Galapagos Cruises

What our customers ask about Galapagos Cruises

• What wildlife can I expect to see on a Galapagos Ocean Cruise?

  Each island in the Galapagos presents distinct wildlife viewing opportunities. On North Seymour Island blue-footed boobies are common while giant tortoises roam near the Charles Darwin Research Station on Santa Cruz. Marine iguanas populate Fernandina Island and sea lions frequent Gardner Bay. The waters around Champion Islet and Devil's Crown offer encounters with sea turtles reef sharks and tropical fish. As one TourRadar traveler mentioned: "We saw incredible wildlife including Galapagos penguins flightless cormorants and even got to snorkel with playful sea lions at Lobos Island."

• What's typically included in a Galapagos Ocean Cruise package?

  Standard Galapagos Ocean Cruise packages cover air-conditioned cabin accommodation on vessels like M/C Anahi or Yacht Isabela II along with three daily meals and snacks. The packages include guided tours with certified naturalists snorkeling gear and island-to-island transport via pangas. Galapagos airport transfers and Charles Darwin Research Station entry are covered though the Galapagos National Park fee of USD 200 is typically extra. A TourRadar traveler noted: "Everything was excellent - from the guides to the meals to the comfortable cabins making it worth every penny."

• How many islands do Galapagos Ocean Cruises typically visit?

  Standard Galapagos Ocean Cruises cover 4-6 main islands during 4-8 day trips. Routes often combine central islands like Santa Cruz and Isabela with either western islands such as Fernandina northern territories including Genovesa or southern spots like Española and Floreana. A week-long cruise might visit San Cristóbal Española Floreana Santa Cruz and North Seymour. Extended 10-14 day journeys reach more remote locations like Genovesa and Fernandina with their distinct ecosystems.

• What type of boats are used for Galapagos Ocean Cruises?

  The Galapagos fleet ranges from upscale yachts to modern catamarans. The M/C Anahi a 16-passenger catamaran offers 8 climate-controlled cabins while the Yacht Isabela II provides premium staterooms. These vessels feature open-air decks dining spaces lounges and current navigation systems. The Archipel I catamaran represents a typical vessel with 6 twin cabins 2 double cabins private bathrooms and sea views throughout.

• What's the best cruise length for experiencing the Galapagos Islands?

  Seven to eight-day cruises provide the most balanced Galapagos experience allowing visits to both central and outlying islands. While 4-day trips offer a quick overview extended 10-14 day voyages on vessels like M/C Anahi reach distant spots such as Genovesa and Fernandina Islands. According to a TourRadar traveler: "The 8-day cruise was perfect - enough time to see diverse wildlife and landscapes without feeling rushed."

• How much does a Galapagos Ocean Cruise typically cost?

  Prices for Galapagos Ocean Cruises start at USD 2395 for 4-day experiences and reach USD 11739 for two-week journeys that may include Machu Picchu. These rates cover lodging meals guided tours and snorkeling equipment. Travelers should budget extra for the USD 200 National Park fee and USD 20 Transit Control Card. A TourRadar traveler shared: "While not cheap the experience was worth every penny given the exceptional service comfortable accommodation and incredible wildlife encounters."