celebrity cruises galapagos islands

Book a Europe cruise this summer with direct flights starting at £1*

• Need help? 0344 493 2043 0344 493 2043
• Let Us Call You CALL ME
• Drink Packages
• Flights by Celebrity℠
• Manage Reservation
• Shore Excursions
• Upgrade with MoveUp

• Join Captain's Club

Already booked? Sign in or create an account

• South Korea
• New Zealand
• Grand Cayman
• St. Maarten
• U.S Virgin Islands
• New England & Canada
• Pacific Coast
• Antarctic Ocean
• Panama Canal
• Transatlantic
• Transpacific
• Cruise Ports (+300)
• Mediterranean
• All Inclusive
• Bucket List Cruises
• Cruise & Stay Packages
• Alaska & Galapagos Packages
• Family Cruises
• Groups & Events
• New Cruises
• Overnight Stays Cruises
• Popular Cruises
• Specialty Cruises
• Destination Highlights
• Group Excursions
• Private Journeys
• Shore Excursions Overview
• Small Group Discoveries

Our revolutionary Edge series ship, Celebrity Apex, sails from Southampton, exploring Europe's must-see destinations.

• 360° Virtual Tours
• Celebrity Apex
• Celebrity Ascent NEW
• Celebrity Beyond
• Celebrity Constellation
• Celebrity Edge
• Celebrity Eclipse
• Celebrity Equinox
• Celebrity Infinity
• Celebrity Millennium
• Celebrity Reflection
• Celebrity Silhouette
• Celebrity Solstice
• Celebrity Summit
• Celebrity Xcel COMING SOON
• Explore Edge Series

Galapagos Expedition Series

• Celebrity Flora
• Celebrity Xpedition
• Celebrity Xploration
• The Retreat
• Suite Life. Elevated.
• Iconic Suite
• Penthouse Suite
• Reflection Suite
• Royal Suite
• Signature Suite
• Celebrity Suite
• Aqua Sky Suite
• View All Suites
• Concierge Class
• Eat & Drink
• Entertainment
• Spa & Wellness

• Cruising 101
• Cruise Fare Options
• Cruise Tips
• First Time on a Cruise
• What is Included on a Cruise
• Future Cruise Vacations
• Accessible Cruising
• Flights by Celebrity
• Healthy at Sea
• Manage Cruise
• The Celebrity Store
• Travel Documents
• Our Distinction
• Royal Caribbean International
• Celebrity Cruises

• At Least 30% Off 1st & 2nd Guest
• Fly to Europe from £1
• 3rd & 4th Guests Sail from £129pp
• 20% Off Galapagos Cruises
• Exciting Deals
• Cruise and Stay Packages
• Bluelight & Military Offers
• View All Offers
• All Included
• Dining Packages
• Photo Packages
• Wi-Fi Packages
• View All Packages
• Captain's Club
• Celebrity Points
• Loyalty Exclusive Offers
• Loyalty Status Match

Get at least 30% off your first and second guests' cruise fare. Plus, book now and get up to $200 onboard spend per room.

The Galapagos Islands

Tabs view cruises.

• Itineraries
• Onboard Experience
• Know Before You Go
• View Cruises

Each So Unique, No Visit is the Same

Located 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador, this archipelago of unspoiled, isolated islands will welcome you with its rugged charms and evolutionary wonders. Consisting of 19 islands and 42 islets that all rose from the sea as the product of volcanic eruptions, these islands are between 3 million and 4 million years old.

Completely oceanic—meaning they’ve never been connected to the mainland—the Galapagos Islands are truly a world apart. Settlers have carved out their lives on the lava rocks, pirates have profited, and scientists have explored. The history of the Galapagos is rich and diverse, with tales of basic survival and extraordinary discovery. For almost any modern adventurer, a journey through time to the Galapagos is a dream vacation.

TALK TO AN EXPERT 1-888-751-9303

Chinese Hat Islet

Daphne Island

Fernandina Island

Baltra Island

Bartolomé Island

Española Island

Floreana Island

Genovesa Island

Isabela Island

Rábida Island

San Cristobal Island

Santa Cruz Island

Santa Fé Island

Santiago Island

Seymour Norte Island

Mosquera Islet

Previewing: Promo Dashboard Campaigns

All products and listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

South America Chevron

Ecuador Chevron

Galápagos Islands Chevron

6 Best Galapagos Cruises For Every Kind of Traveler

By Meena Thiruvengadam

Galapagos cruises are the best way to experience the collection of remote, mostly uninhabited islands about 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador. But cruises in the Galapagos Islands aren’t like cruises anyplace else. The ships here are smaller, with some carrying as few as 16 passengers. There are no water slides, elaborate Broadway shows, casinos, or wild nightclubs. And don’t expect big bus tours in port either. 

Galapagos cruises are about experiencing nature and wildlife while limiting environmental impact as much as possible. Ships are built for sustainability and toting items like kayaks, paddleboards, and scuba gear. Itineraries may feature two active excursions a day, limiting downtime on board the ship. Instead of museums and historic sights, you’ll visit uninhabited islands to encounter marine iguanas, sea lions, unspoiled beaches, and the adventures of a lifetime. 

Trips to the Galapagos Islands are logistically complicated, making cruises an especially good way to experience the area. Travelers to the Galapagos Islands must first fly to Quito or Guayaquil, Ecuador, for a night before flying to the Galapagos to board their ships. All travelers must also be accompanied by National Parks Guides who can help them navigate these largely undeveloped islands. 

Galapagos cruise itineraries are typically a week long and cover a portion of the islands, sometimes more. Here's everything to know about cruising in the Galapagos, from frequently asked questions to the best itineraries to book now.

• Best luxury Galapagos cruise
• Best Galapagos cruise for stargazing  
• Best Galapagos cruise for adventure seekers  
• Best Galapagos cruises for solo travelers  
• Best small ship Galapagos cruise  

Best Galapagos cruises for families

When is the best time to cruise the galapagos islands .

With pleasant temperatures all year long, the best time to visit the Galapagos Islands is whenever you’re ready to go. Several cruise lines sail to the Galapagos Islands all year long. While you can see wildlife all year, December is hatching season for the giant tortoises, and July is mating season for blue-footed boobies and short-eared owls. Sea turtles lay their eggs early in the year and fully formed marine iguanas typically hatch in April and May. 

Are Galapagos cruises expensive?  

The Galapagos Islands aren’t a bargain destination. Expect to pay somewhere between $5,000 and $12,000 per traveler depending on the ship, itinerary, and length of the voyage. 

One thing’s for sure: Whatever your preference, there’s a Galapagos Islands cruise for you. These are six of the best Galapagos cruises for every type of traveler.

All listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. If you book something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

A suite on board Silver Origin comes with butler service.

Best luxury Galapagos cruise 

There’s no more luxurious way to sail the Galapagos Islands than on  Silversea's Silver Origin , a ship custom-built for cruising these islands. Silver Origin is Silversea’s first destination-specific ship and includes several features meant to minimize its environmental impact. The all-suite ship can carry up to 100 passengers, is all-inclusive down to the premium spirits in your stateroom's minibar, and includes the luxury cruise line’s signature butler service. There’s also a salon and fitness center on board, a rarity for ships sailing in this region. Most itineraries on the Silver Origin are seven nights, but longer cruises are typically scheduled around winter holidays. The Silver Origin sails the north, central, and western loops of the Galapagos Islands.

Best Galapagos cruise for stargazing 

This region may be better known for its landscapes and wildlife, but the Galapagos Islands are also an excellent place for stargazing. And there’s no better Galapagos cruise ship for stargazing than the  Celebrity Flora . The 100-passenger vessel feels more like a luxury yacht than an expedition ship. It has a stargazing platform on its top deck and provides binoculars to help guests spot constellations as the ship cruises along the equator. The modern expedition ship also offers a glamping experience that includes a naturalist-guided stargazing session and a luxurious night of glamping under the stars. Prefer to sleep in your bed on board? Have dinner under the stars at the ship’s restaurant before heading back to your suite. The Celebrity Flora ’s Galapagos itineraries range from seven to 16 nights. 

Best Galapagos cruise for adventure seekers 

Lindblad Expeditions has been cruising the Galapagos Islands for more than 50 years. It now sails to the Galapagos year-round in partnership with National Geographic, giving guests the chance to encounter giant tortoises, blue-footed boobies, penguins, sea lions, marine iguanas, and more. A staff of expert guides is on board to help travelers spot wildlife and better understand the volcanic landscapes, mangrove thickets, and seagrasses they encounter. Activities include unforgettable snorkeling adventures, hikes through pristine wilderness, and walks along remote beaches. Lindblad’s newest Galapagos Islands cruise ship, the National Geographic Islander II , feels more like a boutique hotel than an expedition ship and carries just 48 passengers in 26 suites. Some itineraries offer advanced divers the chance to commune with a variety of marine life. And while rugged adventures may await travelers off the ship, each suite offers travelers plenty of comfort: They come equipped with flat-screen TVs, in-room espresso machines, and bathrooms with double sinks.

Best Galapagos cruises for solo travelers 

Galapagos cruises aren’t cheap, especially if you’re sailing solo. Hurtigruten makes cruising the Galapagos Islands more affordable by waiving the single supplement on several of its Galapagos cruises. Hurtigruten Galapagos cruises range from seven to 14 days in length and take place on the MS Santa Cruz II , a ship that comes equipped with panga boats, kayaks, snorkeling gear, paddleboards, and a glass-bottom boat for viewing marine life. The ship carries a maximum of 90 passengers, and its operations are carbon-neutral. There’s a small gym and a hot tub on board. Regular prices start around $8,500 for a one-week cruise. Look for sales to bring your price down even further.

Best small ship Galapagos cruise 

Avalon Waterways may be better known for its European river cruises , but it also sails the Galapagos Islands. Avalon sails this region on two ships, the Treasure of the Galapagos and the Delfin III . The Delfin III , which also sails the Amazon in Peru, is its newest and most luxurious Galapagos cruise ship. The ship has just 22 suites, almost guaranteeing you’ll make new friends along the journey. The Treasure of the Galapagos is even smaller, carrying a maximum of 16 guests. And while there’s no long list of restaurants on board either ship, there are creative, locally inspired menus featuring seasonal ingredients and lots of vegetarian options. On board both ships, you’ll find daily natural history lectures, a team of multilingual naturalists, floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows, and plunge pools.  

For an adventure your kids will never forget, hop on board an Adventures by Disney cruise of the Galapagos Islands. Just be sure to wait until your kids are at least seven years old. This is the minimum age for most Galapagos cruises, though Disney recommends this itinerary for children eight and older. This isn’t your typical Disney cruise. It’s a small ship expedition itinerary with a hint of Disney magic in a setting fit for a fairy tale. Adventures by Disney's Galapagos itineraries span nine days and visit about 15 sites. 

Recommended

Finch Bay Galapagos Hotel

Pikaia Lodge

South America Travel Guide

Celebrity Xpedition

Celebrity xpedition cruise ship.

Celebrity Xpedition accommodates guests with amenities in a most unique and intimate atmosphere. Designed not just for travel, but for exploration, this 48-guest ship sails to the Galapagos Islands, one of the world's last pristine environments. The Celebrity Xpedition offers the perfect combination of explorer's voyage and cosmopolitan bliss. Stylish detail meets intimate ambiance.

Key Features:

• Exercise and Massage Room
• Discovery Lounge
• Beagle Grill
• Darwin´s Restaurant
• Premium Service on every Suite
• Massage Room

Gallery | Prices | Itineraries | Other Cruise Ships

Overall Rating 4.6      

What is this?

• Accom.: 4.6
• Itinerary: 4.1
• Service: 4.9

Prices from: US$ 0

Celebrity xpedition promotions & last minute deals.

» View all promotions

Celebrity Xpedition Photo gallery

CELEBRITY XPEDITION RATES

* For rates information please ask your Trip advisor .

• For the latest promotions on this boat and others, please click here .
• Prices are per person in United States Dollars.
• Prices are subject to change without prior notice.

Additional Information

• Prices can change according to dates
• During peak season Christmas and New Year dates a surcharge will be charged.
• Cruise prices, Air tickets, National Park fee and TCT prices are subject to change without prior notice in the event of circumstances beyond our control
• In case of increase in fuel prices, fuel surcharge will apply
• Single Supplements: 2 x the twin rate for any double cabin
• Children are accepted from the age of 7 years old onwards
• Children under 12 years sharing the cabin with an adult will benefit from 20% discount over the gross rates on all departures except Easter, Christmas , and New Year cruises
• Children booked in double cabin for single use pay the adult rate

Rates Include

• Voyage aboard as indicated in the applicable itinerary
• Accommodation in staterooms with air conditioning, private bathroom and showers, and refrigerators with complimentary bottled water
• All meals and complimentary beverages on board the vessel including select wines, sparkling wines, spirits, soft drinks, bottled water, coffee and teas
• Complimentary room service
• Complimentary internet access
• Onboard entertainment, including programs or lectures by onboard, Galapagos National Park certified naturalists or our experienced Celebrity staff
• Complimentary snorkeling equipment, mini-wetsuits, binoculars and walking sticks provided for the duration of the cruise
• Gratuities while on board for the crew and lecturers, as well as gratuities for the naturalist guides
• The Galapagos National Park admission fee
• Galapagos Tourist Card fee
• Transfers from/to the Baltra, Galapagos airport to/from the ship

Not Included

• Air transportation of any type
• Any ground transfers other than as stated
• Any food or beverages obtained off of Celebrity Galapagos vessels
• Purchases on board
• Personal services such as spa, laundry, and telecommunication services
• Travel insurance
• Optional pre/post packages

CELEBRITY XPEDITION DECK PLANS

CELEBRITY XPEDITION ITINERARIES

Please note: Itineraries are unlikely to change significantly but are subject to change. Weather, wildlife breeding, instructions from the Galapagos National Park, specific abilities and interests of passengers as well as operational matters may cause your guide or captain to change the time or nature of visits. Your guide will always endeavor to select the best itinerary within these limits....

CELEBRITY XPEDITION CRUISE REVIEWS

No reviews available

GalapagosIslands.com - Visitor Point

Celebrity xpedition photo gallery.

Plan & Book your Dream Galapagos Vacation

Let the Galapagos experts give you free travel advice and planning for your perfect adventure to the Enchanted Islands .

Partners & Sponsors:

Payment Options:

Call the Galapagos Experts

• 1-877-260-5552
• 0800-098-8940
• 593-2-6009-554
• Contact us on WhatsApp
• View more phone numbers
• Request a Call-back

• Join Our Email List
• Already Booked?
• (877) 394-8130

Galapagos Cruises

By celebrity cruises.