What to Expect on a Galapagos Cruise

If you’re considering a cruise in the Galapagos, you might be wondering what life onboard actually feels like.

I’ve been lucky enough to experience it firsthand—and I can tell you, it’s a world away from a typical cruise. This is expedition cruising at its most sublime so it is immersive, small-scale, and all about nature. No casinos, no crowds—just the open ocean, incredible wildlife, and a handful of like-minded travellers.

Here’s what to expect on a Galapagos cruise, and be prepared to experience something really special!

Small Ships, Big Experiences

Galapagos cruises are deliberately small. Most vessels carry 16 to 100 passengers, but I always recommend the smaller yachts for a more intimate, rewarding experience. With fewer people, you’ll enjoy personal attention from the crew, deeper connection with your naturalist guide, and easier access to wildlife without the crowds. It feels more like a shared expedition than a conventional cruise—warm, welcoming, and deeply enriching.

A New Island Every Day

You’ll usually sail overnight, waking up each morning at a different island. It’s a magical feeling—one I’ll never forget. Most days include two guided excursions: one in the morning and another in the afternoon. These could include hiking over lava fields, snorkelling with penguins and sea lions, kayaking through mangroves, or birdwatching on untouched beaches. All activities are led by expert naturalist guides, who make every outing meaningful and informative. Just bear in mind, it is often an early start every morning!

Time to Slow Down

Between adventures, the rhythm of the cruise slows. Meals are delicious and sociable, often featuring fresh Ecuadorian produce and local flavours. You might sip a cold drink on deck, leaf through a wildlife book in the lounge, or watch the ocean for dolphins and seabirds. It’s not unusual for a frigatebird to glide alongside the boat as you relax in the sun. This quiet time is part of what makes the Galapagos cruise experience so unique—it’s not just about seeing, but feeling fully present.

Comfort and Cabins

Every boat is different, but most cabins are simple, comfortable and well-equipped, with private bathrooms, air conditioning, and plenty of storage. Some premium ships offer larger suites with balconies or panoramic windows. Still, you likely won’t spend much time in your room—there’s always something to see just beyond the railing. One of my favourite memories was watching dolphins race the boat at dusk from the top deck—completely unexpected and completely unforgettable.

Added Extras

Depending on your ship, you may have access to extras like kayaks, paddleboards, glass-bottom boats, or even hot tubs. Many cruises also offer short lectures or briefings about the next day’s wildlife and landscapes, giving context and insight to everything you see. Some boats are more activity-focused, while others lean into comfort and relaxation—it’s all about finding the right fit for your travel style.

Combining Cruise and Land-Based Travel

If you’re not sure about spending your whole trip at sea, I often recommend a combination. You might cruise for 4 or 5 nights, then unwind with a few days in a hotel on one of the islands (usually Santa Cruz or San Cristobal). This hybrid approach lets you balance adventure with flexibility, and it’s perfect for families or those who want a little more downtime at the end of their trip.

Let’s Find the Right Cruise for You

Choosing the right Galapagos cruise can feel overwhelming—there are lots of boats, routes and styles. There might be many questions you want answered – big or small cruise?; how long should I stay? … – and you want to get it right, as after all, a Galapagos holiday also comes with a certain price tag. But lucky for you, we have done the hard work for you and can help.

Ready to start planning? Browse our selection of cruises and hotels below, and get in touch—I’d love to help you experience the Galapagos the way it’s meant to be seen: up close, unhurried, and unforgettable.

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

Galapagos Boats

Browse our great selection of boats to travel the Galapagos in comfort and style.

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?

EXPLORE THIS GUIDE...

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.