Galapagos luxury nature cruise

Blue footed boobies, bright yellow iguanas and white sandy beaches – it’s time to live life in technicolor on this Galapagos luxury nature cruise. Our holidays use boats with no more than 20 passengers to cause minimum disturbance to wildlife and give you a boutique experience.

two nights in Quito a week cruising on a small ship in the Galapagos with just 20 passengers conservation focus wonderful wildlife watching opportunities optional activities include: kayaking and snorkelling

Price

£4500To£5500 including domestic flights only

Convert currency:

Convert prices to approx. Canandian Dollars

Convert prices to approx. Australian Dollars

Convert prices to approx. South African Rand

Convert prices to approx. New Zealand Dollars

Duration

10 Days

Countries

Ecuador, Galapagos Islands

Reviews

More info

2 nights in Quito plus 7 nights Galapagos wildlife cruise, based on two adults sharing a cabin. Up to £1000 per person discount available for selected last minute departures.

Description of Galapagos luxury nature cruise

Enjoy boutique cruising in the Galapagos. There are just 20 guests aboard, making this small ship cruise an intimate and exciting experience away from the crowds.

You’ll start your adventure on dry land with two nights in Quito to explore the cultural gems of the capital. Then it’s on to the Galapagos to join your boat and spend a week island hopping.

Your cruise will have a strong focus on conservation. You won’t just learn about the animals who live here, but also how to ensure they continue to thrive for years to come. There’s a wonderful variety of birdlife to see as you island-hop, from frigates to Galapagos hawks.

There’s a lot to do – each day you’re out on the Zodiac exploring closer – or heading ashore for sandy beaches and volcanic islands. There are fun adventures around every headland: kayak alongside turtles, snorkel with sealions, and visit the famous Giant Tortoise Breeding Centre.

This cruise is booked with a tailor made specialist who can find exactly the right boat and itinerary that suits you best. You can stay longer than a week if you wish. In fact, we encourage you to extend your stay in South America after this trip – why not consider spending more time in Ecuador, or combine the Galapagos and Peru? Get in touch to be recommended some excellent extensions.

Price information

£4500To£5500 including domestic flights only

Convert currency:

2 nights in Quito plus 7 nights Galapagos wildlife cruise, based on two adults sharing a cabin. Up to £1000 per person discount available for selected last minute departures.

Contact Us

If you'd like to chat about this holiday or need help finding one, we're very happy to help

01273 823 700

Call us after 10am

Calling from outside the UK rosy@responsibletravel.com

Departure information

This trip can be tailor made throughout the year to suit your requirements

Contact Us

If you'd like to chat about this holiday or need help finding one, we're very happy to help

01273 823 700

Call us after 10am

Calling from outside the UK rosy@responsibletravel.com

Travel guides

Best time to go Map & highlights

The wildlife is the absolute key reason to visit the Galápagos Islands.

2 minute summary Best time to go

Ecuador may be a tiny country, but it packs an enormous punch when it comes to biodiversity. Read on in our guide.

Reviews

7 Reviews of Galapagos luxury nature cruise

5 out of 5 stars

SHOW

Reviewed on 30 May 2026 by Philip Rosell

Amazing....Swimming with penguins/ sea lions/ sharks and rays especially the day we saw the sea lions chasing the sharks! Blue footed boobies dancing Read full review

Reviewed on 11 May 2026 by Maureen Rae

Amazing!....Most memorable probably the Galapagos Islands - swimming with sea lions and turtles. All the bird life, both on the islands and the mainland. Read full review

Reviewed on 05 Feb 2026 by Sheji Jacob-Brettle

This was an incredible holiday and I loved, loved, loved it! Read full review

Reviewed on 16 Nov 2025 by Alan Hill

Excellent. Pickups went like clockwork, and all the stress of travel was taken away Read full review

Reviewed on 30 Oct 2025 by Penelope Iremonger

Excellent Read full review

Reviewed on 04 Oct 2025 by Clyde Bennett

Fantastic. All of my experiences were rich in diversity, from seeing so many forms of unique animal and vegetable life, to getting to know my fellow travelers on board from the US, Belgium, Israel, Serbia, and Bulgaria. Read full review

Reviewed on 20 Nov 2023 by Ciara Louw

Once in a lifetime. The cruise was all-round magical from the crew to the itinerary. Read full review

Responsible Travel

As the pioneers of responsible tourism, we've screened this (and every) holiday so that you can travel knowing we've worked to maximise the benefits of your holiday to local people and places, and minimise any negative impacts.

Planet

Park entry fees for the Galapagos, and for any national parks you visit on the mainland if you extend your trip, help fund the running of those parks. Visits follow the Galapagos National Park's rules, which limit the number of visitors at each site and protect the islands' plants and wildlife.

We use only small boutique boats carrying up to 20 guests. Naturalist guides lead every landing and explain what you're seeing, and on the islands that means staying on marked trails, taking all rubbish out and keeping a respectful distance from wildlife.

We also encourage guests to spend longer in Ecuador, combining the cruise with lodge stays in the Cloud Forest, the Amazon or the Andes. Spending more time in one country, rather than flying on elsewhere, makes for a slower and more rewarding trip.

People

Community-based tourism is a key part of any trip to Ecuador and the Galapagos. Our local partners in Quito arrange cultural experiences away from the usual tourist trail, where the money you spend goes to the communities you visit.

We choose independent boutique boats over large international cruise ships, which keeps more money on the islands and creates business and jobs for local people.

In the Galapagos, tourism now offers a good career for islanders who in the past would have relied on fishing, and fewer people fishing helps keep fish stocks healthy.

Galapagos luxury nature cruise