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While there are several ways to get to see the Galapagos Islands, cruising with an Ecuadorian National Parks licensed cruise operator is probably the best choice if the islands you are most interested in are the more remote or further away from the inhabited islands of San Cristobal and Santa Cruz. The Galapagos Islands are over 600 miles from the mainland of Ecuador. There are two small airports in the Galapagos reachable from Quito and Guayaquil International airports, but they do have capacity for modern jets of the Boeing 737 type. It is not practical to expect to get to the Galapagos Island on the same day as your arrival into Ecuador from most North American arriving flights. Best practice is to arrive the day before, or even better, to arrive several days or a week early and tour the Ecuadorian Andes or go into the Amazon river basin in Coco Ecuador for a 3-5-7 day tour in this lush, tropical rain forest area. See Amazon River Cruises here
The Galapagos Islands are fully contained within the Galapagos National Park, and all travel to the Galapagos Islands requires a tourist transit card, for both international passengers and Ecuadorian nationals. You must obtain a transit permit at the airport prior to your flights. In addition there is a $100 per person Galapagos National Park entrance fee upon arrival. This allows international visitors up to 60 days within the park. Most of the major cruise operators handle this for you, but for those traveling independently, you will need to obtain your transit permit prior to your flight to the Galapagos, and then on arrival pay in cash the park entrance fee.
"The Galapagos Islands are governed by a Special Law that supports conservation and the preservation of its unique environment. The Galapagos Governing Council is responsible for the overall management of the Archipelago, working to ensure a balance between the populated areas and protected areas. For this reason, the movement of visitors and inhabitants in and out of the Islands requires careful management.”
The Galapagos Islands are not only highly regulated for the access and limits on visitors, but there is significant licensing and regulation of the operators providing tour and cruise services within the park. Each and every guide must become certified by the parks authorities, be fluent in Spanish and a second language, pass knowledge of the habitat, as well as the rules governing visitors. There are requirements for the operators in providing certified captains of the vessels, and ensuring the guide to passenger ratio is maintained, as well as complying with Ecuadorian Navy regulations. There are also guides who have been additionally cerified for diving operators. The best operators know the value of great guides toward the satisfaction with their operations and will pay for them. It doesn’t make sense for them to put together a wonderful boat, delicious food and then nickel and dime you on the guide.
The regulations limit (which landings on which islands) the frequency to no more than once in 14 days! So regardless of what ship is being sailed no one ship can revisit a previous port of call more then once ( exceptions made for Puerto Ayora and San Cystobal). This is done to protect and sustain the viability of the Galapagos Islands eco system. But what it does do is add some options, as well as some complexity to planning your cruise. It means that with all the islands and possible landing sites, its not possible to see every island or port of call in 7 days. Thus the cruise lines have multiple itineraries, and or routes they use for each of their 7 day sailings.
Will you see the same things on each islands? Yes and No. Yes, there are a number of wildlife, birds and sea animals that are common to many of the islands, but there are also animals, birds, and sea life that are unique to several islands, and some that are migratory and only seen on certain islands at certain times of the year? And some landscapes that are active volcanic and others that are more establish with vegetation. Just about any of the itineraries will visit islands that have Galapagos Turtles, Iguanas, Sea Lions, and plenty of bird and sea life, so no matter when you visit you will have a great time. But if there are special bucket list items that you must see, talk to us and we can assist you with which islands and when, or if you are unsure of which itinerary to choose among several in your vacation time window, talk to us and we can explain the differences as well as discuss with your the merits of each fo the cruise lines and the particular ship. We have probably had clients on it recently and have their feedback to provide you.
So is there any real difference between the operators for the Galapagos Islands tours? While the operations and size of ships, and requirements for naturalist guides are quite rigorous,and regulated, there are significant differences between the modes of travel whether it be land tours, or day cruises, and those of overnight cruise lines. But no matter which way you get to the Galapagos Islands it 
is a fantastic experience of a lifetime. Go!
Having been to the Galapagos Islands both via a cruise and via a land based tours from Santa Cruz ( Puerto Ayora), and having assisted numerous clients with their plans, I have gained valuable insights I can pass on. I also stay abreast of all the operators offerings and updates so comparison remain apples to apples. I also apply my overall experience, knowledge to ensure a match with your desires and style to the providers, and have high level access to the tour and cruise operators.
The purpose of this page is to assist those looking for 7 day or longer cruises that can cover all the Galapagos Islands ( depending on length of cruise) and are designed for those looking for an expeditionary experience, plus an inclusiveness and high value for the price ( I will be glad to explain the supply demand issues in the Galapagos or you can read my blog, the Galapagos Islands are pricey) I have selected a few operators who I believe provide this level of outstanding experience and value, with the highest rated of the certified naturalists and guides, and the most complete experience without any surprises on what is included and not. I constantly research the offerings, and cruise ships operating in the Galapagos Islands with an eye toward my clients and their expectations. I work with each client to match their style and desires with that of the approved suppliers for the Galapagos Islands. Thus, though there are 79 licensed and approved cruise ships authorized for passengers in the Galapagos Islands I have limited my below recommendations to those I put in the most all inclusive, luxury category with proven operators year in and year out, that employ the best crew and guides, with facilities and services beyond the norm, and that can supply an end to end experience beyond just the Galapagos Islands cruise.
Why the larger class of ships? I have found for my clients, who are generally from North America and Europe, but also some Aussies and Kiwis that their expectations are generally met and exceeded with these ships. Whether it be the range of motion experienced, the size and amenities of their cabins, the degree of fluency and expertise of the guides, the food, cuisine, and inclusiveness of beer, wine, and alcohol on board ( yes its great to see the sunset from your balcony or deck with a cocktail in hand), availability of WiFi, an on board ships doctor, and then some of the creature comforts that might not be expected such as spa and massage. Even things like complementary use of snorkeling gear and access to research materials on board for extra enlightenment.
Why the larger ships? Mainly for comfort and amenities, but also for the facilities on board, dining, and after hours amenities, plus a ships doctor. There are no landings during the evening or night time, so most of the ships use this time for relaxation, preparing for the next days expected sights and options, and Q&A, but this is a great time to talk to your fellow guests and adventurers, and the ships easily facilitate that. I have found that the smaller vessels especially the 10-20 passenger size are just subject to more motion than the larger ships, and during certain times of the year the wind and waves make it difficult for those that suffer from motion sickness or do not sleep well in higher motion environments.
So here are my current recommendations for the larger vessels.
It would be hard not to list this purpose built, all suites, Eco focused ship first, the Celebrity Flora sailings. This 100 passenger ship will begin sailings in May 2019 and replace two approximately 50 passengers luxury yachts currently under the Celebrity name. Nothing has been left to chance with this ship, and Celebrity has packed everything they have learned in more than 14 years in the Galapagos Island touring into it, the crew, the Pangas or Zodiac style landing craft, and included all the creature comforts so that after a long day ashore or snorkeling, you are treated royally and pampered on aboard. Some of their suites can even be converted to multi-bedroom accommodations for those traveling with children. Makes for a great skip-Gen adventure ( grandparents + kids, no parents!).
Silversea's Silver Galapogos. Silversea Cruises, an ultra-luxury cruise line, has several expeditionary ships, and have been the name in luxury cruising for years. Their rich tradition for smaller, intimate and classical luxury carry over to the Silversea Silver Galapagos, their dedicated 100 passenger expeditionary ship which sails year round in the Galapagos. The Silver Galapagos has 5
categories of cabins, from ocean view to veranda/balcony and suites, and a medical center. Some of their categories are connecting cabins, and there are a few triple occupancy capable. Silver Galapagos staterooms range in size from 210 Sq Ft. to 268 Sq Ft, plus private balcony of 53 SQ FT.
Celebrity Xpedition. While the 96 passenger Xpedition has been Celebrity’s go to vessel for many years, its limited suite selection was noticed. Thus while the Flora will take over center stage so to speak, that also allows Celebrity to have the time to refurbish and modernize the Xpedition, and when completed, Celebrity will have two full extradition vessels year round. The Celebrity Xpedition will have the full range of staterooms from ocean view to balcony and also have some lower price points for the sailings for those cabins. At all levels within Celebrity the all inclusive experience and guest expectations will be met and exceeded.
Lindblad Expeditions has two vessels sailing the Galapagos Islands, both of which are co-branded with National Geographic. The National Geographic Islander, a yacht-scaled and trimmed 48 guest vessel, and the National Geographic Endeavor II which replaced the original Endeavor and is a 96 guest ship which was refitted in 2016 and is now their primary ship serving the Galapagos Islands. The Endeavor II and the Islander both operate with a 7 day sailing, and both have extension packages for Peru. They also price their journeys with air and pre stay in Peru. The Lindblad experience is more ala carte for items like beverages and gratuities. They do have a wellness expert on board as well as one of their naturalist is also a Lindblad-National Geographic certified photo instructor. Lindblatt also has a glass bottomed dinghy which can be easily used for those preferring not to snorkel.
