Every landing is timed to the wildlife, not the clock. Blue-footed booby courtship, marine iguana colonies, waved albatross — see them where the Big 15 live.
One Destination Expert, from your first email to the day you board. They build the itinerary and stay on the trip — not a call center, a person.
Yacht La Pinta, Yacht Isabela II and Santa Cruz II — our Galápagos Expedition Vessels, designed, refurbished, and crewed to one standard. Choose by capacity, pace, or the islands you want to see.
Every expedition sails carbon-neutral, on board and on land — independently verified, not self-declared.
Snorkeling, kayaking, paddleboarding, glass-bottom boat rides, panga cruises — every activity included, every day, at no extra cost.
Compare our ships and find the one that fits you best
Make it happen—your dream Galapagos Cruise awaits! Witness iconic wildlife like blue-footed boobies and sea lions up close, while we handle every detail. Metropolitan Touring specializes in inspiring seamless adventures guided by expert Naturalists.
Eight things worth confirming before you book your Galápagos cruise. Our Destination Experts answer every one of them — this is a head start.
December–May is warm, wet, and calm — the best underwater visibility and land-bird courtship. June–November is cool, dry, and current-rich, with peak whale-watching in August and September. There's no wrong season, only the wildlife you came to see.
Five days covers 11 to 12 of the Big 15 species. Seven to nine days adds the Western and Far Northern zones, where Galápagos penguins and flightless cormorants live.
48 on Yacht La Pinta, 40 on Yacht Isabela II and 90 guests on Santa Cruz II. Smaller means closer landings; larger means more onboard variety.
Fly into Quito (UIO) or Guayaquil (GYE), then connect to Baltra. We book your Galapagos flight as part of your itinerary.
Passport valid six months beyond your travel dates, with at least two blank pages. No advance visa required for most nationalities.
Casa Gangotena in Quito, Mashpi Lodge in the cloud forest, or Machu Picchu — all bookable in the same conversation as your cruise.
Strongly recommended: medical coverage plus trip cancellation, arranged before you depart.
Layered outdoor clothing, reef-safe sunscreen, binoculars, and water shoes. A full packing list arrives with your booking confirmation.
Galapagos National Park-certified guides brief every landing in English and Spanish, with decades of island experience — not a script.
A licensed physician and medical station sail on every departure, on all three yachts, every single week.
Every itinerary reaches 11 to 15 of the Big 15 species, depending on length — the deepest coverage of any operator our size.
Fleet and hotel operations are independently verified carbon-neutral — a measured standard, not a claim.
The infographic explains how to filter more than 69 cruises to just 8 best cruises. Please remember that we own and operate 3 of the final 8 cruises.
Five days to Genovesa, the most remote island in the Galapagos and its finest birdwatching site — by way of Bartolomé’s iconic summit and Santiago’s youngest lava fields.
Seven days and eight islands for the most complete Galapagos wildlife expedition we offer — from Española’s albatross colony to Fernandina’s untouched mangroves.
Five days to Genovesa, the Galapagos’ premier birdwatching island, with a stop at Bartolomé’s iconic summit along the way.
Our Galapagos Cruises are the perfect, sustainable option for enjoying a fantastic expedition throughout the magical archipelago. Our dedicated team is readily available to make your trip the best it can be! We guarantee that you’ll amass unforgettable stories when you travel aboard with us and experience a perfect balance of adventure and relaxation. Make the most of your journey by knowing the best time to visit the Galapagos for optimal wildlife encounters!
Seize this opportunity to enjoy a Galapagos experience like no other!
Have a quick look at what our travelers and guest are saying about us!
Seventy years of running Galapagos Expeditions taught us what actually matters to travelers. Here’s what that looks like in practice.
We co-fund research and park-ranger infrastructure inside Galapagos National Park and support the Charles Darwin Foundation, alongside carbon-neutral fleet and hotel operations.
The best time to cruise the Galapagos Islands depends on your interests and the activities you wish to enjoy. The Galapagos is a year-round destination, but here are some highlights:
Ultimately, the best time to visit depends on your preferences for weather, activities, and wildlife encounters.
Our expedition vessels are well-suited for active seniors, offering a superb balance of comfort and adventure. With stable footing, attentive staff, and thoughtfully paced excursions, guests of all mobility levels can comfortably enjoy the islands’ wonders without compromising the experience.
Our all-inclusive cruise packages promise luxurious accommodations, exquisite meals and snacks, and expertly guided shore excursions led by knowledgeable naturalists. Enjoy a wealth of onboard amenities designed for your comfort and entertainment. Additionally, there is a doctor on board to ensure your continuous safety. Plus, with park fees, flights, and crew gratuities typically separate, you have the freedom to customize your travel experience to suit your desires. Enhance your vacation experience by embarking on one of our top-rated Galapagos cruises!
To start your Galapagos cruise, you’ll need to fly to the Galapagos Islands from mainland Ecuador. Flights depart from Quito (Mariscal Sucre International Airport) or Guayaquil (Jose Joaquin de Olmedo International Airport). The Galapagos has two main airports: Seymour Airport on Baltra Island, ideal for cruises departing near Santa Cruz, and San Cristobal Airport, serving the eastern region of the archipelago. Your choice depends on your cruise itinerary and starting point. Both airports provide easy access to the islands, ensuring a smooth transition to your adventure in this extraordinary destination.
Galapagos cruises can be pricey, reflecting their unique value and the overall cost of visiting the Galapagos. Costs stem from the islands’ remote location, which requires goods and visitors to be flown in, and from strict conservation efforts as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Fees like the National Park Entrance Fee help preserve the park. Cruises offer high-quality experiences, including certified guides, all-inclusive meals, and seamless logistics. Prices range from budget options ($5,000 for 5 days) to premium expedition cruise complete packages ($10,000+). While expensive, these trips offer unparalleled access to wildlife, stunning landscapes, and tailored adventures, making them a worthwhile investment in an unforgettable experience and in the protection of this extraordinary destination.
On a Galapagos cruise, you can expect to encounter an incredible array of wildlife, including the iconic Big 15 species. Highlights include:
Each species offers a unique glimpse into the archipelago’s extraordinary biodiversity.
Questions? Need help deciding?
Have a chat with our Destination Experts that have enjoyed our itineraries!
“Melissa has been fantastic! She answers all my questions, gets back to me quickly, and has mapped out a wonderful trip for us. I couldn’t be happier with the service I have received.”
– Mary Kabat
We'll call you back within 5 minutes.
