New boats and yacht charters are making Galapagos exploration far more comfortable.
This in-depth guide explains the latest developments and your most important considerations for a Galapagos expedition.
The Galapagos has always been an incredible destination for intimate wildlife encounters and pure connections with rare nature, a destination of truly once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
These islands didn’t offer the highest levels of comfort or luxury, particularly in terms of the boats. This has changed. Now you can really explore the Galapagos in style.
And it’s a great destination for spring and summer.
Is Galapagos Worth It?
Members of the EliteVoyage team have explored the Galapagos and can confirm that the wildlife experience is otherworldly. This destination is completely worthy of your time.
The experience is on par with the best African safaris, except of course the animals are very different. Why?
Rarity. Many of the animals are only found in Galapagos. The volcanic landscapes are unlike anywhere else in the world. You simply can’t replicate this experience anywhere else.
Intimacy. The animals don’t have natural predators and are accustomed to human visitors. This means you literally come within touching distance (but please don’t touch!), closer to animals than you would in Africa.
Exclusivity. Access to all wildlife sites is strictly controlled, so you always enjoy relatively private encounters with wildlife.
Diversity. Not only diverse wildlife but different activities each day, in the water and on land. You need seven to ten days to try it all.
Is it Safe to Travel to Galapagos?
The Galapagos Islands are located 1500 kilometres northwest of mainland Ecuador. Although Ecuador has been in the international news due to political unrest and instability, this has never impacted Galapagos or travel to Galapagos.
Many governments are advising against travel to specific areas in Ecuador. This has never included Galapagos and the country’s international airports are safe and operating as normal.
Local partners tell us that they expect a significant reduction in tourism in 2024. We believe this can be to your advantage, as fewer visitors typically leads to reduced prices and greater availability.
Galapagos is now a known destination. If it’s not managed well, our fear is that it could become a mass tourism destination over the next decade. Now it’s still a very special and exclusive experience.
A New Era of Galapagos Cruising
Only three Galapagos islands are inhabited. The usual way to explore the archipelago is an expedition style boat cruise, for 16 – 48 passengers (we don’t recommend boats that are any larger than this).
Each day you stop at different wildlife sites to encounter different animals, from snorkelling with turtles and seals, to walking with tortoises, endemic lizards and huge colonies of nesting seabirds.
Among the best boats were the National Geographic Islander and the Grace Yacht. Comfortable enough for a short expedition, but old fashioned and not comfortable enough if you want to spend a week or more fully exploring the Galapagos.
Now there are new vessels we can recommend.
The Galapagos Elite Luxury Yacht
This yacht was the first to offer a yacht-style Galapagos experience, instead of an expedition-style experience. It’s really set a new standard for comfort in the archipelago.
Suites are far larger than other vessels and all have floor-to-ceiling windows and private balconies. Social areas are contemporary and spacious.
Galapagos Elite Luxury Yacht only takes 16 passengers and we’ve been very impressed at how their route itineraries have improved to match the expedition vessels.
This is likely to be what you would expect on any cruise, anywhere, but bear in mind that this is actually a new style of vessel for the Galapagos.
Hermes Mega Catamaran
Launching in early 2025, the Hermes Mega Catamaran will be the largest small-cruise vessel in the Galapagos, a 46-metre catamaran for only 20 passengers.
Every suite has a private ocean-view jacuzzi, balcony, walk-in wardrobes, floor-to-ceiling windows and a butler service. Suites also interconnect for families and children aged from six are welcomed, with specially designed activities for them.
There’s a full service spa with an on-board hammam, a first for the islands. One of Ecuador’s most renowned chefs designed the gastronomy offer and there are both cooking and cocktail classes on board.
This contemporary catamaran will raise the bar for luxury cruising in the Galapagos. We’re excited to go check it out early next year.
Integrity Galapagos Yacht
This yacht is halfway between a comfortable yacht and an expedition ship. We recommend the Owner’s Suite, over the standard staterooms.
The Integrity Galapagos Yacht is the most comfortable vessel for exploring the outer reaches of the islands. It’s best for people who want the most diverse Galapagos wildlife experience, on a modern style of boat.
Private Yacht Charter
Taking your own yacht into Galapagos waters was virtually impossible until recently. As were realistic options for private yacht charters in the Galapagos.
This has changed. Thanks to our partners on the islands, it’s far more feasible to secure entry, cruising and refuelling permits.
Just as crucially, we have much greater opportunity to secure the permits necessary to dock and explore the best wildlife sites.
Now a private yacht charter is possible in the Galapagos, while still experiencing the best activities and sites that were previously only accessible on expedition boats.
Route Considerations
Exploring the Galapagos is about a lot more than the actual vessel.
Different islands have different wildlife. Certain animals are only found in one place. Different areas are best for different types of activities, especially for scuba diving and snorkelling.
Specific islands and areas are best in different months, due to nesting and hatching seasons, or a brief abundance of a migratory species.
It’s essential you have a route that suits your interests and the possibilities are many. We can personally talk you through the options.
This Galapagos Island Guide has an overview of each island and the types of experiences you can do on each.
How much time do you need?
We recommend a week to ten days for a full Galapagos exploration. Shorter four- or five-day itineraries can’t do justice to the diversity of experiences on offer.
Getting to the Galapagos is time consuming, from almost anywhere. Experiencing like snorkelling with penguins and encountering thousands of nesting albatross, should not be rushed. So it’s really worth taking your time once you arrive.
If you don’t like boats so much, consider combining a cruise with three nights on the island of Santa Cruz, which a wide selection of activities and the islands’ three best accommodations.
Galapagos Safari Camp is an out-in-nature experience that can be particularly good for kids.
Pikaia Lodge is the best hotel in Galapagos, the only hotel that can match the comfort and luxuries of the best African safari lodges.
Villa Tortuga is an exclusive-use Galapagos villa in its own nature reserve, ideal for groups of up to eight people.
Will You Explore Galapagos
The Galapagos Islands is a destination that so many people have on their wish list. Most people never make it.
Beware that these islands are changing quickly and are hugely impacted by El Niño, which is a natural phenomenon causing the warming of ocean waters. This has already rapidly reduced the numbers of certain rare Galapagos species, like Galapagos fur seals.
We simply don’t know what will happen to wildlife on the Galapagos Islands in the next ten years. Don’t make this a destination you miss out on forever.
With all the variables and options you need personal advice. We’ve been to the Galapagos Islands and our local partners are the best in the archipelago for curating personal experiences.
