Small Galapagos cruise or Big Galapagos Cruise?

If you are here, it means you are ready to take a once-in-a-lifetime trip to the Galapagos, and you have decided that the best way to visit is with a cruise.

But now you are asking: big cruise or small cruise? What is the difference and which one is better? Well there is no easy answer to this and a lot depends on the experience you’re after.

Here’s a brief guide making the case for both small and big cruises with the ‘need to know’ that can help you make the right choice.

The Case for Small Galapagos Cruises

Personally, I’ve always had a soft spot for the small ships. There’s something magical about waking up to the sound of sea lions just outside your cabin, grabbing a coffee, and stepping off the deck onto a wild volcanic island — all within minutes. That’s the beauty of a small cruise.

Pros:

Highly personalised experience: With fewer passengers, you’re not just a cabin number — the crew and guides get to know you by name, and excursions feel more like private tours.
Faster and more flexible: Less time queuing, more time exploring. It’s easy to make the most of each landing.
Access to remote sites: Smaller vessels can visit locations the bigger ships can’t, often meaning fewer crowds and more wildlife.
Feels like an expedition: The focus is on the nature, the wildlife, the discovery — not the entertainment.

Cons:

Fewer facilities: Don’t expect a spa or a theatre. On some cruises cabins tend to be more compact and the vibe is more adventurous.
Can feel the sea more: Especially during longer crossings, smaller boats move more. If you’re worried about motion sickness, this is something to consider.
Smaller social group: With just 12–16 people onboard, group dynamics can have more impact — though in my experience, Galapagos travellers tend to be curious, friendly and like-minded.

If you want to get up close to nature, feel like part of a small expedition, and make the most of every hour in the islands, a small yacht is hard to beat.

The Case for Big Galapagos Cruises

A larger vessel in the Galapagos gives you a more classic cruise experience, complete with plush lounges, jacuzzis, evening cocktails, and in some cases, even onboard entertainment. These cruises are ideal if you enjoy a little luxury or prefer to mix with a broader group of travellers.

Pros:

More onboard facilities: Think bars, gyms, hot tubs, spacious cabins and varied dining options. Great if you like to relax in comfort between island visits.
Stability at sea: Bigger ships are less affected by swell, which can make a difference if you’re prone to seasickness.
Broader social scene: With more guests onboard, you’ll likely meet fellow travellers from all over the world.

Cons:

Slower logistics: It takes time to get 80–100 people ashore for excursions, which means more waiting and less time exploring.
Larger groups: You’ll often be part of a group of 16+ for landings and guided walks, which can feel less personal.
Limited access: Some of the smaller, more secluded visitor sites are off-limits to big ships due to park regulations.

If you’re looking for a Galapagos experience that includes lots of onboard comfort, a stable ride, and a social buzz, a big cruise might be just the ticket.

Our Honest Recommendation

If you’re the kind of traveller who loves a bit of space, a glass of wine at sunset, and the social side of cruising, go for a larger ship. You’ll still see incredible wildlife — just with a bit more polish and a bit less flexibility.

But if you’re coming to the Galapagos to truly immerse yourself — to feel the remoteness, the wildness, the edge-of-the-world magic — then choose a small cruise. That’s where you’ll find the real heart of these islands.

How we experienced the islands

We travelled on a small, 16 passengers boat – although there were only 12 onboard! – and simply cannot recommend it enough. We got to know the staff and the fellow travellers were just a delight. Yes the cabins were not huge, but the food was delicious, the service personalised, and getting on and off the boat a breeze.

A curated selection of cruise operators

We’ve personally handpicked the boats we work with and we are happy to partner with them because of their sustainability credentials and level of service offered. We only recommend cruises we’d be happy to send our own friends and family on. So whether you lean towards the intimacy of a small yacht or the comfort of a larger vessel.

Get in touch and we can help you find the right fit.

This guide was created by Val, specialist in tailor-made Ecuador and Galapagos adventures.

Quito

Capital of the country and one of the continent's most beautifully preserved colonial cities.

Cotopaxi volcano

One of the world's most photogenic volcanoes! Visit the beautiful and eponymous park.

Otavalo

Charming town, full of indigenous culture and a famous market.

Mindo cloud forest

A birdwatcher paradise!

Coca

The gateway to the an immersive experience into Ecuador's pristine Amazon rainforest.

Banos

Charming town with a lovely square, wonderful nature around and capital of adrenaline sports (if you are so inclined).

Riobamba

A lovely town on the Avenue of volcanoes. Enjoy a 'hornado' (pig roast) al mercado La Merced.
The town is also the getaway for tours to Chimborazo volcano.

Cuenca

Beautiful Cuenca deserves a special mentions as it is one of the most beautiful colonial cities in the continent. The lovely square is gorgeous and the whole city is welcoming and friendly. Go and visit the outdoor flower market for an injection of colour!

Guayaquil

Often overlooked, Guayaquil is mainly an arrival or departure point. However, the malecon is worth having a walk on, and La Penas is the oldest and most pleasant part of the city.

The Galapagos Islands

The Galápagos Islands are famed for their unique wildlife and role in Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution. They are located about 1,000 km (620 miles) off Ecuador’s coast, they feature volcanic landscapes, pristine beaches, and diverse ecosystems. Iconic species include giant tortoises, marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies, and Galápagos penguins. The islands offer a rare glimpse of nature’s adaptability in an isolated paradise and should be on everyone's bucket list.