Galapagos cruises are unlike anywhere else in the world. Due to strict national park regulations and the remote location of these volcanic islands, all Galapagos cruises operate as small-ship expeditions with certified naturalist guides – there are no massive cruise ships with casinos and Broadway shows here. Instead, you’ll find intimate vessels designed specifically for wildlife viewing and island exploration.
These unique cruises are divided into four major categories, each priced differently to match various travel styles and budgets: from budget-friendly options at $250-$430 per day that still deliver incredible wildlife encounters, to ultra-luxury experiences at $750-$1,000+ per day with butler service and gourmet dining. The beauty of Galapagos cruising is that regardless of which category you choose, you’ll visit the same pristine islands, see the same endemic species, and have the same life-changing wildlife encounters – the main differences lie in cabin comfort, dining quality, and onboard amenities.
Luxury Galapagos Cruises
Luxury Galapagos Cruises are perfect for travelers with extra budget who want the ultimate comfort and hassle-free experience with everything included for the best possible Galapagos adventure – think honeymooners, families with multiple generations, or busy professionals who’d rather focus on the incredible wildlife than worry about logistics. You’ll pay $800+ per night, but you get what you pay for: intimate groups, private balconies, gourmet meals, and the best naturalist guides in the islands (we’re talking PhD-level experts who make every encounter unforgettable). I always recommend luxury cruises to clients who value seamless experiences – everything from flights to park fees is handled, plus you get that coveted small-group access that makes all the difference when you’re watching blue-footed boobies up close.
What Luxury Galapagos Cruises Include That Others Don’t:
- Complimentary unlimited Wi-Fi
- All alcoholic beverages and premium wines/spirits included
- Butler service and room service
- In-room espresso machines and stocked mini-bars
- Multiple restaurants with open-seating dining
- Spa services and wellness treatments
- Fitness centers and gyms
- Hot tubs/jacuzzis on deck
- All gratuities included
- Round-trip airfare from mainland Ecuador
- Pre-cruise luxury hotel accommodations
- All park fees and entrance costs
- Premium toiletries and Egyptian cotton linens
- Private balconies in all cabins
- Medical officer on board
- Stargazing sessions with naturalists
- Outdoor glamping cabanas
- 1:1 staff-to-guest ratios
- Level III naturalist guides with PhD degrees
- All snorkeling and kayaking equipment included
- Hot towels and snacks after every excursion
- Laundry and pressing services
- 24/7 concierge services
- All transfers and logistics handled
First Class Galapagos Cruises
First Class Galapagos Cruises are for travelers who want excellent comfort and quality service without paying luxury prices – ideal for couples, active families, and travelers who prioritize great wildlife experiences over ultra-premium amenities. You’ll pay $600-$700 per person per day (vs $750-$1,000+ for luxury), giving you comfortable accommodations, good dining, and professional Level II naturalist guides who know the islands well. I recommend first class to clients who want the luxury feel without the Luxury Cruise price tag – you’ll get ocean-view cabins, social areas with bars and sun decks, and all the essential equipment for snorkeling and activities, just without some of the ultra-high-end touches.
What First Class Galapagos Cruises Include:
- Ocean-view cabins with private bathrooms
- Air conditioning in all cabins
- Professional Level II naturalist guides
- Good quality meals (not gourmet)
- Social areas with bar, lounge, and sun deck
- Some boats include jacuzzis
- Snorkeling equipment included
- Kayaks often included
- Zodiac boat excursions
- Daily activities and briefings
- Safety equipment and trained crew
- Some boats offer paddle boards
What First Class DOESN’T Include Compared to Luxury:
- No private balconies in cabins
- No butler service or room service
- No complimentary alcoholic beverages (extra cost)
- No Wi-Fi or limited connectivity
- Smaller cabin sizes with twin/double beds vs king beds
- No spa services or wellness treatments
- No fitness centers
- Wetsuits rental (extra charge) vs included
- No premium toiletries or Egyptian cotton linens
- No all-inclusive airfare or pre-cruise hotels
- Gratuities separate
- No medical officer on board
- No multiple restaurants or open-seating dining
- Level II guides vs PhD-level experts
Tourist Superior Galapagos Cruises
Tourist Superior Galapagos Cruises offer excellent value for travelers seeking a solid balance between comfort and affordability – perfect for young couples, adventure seekers, and families who want to experience the incredible wildlife without breaking the bank. At $400-$600 per person per day, these mid-range cruises deliver comfortable yet affordable cruising experiences with air-conditioned cabins, private bathrooms, and knowledgeable Level II bilingual guides. I often suggest tourist superior to clients who recognize that the Galapagos is about the incredible wildlife and the beautiful outdoors, and the most important thing is being on a reliable boat with a great guide – you’ll explore the same amazing islands and see the same endemic species, just with more modest accommodations.
What Tourist Superior Galapagos Cruises Include:
- Air-conditioned cabins with private bathrooms and hot water
- Level II bilingual naturalist guides
- Good quality meals meeting high standards
- Cozy social areas (dining room, living room, sun decks)
- Comfortable lounge with panoramic windows, small library, stereo and TV/VCR, bar/saloon
- Snorkeling equipment included
- Some boats include kayaks or paddleboards
- Daily briefings and activities
- Safety equipment and trained crew
- Same itineraries as higher classes
What Tourist Superior DOESN’T Include Compared to First Class/Luxury:
- Much smaller cabin sizes (vs spacious ocean-view cabins)
- Lower beds instead of double/king beds (but no bunk beds like budget)
- No jacuzzis or hot tubs
- Limited social areas and deck space
- More basic dining (good quality but not gourmet)
- No alcoholic beverages included
- No Wi-Fi or connectivity
- Wetsuits rental (extra charge)
- Basic toiletries and linens
- No room service or concierge
- Fewer crew members per passenger
- No premium equipment or water sports
Budget/Tourist Galapagos Cruises
Budget/Tourist Galapagos Cruises are designed for cost-conscious adventurers and backpackers who want the full Galapagos experience without the high price tag – especially popular with younger travelers, students, and those visiting the islands as part of an extended South American journey. Budget cruises are the equivalent of 1 and 2 star hotels, and can cost anywhere between $250 – $430 dollars per person, per day, making the islands accessible to travelers on tight budgets while still providing the essential wildlife encounters that make Galapagos special. What I tell budget-minded clients is that the unique flora and fauna that call the Galapagos home, and those animals and islands are still the same regardless of which boat you are on or how much you paid for your trip – you’ll see the same incredible wildlife, just with simpler accommodations and fewer frills.
What Budget/Tourist Galapagos Cruises Include:
- Completely safe and very well-maintained vessels
- Basic cabins with bunk beds and shared facilities (some with private bathrooms)
- Air conditioning in cabins
- Accommodations, meals, excursions and all non-alcoholic beverages
- Licensed naturalist guides (basic English level)
- Daily briefings and activities
- Visit almost all the same Galápagos visitor sites as all the others, and they all have great itineraries
- Safety equipment and trained crew
- Fun and chilled vibe atmosphere
What Budget/Tourist DOESN’T Include Compared to Higher Classes:
- No private balconies or ocean-view windows
- Smaller beds like double or twin-size beds vs comfortable lower beds
- Cosy but smaller lounges, and there is typically less outside space, with smaller sundecks
- No alcoholic beverages included
- No Wi-Fi or connectivity
- Economy classes may charge extra (or not have them at all!) for snorkeling equipment
- No wetsuits provided
- No kayaks or water sports equipment
- The guides on an economic-class boat are less knowledgeable than the those of the more expensive vessels. While trained and licensed by the Galapagos National Park, they are less likely to speak more than basic English
- More basic meals (good quality but simple)
- Limited social areas and deck space
- No premium amenities or services
Ready to find your perfect Galapagos cruise? Get a free consultation with our experienced Galapagos specialists who will suggest the best cruise options tailored to your budget, travel dates, and preferences. With over 10 years of expertise and insider knowledge of the islands, we’ll help you choose the ideal vessel and itinerary for your once-in-a-lifetime adventure.