoises, sea lion colonies Galápagos penguins, active volcanoes, flightless cormorants Waved albatross, Kicker Rock, red-footed boobies
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Our Galápagos cruise advisors will help you navigate this extraordinary destination.

Planning a Galápagos cruise is different from any other voyage you’ll book. The archipelago has strict visitor regulations from the Galápagos National Park, and every island offers something completely unique. You can explore Santa Cruz and the Charles Darwin Research Station, snorkel with penguins off Isabela, walk among thousands of marine iguanas on Fernandina, or witness the only waved albatross colony in the world on Española. Options range from intimate expedition yachts carrying just 16 passengers to larger expedition ships with up to 100 guests. You might also combine your Galápagos voyage with time in mainland Ecuador—exploring the Andes, the Amazon rainforest, or the colonial streets of Quito. If all of these choices feel overwhelming, that’s exactly what we’re here for. Our expert advisors have the real cruise experience and insider knowledge to match you with the perfect Galápagos itinerary. Talk to a cruise expert today!

Beyond the Galápagos

Many Galápagos itineraries can be extended with unforgettable experiences in mainland Ecuador and beyond for a truly epic adventure.

  • Quito, Ecuador – UNESCO World Heritage colonial city nestled in the Andes
  • Amazon Rainforest – Immersive eco-lodge stays with incredible biodiversity
  • Machu Picchu, Peru – Combine your Galápagos voyage with a South American bucket-list experience
  • Panama Canal – Add an expedition cruise through one of the world’s greatest engineering marvels
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Find your specialty cruise today!

We’ll help find the perfect specialty cruise—whether you’re crossing oceans, transiting canals, or exploring the ends of the Earth.

Best Time to Cruise the Galápagos

The Galápagos Islands sit right on the equator, making them a year-round destination. Two distinct seasons each bring their own unique wildlife experiences.

Warm/Wet Season (January – June): Warmer air and water temperatures (up to 85°F), calmer seas, and lush green landscapes. This is prime time for sea turtle nesting, marine iguana nesting, and the best snorkeling conditions. Green sea turtles and land iguanas are most active.

Cool/Dry Season (July – December): The Humboldt Current brings cooler, nutrient-rich waters that attract abundant marine life. This is the best season for whale watching, blue-footed booby mating dances, and albatross activity on Española. Sea lions are at their most playful.

Peak booking periods include June through September and December through January. We recommend booking your Galápagos cruise 6-12 months in advance, as expedition ships are small and fill up quickly—especially during peak wildlife seasons.

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Why Book with Cruise Help

Expert Advisors

Specialty cruise specialists who understand the unique requirements of expedition and world voyages.

Exclusive Perks

Access to special deals, onboard credits, and amenities not available when booking direct.

Personalised Planning

Custom recommendations for ships, itineraries, and cabin selection on complex voyages.

Full Support

Assistance from booking through disembarkation and beyond—we’re with you every step.

Galápagos Cruise FAQs

The Galápagos is a year-round destination, but each season offers distinct experiences. The warm/wet season (January–June) brings calmer seas, warmer water for snorkeling, and green landscapes. The cool/dry season (July–December) is ideal for whale watching, blue-footed booby mating displays, and abundant marine life. Your cruise advisor can recommend the best time based on the wildlife you most want to see.

Galápagos cruises are expedition-style voyages on smaller vessels, typically carrying 16 to 100 passengers. Instead of large ship amenities, the focus is on naturalist-guided shore excursions, snorkeling, kayaking, and wildlife encounters. Each day involves wet or dry landings on different islands by zodiac (inflatable dinghy), led by certified Galápagos National Park naturalist guides. It’s a much more active, immersive experience than a traditional cruise.

A moderate level of fitness is helpful. Shore excursions involve walking on uneven volcanic terrain, climbing in and out of zodiacs, and optional snorkeling. However, many itineraries offer varying activity levels, and our advisors can match you with a vessel and route that suits your mobility and comfort level. Some ships also offer glass-bottom boat alternatives for those who prefer not to snorkel.

Most Galápagos cruises run between 4 and 8 days, with 7-8 day itineraries being the most popular for comprehensive island coverage. Some cruise lines offer back-to-back itineraries that can be combined for a full 14-day experience visiting nearly every major island in the archipelago. Your cruise advisor can help you choose the ideal length for your interests and budget.

Yes. A valid passport is required for travel to Ecuador and the Galápagos Islands. Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates. You’ll also need to purchase a Galápagos National Park entrance fee and a Transit Control Card upon arrival in the islands. Our advisors will walk you through every requirement so there are no surprises.

Essential items include lightweight, quick-dry clothing, a good-quality rashguard for sun protection while snorkeling, sturdy water shoes or hiking sandals, reef-safe sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, binoculars, and a waterproof camera or phone case. Most Galápagos vessels provide snorkeling equipment, wetsuits, and kayaks. The dress code onboard is casual—there are no formal nights. Your cruise advisor will provide a detailed packing list tailored to your specific itinerary and season.

Several expedition cruise lines operate in the Galápagos, including Celebrity Cruises (Celebrity Flora and Celebrity Xploration), Lindblad Expeditions/National Geographic, Silversea, Hurtigruten, UnCruise Adventures, and numerous locally operated expedition yachts. Each offers different levels of luxury, vessel size, and itinerary focus. Our team of 23+ advisors will match you with the perfect ship and experience for your preferences.

The Galápagos can be an incredible family destination, especially for children who love animals and nature. Many cruise lines welcome children and offer family-friendly departures with adapted programming. The wildlife encounters are truly educational and unforgettable for young explorers. We recommend children be at least 6-8 years old to fully enjoy the snorkeling and hiking activities. Our advisors can recommend the best family-friendly vessels and departure dates.

The Galápagos experience revolves around guided naturalist hikes on different islands, snorkeling with sea lions, sea turtles, marine iguanas, and tropical fish, kayaking along volcanic coastlines, zodiac rides through mangroves and along dramatic cliffs, and incredible wildlife photography opportunities. Some itineraries include scuba diving for certified divers, paddleboarding, and glass-bottom boat tours.

Absolutely! Many travellers extend their Galápagos voyage with time in mainland Ecuador—exploring Quito’s stunning colonial centre, the Avenue of the Volcanoes, or the Amazon rainforest. You can also combine a Galápagos cruise with a trip to Peru and Machu Picchu or a Panama Canal transit cruise. Talk to a cruise expert about creating your perfect multi-destination itinerary.