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Galápagos

Walk among ancient giant tortoises, snorkel alongside curious sea lions, and witness volcanic landscapes untouched by time. The Galápagos Islands represent the pinnacle of expedition cruising—a destination our advisors are passionate about helping you experience.

Embark on the Voyage of a Lifetime

Situated roughly 600 miles off Ecuador’s Pacific coast, the Galápagos archipelago is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that feels like stepping onto another planet. These isolated volcanic islands harbour creatures found absolutely nowhere else—from blue-footed boobies performing their iconic mating dance to marine iguanas basking on jet-black lava rock. Expedition-style cruising is the ideal way to explore, with intimate vessels carrying just 16 to 100 guests, naturalist-led excursions twice daily, and the kind of wildlife encounters that redefine what travel can be. Year-round equatorial warmth and crystal-clear waters make every season remarkable.

View from inside a helicopter cockpit with two pilots flying over a snowy mountainous landscape with rocky peaks visible through the windshield.
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A large cruise ship navigates through a stunning Norwegian fjord surrounded by steep green mountains, with a small village nestled along the shoreline. The landscape showcases dramatic natural beauty with blue waters, lush vegetation, and rugged mountain terrain.
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Fearless Wildlife

Get within arm’s reach of species that exist nowhere else—giant tortoises, marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies, and sea lions that treat you as a curious neighbour.

Spectacular Snorkeling & Diving

Glide through pristine waters alongside sea turtles, hammerhead sharks, manta rays, and penguins in one of the world’s top marine ecosystems.

Dramatic Volcanic Terrain

Trek across sweeping lava fields, peer into active volcanic craters, and discover landscapes sculpted by millions of years of geological forces.

Discover the Galápagos Island Groups

The archipelago divides into three main cruising regions, each with its own personality and signature wildlife. Our expert advisors know these islands inside and out and will match you with the itinerary that fits your interests, timeline, and travel style.

A modern, spacious cruise ship suite with a large angled window offering an expansive ocean view. The room features a plush gray sectional sofa, minimalist furniture, and a wall-mounted flat-screen television.
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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, land iguanas, frigatebirds, sea lion colonies

Ideal For: First-time Galápagos visitors looking for iconic wildlife and convenient access

Duration: 4–5 nights

A large MSC cruise ship docked at the pristine Ocean Cay marine reserve in the Bahamas, with a white lighthouse and turquoise waters surrounding a white sandy beach.
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Western Islands

Key Islands: Isabela, Fernandina, Santiago

Known For: Active volcanoes, flightless cormorants, Galápagos penguins, marine iguanas, whale watching

Ideal For: Nature photographers and adventurers drawn to remote, rugged landscapes

Duration: 5–8 nights

A large group of emperor penguins gathered on a snowy landscape with a massive white ice shelf in the background under a cloudy gray sky. The penguins are densely clustered across the frozen terrain, showcasing the harsh Antarctic environment.
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Eastern & Southern Islands

Key Islands: San Cristóbal, Española, Floreana, Genovesa

Known For: Waved albatross (Española), red-footed boobies (Genovesa), sea lion beaches, historic post office barrel (Floreana)

Ideal For: Birding enthusiasts and returning visitors seeking off-the-beaten-path encounters

Duration: 5–8 nights

Compare Galápagos Cruise Itineraries

Feature Central Islands Western Islands Eastern & Southern Islands
Typical Duration 4–5 nights 5–8 nights 5–8 nights
Main Departure Points Baltra, Santa Cruz Baltra, Santa Cruz San Cristóbal
Best For First-time visitors, families, shorter getaways Photographers, adventurers, volcano enthusiasts Birders, returning visitors, culture seekers
Highlights Giant tortoises, Darwin Station, sea lion colonies, land iguanas Active volcanoes, penguins, flightless cormorants, whale watching Waved albatross, red-footed boobies, historic Floreana, premier snorkeling
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Let our Galápagos experts chart your perfect course.

Planning a Galápagos expedition can feel complex—there are dozens of vessels, multiple itinerary routes, and wildlife that varies by island and season. That’s where our team of 23+ expert advisors becomes your greatest advantage. We’ve sailed these waters and can tell you exactly which itinerary delivers the encounters you’re dreaming about.

Picture yourself on Santa Cruz watching giant tortoises lumber through misty highlands, then visiting the Charles Darwin Research Station to see conservation in action. Head to Isabela, the archipelago’s largest island, for active volcanoes and world-class snorkeling. Fernandina is the place for the planet’s only marine iguanas and flightless cormorants. Española hosts the magnificent waved albatross from April through December, while San Cristóbal greets you with playful sea lions lounging right on the waterfront. Genovesa—affectionately called “Bird Island”—is a dream for birders, and legendary Floreana captivates with its historic post office barrel and fascinating human stories.

With no booking fees, weekly price monitoring even after you reserve, and 365-day support, we make sure your once-in-a-lifetime Galápagos voyage is everything you hoped for—and then some. Talk to a cruise expert today!

Extend Your Galápagos Adventure

Since you’ll fly through mainland Ecuador to reach the islands, it’s easy to add a few days before or after your cruise. Many of our clients pair their Galápagos expedition with one of these unforgettable extensions.

  • Quito – Explore Ecuador’s UNESCO World Heritage capital with stunning colonial architecture and vibrant markets
  • Amazon Rainforest – Stay in jungle lodges and encounter incredible biodiversity in Ecuador’s Oriente region
  • Machu Picchu – Add a Peru extension for the ultimate South American bucket-list combination
  • Guayaquil – Discover this lively coastal gateway city along the Malecón riverfront promenade
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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.

When to Cruise the Galápagos

Because the Galápagos straddle the equator, there’s no bad time to visit—but each season brings a different cast of characters and experiences. Understanding the rhythm of the islands helps you choose the voyage that matches your wish list.

Warm & Wet Season (January–June): Warmer air and water temperatures (mid-70s to low 80s°F) create ideal snorkeling conditions with excellent underwater visibility. Many seabird species are nesting, sea turtles come ashore to lay eggs, and giant tortoises are active in the lush highlands. March and April tend to offer the warmest, calmest seas.

Cool & Dry Season (July–December): The nutrient-rich Humboldt Current sweeps in, cooling temperatures to the mid-60s through mid-70s°F and attracting larger marine life—think whale sharks, humpback whales, and enormous schools of fish. Sea lion pupping season is underway, waved albatross perform their courtship on Española, and Galápagos penguins are at their most active.

Peak demand runs from June through September and December through January, so we strongly recommend booking 6 to 12 months ahead. Our advisors will help you align the season with the specific wildlife you want to experience—and our weekly price monitoring means we’ll watch for rate improvements after you reserve, all with no fees.

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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

Every month in the Galápagos offers something special. The warm season (January–June) delivers calmer waters, balmy temperatures, and prime snorkeling conditions, along with active bird nesting and sea turtle egg-laying. The cool season (July–December) brings nutrient-rich currents that draw whale sharks, humpback whales, and heightened marine activity. Our advisors will walk you through each month’s wildlife calendar so you can time your trip to the encounters that matter most to you.

A Galápagos voyage is a completely different experience from a conventional ocean cruise. Vessels are intimate—typically 16 to 100 passengers—and certified naturalist guides lead excursions twice daily. Instead of poolside lounging and Broadway shows, your days are filled with zodiac landings on uninhabited shores, guided wildlife walks, snorkeling with sea lions, and kayaking through volcanic coves. The entire focus is on immersing you in one of the most extraordinary natural environments on Earth.

The Galápagos hosts a range of vessels from luxury expedition ships like Celebrity Xpedition and Silversea to specialised operators including Lindblad-National Geographic, Hurtigruten, and Ecoventura. The right fit depends on your preferred comfort level, group size, budget, and the specific itinerary you’re interested in. Our team of 23+ advisors will listen to your priorities and recommend the vessel that checks every box—with no booking fees, ever.

Itineraries typically run 4, 5, 7, or 8 nights. A shorter 4–5 night voyage concentrates on the central or eastern islands and works well for first-timers or those on tighter schedules. Longer 7–8 night sailings venture to the remote western islands or combine multiple regions for a more comprehensive experience. Several operators also offer back-to-back itineraries of 10–15 nights for the most thorough exploration possible. Your cruise advisor will help you choose the duration that balances your interests with your available travel time.

You’ll need a valid passport for entry to Ecuador and the Galápagos Islands. U.S. citizens do not require a visa for stays under 90 days. Upon arrival in the Galápagos, you’ll purchase a national park entrance fee and a Transit Control Card at the airport. Our team provides a complete documentation checklist well before departure so you can travel with confidence and zero surprises.

Lightweight, breathable clothing in neutral earth tones is best—bright colours can disturb the wildlife. Sturdy water shoes or sport sandals are essential for wet landings on rocky shores. Add a waterproof jacket, reef-safe sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, quality binoculars, and a waterproof camera to your list. Most vessels provide snorkeling gear, though bringing your own mask ensures the best fit. We’ll send you a detailed packing guide tailored to your specific vessel and travel season once you book.

It can be an extraordinary family experience, especially for children who are curious about animals and nature. Some vessels offer family-friendly cabins and junior naturalist programmes designed to engage younger travellers. The warm season (January–June) provides calmer seas that are more comfortable for kids. We generally recommend the Galápagos for children ages 8 and older who enjoy water activities and can handle walks on uneven terrain. Our advisors will match your family with the most suitable vessel and itinerary so everyone has the trip of a lifetime.

Your days will be packed with naturalist-guided hikes to observe wildlife at remarkably close range, snorkeling in crystal-clear waters alongside sea turtles and tropical fish, zodiac rides along dramatic volcanic coastlines, and kayaking through mangrove lagoons. Most itineraries include visits to the Charles Darwin Research Station and premier deep-water snorkeling sites like Devil’s Crown and Kicker Rock, where hammerhead sharks and eagle rays are regular sightings. Every activity is led by a certified naturalist who brings the islands’ ecology and history to life.

We recommend securing your spot 6 to 12 months in advance, particularly for peak travel windows in June through September and December through January. Galápagos vessels are small, and sought-after cabins and departure dates fill quickly. Booking early also gives you the widest selection of ships and itineraries. And here’s a benefit unique to Cruise Help: our weekly price monitoring means we continue watching rates after you book and will apply any savings automatically—with no fees at any stage.

Absolutely—and we highly recommend it. Since all Galápagos flights route through Quito or Guayaquil, adding pre- or post-cruise time on the mainland is seamless. Favourite extensions include wandering Quito’s UNESCO-listed colonial centre, venturing into the Amazon rainforest for jungle lodge stays, hiking to volcanic hot springs in the Andes, or browsing the colourful indigenous markets of Otavalo. Our advisors handle the complete package—flights, hotels, guided tours, and transfers—so your entire South American experience connects effortlessly around your Galápagos cruise.