Guide to cruising to the Galápagos

Quick insights

• The Galápagos Islands are well known for their diverse and unique native wildlife.
• Cruises sailing through the Galápagos are typically on smaller boats with no more than 100 passengers.
• Ecuador limits the number of people who can access the islands to help keep them protected from overtourism.

The Galápagos Islands can be a bucket list destination for those seeking out natural, undeveloped land with a diverse and exciting array of plant and animal life. Located in a part of the Pacific Ocean where three currents meet, the Galápagos Islands have been called a “living museum and showcase of evolution” thanks in part to discoveries Charles Darwin made after he visited the islands in 1835.

Travelers visiting the Galápagos can expect to see tortoises, iguanas, penguins, sea lions and many other plants and animals that make their home here. Read on to learn more about cruising to the Galápagos Islands and what to expect on this possibly once-in-a-lifetime trip.

Introduction to cruising the Galápagos

The Galápagos Islands are made up of 13 major islands and several smaller ones located roughly 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador. They were formed by repeated volcanic eruptions, and today are home to many plants and animals, some of which are found nowhere else in the world.

One of the best ways to see the islands and their wildlife is via cruise. But don’t expect to find 3,000+ passenger megaships docking near the islands. To protect the islands’ biodiversity, cruise ships typically range from 16-person luxury yachts to 100-passenger boats.

Travelers seeking to sail on a well-known cruise line in the Galápagos won’t find many options. Popular cruise lines that operate in the Galápagos typically sell bookings on ships run by smaller local operators.

Best time for cruising the Galápagos

The Galápagos Islands sit on the Equator, so they experience a moderately warm and pleasant climate year-round. The average highs are between 75 and 86 degrees and the average lows are between 68 and 75 throughout the year. 

There may not a drastic change in seasons, but there are subtle shifts which are marked by two seasons:

The wet season: December to May

The wet season in the Galápagos Islands may not be as rainy as you’d expect. It’s more likely that you’ll encounter short thunderstorms this time of year rather than a deluge of rain.

The wet season also has the warmest temps and most importantly, the calmest waters. Calmer waters make it an ideal time for snorkeling in and around the islands.

The dry season: June to November

Known for cooler temps and stronger winds, this season has the greatest chance of rough waters. But also, it has the most sunshine.

There is an upside to cooler temps as well. Cooler waters can usher in a diversity of marine life not typically seen during the wet season.

Planning your Galápagos cruise

You likely want to book a Galápagos cruise at least 6 months in advance, if not more. Access to the islands is limited by the government of Ecuador to help minimize the environmental impacts on the islands’ fragile ecosystem. And because Galápagos ships are smaller, space is limited on boats and on the islands.

The good news is because you can sail to the Galápagos year-round, cruise prices are fairly stable throughout the year.

Getting to the Galápagos

Getting to the Galápagos Islands can be a significant consideration of your trip. There are no ports of call in Ecuador that sail to the Islands. Instead, travelers fly to the islands from Quito or Guayaquil and board their cruise ship once they arrive.

Galápagos cruises can begin or end in one of three islands:

• Baltra Island
• Puerto Ayora (on Santa Cruz Island)
• San Cristóbal Island

It is generally recommended to book your cruise in the Galápagos before you secure your flight.

How many days do you need on a cruise to the Galápagos?

Galápagos cruises can last anywhere from 4 to 15 days, and the ideal length will in large part depend on which and how many of the islands you want to see. You’ll likely want a cruise that’s at least 5 days because your arrival day and departure day activities are limited. A 5-day cruise gives you three full days on the islands. 

Trips routes will typically follow one of several loops through the islands—east loop, north loop, inner loop, central loop, etc. Within each loop, you’ll find different plants and animals to observe, so plan your route based on the islands you want to see.

Experiencing the Galápagos

The Galápagos are undeveloped and remote so the activities you can do there will likely be focused on nature and island exploration. Hiking, snorkeling, kayaking and swimming are common Galápagos cruise activities.

A typical itinerary includes two island visits and four activities per day, ensuring that you have ample opportunities to explore what there is to see on the Galápagos.

Travelers may also opt to add days in Quito and explore some of the sites in and around Ecuador’s capital city or book longer cruises that include excursions to Peru and Machu Picchu.

What to pack

Being so close to the equator means protection from the sun can be important. You may want to consider ditching your fancy clothes in favor of more practical items like:

• Long-sleeved lightweight shirts
• Hiking boots
• Water shoes
• Hats (with neck protection for additional protection)
• Wool socks (for temperature regulation)
• Sunscreen with a high SPF

If you’re prone to motion sickness, you may want to have ginger, over-the-counter meds or wristbands to help combat seasickness you may feel onboard the ship.

In summary

Visiting the Galápagos Islands will likely be a trip unlike any other. This remote, undeveloped archipelago in the Pacific is a unique experience thanks in large part to its history and biodiversity. Whether your main reason for visiting the Galápagos is to swim with the islands' famous tortoises, photograph native plants or bird watch for species you can’t find anywhere else, there is plenty for adventurous nature lovers to do.