Galapagos Cruises
Galapagos small ship cruises offer an extraordinary opportunity to explore one of the world’s most unique and biodiverse regions, where you can encounter fascinating wildlife, stunning landscapes, and pristine ecosystems. Here’s what you can expect from a small ship cruise in the Galapagos Islands.
Wildlife Encounters
- Unique Species: The Galapagos Islands are home to an incredible array of endemic species found nowhere else on Earth, including giant tortoises, marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies, and Galapagos penguins. Small ship cruises provide ample opportunities to observe these animals up close in their natural habitats.
- Snorkeling and Diving: Discover the vibrant underwater world of the Galapagos Marine Reserve, where you can swim alongside sea lions, turtles, sharks, and rays. Small ships often include snorkeling and diving excursions led by expert guides.
- Birdwatching: The Galapagos Islands are a birdwatcher’s paradise, with numerous species of seabirds, including albatrosses, frigatebirds, and waved albatrosses. Many small ship cruises visit bird-rich islands and nesting sites, offering fantastic birdwatching opportunities.
Natural Wonders
- Volcanic Landscapes: Explore the unique geology of the Galapagos Islands, with their volcanic craters, lava fields, and otherworldly landscapes. Hike to the summit of volcanoes, such as Sierra Negra on Isabela Island, for breathtaking views of the archipelago.
- Beaches and Coves: Discover secluded beaches, hidden coves, and pristine coastal habitats, where you can relax, swim, and kayak in crystal-clear waters. Some small ship cruises include visits to remote islands accessible only by boat.
- Giant Tortoise Reserves: Visit conservation centers and reserves dedicated to the preservation of the Galapagos giant tortoise, such as the Charles Darwin Research Station on Santa Cruz Island. Learn about ongoing conservation efforts and see these iconic creatures up close.
Cultural and Educational Experiences
- Naturalist Guides: Small ship cruises in the Galapagos typically include expert naturalist guides who provide informative lectures, guided excursions, and insightful commentary about the islands’ wildlife, geology, and conservation.
- Interactions with Locals: Visit local communities and learn about the culture and way of life of the people who call the Galapagos Islands home. Some cruises offer opportunities to meet fishermen, artisans, and other residents.
- Conservation Initiatives: Gain a deeper understanding of the conservation challenges facing the Galapagos Islands and learn about initiatives aimed at protecting the fragile ecosystems and biodiversity of the archipelago.
Galapagos Cruise Itineraries
Wild Galápagos Escape (7-days)
On this 7-day Wild Galápagos Escape cruise aboard the 48-passenger National Geographic Islander II, explore Darwin’s islands in one action-filled week. Witness the iconic wildlife that sparked the theory of evolution by natural selection, snorkel pristine waters teeming with sea lions and sea turtles, and hike black-sand beaches and lush highlands.
Wild Galápagos Escape (8-days)
On this 8-day Wild Galápagos Escape cruise aboard the 48-guest National Geographic Islander II, witness the iconic wildlife that sparked the theory of evolution by natural selection, snorkel pristine waters teeming with sea lions and sea turtles, and hike black-sand beaches and lush highlands.
Exploring Galápagos
On this 10-day Exploring Galápagos cruise aboard the 96-guest National Geographic Endeavour II or the 48-guest National Geographic Gemini, zodiac to pristine beaches, kayak or stand-up paddleboard along volcanic shores, explore wildlife on land or under the sea.
Peru and Galápagos Escape
On this 11-day Peru and Galápagos Escape cruise aboard the 48-passenger National Geographic Islander II, experience the best of Galápagos, and Machu Picchu too.
Ultimate Galápagos Holiday Voyage
On this 12-day Ultimate Galápagos Holiday Voyage aboard the 48-passenger National Geographic Islander II, travel from Santa Cruz south to Floreana, east to Española and San Cristóbal, and north across the Equator to Genovesa. Make the expedition as active as you choose with options to snorkel, hike, kayak, and paddleboard.
Exploring Galápagos, Machu Picchu and Peru’s Land of the Inca
On this 16-day Exploring Galápagos, Machu Picchu and Peru’s Land of the Inca cruise itinerary aboard the 96-passenger National Geographic Endeavour II or the 48-guest National Geographic Gemini, experience all the wildness of Galápagos and the sublime archaeological wonder of Machu Picchu.
Galápagos by Catamaran: An Intimate Voyage
On this 10-day Galápagos by Catamaran: An Intimate Voyage cruise aboard the 16-guest National Geographic Delfina, zodiac to pristine beaches, kayak, or stand-up paddleboard along volcanic shores, explore wildlife on land or under the sea.
View Galápagos by Catamaran: An Intimate Voyage cruise details
Galápagos by Catamaran, Machu Picchu and Peru’s Land of the Inca
On this 16-day Galápagos by Catamaran, Machu Picchu and Peru’s Land of the Inca cruise aboard the 16-guest National Geographic Delfina, experience all the wildness of Galápagos and continue to Peru in a small group to experience the sublime archaeological wonder of Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley, and Cusco on our signature land program.
View Galápagos by Catamaran, Machu Picchu and Peru’s Land of the Inca cruise details