Galápagos Cruises: Your Extraordinary Expedition Awaits

From the ancient giant tortoises and marine iguanas to the dramatic volcanic landscapes and pristine waters teeming with life, discover why the Galápagos Islands remain one of the most awe-inspiring expedition cruise destinations on Earth.

Your Extraordinary Galápagos Adventure Awaits

The Galápagos Islands are unlike anywhere else on the planet — a living laboratory of evolution where wildlife has no fear of humans and every island reveals a new wonder. Located roughly 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to species found nowhere else on Earth, from blue-footed boobies and flightless cormorants to the iconic Galápagos giant tortoise. With year-round equatorial temperatures hovering between 70–85°F, these enchanted islands invite discovery in every season.

A stunning aurora borealis illuminates the night sky above a serene mountain lake with rocky shorelines and snow-capped peaks. The green and blue celestial lights dance across a starry dark sky, creating a mesmerizing natural spectacle.
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A dramatic landscape featuring rugged, snow-covered mountains with sharp peaks against a blue sky, overlooking a black sand beach with golden grass in the foreground. A solitary figure stands in the landscape, providing scale to the immense natural scenery.
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A stunning panoramic view of Prague's historic cityscape featuring Prague Castle, the Charles Bridge, and the Vltava River under a clear blue sky.
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A picturesque aerial view of Český Krumlov, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Czech Republic, featuring tightly clustered red-roofed buildings nestled along a meandering river with a castle and church towers rising above the landscape.
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Extraordinary Wildlife

Encounter fearless wildlife found nowhere else — giant tortoises, marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies, and playful sea lions that welcome you into their world.

Immersive Exploration

Snorkel alongside sea turtles, kayak through mangrove coves, hike volcanic craters, and walk in Darwin’s footsteps with expert naturalist guides at your side.

Intimate Small-Ship Cruising

The Galápagos is best experienced aboard intimate expedition vessels — small ships that access remote landing sites and create a personalized, expert-led voyage.

Explore the Galápagos Islands

The Galápagos archipelago comprises distinct island groups, each offering unique landscapes and wildlife encounters. Our expedition cruise advisors will help you select the perfect itinerary to match your interests.

A panoramic view of Prague showcasing its historic architecture, multiple bridges spanning the Vltava River, and lush green landscapes with purple flowers in the foreground.
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Central Islands

Key Islands: Santa Cruz, Baltra, South Plaza, Santa Fe, North Seymour

Known For: Charles Darwin Research Station, giant tortoise breeding centers, sea lion colonies, land iguanas

Ideal For: First-time Galápagos visitors seeking iconic wildlife encounters

Duration: 4–5 nights

A picturesque panoramic view of the historic Old Town Market Square in Warsaw, Poland, featuring colorful baroque townhouses and outdoor cafe terraces at twilight.
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Southern & Eastern Islands

Key Islands: Española, Floreana, San Cristóbal

Known For: Waved albatross colony (Española), flamingo lagoons, blowhole formations, sea turtle nesting beaches

Ideal For: Bird enthusiasts and travelers seeking less-visited, pristine environments

Duration: 4–5 nights

A picturesque panoramic view of the historic market square in Warsaw's Old Town, featuring colorful tenement houses, outdoor cafes, and a central open cobblestone plaza at twilight.
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Western Islands

Key Islands: Isabela, Fernandina

Known For: Galápagos penguins, flightless cormorants, volcanic calderas, marine iguanas, whale and dolphin sightings

Ideal For: Experienced expedition travelers seeking remote, pristine wilderness

Duration: 7–10 nights (often combined with central islands)

Compare Galápagos Cruise Itineraries

Feature Central Islands Southern & Eastern Islands Western Islands
Typical Duration 4–5 nights 4–5 nights 7–10 nights
Main Embarkation Points Baltra, Santa Cruz San Cristóbal Baltra (combined itineraries)
Best For First-time visitors, families, wildlife lovers Birders, history enthusiasts, snorkelers Adventurers, photographers, repeat visitors
Highlights Giant tortoises, sea lions, Darwin Station Waved albatross, flamingos, snorkeling coves Penguins, flightless cormorants, volcanic calderas

A tourist boat navigates the turbulent waters near the magnificent Horseshoe Falls at Niagara Falls, with powerful white water and mist creating a dramatic landscape.
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Our Galápagos expedition cruise advisors will guide your voyage of discovery.

Planning a Galápagos expedition cruise involves navigating unique considerations — from strict visitor regulations and limited vessel capacities to choosing between diverse island itineraries. That’s where our expert advisors make all the difference.

In the Central Islands, you’ll explore Santa Cruz, Baltra, North Seymour, and South Plaza — home to the Charles Darwin Research Station, massive giant tortoise populations, and vibrant sea lion colonies.

The Southern and Eastern Islands include Española, Floreana, and San Cristóbal, offering rare wildlife like the waved albatross, spectacular snorkeling, and the fascinating human history of the archipelago’s earliest settlements.

Journey to the Western Islands of Isabela and Fernandina for the most remote and pristine wilderness — volcanic calderas, Galápagos penguins, flightless cormorants, and some of the richest marine life in the archipelago.

The Galápagos National Park strictly limits the number of visitors at each landing site, making advance planning essential. Expedition vessels fill quickly, and the best cabins on the most sought-after ships are often reserved months in advance.

If navigating all of this sounds complex, rest assured — every detail will be expertly handled by Extraordinary Adventures and our dedicated expedition cruise advisors. Call us today!

Beyond the Galápagos

Many Galápagos expedition itineraries can be extended or combined with incredible destinations on mainland Ecuador and beyond for an even more extraordinary journey.

  • Quito, Ecuador – UNESCO World Heritage colonial capital nestled at 9,350 feet in the Andes
  • Amazon Rainforest – Unparalleled biodiversity and indigenous cultural encounters
  • Machu Picchu, Peru – Iconic Incan citadel and one of the world’s great wonders
  • South America Expedition Cruises – Extend your voyage along the coasts of Chile, Argentina, or to Antarctica
Panoramic view of Prague featuring the historic Charles Bridge spanning the Vltava River, with Prague Castle and St. Vitus Cathedral prominently displayed in the background.
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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.

Our specialty cruise advisors will ensure your voyage is everything you dreamed.

Rarely will any of us make it to these extraordinary places more than once. So, if you’re going to do it at all, you should do it right. Let the experts at Extraordinary Adventures ensure that your voyage to these remote destinations is everything you dreamed it would be.

They don’t call us Extraordinary Adventures for nothing, you know.

Best Time to Cruise the Galápagos

The Galápagos Islands are a year-round destination straddling the equator, though each season brings distinct experiences that appeal to different interests.

Warm & Wet Season (January – June): Warmer air temperatures reaching 80–85°F, calm seas, and warmer water temperatures ideal for snorkeling and swimming. This is also the season of courtship and nesting — sea birds display, green sea turtles nest, and marine iguanas take on vivid red and green breeding colors.

Cool & Dry Season (July – December): Air temperatures around 70–75°F with the nutrient-rich Humboldt Current bringing cooler waters. This is peak season for marine life — humpback whales migrate through, Galápagos penguins are most active, and underwater visibility can be spectacular. Sea conditions may be choppier.

Peak wildlife moments occur year-round: blue-footed boobies court in June, waved albatross nest from April through December, and giant tortoises can be observed every month of the year. Your expedition cruise advisor can help you time your voyage to the wildlife encounters that matter most to you.

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Why Book with Extraordinary Adventures

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

The Galápagos is a year-round destination with unique wildlife experiences in every season. The warm season (January–June) brings calmer seas, warmer water for snorkeling, and nesting activity. The cool season (July–December) features the nutrient-rich Humboldt Current, attracting humpback whales and making penguins most active. Your expedition cruise advisor can help you choose the season that aligns with the wildlife encounters you most want to experience.

Most travelers fly to Quito or Guayaquil, Ecuador, and then take a connecting flight to either Baltra Island or San Cristóbal Island — the two airports serving the Galápagos. Flight time from the mainland is approximately two hours. Many expedition cruise itineraries begin and end at one of these airports. Our White Glove Service can coordinate every flight, hotel, and transfer seamlessly.

Galápagos National Park regulations limit most expedition vessels to 100 passengers or fewer, with many carrying between 16 and 48 guests. These intimate ships allow access to remote landing sites, create a personalized atmosphere, and ensure small group sizes with expert naturalist guides — typically no more than 16 guests per guide.

Galápagos expedition cruises accommodate a range of fitness levels. Most landings involve stepping from a small Zodiac dinghy onto rocky shores, and walking trails vary from easy flat paths to moderate hikes over uneven volcanic terrain. Snorkeling is a highlight but is optional. Your advisor can recommend vessels and itineraries that match your comfort level and mobility.

Essential items include lightweight, quick-dry clothing, sturdy water shoes for wet landings, reef-safe sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, polarized sunglasses, and a good camera with a zoom lens. A light rain jacket and layers for cooler evenings are important. Snorkeling gear is typically provided onboard, though bringing your own mask ensures a perfect fit. Your cruise advisor can provide a complete packing list tailored to your vessel and season.

Several expedition cruise lines operate in the Galápagos, including Silversea Expeditions, Hurtigruten, Quark Expeditions, and Celebrity Cruises (Celebrity Flora and Celebrity Xploration). Lindblad Expeditions–National Geographic and several boutique operators also run highly regarded programs. Our advisors are certified specialists who can match you with the ideal vessel for your preferences, from luxury expedition yachts to more adventurous small ships.

Yes, the Galápagos can be a remarkable family destination, particularly for children who are curious about nature and wildlife. Many expedition lines welcome families and some offer dedicated family departures with age-appropriate naturalist programs. The close wildlife encounters — sea lions, tortoises, and birds that show no fear of humans — create unforgettable educational experiences for young travelers.

The Galápagos is home to an extraordinary array of endemic species. Iconic encounters include giant tortoises, marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies, Galápagos penguins, sea lions, fur seals, waved albatross (seasonal on Española), flightless cormorants, Darwin’s finches, frigatebirds, and Galápagos hawks. Underwater, expect sea turtles, rays, reef sharks, and colorful tropical fish. The specific species you encounter depends on which islands your itinerary visits and the time of year.

We recommend booking 6 to 12 months in advance for the best selection of vessels, cabins, and departure dates. The Galápagos National Park limits the number of visitors, and the most sought-after expedition ships — particularly during peak season and holiday periods — sell out quickly. Your Extraordinary Adventures cruise advisor can help you secure the ideal voyage well ahead of time.

Yes. All visitors must pay a Galápagos National Park entrance fee (currently $100 per adult) and a Transit Control Card fee ($20) upon arrival. These fees are typically not included in cruise fares. Some vessels may also charge separately for certain premium excursions or equipment rentals. Your advisor will outline all expected costs upfront so there are no surprises.

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