A must for any wildlife enthusiast, the Galapagos Islands are known as Darwin’s Living Laboratory. Many of the world’s most photogenic animal species are found here, from ancient wild tortoises, comical blue-footed boobies, dinosaur-like marine iguanas, and sea lions galore. Every day you’ll find yourself exploring the Galapagos archipelago on daily hikes, snorkeling with penguins or kayaking to remote coves.
We’ve compiled a shortlist of our favorite first-class and luxury Galapagos cruise ships. It’s up to you whether you want to just stay for five days or spend a full week or more on board. If you are interested in another ship not currently on our list, just check in with us.
Our expert team at Premier Tours will match you with the perfect Galapagos cruise to fit your budget, time frame and traveling style, whether you want the spaciousness of a balcony suite aboard a 100-passenger luxury expedition ship or prefer the intimacy of a catamaran with just 16 guests.
Consider staying for a few extra days after a wildlife cruise at a boutique inn, deluxe highlands hotel or even a safari-type tented camp. Add a boat excursion to a nearby island, head out to the Galapagos highlands and mountain bike downhill, or splurge on a picnic lunch inside a lava tube.
Where To Stay
These are some of our favorite Galapagos ships and accommodations
The Elite’s custom-designed panoramic balconies are your entryway to a new world, and its open-air sky deck is an invitation to observe from afar and immerse yourself in the natural wonder surrounding you. A next-generation twin-hulled catamaran, its sleek lines sweep through the azure waters as you glide towards the horizon, blending you with the depths beyond and merging awe into knowledge and experience into memory.
Just as our catamarans are custom-designed for the way we want to share our home with you, every route we offer is paired perfectly with a specific ship from our fleet, matched carefully to create a singular experience, curated and unrepeatable.
The Galapagos Endemic reflects the highest standards of elegance and innovation, delivering a premium luxury experience in the Galapagos archipelago.
Guests will enjoy in style our eight luxury panoramic suites with private balcony:
- King-sized bed or two twin beds
- Spacious, naturally lit bathroom
- Dedicated workspace
- Nightstand and wardrobe
- Private outdoor balconies for indulging in the island breeze
NEW! Launching in 2025. Hermes Mega Catamaran is the first Ultra-Luxury Cruise to sail in the Galapagos Islands. With a guest capacity capped at 20 guests maximum, Hermes provides an unrivalled experience through exclusivity, high end amenities and a crew to guest ratio of almost 1 to 1. With 10 social areas across 7900 sq. ft. of space, onboard Hermes you can experience the intimacy of a small vessel without compromising the amenities of a larger cruise ship.
All of our Suites feature their own private balconies and private jacuzzi overlooking the ocean. Enjoy from our signature beverage menu complimentary during your stay. Relax after a day of discovery in the islands with the pampering of our butler service, with our spa services, or with our hammam.
A journey aboard Hermes also delights your palate through our world-class Fine Dining menu.
Our superyacht also offers a unique experience with two naturalist guides leading all activities in smaller groups than other cruises in the archipelago.
Horizon provides a top-notch experience with one of the smoothest rides in Galapagos. It’s the ONLY Tri-Maran in the Galapagos.
Horizon is outfitted with 8 elegant and ample cabins, each with their own private balcony. Her amenities include a modern lounge, bar, al fresco dining area, and an extensive solarium with jacuzzi, designed to catch the best sights that the islands can offer, surrounded by endless charm.
Wake up right next to the sea!
Unparalleled access to the archipelago from a beachside property.
Enjoying a privileged location as the only beachfront Galapagos Hotel in Santa Cruz, Finch Bay is your ideal home base from which to discover the wildlife of the islands aboard our private yacht and create your own adventures on land and sea.The perfect complement to a Galapagos cruise, or a destination on its own, allows you to feel the islands’ essence.
Our Suggested Itineraries
Our most popular Galapagos trip starts in Quito, one of the most beautiful colonial cities in Latin America. Explore the city, enjoy a cable car ride over volcanoes and head to the Equator. Then it’s off to the Galapagos for whirlwind expedition through Darwin’s Enchanted Islands. Every itinerary is customized to your departure date and choice of Quito hotel and Galapagos cruise ship.
Explore here: Galapagos Wildlife Adventure
A classic combination – the best of Machu Picchu and the Galapagos. Every itinerary is customized to your departure date and choice of accommodations and cruise ship.
Explore here: Machu Picchu + Galapagos Wildlife Adventure
Spend a few days wandering through Quito and Otavalo in the Andean highlands – there is great hiking, waterfalls, artisans, hiking and horseback riding. Continue on to the jewel of Ecuador, Darwin’s Enchanted Islands – the Galapagos. Every itinerary is customized to your departure date and choice of accommodations and cruise ship.
Explore here: Galapagos Wildlife Adventure with Andean Highlights
Experiences
Amazing up close wildlife encounters in the Galapagos – snorkeling with sea lions, diving with whale sharks, birding with blue-footed boobies…
Awards and Accolades
