Ocean Cruise Tours & Trips in Ecuador
Imagine flying to Baltra and meeting your guide, exploring Santa Cruz's giant tortoises, and snorkeling with sea lions at Rábida? That’s bucket list stuff! Hike to Bartolomé's summit for views, and visit the Charles Darwin Research Station. The Galápagos Islands are genuinely extraordinary for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts, and the entire Ecuador region is perfect for a comfortable ocean cruise.
Excellent
- Choose from 7 Ecuador tours
- 1,000+ verified reviews from TourRadar travelers
- 24/7 customer support
7 best Ocean Cruise Ecuador tour packages
Compiled by
NadineEcuador travel expert at TourRadar
- Galapagos Encounters - 7 days
- Ultimate Galapagos - 10 days
- Iconic Wildlife & Sublime Scenery (Western Route) (2025)
- Nature and Wildlife Expedition Cruise (Northern Route) (2025)
- Highlights of the Galapagos - 14 days
- Nine of the Best Isles | plus Machu Picchu (Western and Northern Route) (2025)
- Independent Galapagos cruise aboard the Galápagos Legend
The M/C Anahi's 14-night expedition through Ecuador's iconic archipelago awaits. Visit Elizabeth Bay's mangroves, snorkel at Devil's Crown, and stop at historic Post Office Bay. Premium cabins feature A/C and en-suite facilities during visits to seven distinct islands.
Duration 7 days Destinations Quito, Baltra Island, Santa Cruz Island, Genovesa Island, South Plaza Island, Santa Fé Island, San Cristóbal Island, Leon Dormido, Lobos Island, Puerto Baquerizo Moreno Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator On The Go Tours From
- US$4,635
The M/C Anahi offers a 7-night Galapagos adventure from Baltra to Santa Cruz. Highlights include snorkeling at Devil's Crown and wildlife watching at Post Office Bay. Spacious 14m² cabins provide ocean views and modern amenities.
Duration 10 days Destinations Quito, Baltra Island, Santa Cruz Island, Genovesa Island, South Plaza Island, Santa Fé Island, San Cristóbal Island, Española Island, Floreana Island Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator On The Go Tours From
- US$6,810
MS Santa Cruz II takes you through Ecuador's Galápagos with stops at Dragon Hill, Punta Vicente Roca, and Champion Islet. Marine iguanas, penguins, and fur seals appear while expert naturalists guide your journey.
No departure dates availableDuration 7 days Destinations Quito, Baltra Island, Santa Cruz Island, Isabela Island, Fernandina Island, Puerto Ayora, Floreana Island Age Range Ages 6+ Operator Hurtigruten 
The MS Santa Cruz II takes you through 8 diverse locations in Ecuador's waters. The route from Baltra includes stops at Dragon Hill's flamingos, Puerto Egas's fur seals, and Genovesa Island's vast bird colonies, with expert naturalists guiding each stop.
No departure dates availableDuration 7 days Destinations Quito, Baltra Island, Santa Cruz Island, Santiago Island, Rabida Island, Bartolomé Island, Genovesa Island Age Range Ages 6+ Operator Hurtigruten 
M/C Anahi catamaran glides through Ecuador's marine paradise. The itinerary features Elizabeth Bay's mangroves, Las Tintoreras islets' snorkeling spots, and Sierra Negra's volcanic terrain. Naturalists lead excursions to Punta Espinoza's marine iguanas and Puerto Egas' sea lion colonies.
Duration 14 days Destinations Quito, Baltra Island, Santa Cruz Island, Puerto Ayora, Isabela Island, Las Tintoreras Islet, Puerto Villamil, Fernandina Island, Santiago Island, Rabida IslandSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator On The Go Tours From
- US$9,685
MS Santa Cruz II visits nine distinct Galápagos Islands. Passengers snorkel alongside sea turtles at Champion Islet, observe penguins at Punta Vicente Roca, and meet giant tortoises at Charles Darwin Research Station. Premium amenities and expert naturalists enhance the journey.
No departure dates availableDuration 14 days Destinations Lima, Miraflores, Cusco, Ollantaytambo, Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu, Quito, Baltra Island, Santa Cruz Island, Isabela IslandSee all destinations Age Range Ages 6+ Operator Hurtigruten 
The Galápagos Legend welcomes you aboard with spacious cabins and expert naturalists. The ship visits North Seymour's seabird colonies, provides snorkeling in Sullivan Bay's clear waters, and takes you to San Cristóbal's Giant Tortoise Reserve over three nights.
Duration 7 days Destinations Quito, Baltra Island, Seymour Norte, Bartolomé Island, Santiago Island, San Cristóbal Island, Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, Guayaquil Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Globus From
- US$5,199+$220 upfront costs
What our customers ask about Ocean Cruise Tours & Trips in Ecuador
When is the best time to take an Ocean Cruise in the Galapagos Islands of Ecuador?
The Galapagos Islands welcome visitors throughout the year. The peak season runs from December to May with calmer seas and temperatures around 80°F (27°C). These conditions are ideal for spotting wildlife and swimming near Genovesa Island and Española Island. The dry season from June to November brings cooler temperatures but offers excellent snorkeling opportunities particularly around Champion Islet and Devil's Crown. A TourRadar traveler noted: "The weather in March was perfect for our cruise - warm enough for snorkeling but not too hot for hiking."
What type of wildlife can I expect to see on an Ecuador Ocean Cruise?
The Galapagos Islands present rich wildlife viewing from both ship and shore. North Seymour Island hosts blue-footed boobies and frigate birds while Fernandina Island is known for its marine iguanas. The Charles Darwin Research Station on Santa Cruz Island provides close encounters with giant tortoises. Waters between Isabela and Floreana Islands often reveal whales dolphins and sea turtles. Snorkeling spots like Champion Islet let visitors swim alongside sea lions and tropical fish. A TourRadar traveler shared: "The wildlife encounters were incredible - we saw everything from Galapagos penguins at Tagus Cove to flamingos at Cormorant Point."
How many islands can I visit during an Ecuador Ocean Cruise?
Most Galapagos Ocean Cruises cover 6-9 islands in 4-8 days. The Western route explores Isabela Fernandina and Santa Cruz islands while the Eastern journey takes in San Cristóbal Española and Floreana islands. Cruises depart from either Baltra or San Cristóbal Island including stops at notable sites like Prince Philip Steps on Genovesa Island and the Charles Darwin Research Station. One TourRadar traveler noted: "Our 8-day cruise aboard the Archipel I took us to 9 different islands each offering unique landscapes and wildlife experiences."
What type of accommodation can I expect on an Ecuador Ocean Cruise?
Galapagos cruise vessels offer accommodations ranging from standard cabins to upscale suites. The M/C Anahi catamaran provides six twin cabins (14m²) on the main deck and two suite cabins (25m²) on the upper deck with modern amenities. The Isabela II features ocean-view staterooms while the Grand Queen Beatriz offers balcony cabins. As one TourRadar traveler commented: "Our cabin on the Archipel I was surprisingly spacious with large windows and modern amenities - much more comfortable than expected."
How many passengers are typically on an Ecuador Ocean Cruise?
Galapagos cruise vessels typically carry between 16-32 passengers ensuring personal attention and environmental protection. The Archipel I hosts 16 guests while the larger Santa Cruz II accommodates up to 90 passengers across five decks. Smaller vessels like the Monserrat with 10 cabins provide intimate experiences at locations such as Punta Suárez and Post Office Bay. A TourRadar traveler shared: "Having only 16 passengers on our cruise meant we got plenty of attention from the naturalist guides and could really get to know our fellow travelers."
What dining options are available on Ecuador Ocean Cruises?
Galapagos cruises serve three daily meals combining local Ecuadorian and international dishes. The M/C Anahi offers breakfast buffets with tropical fruits eggs and pastries followed by lunches and dinners featuring seafood meats and vegetarian options. Vessels like the Grand Queen Beatriz can accommodate dietary restrictions with advance notice. Water tea and coffee flow freely throughout the day. A TourRadar traveler praised: "The food aboard exceeded our expectations - fresh varied and beautifully presented especially the seafood caught around the Galapagos Islands."