Galapagos Luxury Cruises
A Galapagos luxury cruise is the perfect way to explore the wonders of the Galapagos Islands in style. From giant tortoises to blue-footed boobies, Galapagos luxury cruises offer up-close and personal encounters with some of the world’s most exotic creatures. With first-class amenities, personalized service, and fine dining, cruising is the ideal way to explore the Galapagos Islands' rich wildlife and landscapes.
In this blog post, we’ll discuss everything you need to know before you book a luxury Galapagos cruise. We'll also recommend the top 6 Galapagos luxury cruises you should consider for your next vacation.
The Top 6 Galapagos Luxury Cruises
With over 50 yachts, catamarans, and cruise ships operating in the archipelago, Galapagos vacation planning can quickly become confusing.
With that in mind, we've pulled together the following list of our most popular and recommended Galapagos Islands luxury cruises. Why do these 6 vessels make our final cut? Not only do they offer the highest in-class service and facilities, but also we frequently receive wonderful client feedback from these yachts.
So, without further ado, let's get straight into our luxury cruise recommendations (listed in no particular order).
1. Origin & Theory Mega Yachts
No list of luxury Galapagos cruises would be complete without the Origin & Theory yachts.
These sister vessels were the very first cruises in the Galapagos islands to become members of the esteemed Relais & Châteaux collection. Few other names in tourism boast this level of recognition for excellence in hospitality, taking luxury cruising in the Galapagos Islands to the next level.
Each yacht offers ten roomy & inviting staterooms, with individual climate control, plush bedding, private modern bathrooms, plenty of storage space, and other luxury amenities.
These luxury yachts' sleek, stylish, and modern spaces make you feel like you are on board a private yacht, The sundeck offers shade with day beds, chaise lounges, woven hammocks, tables and chairs, restroom, outdoor shower, BBQ, and wet bar. Other popular social areas include a library, indoor lounge, boutique, 6-person jacuzzi hot tub, and fitness center.
Large windows throughout the yachts provide expansive ocean views. So you'll never miss out on any of the action and can enjoy stunning Galapagos sunsets from your stateroom cabin or other social areas.
Another huge plus for the Origin and Theory luxury Galapagos Islands cruises is the generous open bar policy. Guests can enjoy red, white, and sparkling wine, local beer and spirits, espresso, and cappuccino completely free of charge from day one. No bar tab to pick up at the end of the cruise.
Without a doubt, the Origin and Theory yachts represent the pinnacle of modern, luxury cruising at the Galapagos Islands. They have also recently been joined by another luxurious sister yacht, the Evolve, in 2023.
2. Grace Yacht
The Grace yacht is a truly one-of-a-kind way to experience the Galapagos islands. What better way to cruise in luxury than aboard Princess Grace of Monaco´s royal honeymoon yacht?
Featured & recommended in Vogue, Conde Nast & Fortune magazines, the story of Grace is like something out of a movie. Previous Grace guests and owners include Winston Churchill, Aristotle Onassis (second husband of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis), and of course Grace Kelly herself. Accustomed to top-in-class cruising on the Italian and French Rivieras, the Grace yacht is certainly not out of place as a luxury cruise in the Galapagos archipelago.
This elegant yacht offers accommodation in 2 master suites, 2 twin suites, and 5 convertible staterooms for double or twin use. Her spacious & comfortable sun deck is perfect for topping up a golden tan, as well as al-fresco dining, or relaxing in the jacuzzi hot tub.
In terms of cruising history and famous guests, no other Galapagos luxury cruise yacht compares to the classic style of the Grace.
3. Celebrity Flora Mega-yacht
The Celebrity Flora is a 100-passenger mega-yacht, featuring an innovative outward-facing concept, designed to ensure that the destination remains the center of attention during sailing. The perfect way to enjoy the breathtaking Galapagos landscapes as you cruise!
It's fair to say that the Celebrity Flora offers the largest and most luxurious Galapagos cruise accommodations. In fact, every stateroom on board is a suite, with an unrivaled array of indulgent design features hand-picked by world-recognized interior designers.
The Celebrity Flora also passes the strictest of exams for attention to detail. Full-room automation lets guests control everything with the touch of a button. Premium linens and bathrobes add a feel of decadence. Luxury chocolates and bath products are locally sourced from Ecuador. There is an integrated drinking water filtration system in every suite. Meanwhile, personal suite attendants ensure your every need is catered for.
Guests also enjoy the finest dining of the Galapagos archipelago, with delectable menus crafted by a Michelin-starred chef, and access to unlimited beverages of choice.
Beyond creature comforts, the Celebrity Flora is also designed with the latest environmental technologies for responsible and sustainable cruising. The yacht's dynamic positioning system allows her to remain on station without dropping anchors, thus protecting the seabed. Solar panels also supplement electricity, reducing emissions.
For those still not convinced, consider the fact that Celebrity Flora has been awarded the prestigious Gold Award for best small ship in Travel Weekly’s Magellan Awards for 3 consecutive years.
In comparison with other ships of her size at the Galapagos islands, the Celebrity Flora is a very clear winner in the Luxury Galapagos islands cruising arena.
4. Endemic Catamaran
Those looking for a steady cruise experience, or concerned about sea sickness, take a look at the Endemic Catamaran. Catamarans are generally more stable thanks to their dual-hull design, distributing their weight equally over two identical hulls, for a smoother ride.
Operating at the Galapagos Islands since July 2018, the Endemic promises a modern, fast & sleek cruise experience.
Each Endemic suite has wall-to-wall glass doors leading out to a private balcony. So, you'll catch panoramic views of the islands at all times. Why not enjoy a bottle of bubbly or a cocktail while catching a majestic Galapagos sunset with loved ones?
Suites offer the choice of a king-size bed or two doubles for twin use. One single cabin is also available at no extra cost.
In terms of facilities, the Endemic catamaran is no slouch either. Guests can enjoy al fresco dining, a well-stocked bar, open-air lounge, BBQ area, Jacuzzi hot tubs, sun chairs, and sun/shaded seating areas. Sea kayaks are also included onboard, for guest use at certain national park visitor sites.
With a capacity for just 16 guests, the Endemic is one of the best choices for a small, intimate luxury Galapagos cruise.
5. Horizon Trimaran
Another excellent choice for smooth sailing is the Horizon yacht. She proudly boasts being the only trimaran currently in service at Galapagos! Trimarans have three hulls: two overhanging hulls and one main hull, offering unparalleled stability in the sea, and optimal guest safety. They are also popular for a faster and quieter ride.
Her 8 luxury staterooms are all equipped with private balconies, so couples can relax in perfect seclusion during downtime. Cabin space ranges from 29 to 32 meters squared, affording ample space to make yourselves cozy and comfortable. The contemporary decor and designs fit perfectly with such a modern vessel.
The service on board the Horizon trimaran is top class. Their dedicated cruise manager keeps everything running smoothly throughout the tour, and is available to assist guests in every way possible.
6. Grand Majestic
Last but not least, the incredible Grand Majestic yacht is the fastest yacht sailing in Galapagos waters at the time of writing, with a maximum speed of 25 knots. Why is this important? Faster journeys mean more time to enjoy your Galapagos experience.
Her luxurious and cozy social areas mean that you cruise in comfort, with modern furnishings, al fresco dining, and a Jacuzzi affording wonderful island views. Sea kayaks are available as a fun and adventurous alternative to regular hiking and snorkeling activities.
The Grand Majestic is renowned for exceptional service, and attention to detail. Guests are invited to a champagne reception on arrival, & receive a complimentary fruit basket in each cabin.
For a real splurge, why not book the one huge Master Suite, boasting an impressive 38m2 of cabin space, and door-to-ceiling windows for impeccable ocean views?
Galapagos Luxury Charters
For the most exclusive way to experience the Galapagos islands, why not charter your own yacht? Galapagos luxury charters are perfect for families or groups of friends traveling together. Not only do you get the whole yacht to yourselves, but you also have the flexibility to customize your experience.
For example, you could request a special interest guide in photography or bird watching. Naturalist guides are also available in languages other than English / Spanish, such as German, French, Italian, Mandarin, and more. If money is no object, how about bringing your own personal masseuse, nanny, or chef on board with you?
It's sometimes even possible to define your own cruise itinerary and to visit the sites that you wish, although, of course, this is subject to Galapagos National Park approval.
Galapagos luxury charters offer a whole world of possibilities - The world truly is your oyster!
What to expect on a Galapagos Luxury Cruise?
A luxury cruise ticks all the right boxes for your bucket list Galapagos vacation! It's the easiest way to travel in comfort, enjoying first-class service all the way. This means you can focus on the most important things, like relaxing on your holidays and enjoying the wonderful wildlife and panoramas that the Galapagos is so famous for.
Galapagos luxury cruises promise all the mod-cons and pampering one would expect. Spacious cabins include facilities to make your stay comfortable, from air conditioning to personal, in-cabin entertainment, and often a private balcony.
Social areas on a Galapagos luxury yacht are superior to other standard yachts. This means more space, privacy, and services. Who wouldn't enjoy soaking in a jacuzzi after a day of exploration? Or kicking back in a tastefully decorated lounge area?
There is also a notable difference in service levels aboard a luxurious cruise yacht. Simply put, guests are very well looked after, with extra focus on attention to detail and personalized service. The high-end yachts usually count on the most experienced certified guides, all trained naturalists and bi-lingual of course.
Luxury Galapagos cruise guests can also expect a fine dining experience aboard their yacht. Daily menus, wine lists, and the expertise of the onboard chef are all catered to travelers who enjoy the finer things in life. Dishes aim to combine both international and Ecuadorian cuisine, with a strong leaning towards the excellent seafood found in the area.
In terms of the tour experience, all Galapagos cruises get to experience the very best of the stunning wildlife and landscapes of the archipelago. Itineraries are designed by the National Park to provide variety, while land excursions and snorkeling take you up close to the incredible Galapagos birds and animals.
To get started, check out our live Galapagos Cruises availability and offers.
Why book your Galapagos Luxury Cruise With Happy Gringo?
With over 19 years of experience and 10,000+ happy clients, Happy Gringo is the team to trust with your Galapagos vacation! Highly recommended on both Trust Pilot and Trip Advisor, you know you're in the safest pair of hands.
We offer clients the very best Galapagos cruises on the market today. We'll also provide expert advice from our knowledgeable team, to help you choose the right yacht and itinerary for your dream vacation.
Happy Gringo is an Anglo-Dutch-owned company, run by passionate travelers for like-minded clients. Our experienced Ecuadorian staff goes above and beyond to ensure you'll fall in love with the Galapagos Islands.
We're also here for any other travel needs on your trip, be that hotels, travel connections, Amazon Rainforest adventures, Machu Picchu, or a unique, custom-made itinerary just for you. Whatever you need, we've got you covered :)
Galapagos Cruise Planning Tips
For more information to help plan your Galapagos Islands luxury cruise, check out the following links.
Galapagos Luxury Tours
Cruising is not the only way to visit the Galapagos Islands in luxury. You may also be interested in browsing our Luxury Galapagos Land Tours and all-inclusive Galapagos resorts such as Finch Bay & Pikaia Lodge.
Galapagos land tours offer more flexibility and freedom than yacht cruises. Itineraries and activities are completely customizable, and visitors have more free time to explore by themselves.
Galapagos Luxury Cruises - Final Thoughts
A Galapagos Luxury Cruise offers the ultimate travel experience in the archipelago. For those looking to travel in style, with pampering and top-notch services, this is the only way to travel. We hope that you've enjoyed our Galapagos Luxury Cruise Guide. Just contact us to take the first step in your journey.
When you're ready to splash out, CONTACT US for a FREE TOUR QUOTE, and all the assistance you need to plan the perfect Galapagos Islands Luxury Vacation.
