The only way to see most of the Galapagos is on a cruise shipn, And special rules regulate the size of ships that can use certain anchorages, their itineraries and the size of the parties that can lan
The Galapagos Islands, with their unique fauna and flora and their historical connection to Charles Darwin with plays a national park administered by the government of Ecuador.
The maximum number of passengers that Galapagos cruise ships can carry is 100, but ships of this size operating in the Galapagos Islands cannot visit certain areas.
Smaller ships cover more of the area, but with less luxury than their larger siblings.
Whatever their size, vessels are required to carry a certified naturalist, to limit landings to groups of 16 in 2-4 hour periods during the day.
National Geographic Endeavor
The National Geographic Endeavor has 56 outside cabins, accommodating 96 people.
It carries wetsuits, snorkels, kayaks and Zodiacs, as well as its own glass-bottom boat.
A full complement of naturalists’ equipment, a library and facilities for films and presentations enhance the experience for the curious explorer.
Silversea Galapagos
This recently renamed ship still occasionally advertises itself as the Galapagos Explorer II.
The ship has a capacity of 100 passengers and offers exciting wildlife viewing
along with delicious cuisine and luxurious ocean view suite accommodations.
Galapagos Legend
The Galapagos Legend has a capacity of 100 passengers and offers three, four and seven nightly excursions.
Its restaurants offer world-class cuisine with two international menus and Ecuadorian specialties.
The Galapagos Legend was promoted with the most advanced security systems in the islands.
Celebrity Xpedition
The cruise ship has a capacity to carry 92 passengers, the Celebrity Xpedition offers passengers the option of evening classes by certified naturalists in their discovery
enjoy a drink at the Blue Finch bar on the Panorama Deck, as well as a hot tub and sauna on the Sun Deck.
Galapagos Santa Cruz
The Galapagos Santa Cruz is advertised as the only purpose built vessel for cruises in the Galapagos.
With a capacity of 90 passengers in 48 staterooms on cruises ranging in length from 4 to 13 nights, the 237-foot Santa Cruz offers north, east or west itineraries.
Smaller cruises
A more intimate experience and access to anchorages not accommodated on larger ships characterize cruises on these midsize ships.
Abercrombie & Kents Eclipse
The 210-foot Eclipse has a capacity to carry 48 passengers in 23 staterooms.
The ship follows environmental best practices, and has received ecotourism awards from the Rainforest Alliance and cruise awards from Condé Nast Traveller.
National Geographic Islander
With 28 ocean-view cabins and the capacity to accommodate 48 guests
Islanders twin hulls and 164 feet give her the ability to visit parts of the Galapagos normally off-limits to larger ships.
Islander carries a SplashCam and video microscope, as well as wetsuits, kayaks and snorkeling gear.
Great Odyssey
Enabled in 2011, the Grand Odyssey carries 16 passengers in nine suites with panoramic windows
private bath, climate control and minibar.
Cruises range from four to fourteen nights.
Mary Anne
The Mary Anne Cruise has a capacity of 24 passengers
offers luxury accommodations aboard a picturesque motor sailboat with airconditioned cabins
private bathrooms, a classic kitchen and library as a retreat from the sun deck.
Ocean Spray
This cruise ship has a capacity of 16 passengers and at 113 feet this mega catamaran
Ocean Spray is truly a luxury vessel.
Its draft allows it to use anchorages that would otherwise be inaccessible, and its five, six and eight day itineraries offer plenty of time to get to know the Galapagos Islands.
