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Small Ship Cruises in Galapagos

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

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

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

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

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

Best Galapagos Tours

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How to get to the Galapagos Islands

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

Where do Galapagos Cruises depart from?

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

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

Galapagos Cruise Tips

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Galapagos Island cruises FAQ

How to book a Galapagos cruise

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

1. Go to the search page for Galapagos cruises

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What to pack on a Galapagos cruise trip

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

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

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

What is the best time to cruise the Galapagos?

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

Warm/Wet Season (December - May)

Weather:: Warmer air and water temperatures, more sunshine, occasional short rain showers.
Seas:: Generally calmer, making for smoother cruises.
Wildlife:: Breeding season for many species including seabirds, tortoises, and land iguanas. Abundant wildlife activity both on land and in the water.
Pros:: Ideal for swimming and snorkeling due to warmer water and great underwater visibility. Lush landscapes.
Cons:: Can be more crowded and slightly more expensive as it's the peak season.

Cool/Dry Season (June - November)

Weather:: Cooler air and sea temperatures, occasional light mist (garúa), less sunshine.
Seas:: Slightly rougher waters due to the Humboldt Current.
Wildlife:: Nutrient-rich waters attract whales and dolphins. Penguins are more active. Sea lions are in their breeding season.
Pros:: Excellent for seeing marine mammals. Less crowded.
Cons:: Rougher waters might be an issue for those prone to seasickness. Cooler water temperatures might make snorkeling slightly less comfortable.

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

Warm water, snorkeling, lush scenery: December to May is perfect. Whales, penguins, less crowded experience: June to November is a great choice.

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

Galapagos Reviews

9.3 Superb
95 Verified Reviews

9.2 Superb
John S
United States

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

Cruising Galapagos in March on the Galapagos Legend

8.8 Fabulous
robert F
United States

5 star! We absolutely loved it

Cruising Galapagos in March on the Infinity

8.0 Very good
Laura S
United States

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

Cruising Galapagos in July on the Monserrat

8.8 Fabulous
Maureen B
United States

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

Cruising Galapagos in September on the Galapagos Legend

6.8 Review score
Michael W
United States

Snorkeling was good lots of fish decent visibility

Cruising Galapagos in February on the Natural Paradise

10.0 Exceptional
Meng Y
United States

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

Cruising Galapagos in February on the Grand Majestic

10.0 Exceptional
Nancy T
United States

Didn’t dive but the snorkeling was fabulous.

Cruising Galapagos in March on the EcoGalaxy

10.0 Exceptional
FRANK L
United States

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

Cruising Galapagos in April on the Natural Paradise

10.0 Exceptional
Walter W
United States

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

Cruising Galapagos in May on the Archipel I

9.6 Exceptional
Erica R
United States

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

Cruising Galapagos in June on the Infinity

10.0 Exceptional
Russell E
United States

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

Cruising Galapagos in June on the Galaxy

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Small Ship Cruises in Galapagos

Best Galapagos Tours

How to get to the Galapagos Islands

Galapagos Cruise Tips

Galapagos Island cruises FAQ

1. Go to the search page for Galapagos cruises

2. Decide when to go to the Galapagos Islands

3. Compare all the cruise ships in the Galapagos

4. Read the Galapagos reviews by other customers

5. Find the perfect Galapagos itinerary

6. Pick the cabin best suited to your needs

7. Fill out your details and book!

Warm/Wet Season (December - May)

Cool/Dry Season (June - November)

Galapagos Reviews

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