The Best Galapagos Cruises: 9 Boats Compared
Updated October 2026
The best Galapagos cruises are on small ships carrying 16 guests or fewer, which reach the remote islands with naturalist guides and small landing groups. Our picks for 2027: Cormorant II and Integrity for luxury, Infinity and Sea Star for families, Seaman Journey for value, Isabela II if you’d prefer a larger ship with more facilities, and Galaxy Diver for scuba divers. Below, we compare all nine boats we recommend, with advice on choosing the right one. Compare all our Galapagos cruises, from small expedition yachts to luxury catamarans. Compare all our Galapagos cruises, from small expedition yachts to luxury catamarans.
Written by Sam, founder of Travel Differently, who has explored the Galapagos by boat and on land.
Galapagos cruises compared
| Boat | Type | Guests | Best for | Sail with us on |
| Cormorant II | Luxury catamaran | 16 | Luxury, families (connecting cabins) | Galapagos and Ecuador holidays |
| Infinity | Luxury motor yacht | 20 | Families, small groups | Slow Travel: Ecuador in-depth |
| Integrity | Luxury motor yacht | 16 | Luxury, smooth sailing (stabilisers) | Peru, Ecuador & Galapagos Sabbatical |
| Sea Star | Sea Star | 16 | Families; locally owned | Ecuador & Galapagos in Luxury |
| EcoGalaxy II | First-class catamaran | 16 | Small-ship cruising | Peru, Ecuador & Galapagos Adventure |
| Isabela II | Expedition ship | 40 | More facilities, exclusive visits | Galapagos Islands Wildlife Cruise |
| Angel | First-class motor yacht | 16 | First-class comfort | Galapagos Cruise and Private Island-Hopping |
| Seaman Journey | First-class catamaran | 16 | Value | Peru, Ecuador & Galapagos Sabbatical |
| Galaxy Diver & Diver II | Dive boats | 16 | Scuba diving | Ask our experts |
How to choose a Galapagos cruise
Start with the route: each boat follows set itineraries, and the northern, southern and western routes visit very different islands, so choose the wildlife you most want to see first. Then think about length (8 days lets you complete a full route), ship size (16-guest yachts give smaller landing groups, while larger ships offer more facilities), and comfort level. Not sure a cruise suits you? Read our guide to Galapagos cruise vs island hopping.
1. Cormorant II
The Cormorant II is one of the newest luxury cruises in the Galapagos Islands. The brand-new mega-catamaran sleeps up to 16 guests across its nine spacious and tastefully decorated suites.
Each features floor-to-ceiling windows and private balconies, providing breathtaking panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean. For those in the Premium Suites, you will be treated to a particularly spacious balcony complete with a private jacuzzi.
The main deck’s two connected cabins are perfect for large groups or families cruising the Galapagos Islands. With a dedicated “Hotel Manager” and a crew of 11, guests aboard the Cormorant experience highly personalised service.
The operator funds native reforestation in Ecuador through CanopyCo.
Choose from four distinct routes on your Galapagos exploration aboard the Cormorant II. From Santa Cruz Island to Genovesa, San Cristobal, and more, the catamaran’s itineraries promise a fantastic adventure. Kayaks are provided on the Cormorant, allowing guests to go out and explore the archipelago’s fascinating marine life. Include a stay on the Cormorant II as part of your tailor-made Galapagos and Ecuador holiday.
2. Infinity
Infinity is another of the best luxury cruises in the Galapagos Islands. This sleek motor yacht only made its debut in 2018 and is one of the most advanced of its kind in the archipelago. The vessel can accommodate up to 20 passengers across its two large suites and eight cabins, several of which feature interconnecting doors which makes them perfect for families and small groups!
Each suite has panoramic windows and private balconies, ensuring passengers are fully immersed in the unique surroundings of the archipelago. Infinity has one of the best guide-to-passenger ratios in the Galapagos Islands, with two naturalist guides on board to provide expert insights into the region’s wildlife and landscapes.
After adventurous days exploring the islands, guests can retreat to Infinity’s plush social areas. Unwind in the al fresco and indoor dining area, stretch out on a lounge chair on the sundeck, kick back in the living room, or pamper yourself in the whirlpool spa.
As you would expect from one of the best Galapagos Islands cruises, Infinity takes its passengers to all of the must-see sights on the archipelago. Prepare to tick off everything from exploring the huge lava field of Sullivan Bay to seeing the famous tortoises at El Chato Tortoise Reserve. Speak to our Galapagos experts about including the Infinity boat as part of our Slow Travel Holiday to Ecuador and The Galapagos.
3. Integrity
Sail the seas of The Galapagos in style aboard Integrity. This 141-foot luxury vessel, built in the USA, is equipped with state-of-the-art stabilisers and engine vibration control systems, ensuring a smooth and seamless glide through the archipelago’s waters.
Accommodating up to 16 guests, Integrity has three decks and nine spacious staterooms. Each cabin is equipped with individual climate control, a satellite telephone, a flat-screen television and a private bathroom for utmost comfort and convenience.
Among these rooms is the opulent ‘Owner’s Cabin,’ a 350-square-foot suite with a luxurious king bed and picture windows. The vessel’s communal areas are equally impressive, with a sun deck featuring a jacuzzi, covered bar, grill with table seating, and the Salon Deck offering front-facing seats, a library, a bar, and a dining area.
Integrity takes pride in its sustainable efforts, with staff receiving ongoing training in environmental issues and eco-friendly water systems. All waste is meticulously separated before disposal. Balancing sustainability and luxury, Integrity lives up to its name as one of the most magnificent luxury cruises in the Galapagos Islands.
Guests can choose between different itineraries. One route takes guests to explore the islands of Santa Cruz, Floreana, Isabela, Fernandina, Santiago and North Seymour. The second also begins in Santa Cruz but then goes on to Española, San Cristóbal, Santa Fé, South Plazas, Genovesa, Santiago, Bartolome, Rabida and Chinese Hat (Sombrero Chino). Planning a longer sabbatical holiday? Stay on this amazing boat as part of our 55 day South America sabbatical.
4. Sea Star
Sea Star is a special cruise in the Galapagos Islands as it is owned by a local Galapagueno family. Along with providing an authentic and charming onboard experience, Sea Star offers a rather plush stay for guests.
Its contemporary design prioritises privacy and comfort across seven airy rooms and the luxurious Sea Star Suite. Each accommodation features panoramic windows, a private bathroom, and air conditioning, with options for twin beds and interconnecting suites for families.
Sea Star sleeps up to 16 passengers and offers a wonderful, cosy stay. The onboard chef prepares local and international dishes using natural and organic ingredients which guests can enjoy in the indoor dining area or al fresco, in the sea breeze.
Passengers can relax and recharge with visits to the jacuzzis, sun loungers, mini library and video library. There is also snorkelling equipment and kayaks available for when you fancy a marine adventure swimming with sea lions or paddling along the waves.
You have a choice of three itineraries aboard this Galapagos Islands cruise. Destinations include North Seymour Island, renowned for its nesting grounds of blue-footed boobies, and Bartolomé, home to penguins, herons and hawks. Enjoy some local luxury staying on board the Sea Star boat on our Ecuador and Galapagos in Luxury Holiday.
5. EcoGalaxy II
When it comes to small boat cruises in the Galapagos Islands, it’s hard to beat EcoGalaxy II. The first-class catamaran takes you to all of the most incredible landmasses in the archipelago, all the while prioritising the preservation of the ecosystem that makes them so special.
EcoGalaxy supports local schools and community projects. This commitment to sustainability aligns seamlessly with the vessel’s elegant design, which comprises 8 beautifully designed staterooms adorned with fresh-white walls, high ceilings, and chic furnishings.
Wildlife-inspired artworks add vibrant pops of colour throughout the catamaran. The vessel has several communal areas including a cosy lounge with a television, DVD player and library, a bar, a solarium, a dining room and a sun deck.
Passengers can engage in a wealth of activities onboard the EcoGalaxy II such as snorkelling, kayaking, hiking and panga riding, each of which provides exciting opportunities for up-close encounters with the archipelago’s wildlife.
Those aboard EcoGalaxy II have three itineraries to choose from. Moreno Point on Isabela Island is one of the most exciting destinations along the route. You can go on a panga ride along the landmass’ rocky shores and spot Galapagos Penguins, before crossing lava rocks to reach tide pools home to green sea turtles and white-tip sharks. A stay on the Eco Galaxy would be a perfect inclusion in our Peru and Galapagos Adventure holiday.
6. Isabela II
With a capacity of up to 40 passengers, Isabela II stands out among the larger Galapagos Islands cruises on the list. It strikes the perfect balance between an intimate experience and a wide variety of facilities, making it ideal for those looking for a bit of both during their escape to the archipelago.
The expedition vessel has sleek, spacious cabins with an elegant, minimalist design, providing peaceful havens to retreat to after exploring the islands. Across its three decks, numerous airy social areas invite relaxation, including a spacious library, bar, game room, observation decks, and dining room.
With such a wonderful range of facilities on offer, it is easily one of the best cruises in the Galapagos Islands. Another wonderful feature of Isabela II is that the operator offsets the ship’s emissions.
Those aboard the vessel are treated to exclusive island visits, allowing guests to explore islands without any other cruise passengers in sight. This allows for extremely intimate and immersive experiences.
As with the other Galapagos Islands’ boat cruises on the list, there are several itineraries that you can choose from aboard Isabela II. These include the Southeastern, Western and Northern routes. Itineraries include visits to Post Office Bay, Pitt Point and Eden Islet. Chat to our experts about including Isabela II on our Galapagos Islands Wildlife Cruise.
7. Angel
Angel is the newest motor yacht in the Galapagos. Launching in April 2024, the vessel was made in the Netherlands and showcases a European design. It has two spacious suites and six convertible cabins – all of which boast wonderful panoramic windows.
The yacht caters for up to 16 passengers and is set to be one of the most prestigious first-class yacht cruises in the Galapagos. Expect top-notch service during your time on Angel, with its dedicated 9-person crew on hand to help with your every need.
You will also have a bilingual guide who will be able to explain the significance behind each of the islands you visit and the animals you encounter. Angel has many itineraries to choose from, each of which takes guests to unforgettable spots in the archipelago.
One option is an 8-day adventure from North Seymour to South Plaza which stops off at Santiago, Bartholomew, Genovesa, Rabida, Santa Cruz, Española, Santa Fe and South Plaza along the way.
En route, you’ll be able to explore scarlet-red beaches and encounter Galapagos sea lions, marine iguanas and tortoises. Stay on board the incredible Angel boat on our Galapagos Cruise and Private Island Hopping Holiday, chat to Sinead, Sam or Scarlett to find out more.
8. Seaman Journey
If you’re seeking great-value cruises around the Galapagos Islands, look no further than Seaman Journey. This boutique first-class catamaran has become something of an old favourite over the years, with many falling for its comfort, style and stability.
Seaman Journey has capacity for 16 lucky guests who can enjoy free rein of its spacious sundecks and lounge area. It also has an onboard bar headed by an experienced bartender who can craft freshly made cocktails and beverages upon request.
The catamaran features nine large cabins equipped with full air conditioning, private bathrooms, personal climate control and outside views. Those aboard will be able to choose from several different itineraries that offer incredible land tours across almost all of the archipelago.
Activities include sea kayaking and snorkelling, with visits to Santiago Island, Isabela Island, and the Chinese Hat Islet. Prepare to tick off seeing one endemic species after the next on this Galapagos cruise, including frigate birds, blue-footed boobies and giant tortoises. Why not stay on board the iconic Seaman Journey Cruise as part of your Peru Ecuador and Galapagos Sabbatical Holiday? Speak to our experts to learn more.
9. Galaxy Diver and Diver II
Galaxy Diver and Diver II are sister vessels and two of the few scuba-diving boats in the Galapagos Islands. If you’re passionate about discovering the archipelago’s sensational marine life scene, this may be the best cruise for you.
During your underwater adventures, you can expect to see sharks, manta rays, turtles, whales, iguanas, penguins and sea lions. Beyond diving, guests can go snorkelling, kayaking, hiking and on panga rides.
Guests have their choice of ways to unwind aboard Galaxy Diver and Diver II. They can relax in the cosy lounge, savour national and international specialities in the sleek dining room, or enjoy cocktails in the alfresco area. Cabins feature private bathrooms, air conditioning, and speakers.
Another one of the best cruises in the Galapagos Islands, those aboard the Galaxy Diver and Diver II will be able to choose from two exceptional itineraries. One is a diving itinerary that centres on exploring the archipelago’s underwater world. The second is a more general naturalist itinerary that can be ideal for those who would like to add a touch of variety to their trip. To learn more about entry requirements into the Galapagos Islands, read here.
Galapagos cruise FAQs
The route matters more than the boat, as almost every small Galapagos cruise includes daily snorkelling stops and the gear to go with them. Look for itineraries that include Bartolome, where you can snorkel with Galapagos penguins, Champion Islet off Floreana, Gardner Bay on Española and Kicker Rock off San Cristobal. Of the boats on our list, Sea Star, Seaman Journey and EcoGalaxy II all carry snorkelling equipment and kayaks, and Galaxy Diver suits confident swimmers who’d like to try scuba. For the warmest water, travel between December and May; from June to November you’ll want a wetsuit, most boats provide them.
Infinity and Cormorant II have connecting cabins, and Sea Star offers twin beds and interconnecting suites. Minimum ages can apply, ask our experts for specific boats.
Most cruises last 4, 5 or 8 days. Eight days lets you complete a full route; shorter cruises can be combined with island hopping or time in mainland Ecuador.
Cruises run all year. December to May brings calmer seas and warmer water; June to November is cooler with richer marine life. Read more: the best time to visit the Galapagos.
Summary
As you can see, there are a lot of remarkable ships, catamarans and boats to choose from in the Galapagos Islands. No matter which vessel you opt for, prepare to embark on the travel adventure of a lifetime in this spectacular part of the world.
Are you planning a trip to the Galapagos Islands and wondering which cruise to choose? Take a look at our Galapagos cruises and island hopping available with Travel Differently or enquire now to begin planning your adventure.
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