Galapagos Cruises
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Petrel Galapagos Cruise Ship voyage
Petrel Galapagos Cruise Ship voyage

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Galapagos Cruises

Cruise the Galapagos Islands on an Ecuador tour! The Galapagos Islands are Ecuador’s world-famous wildlife destination. There is a bewildering variety of cruise itineraries of the Galapagos Islands! The general rule is that all itineraries include a good amount of variety and will include several islands. The shortest Galapagos cruises are three nights, the longest is 14 nights. For most travelers we’d recommend a cruise of four to seven nights, you’ll be sure to see plenty of the wildlife of the Galapagos Islands on a cruise of this length. There are so many things to do while on a Galapagos Cruise. You can study wildlife close-up while snorkeling, hiking, and relaxing on the islands. You will also, typically, make a couple of island landings and embark on small guided tours.Β The tours on a Galapagos Islands cruise typically include short walks, snorkeling, and sometimes kayaking. See all of our fully customizable Galapagos Cruises below.

Update: Ecuador Covid-19 Travel – Ecuador is open for travel again!
Ecuador & The Galapagos Islands have reopened to tourists and we’re delighted to be planning trips again.

Entry requirements:
Travelers who can prove they’ve been vaccinated do not need a test to enter mainland Ecuador. Otherwise, an antigen or PCR test is required.
Additionally, an antigen test may be carried out on arrival in Ecuador
A health declaration must be presented on arrival in Ecuador
Galapagos Islands require a PCR test, regardless of vaccination status.
See full details at IATA Travel Centre
Flights:
Most international flights have resumed, including from the USA, Canada and Europe.
Domestic flights are operating
Updated Mar 22, 2021

Elsewhere in South America

Country
(Click below for more info)
Open without quarantine? Covid-19 test required before travel?
Antarctica See entry country details (Argentina or Chile)
Argentina YES Recommended
Bolivia YES Yes – PCR (72hrs) if not fully vaccinated
Brazil YES Must be fully vaccinated (12 years+) or Antigen or PCR – 24hrs prior to boarding flight
Chile YES Proof of full vaccination required (6 years+)
Negative PCR test, taken maximum 72 hours before boarding final leg of flight to Chile
Colombia YES PCR (72hrs) required if not fully vaccinated
Ecuador & Galapagos YES Must be fully vaccinated (12 years+)
French Guiana YES
Guyana YES Yes (PCR)
Paraguay YES Yes (PCR or LAMP)
Peru & Machu Picchu YES Proof of vaccination required (12 years+)
If not fully vaccinated, PCR Test required within 48 hours of planned departure to Peru
Suriname YES
Uruguay YES
Venezuela YES
Updated May 12, 2022
See IATA Travel Centre for more detail

Top 7 Galapagos Islands Cruises


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5 Best Galapagos Cruises for 2024


Tour Name Price Duration Description
Luxury Galapagos Cruise & Ecuador Trains from $10645 14 Days The Luxury Ecuador Galapagos and Train Tour is a 3-for-one special! Start your journey visiting some of Quito's best highlights, on a guided city...
Galapagos Island Coral Cruises from $1824 8 Days Discover the Galapagos Islands and its amazing wildlife and beautiful landscapes on the Coral I and Coral II cruise ships. Note: The itinerary is f...

Galapagos Islands Cruises Travel FAQ’s

Thinking about a Galapagos Islands trip? Here’s a list of frequently asked questions we often hear from our guests.

What cruise lines go to the Galapagos Islands?

Major cruise lines do not operate much in the Galapagos Islands. Most ships are Ecuadorian owned and operated. A more important consideration than the cruise line is what size and style of ship are you looking for. There are ships as small as sixteen passengers up to ones as large as over 100 passengers. A range of standards exists from simple but comfortable to very exclusive. Some of our favorites top Galapagos ships include the M/C Petrel and Camila. Some of the best value Galapagos cruises include the MY Coral I and II.

How much does a Galapagos cruise cost?

There is a huge range in standard and style of the ship as well as the length of cruise. For an approximate idea, budget from US$450 per person per day upwards, this includes meals and excursions. Expect to pay about US$500 for return flights from mainland Ecuador. Galapagos Park fees are US$100 per person.

Where do Galapagos cruises depart from?

All cruises start from either Santa Cruz or San Cristobal Islands. For cruises starting from Santa Cruz, you fly into Baltra and are taken from the airport on a short ferry ride to Santa Cruz Island from where your cruise departs. If your cruise starts from San Cristobal, you fly into San Cristobal and are driven to the ship. Some cruises start and end and at the same point, others start in one port and end in another.

Can you do the Galapagos without a tour?

It is possible to simply stay in a hotel on the Galapagos without any tours. However, this really isn’t something we’d recommend. You would be restricted to one island and just one part of the island so you’d not see much variety and would miss out on expert guiding.

How long is the boat ride from Ecuador to Galapagos?

All Galapagos cruises start and end in the Galapagos Islands. The journey from mainland Ecuador is made of air. It is a two-hour flight from Quito or Guayaquil to the islands. Your flight will arrive either at Baltra or San Cristobal.
Galapagos cruise near shore

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Create Your Own Custom Tour

Click your preferences: Destinations & Activities. Be as specific or general as you like - or click Help Me Decide! We'll spice it with hidden gems & personal tips to create your perfect trip.

Choose Amazon destinations (optional)
Choose destinations (optional)
Choose Bolivia destinations (optional)
Choose Brazil destinations (opt)
Choose Chile destinations (opt)
Choose Colombia & Panama destinations (optional)
Choose Ecuador & Galapagos destinations (optional)
Choose Paraguay & Uruguay destinations (optional)
Choose Patagonia & Antarctica destinations (optional)
Choose Peru destinations (optional)
Choose Guianas destinations (optional)
Choose Interests
Choose activities
What category of accommodation?

You can choose more than one!

When would you like to go?
for
How many travelers?
age groups
age groups
Review my trip summary
destinations

activities

accommodations

when

who

Highly recommended - Phone: We ❀️ to talk! A brief chat with your personal Travel Consultant helps us create your perfect trip!

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