What are the best Galapagos cruises? An expert guide

What makes a cruise ‘the best’?

At World of Cruising, our team of experts curate ‘best for…’ guides rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach. We look at what cruise lines stand out for each destination we review and each type of traveller. We look for those subtle, if-you-know-you-know details so we can tailor our recommendations.

At a glance

• The Galapagos Islands are best explored by small, expedition-style ships offering expert-led excursions and close-up wildlife encounters
• Linblad Expeditions, Quasar and Ecoventura provide intimate, nature-focused sailings, often with fewer than 20 guests onboard
• Premium lines like Celebrity and Silversea offer resort-style comfort and inclusions such as guided tours, drinks and Wi-Fi
• HX Hurtigruten and Metropolitan Touring stand out for science-led activities and flexible, multi-guide excursion options

Embrace your inner Charles Darwin and venture out where most cruise lines can’t go. A cruise to the equatorial Galapagos Islands, about 1,000km off the coast of Ecuador, is a journey to the soul of our planet. A timeless adventure that has been beautifully preserved from human development since Darwin’s visit back in 1835. It’s a rare treat to visit, and so it pays to go with the right cruise line.

Best for eco-conscious travel: Ecoventura

A journey to the Galapagos Islands is all about admiring and appreciating nature, and so it makes sense to do it in the most environmentally conscious way. That’s where Ecoventura comes into play. Sailing three beautifully appointed yachts, Ecoventura voyages have been designed to maximise the amount of time you have out on the islands, rather than sailing between them. You’ll be joined by just 20 guests, guided by a dedicated crew of 13, which includes two naturalists and a concierge. Respect for the environment is woven into everything onboard, including the delicious organic and locally sourced dinners you’ll tuck into in the dining room.

Ecoventura is best suited to those who want their adventure to be as eco-aware as it is exciting, where the footprint is light and the experience deep. Prices start at around $10,000 (£7,415) per person, excluding flights

Visit the Ecoventura website.

Best for small-ship cruising: National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions

For expeditions paired with National Geographic insight, there’s only one option. For the most intimate option, National Geographic Delfina - a catamaran purpose-built for exploration voyages - accommodates just 16 guests at a time. At this size, you could even charter it for a big family celebration, or as a special reward trip for your team. Linblad Expeditions has also added two new ships to cover the Galapagos Islands over the next couple of years, NG Gemini and NG Endeavour II. You’ll see more tortoises than humans on your Lindblad Expeditions cruise to the Galapagos Islands.

National Geographic Lindblad is an excellent choice for travellers wanting to get under the skin of the islands, with expert-led exploration in the company of just a handful of other guests. Prices start from around £4,500 per person, excluding flights.

Visit the National Geographic-Lindblad website.

Best for premium comfort: Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity Cruises – well-known for its premium ships – is the only line to bring resort-style cruising to the Galapagos region. The line has one ship, Celebrity Flora, dedicated to sailing around the Galapagos Islands, delivering the well-loved Celebrity Cruises style to an expedition-style voyage. Your experience includes two shore excursions per day, and everything you need onboard is also included in the cruise fare, including unlimited Wi-Fi to share your adventure with loved ones at home.

This is a solid choice for travellers who enjoy the comfort and consistency of a mainstream cruise line, while still wanting a tailored Galapagos adventure. Prices start from around £3,900, excluding flights.

View offers:Celebrity Cruises

Best for destination immersion: Quasar Expeditions

Sometimes you really want to embrace your inner adventurer. Quasar Expeditions takes safari-style luxury to the seas, with their small-ship luxury Galapagos cruise. Your voyage will be overflowing with all-inclusive perks, including an open bar, Starlink Wi-Fi, snorkelling equipment, kayaks and paddleboards. Plus, the national park fees are prepaid, and the price includes expert expedition leaders. Not only that, but your ship looks like an expedition ship: there’s something rustic and real about Quasar Expeditions’ two-masted vessel. Your photos will look fantastic.

Quasar is ideal for those looking for an authentic expedition atmosphere, with plenty of included extras and a real sense of being out in the wild. Prices start from around $5,000 (£3,700) per person, excluding flights.

Visit the Quasar Expeditions website.

Best for learning: HX Hurtigruten Expeditions

Step aboard MS Santa Cruz II for a luxurious Scandi take on adventure. And let’s be honest, the Scandinavians know how to mount an expedition better than anyone. You’ll sail with 90 like-minded guests, with the classic comforts of a luxurious expedition vessel. But where HX Hurtigruten Expeditions steps up the experience is with the provision of an onboard Science Centre, where you can hone your scientific skills to maximise the experience ashore.

It’s a great match for curious minds who want to learn as they go, bringing an academic edge to an already fascinating natural setting. Prices start from around £7,000 per person, including flights from Ecuador (but not from the UK).

View offers:HX Expeditions

Best for shore excursions: Metropolitan Touring

Metropolitan Touring’s three-ship fleet specialises in multi-guided adventures, which means you have more flexibility to tailor your Galapagos expedition cruise to your interests. When you step ashore in the Galapagos Islands, you need to be accompanied by a licenced guide, and so it’s a good idea to opt for a ship with multiple guides – that way you can choose the expedition that feels right to you each day, rather than having to follow a set schedule. Excursions focus in on the various wildlife and geological points of interest around the archipelago.

This is a smart option if you value choice and flexibility, giving you more control over your time ashore while still being part of a guided expedition. Prices start from around $6,000 (£4,450) per person, excluding flights.

Visit the Metropolitan Touring website.

Best for ultra-luxury: Silversea Expeditions

Silver Origin is the first ultra-luxury ship from Silversea designed for a specific voyage. Everything about the 100-passenger ship was designed with the Galapagos Islands in mind; you’ll find the highest crew-to-guest ratio in the region, as well as eight Zodiacs for up-close exploration, and gorgeous, spacious lounges and suites onboard for admiring the views from the ship. Even the food is locally inspired, and the team of Ecuadorian expert guides add a deeper level of appreciation to your voyage.

If you want a more luxurious experience that still delivers on the expedition feel, Silversea’s purpose-built ship offers a polished, all-inclusive escape. Prices start from around £11,000 per person, including flights.

View offers: Silversea

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