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Galapagos Island cruises offer the ultimate wildlife adventure. From extraordinary creatures that inspired Darwin, to enchanted lava tunnels and cloud forests, there are many spectacular things to see in this archipelago.

Our cruises are designed to be slower, greener and fairer, ensuring they respect the natural beauty

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The Galapagos Islands: A Cruise of a Lifetime


As one of the most biodiverse places on the planet, there are few more fitting destinations for nature and wildlife lovers than The Galapagos Islands. The volcanic archipelago comprises 127 islands, islets and rocks, with 97% of its emerged surface protected and recognised as National Park.

With so many unique landmasses to visit, a Galapagos cruise offers the best way to explore the region. From one captivating island to the next, you’ll encounter an array of magnificent wildlife species that cannot be found anywhere else on Earth in this South American paradise.

After all, the archipelago boasts the highest levels of endemism on the planet. Prepare to have surreal experiences on your Galapagos Island cruise, being one of the privileged few to see species like the huge Galapagos tortoises, wide-eyed marine iguanas and tiny Galapagos penguins firsthand.

Our Favourite Galapagos Cruises


Fishing boats

Cities, Colour, Coffee and Caribbean

11 days from £3500 pp

Our best holiday to Colombia for variety and culture, this ‘Cities, Colour, Coffee and Caribbean’ holiday takes you on an exploration of the colours and vibrancy throughout the country. Explore the legendary coffee region, learning the bean-to-cup journey while sampling some of the world’s finest brews.

Stroll through the vibrant streets of Filandia and explore the bustling city of Medellin, known for its botanical gardens and fascinating recent history. Take in the lush landscapes of El Peñol, travel around via tuk-tuk, and hike through the diverse ecosystems of Tayrona National Park. Finally, enjoy some well-earned downtime on the Caribbean beaches of Rosario Islands for swimming and snorkelling.

Tatacoa desert

Slow Travel: Colombia

28 days from £7500 pp

Slow travel through Colombia on our hidden highlights eco holiday. Explore archaeological monuments and trek the Tatacoa desert to witness incredible starry skies with little to no light pollution.

For food lovers, experience the unique flavours of Popayan, a UNESCO-declared city of gastronomy. Do things differently by taking a street art tour to learn how talented local artists have turned tragedy into vibrant expressions of art and culture. Discover an abundance of landscapes, lagoons, mountains and nature on this unique holiday to Colombia.

Then, veer away from the well-trodden path to experience the more remote spots of this beautiful country. Learn about local traditions and find hidden treasures while staying in our favourite boutique lodges in Colombia.

See the Andean Condor up close, experience the Caribbean coast with no other soul in sight, discover the hidden beaches of Tayrona with your guide and explore Cartagena’s cultural and architectural secrets…all while staying in handpicked properties with 5* service, delicious food and local sustainability in mind. This trip offers one of the finest holidays in Colombia for those seeking culture, cuisine and adventure.

Colourful vibrant Medellin

Colombia Luxury Adventure

14 days from £4800 pp

Combine luxury and adventure on this bespoke holiday to Colombia. Explore the culinary scene of Bogota at the Paloquemao Farmers Market before taking a colonial city tour including a VIP cable car ride. A salsa-lover’s paradise, you can get under the skin of Cali as your guide takes you to see world-famous salsa shows.

Holidays to Colombia are never complete without a visit to the coffee region, where we explore the Cocora Valley and quaint streets of Filandia. Visit colourful vibrant Medellin before experiencing a change of scenery at a renowned private wildlife reserve in Turbaco. Keep an eye out for Howler Monkeys and White-headed Titis.

Then it’s time for some luxury relaxation in Rosario Islands, where you can have a private boat trip and snorkel in clear waters trying the delicious daily catch.

Horseback riding

‘Encanto’ Colombia Family holiday

14 days from £4,200 pp

Our 16-day family adventure holiday to Colombia is inspired by the Disney film Encanto, which means lots of colour and charm. Visit small towns, try delicious local food featured in the film and explore the magical Rainbow River Cano Cristales; a must-see in Colombia.

Immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of the Amazon jungle, connecting with nature and learning about Colombian culture. Explore the coffee region and uncover the breathtaking landscapes and colourful houses of El Penol and Guatape.

Visit UNESCO-protected Cartagena and sample the exquisite street food, ‘Arepitas’, as in the movie, and even dance to local music. To finish your family adventure holiday, head to the crystal waters of the Caribbean Coast of Rosario Islands. And yes, on this holiday, we definitely talk about Bruno!

If you’re looking for Colombia family holidays that offer a wonderful experience for both parents and kids, it’s hard to beat an Encanto adventure to this South American gem.

People sitting on top of a rock

Rio and Green Coast Beach Adventure

14 days from £2900 pp

World-renowned for its stunning coastline, this is the ideal trip for those interested in luxury Brazil beach holidays. It seamlessly blends relaxation with adventure, all the while completely avoiding internal flights.

Kayak to pristine bays and mangrove forests. Hike to dramatic lookouts and untouched beaches. Visit waterfalls and clifftops. And of course, relax! Immerse yourself in the beauty of the shores of the “Land of the Palm Trees” with a beach holiday to Brazil.

Swimming in the mangroves of Ilha

Brazil Wildlife, Waterfalls & Beach

16 days from £3950 pp

For those seeking adventure travel in Brazil, explore everywhere from the wildlife wonderland of the Pantanal to the breathtaking Iguazu Falls, all the way to iconic Rio de Janeiro via the Green Coast on this itinerary.

Kayak through mangroves, hike into the Atlantic Rainforest and discover dozens of hidden beaches, accompanied by mouth-watering cuisine and hidden communities. If you’re seeking wildlife holidays to Brazil that also tick off cascading waterfalls and breathtaking coastlines, this is the adventure for you.

Lilly Pads

Pantanal, Amazon & Rio Luxury Adventure

15 days from £6500 pp

Combine the wildlife wonderlands of the Pantanal wetlands and Amazon rainforest on this luxury holiday to Brazil, staying at strategically located first-class wilderness lodges with expert naturalist guides. In between you will visit the lesser-known but equally dramatic Chapada dos Guimarães, a land of waterfalls, caves and rock formations waiting to be explored. Finish with days of relaxation and iconic sightseeing in the incomparable Rio de Janeiro.

People looking at giant tortoise

Ecuador & Galapagos Active Adventure

17 days from £4300 pp

Hike, bike, swim and kayak your way around Ecuador’s multitude of natural wonders. From snow-capped volcanoes and mountain valleys, to the remarkable Galapagos archipelago via the steamy cloud forest, this example trip is one for the outdoor enthusiasts.

Intricate work of a Master Weaver

Slow Travel: Ecuador in-depth

23 days from £6400 pp

Go deep on this journey through a remarkably diverse little country. Explore indigenous markets, steamy cloud forests, volcanoes, lakes, the Amazon basin, Inca ruins, colonial cities, working farms, and the Galapagos Islands. Designed at a leisurely pace to immerse yourself in the true spirit of Ecuador.

Ecuador & Galapagos in Luxury

Ecuador & Galapagos in Luxury

14 days from £9550 pp

Explore Ecuador in supreme comfort. Stay at a historic hacienda amongst Otavalo’s lakes and volcanoes, enjoy the cloud forest from the iconic Mashpi Lodge, and explore colonial Quito with a cacao-infused twist. Complete your Galapagos Island holiday with a choice of deluxe boutique cruise or safari-style.

The Galapagos Cruise Experience


Here at Travel Differently, we believe that the magic of The Galapagos Islands can get lost when you’re bustling through the unspoilt archipelago on huge cruisers housing 100+ other tourists. That’s why we only partner with smaller vessels.

They not only ensure that you’ll have a more personalised experience on board but offer more private and immersive experiences exploring the islands on foot and encountering wildlife, as you can do so without hoards of other tourists around. The length of our cruise itineraries varies between 3 and 14 nights and includes the option of combining the cruise with an activity-based stay on one or two islands.

However you choose to explore this remarkable archipelago, expect to be blown away by visiting incredible sites such as the lava fields of Sullivan Bay, the legendary giant tortoises at El Chato Tortoise Reserve and the blue-footed booby nesting grounds on North Seymour Island.

Speak To Our Galapagos Experts

Our Galapagos specialists really know their stuff and have stayed on board the cruises we recommend. If you would like a smaller cruise, a boat famous for its gastronomy or a specialist diving Galapagos boat, our experts will talk through the options best for you.

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Galapagos Island Cruises: Frequently Asked Questions


Please reach us at info@traveldifferently.co.uk if you cannot find an answer to your question.

December to May are often hailed as the best months to go on a Galapagos cruise. This period falls under the archipelago’s warm season, with bright sun-filled days and clear water conditions that provide ample opportunities for uncovering the remarkable land and marine life.

That being said, June to November is also a fantastic time to go on a Galapagos Island cruise as these months offer ideal conditions for hiking. Plus, the water-based creatures are particularly active over this period.

You are not required to have a visa when visiting the Galapagos Islands from the UK as long as you are staying for less than 90 days. You do, however, need to have a passport that will be valid for a minimum of 6 months after the end of your holiday and has space for exit stamps.

You are not required to have any specific vaccines for going to the Galapagos Islands. British travellers, however, should be up to date with routine vaccination courses and boosts that the UK recommends, such as the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine and diphtheria-tetanus-polio vaccine.

Why Book A Galapagos Cruise With Travel Differently?


Drawing of a tree

Travel Galapagos Greener

We believe in travelling greener at Travel Differently. We exclusively collaborate with properties, cruisers, and activity providers who share our commitment to sustainability. Additionally, we carbon offset all of the holidays we plan at 150% to offer net positive trips.

The Galapagos Islands are such a unique and special corner of the world, so we are passionate about visiting them in a way that is respectful and mindful of the environment and those living there – human and animal.

Drawing of a compass

Travel Galapagos Slower

We are firm believers in the benefits of slow travel. To get the most out of your Galapagos cruise, reduce your speed and spend more time uncovering all of the magical sites that make this archipelago such a sought-after destination.

By offering the opportunity to travel at a slower pace, our Galapagos Island cruises provide travellers with a more authentic and immersive experience. You can discover lesser-visited sites alongside the must-see attractions, while also having the time to fully appreciate each one and the scenery you encounter along the way.

Drawing of 2 hikers

Travel Galapagos Fairer

Our Galapagos Island cruise itineraries are built upon the principles of travelling fairer. We meticulously craft them with sustainability in mind, only partnering with like-minded organisations dedicated to social development and environmental preservation.

By exclusively collaborating with companies that share our values, we ensure that our Galapagos cruises not only benefit the inhabitants of the archipelago but also safeguard its precious environment and ecosystems for years to come.

Drawing of a bag

Travel Galapagos Better

Fairer, greener and slower, our Galapagos Island cruises offer authentic experiences that truly benefit those living in the archipelago, along with its wildlife.

As a 100% independent boutique tour operator, we pride ourselves on crafting bespoke journeys personally tailored to the interests and preferences of each guest. Each trip is thoughtfully designed with the individual traveller in mind to provide them with the most incredible adventure.

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