Are you looking for a new way to travel and explore around Galapagos natural paradise? We invite you to discover the top 10 best Galapagos cruises in the Galapagos Islands!
The cruises offer the opportunity to explore several islands over multiple days or even weeks, guided by a trained crew and excellent naturalist guides. Aboard elegant and comfortable facilities you will feel like a king or queen on your throne.
Why choose to travel by cruise?
The Galapagos Islands have an impressive natural wealth. On its 13 main islands and dozens of smaller islets, it is home to spectacular marine and wildlife with animals and plants found nowhere else in the world.
The islands were declarated a Natural World Heritage site in 1976, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1984 and a Ramsar Site in 2001. Galapagos National Park (1),covers more than 5,000 square kilometers and practically all of the visitor sites are accessible only by boat. Even tourists traveling by land must take a day boat to explore the nature and wildlife of the islands.
Imagine have the opportunity to wake up every morning in a new destination, explore the Galapagos lands with professional guides, snorkeling, kayaking or paddle boarding.
Thus, here is a list of the best 10 cruises to travel through the enchanted islands.
The best Galapagos cruises
The Aqua Mare – Superyacht
As the first true superyacht in the Galapagos Islands, Aqua Mare was launched in November 2021 and it operates exclusively within the Galapagos.
Aqua Mare is a luxury cruise with a length of 49.77m, a beam of 9.3m, a draft of 3.2m and a volume of 641 GT. The yacht’s builder is shipyard CNR from Italy. Built in 1998, this yacht features interior styling by Francois Zuretti.
The Galapagos Aqua Mare is comfortable and convenient. Offers guest accommodation for up to 16 guests in 7 large Zuretti-designed suites. Including an 80 sqm Owner’s Suite complete and six cabins that can operate as twins or doubles.
There are 6 crew onboard with exclusive steward service, extravagant indoor and outdoor social spaces, elegant finishing, amenities such as a beach club for you to relax. Retreat to the deck jacuzzi and soak up the scenery.
Aqua Mare is the newest vessel operated by Aqua Expeditions–famous for its cruises in the Amazon Mekong, and Indonesia. The option is perfect for luxury yacht charters with families of friends, offering ample opportunities to kick back and relax, with durations of seven and fourteen nights.
The prices of the luxury yacht can vary depending on the time of the year, and an approximate cost can be found from $9,450.
2 Stella Maris – Motor yacht
The Stella Maris is the finest luxury yacht in the Galapagos. It 38-meter-long yacht is specially designed and refitted to be as ecologically-friendly as possible so that it does not disrupt the delicate balance of the islands.
Stella Maris features a steel mono-hull with an aluminum superstructure and two Caterpillar engines, each delivering 625 horsepower. These large twin engines enable a cruising speed of 11 knots, with a maximum speed of 14 knots.
The luxurious yacht belongs to the family Galasam has been operating cruises in The Galapagos since the year 1980. The Yacht accommodates up to 12 guests, served by a crew of ten in style as they explore the unique ecosystems of the Galapagos Islands.
This is a true charter yacht, designed for exclusive use by an extended family or a group of close friends. Offers six air-conditioned en-suite staterooms. And different exclusive facilities.
This option of yacht is available exclusively as a Galapagos charter for eight days / seven nights, Monday to Monday. And an approximate cost can be found from $10,000.
3 Galapagos Elite – Motor catamaran
The Galapagos Elite luxury motor catamaran began operation on June 15th, 2019. This elegant and spacious catamaran has a length of 123 feet, a beam of 44 feet.
Elite has 10 crew members, a cruise director, and a naturalist guide. It has 8 suites and 1 single cabin, all with panoramic views and private balconies. The beds in the suites are convertible and can be arranged to the guest’s needs.
Among The Elite’s amenities are a lounge,jacuzzi, bar, salon, Semi-covered sky deck, other indoor and outdoor social areas, whirlpool hot tub, and 180-degree panoramic views.
If you are looking for perfection and comfort, Elite is the ideal. Offers 3, 4 and 7-night cruise itineraries including available charter options to make your Galapagos trip a memorable one.
The prices of the luxury catamaran can vary depending on the time of the year, and an approximate cost can be found from $ 4,250.
4 Galapagos Endemic- Motor catamaran
The M/C Endemic is one of the newest luxury catamaran cruising the Galapagos Islands was launched in July 2018. This luxury vessel is considered “senior-friendly”. It has fewer stairs than other catamarans.
The vessel is 115 feet long, with a width (beam) of 45 feet, and a draft to baseline of 6.1 feet. With two 500-horsepower engines, Galapagos Endemic has a cruising speed of 12 knots.
This luxury catamaran has a capacity for 16 passengers, eleven crew members plus guide, offering a service ratio of almost one to one. Endemic cruise has 8 suites and 1 single cabin. Each suite has balcony, spacious private bathroom, and either a king-size bed or two twin-size beds.
Imagine waking up in your spacious cabin and stepping out onto your private balcony to watch the sunrise over the Galapagos Islands. Endemic offers to the guests elegant exteriors, spacious areas for high-end accommodation, social, and open areas in a 3, 4 and 7-night cruise itineraries.
The price of this luxurious experience starts at $4,225.
5 Galapagos Infinity- Motor yacht
Among the newest and most advanced luxury motor yachts in the Galapagos Islands. Infinity was made in 2018 and has become one of the favorites options for travel by cruise.
This Galapagos Infinity motor yacht has capacity for 20 passengers, 10 crew members and with two expert naturalist guides. This small group allows plenty of space to spread out, both on the ship and during excursions.
The luxury yacht offers 8 double-occupancy cabins and 2 double-occupancy suites with conforty beds, television, DVD player, and panoramic windows. Among the Galapagos Infinity’s amenities are al fresco and indoor dining areas, a sun deck with lounge chairs and whirlpool spa, a bar, and a spacious lounge.
Infinity provides the ultimate floating retreat in the Galapagos in a 3, 4 and 7-night cruise itineraries. Charter itineraries are also available.
The prices of the luxury yacht can vary depending on the time of the year, and an approximate cost can be found from $3,900.
6 Camila- Trimran yacht
Camila the luxury trimaran yacht was launched in April2018, offering even more stability than regular double hull catamarans, as well as more speed, and a quiet ride.
Camila hosting up to 16 passengers with 8 luxury staterooms all have private balconies, and lower beds that can be used as double or twin. A spacious trimaran with rich inclusions to show off the guest experience on board. Kayaks, snorkeling equipment, jacuzzi, ample social areas, outstanding visitor sites, a comfortable lounge and more.
A motorized trimaran, the Camila is designed for comfort and stability. Its cruise itineraries include 4-, 5- and 8-day programs, each visiting the most extraordinary visitor sites in the Galapagos Islands. This crew member provides the extensive knowledge of the exotic plant and wildlife of the archipelago.
A cruise aboard the Camila is a must for every wildlife lover and bird watcher. The cost of this experience starts at $3,600.
7 Grand Majestic – motor yacht
The 127-foot Grand Majestic expertly blends luxury and exploration. The motor yacht was launched in 2018. Majestic maximum speed of 25 knots makes her the fastest Galapagos yacht, and ensures quick journeys, and more time to enjoy your Galapagos experience.
This elegantly sporty yacht has capacity for 16 guests in seven cabins and one master suite. Cabins range in size from 141 to 182 square feet. Also carries a crew of 9, in addition to an expert naturalist guide to give to the guest high-quality services.
Among its features it offers luxurious and cozy social areas, with modern furnishings, al fresco dining, and a Jacuzzi affording wonderful island views.
The Galapagos Grand Majestic offers memorable adventures in 3, 4 and 7-night cruise itineraries. The Galapagos Grand Majestic offers unforgettable adventures. The price of this experience can range from $3000 per person.
8 Ocean spray – motor catamaran
The luxury ocean spray was launched in 2011 and renovated in 2020. It combines surprising speed, a blazing 15 knots, vessel 113 feet long and featuring a beam of 43 feet.
The elegant design carries 16 guests in 9 tasteful cabins. Also a crew of eleven, including a chef and bilingual naturalist guide. Each cabin has ample storage and living space, en-suite bathroom, AC, twin or double beds and private balcony to enjoy the stunning Galapagos views.
The new mega-catamaran Ocean Spray offers the best performance and comfort. The social areas include the indoor lounge and dining area, spacious sun deck with loungers and hot tub and al-fresco deck with bar and dining area.
Cruises aboard the Catamaran cruise can be combined with land-based extensions and dive tours. You can spend four, five, six, eight, and fifteen-day cruises, with departures on Saturdays, Thursdays, and Tuesdays. The cost of this magical experience starts from $ 3,580.
9 Petrel – motor catamaran
Petrel luxury catamaran is one of the newest and most advanced vessels in Galapagos. It was launched in 2015 and renovated in September 2017. The vessel is 115 feet long, with a beam of 41 feet and combines speed 10 knots and steadiness.
Named after a sea bird common to Galapagos, the Petrel is like its namesake: elegant, swift and silent at sea. It carries 16 passengers in nine comfortable cabins. Also the crew of eleven includes an expert bilingual guide, two chefs, and a cruise manager.
A motorized catamaran, the Petrel is designed for comfort and stability. Each guestroom features a private bathroom and air conditioning. All staterooms and suites onboard the Petrel feature large windows and private balconies. Amenities onboard this Galapagos catamaran include: Spacious Lounge, dining area, sundeck with Jetted Tub, jacuzzi and more.
Group-basis cruise options are available for four, five, six, and eight days. Cruises depart Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. The cost of this incredible experience starts at $3,380.
10 Passion – motor yacht
In 2004 the Lazzara shipyard built the 32,3 m/106′ motor yacht «Passion». Its custom equipment and design ensure that guests can explore the wonders of the ocean in style and comfort.
The Passion features up to 8 guests in 4 cabins comprising a master suite, one VIP cabin and two double cabins. The quality offered is due to the provided amenities, notably a deck jacuzzi, ample exterior staterooms and the excellent services.
You can choose the best itinerary option. The Passion is available for charters of eight days / seven nights (Saturday to Saturday) and for five days / four nights (Saturday to Wednesday and Wednesday to Sunday).
The prices of the passion yacht can vary depending on the time of the year, and an approximate cost can be found from $2,700.
Now you have multiple options of luxurious and comfortable cruises to experience the Galapagos Islands and know all the charms it has to offer. We invite you to live the best vacation of your life!.
