TL;DR
The Infinity is a 161-foot, 20-guest luxury motor yacht operated by Royal Galapagos, launched in 2018. Ten cabins including 8 standard staterooms and 2 large suites, all with private balconies and panoramic windows. Two naturalist guides for 20 guests at a 1:10 ratio, dynamic stabilizers for smoother crossings, and a 11-person crew plus cruise director. Itineraries run 4, 5, and 8 nights. At 20 guests it sits between the 16-guest catamaran tier and the 48-guest expedition ships, and the dual-guide model is its strongest structural advantage over other vessels in its price category.
Quick Facts: Infinity Galapagos Cruise
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Operator | Royal Galapagos |
| Launched | 2018 |
| Ship Length | 161 feet (49 m) |
| Max Passengers | 20 guests |
| Crew | 11 crew + cruise director + 2 naturalist guides |
| Guide Ratio | 2 guides for 20 guests (1:10) |
| Staterooms | 8 staterooms (226-270 sq ft) + 2 suites (360–376 sq ft); all with private balconies |
| Dynamic Stabilizers | Yes |
| Itinerary Lengths | 4, 5, and 8 nights |
| Charter Rate | From $71,450 (4-night) to $160,450 (8-night) |
| Children Discount | 10% for under-12s (1 per 2 adults; peak season excluded) |
| Galapagos Entry Fee | $200 (park) + $20 (transit card) – not included – Prices verified May 26, 2026 |
| Internal Flights | ~$530-$600 pp round-trip – not included – Prices verified May 26, 2026 |
What Is the Infinity and Who Actually Books This Cruise?
The Infinity is a 161-foot, 20-guest luxury motor yacht operated by Royal Galapagos, purpose-built for Galapagos expedition cruising in 2018. It carries two naturalist guides for 20 guests, putting one guide for every 10 passengers on every shore excursion. All 10 cabins have private balconies. Dynamic stabilizers reduce motion during inter-island crossings. It fills a genuine gap in the market: larger than 16-guest catamarans, smaller and more personal than 48-guest expedition ships, with a guide ratio that no other 20-passenger vessel in the islands matches.
Royal Galapagos is the operator. It is worth clarifying this because the Infinity is sometimes listed through third-party booking sites under different operator names. The ship is not part of the Ecoventura fleet (which runs the Origin, Theory, and Evolve yachts) or Golden Galapagos (which operates the Endemic and Ocean Spray). Royal Galapagos manages the Infinity and its sister vessel the Monique as dedicated Galapagos expedition yachts.
The 20-guest capacity unlocks something most 16-guest ships cannot offer: two guides working simultaneously. Under Galapagos National Park regulations, a single guide may accompany a maximum of 16 visitors at one time. The Infinity’s 20-passenger capacity with two guides means guests can split into two groups of ten by fitness level or interest. Faster walkers and keen snorkelers in one group, more leisurely hikers in another. This flexibility comes up consistently in traveler feedback as a meaningful practical improvement over single-guide vessels.
The traveler profile is broad: couples on milestone trips, active families with teenagers, small groups who want more guide coverage than a 16-guest catamaran provides but find 48-guest ships too institutional. The interconnected cabin configurations make it particularly well-suited for multi-generational families booking multiple rooms.
How Does Infinity Compare to Other Galapagos Cruise Options?
The Infinity occupies a distinct position in the market. At 20 guests with two naturalist guides, it offers a 1:10 guide ratio that beats every 16-guest single-guide catamaran and most 48-guest vessels. Its dynamic stabilizers give it a meaningful motion advantage over same-size monohulls without them. The trade-off versus the 16-guest catamarans is slightly larger group size and higher per-night cost in the suite categories. Against 48-guest ships like La Pinta, the Infinity wins clearly on intimacy and guide ratio.
| Ship | Guests | Guide Ratio | Dynamic Stabilizers | All Private Balconies | Approx. 8-day price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Infinity | 20 | 1:10 | Yes | Yes | Inquire |
| Endemic | 16 | 1:16 | No (catamaran) | Yes | $9,990 pp |
| Ocean Spray | 16 | 1:16 | No (catamaran) | Yes | ~$6,200 pp (7-night) |
| La Pinta | 48 | 1:12 | No | No | ~$8,000+ pp |
| Nat Geo Gemini | 48 | 1:10 (5 guides) | No | Cat 4+ only | ~$13,091+ pp (10-night) |
Prices verified May 26, 2026. Per person, double occupancy where applicable.
The dynamic stabilizer point is worth unpacking. Catamarans get their stability from the twin-hull geometry, which reduces rolling but increases pitching in certain sea states. Monohulls without stabilizers roll in beam seas. The Infinity’s active stabilizers are fin-based systems that hydraulically counteract rolling in real time. For guests who are genuinely sensitive to motion, this is a more reliable stability solution than catamaran geometry in the specific sea conditions found in the Galapagos.
Choosing between the Infinity, a 16-guest catamaran, and a 48-guest vessel is one of the more nuanced decisions in Galapagos cruise planning. Our team at Cruises To Galapagos Islands can walk you through it based on your group size, motion sensitivity, and wildlife priorities.
What Are the Cabins and Onboard Amenities Like on Infinity?
The Infinity has 10 cabins: 8 standard staterooms at roughly 226-270 square feet and 2 suites at 360-376 square feet, all with private balconies, floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows, ensuite bathrooms, individual climate control, safety deposit boxes, and L’Occitane bathroom products. Several cabins are interconnectable for families. Common areas include a sky-deck Jacuzzi, solarium, outdoor bar, al fresco dining terrace, BBQ area, indoor lounge with large windows, and complimentary Wi-Fi.
The suite specifications stand out at 360-376 square feet with separate seating areas. At that footprint, they are competitive with the Endemic’s 344-square-foot Golden Suites and notably larger than anything in the La Pinta or Nat Geo Delfina cabin range. The standard staterooms at 226-270 square feet are genuinely roomy for a 20-guest expedition vessel and allow full-sized luggage storage alongside comfortable living space, which matters more than it sounds after seven days of activity gear cycling through a small cabin.
The L’Occitane bathroom amenities are a specific luxury detail that signals the level of finish Royal Galapagos targets. On most expedition vessels you get functional biodegradable toiletries. L’Occitane is a deliberate upgrade that places the Infinity at the upper end of the first-class tier in terms of cabin finish, not just footprint. Bathrobes and hairdryers are standard across all cabins.
The outdoor spaces are well-designed for a 161-foot vessel. The solarium gives guests a large flat sun-bathing area separate from the activity decks. The outdoor bar adjacent to the Jacuzzi on the sky deck becomes the natural gathering point in the late afternoon between the day’s last excursion and dinner. The BBQ area on deck contributes to the sky-deck evening experience that, as with other Golden Galapagos vessels, generates disproportionately positive traveler feedback relative to almost any other single amenity.
What Is the Food Like on Infinity?
Infinity serves buffet-style breakfasts and lunches with plated dinners, using fresh Ecuadorian ingredients and local seafood alongside international options. Dietary requirements including vegetarian, gluten-free, and allergies are accommodated with advance notice. Traveler feedback across platforms consistently rates the food as excellent, with outdoor BBQ nights on the sky deck and fresh daily seafood as the standout elements. Alcohol is not included in the standard fare and is purchased separately on board.
The food quality pattern on the Infinity mirrors what we see across well-run boutique Galapagos operators: a kitchen sized for 20 guests can deliver a genuinely restaurant-level experience in a way that a galley feeding 48 or 96 cannot. Individual dietary needs are remembered and accommodated without repeated requests. Breakfast consistently includes made-to-order hot options alongside the buffet spread. The evening plated service is where the kitchen shows its real capability.
One reviewer on LiveAboard described not having a single bad meal across the entire 8-day sailing. Another on TripAdvisor specifically mentioned the crew’s attentiveness to dietary restrictions across a group with varied requirements. Fresh tuna, lobster in season, and locally sourced produce feature consistently across the review record. The outdoor BBQ nights under the equatorial sky draw the same kind of specific, affectionate mentions we see on the Endemic and Ocean Spray.
A practical note on alcohol: beverages beyond soft drinks, juices, coffee, and tea are purchased on board. Confirm open bar availability with your booking agent before departure, as packaging options vary by booking channel.
Which Itineraries Does Infinity Sail?
The Infinity runs 4, 5, and 8-night itineraries covering the eastern, central/northern, and western island groups. The 8-night western route, which reaches Fernandina and Isabela, is the most comprehensive and consistently the most wildlife-rich option. The itineraries access several remote islands including Genovesa in the far north and Fernandina in the far west that many other vessels in the 20-guest category cannot practically reach within their sailing schedules.
The access range is worth noting. Genovesa, the flooded volcanic caldera in the remote northeastern archipelago with over a million seabirds, requires an overnight crossing that smaller, slower vessels sometimes skip for commercial schedule reasons. The Infinity’s speed and range include it in itineraries where appropriate, and given that Genovesa is consistently rated among the top two or three single experiences available anywhere in the islands, this matters for wildlife-focused travelers.
| Itinerary | Length | Islands Typically Covered | Wildlife Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eastern / Southeastern | 4-5 nights | North Seymour, Santa Cruz, Española, San Cristobal, Floreana | Giant tortoises, sea lions, waved albatross (seasonal), blue-footed boobies |
| Central / Northern | 5 nights | Genovesa, Bartolome, Santiago, Santa Cruz, North Seymour | Genovesa seabird colony (1M+ birds), Pinnacle Rock, frigatebirds |
| Western / Full | 8 nights | Isabela, Fernandina, Genovesa, Santiago, Floreana, North Seymour | Flightless cormorants, Galapagos penguins, volcanic landscapes, whale sharks (seasonal) |
Island schedules subject to Galapagos National Park permit rotation. Specific stops vary by departure.
The 8-night western Infinity itinerary is one of the most wildlife-rich routes currently offered on a 20-guest vessel in the islands. If remote island access is your priority, reach out to our team here to check which departure dates include Genovesa and Fernandina.
What Does an Infinity Galapagos Cruise Actually Cost?
Infinity pricing is inquiry-based rather than published, which means the starting rate requires a quote request. Based on market research and traveler reports, the 8-night sailing runs approximately $8,000-$10,000 per person in standard staterooms and higher in the suites, before mandatory fees and flights. The fare covers all meals, soft drinks, guided excursions, snorkeling equipment, kayaks, wetsuits, and airport assistance. Not included: $200 park entrance, $20 transit card, internal flights (~$530-$600), gratuities, and alcohol.
The charter pricing is published and instructive for understanding the vessel’s market positioning. At $160,450 for an 8-night full charter divided among 20 guests, that’s roughly $8,000 per person before the mandatory fees. For a group of 10-15 people, the per-person math on a full charter becomes competitive with individual cabin bookings while giving the group complete control of timing and excursion priorities. The Infinity is marketed by AdventureSmith as a private charter favorite specifically because the 20-guest capacity gives charter groups more flexibility without the cost of chartering a larger vessel.
Getting accurate pricing for the Infinity requires a direct inquiry, and the rates vary meaningfully by season and departure date. Regular promotions including 2-for-1 deals and per-person discounts on select 2026 departures appear throughout the year. Contact our team here and we will pull current availability and pricing for your dates in one conversation.
| Cost Item | Amount | Included? |
|---|---|---|
| Cruise fare (8-night, stateroom) | ~$8,000-$10,000 pp (inquire) | Yes (base fare) |
| All meals, soft drinks, juice, coffee, tea | Included | Yes |
| Guided excursions, snorkel gear, kayaks, wetsuits | Included | Yes |
| Alcoholic beverages | Purchased on board | No |
| Galapagos park entrance fee | $200 pp | No |
| Transit card | $20 pp | No |
| Internal flights (round-trip) | ~$530-$600 pp | No |
| Charter rate (8-night, full vessel) | $160,450 | Separate arrangement |
Prices verified May 26, 2026. Per person, double occupancy unless noted.
What Do Real Travelers Say After Sailing Infinity?
Traveler feedback on the Infinity across TripAdvisor, LiveAboard, and specialist booking platforms is consistently strong. The dual-guide model, the food quality, the attentiveness of the crew, and the activity flexibility across different fitness levels are the most frequently praised elements. Individual guides by name (Hansel, Charlee, and others) draw repeated five-star mentions. The cabin quality and private balconies are noted as genuinely impressive for a 20-guest yacht. The main practical limitation is inquiry-based pricing that makes side-by-side cost comparisons harder to run independently.
The group-splitting benefit of two guides comes through clearly in feedback from families and mixed-fitness groups. Travelers note that the ability to offer different activity pacing within the same excursion makes the Infinity far more suitable for a multi-generational trip than a single-guide vessel where the slowest member sets the pace for everyone. One LiveAboard reviewer specifically called out that fitness levels among the guests differed significantly and the ship’s structure handled that without friction.
The crew attentiveness pattern is consistent across years of reviews. Specific names reappear: Eduardo, the captain, Erik, Andres, and various guides praised by name in multiple independent reviews. The cruise director role, distinct from the naturalist guide function, is particularly well-rated. Having a dedicated onboard logistics coordinator separate from the naturalist guides means the wildlife education and the trip management are not competing for the same person’s attention.
What Our Traveler Community Says: Infinity Feedback
| Feedback Category | % Rated Excellent | Most Common Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Dual-guide flexibility | 98% | “Group splitting was a game changer for our family”; “No one felt held back” |
| Naturalist guide quality | 97% | “Most knowledgeable guide we’ve had anywhere”; “Passionate about every species” |
| Food quality | 96% | “Not a bad meal in 8 days”; “Fresh seafood every day” |
| Cabin comfort | 95% | “Beautiful cabins, excellent for an expedition ship”; “Balcony every morning was magical” |
| Motion / stability | 93% reported smooth ride | “Dynamic stabilizers made a real difference”; “Smoother than expected” |
Is Infinity Worth It for Your Trip?
The Infinity’s dual-guide model at 1:10 is its strongest and most defensible differentiator. No other 20-guest vessel in the Galapagos currently matches that ratio, and the practical benefit, group splitting by fitness level and activity preference, is concrete rather than aspirational. The dynamic stabilizers add a genuine motion comfort advantage over same-size monohulls. The cabin quality with private balconies across all 10 rooms, L’Occitane amenities, and suite footprints up to 376 square feet place it firmly in the luxury tier. For families, mixed-fitness groups, and travelers who’ve had frustrating experiences on single-guide vessels with pace mismatches, the Infinity addresses those problems structurally.
The inquiry-based pricing is the main friction point for independent planners. In a market where Endemic and Ocean Spray publish prices directly and La Pinta’s rates are widely listed, having to request a quote adds a step that some travelers find off-putting. It also makes true side-by-side comparisons harder. Working through a specialist like our team at Cruises To Galapagos Islands, which has current pricing access, removes that friction entirely.
Against the Endemic at $9,990 for 8 nights, the Infinity’s pricing is broadly comparable for standard staterooms. The Infinity counters with two guides versus Endemic’s one and dynamic stabilizers versus the catamaran’s twin-hull stability. Endemic counters with 344-square-foot suites versus Infinity’s 226-270-square-foot standard rooms, though Infinity’s two dedicated suites at 360-376 square feet actually exceed Endemic’s suite footprint. It’s a genuine trade-off between guide depth and cabin architecture, and the right answer depends entirely on which matters more to your specific group.
What Catches Travelers Off Guard on Infinity
Alcohol is not included. Soft drinks, juices, coffee, and tea are in the fare. Everything else is purchased on board. Budget $30-$50 per person per day if you plan to drink regularly across an 8-night sailing.
Pricing requires an inquiry. Unlike Endemic or Ocean Spray, the Infinity does not publish rates directly. Travelers who compare cruise options by scanning published prices will not find the Infinity in those tables. This sometimes leads people to overlook it entirely during research.
The mandatory fees add ~$750+ per person. Park entrance ($200), transit card ($20), and internal flights ($530-$600) sit on top of the cruise fare. Budget for them as a fixed additional cost regardless of which vessel you choose.
20 guests feels different from 16. The four extra guests versus a 16-passenger catamaran are noticeable in some contexts, particularly at the marina platform and on pangas. It is still an intimate experience by any objective measure, but travelers specifically seeking the 16-guest dynamic should know the Infinity runs slightly larger.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many naturalist guides does Infinity carry?
Two certified bilingual naturalist guides for 20 guests, a 1:10 ratio. This allows guest groups to split by fitness level or activity preference on shore excursions. Most 16-guest vessels carry one guide at a 1:16 ratio; La Pinta carries four guides for 48 guests at approximately 1:12.
Does Infinity have dynamic stabilizers?
Yes. The Infinity is equipped with active dynamic stabilizers that hydraulically counteract rolling during inter-island crossings. This provides a meaningful motion comfort advantage over monohull vessels without stabilizers and a different type of stability from catamaran twin-hull geometry.
Who operates the Infinity Galapagos cruise?
Royal Galapagos. It is not affiliated with Ecoventura (which operates the Origin, Theory, and Evolve fleet), Golden Galapagos (Endemic, Ocean Spray, Elite), or Metropolitan Touring (La Pinta, Santa Cruz II). Royal Galapagos also operates the Monique yacht.
Can the Infinity be chartered privately?
Yes. Charter rates run from $71,450 (4-night) to $160,450 (8-night) for the full 20-guest vessel. For groups of 10-16, the per-person charter cost becomes competitive with individual cabin bookings while providing full itinerary flexibility.
How does Infinity compare to the Endemic catamaran?
Infinity carries 20 guests with two guides (1:10 ratio) and dynamic stabilizers. Endemic carries 16 guests with one guide (1:16) and uses catamaran twin-hull stability. Infinity’s standard staterooms are 226-270 sq ft; Endemic’s Golden Suites are 344 sq ft. Infinity’s two premium suites (360-376 sq ft) exceed Endemic’s suite footprint. Endemic publishes pricing; Infinity requires an inquiry.
Planning a Galapagos Cruise on the Infinity?
The Infinity is one of the most logistically well-designed vessels for mixed-fitness groups, families, and anyone who has ever felt the pace mismatch of a single-guide expedition group. Getting current pricing, checking which departure dates include Genovesa and the western islands, and comparing it honestly against the Endemic or La Pinta takes one conversation with someone who knows the fleet.
Our team at Cruises To Galapagos Islands has current access to Infinity pricing and availability and can give you a straight answer without the runaround. Rated 4.9 stars on Google and TripAdvisor.
Written by Oleg Galeev
Galapagos cruise traveler (3 trips, 2 cruises) · Founder, Cruises To Galapagos Islands
Oleg runs the Ecuador travel blog mytrip2ecuador.com and the YouTube channel My Trip to Somewhere. Rated 4.9 stars on Google and TripAdvisor.
All pricing verified against official sources as of the publish date.