Galapagos cruises are some of the most luxurious at sea. Expect lavish yachts with onboard spas, fresh gourmet food on demand, and suites complete with their own private balcony and jacuzzi. An extraordinary sailing experience to match an extraordinary destination — and the price tag too. 

As one of the most luxurious cruises at sea, it’s also one of the most expensive, but there’s no doubt this once-in-a-lifetime destination is worth every dime. Not only will you get to experience life onboard a luxury yacht, but you’ll also get to experience be part of life among the world’s weirdest and most wonderful landscapes and wildlife. 

While you wouldn’t have to think twice about visiting the Galapagos, it’s worth taking time and consideration to find the best Galapagos cruise prices. In this article, we take a deeper look into what you can expect to pay for a cruise and why. Then we give you the best tips and advice for securing the best Galapagos cruise prices for your vacation. So, read on to save some money!

What are the Average Galapagos Cruise Prices?

It’s no secret that the Galapagos is not a cheap destination to travel to. Between the flights to reach this remote destination and the price to explore it, the archipelago is considered one of the world’s most elite travel destinations. Since it is home to home to some of the most unusual landscapes and endemic flora and fauna you’ll ever see, it very much deserves to be. On average, you can expect to pay $800 – $1,000 USD per person per night for a cruise and around $ 530 – $650 USD per person for return flights. Therefore, it’s often considered a once-in-a-lifetime kind of vacation where you treat yourself like you’ve always deserved to.

Why is the Galapagos a Big Ticket Destination?

You’re paying to travel without a trace

The Galapagos comes with a high price tag for many reasons but first and foremost because travel and tourism is a highly specialized practice in this region. The archipelago is one of the world’s last remaining places that remain largely uncompromised by human interference. Scientists and conservationists work very hard to keep it that way without stopping visitors from being able to immerse in its unique landscapes and observe its incredible endemic species. One of the most important ways this is done is by restricting visitors from exploring the archipelago without a professional guide and ensuring tourism leaves no footprint through environmental practices. Therefore, a large portion of Galapagos cruise prices is allotted to funding sustainable tourism.

Quality over quantity

Secondly, Galapagos focuses on quality over quantity and its cruise prices reflect its position as a luxury destination. By positioning it in this way, the Galapagos avoids mass tourism which would have a potentially devastating impact on local ecology. It also allows visitors to have a better quality experience, not just onboard the cruise, but also on excursions too. With fewer tourists visiting the region’s points of interest at any one time, everyone gets the chance to have quality one-on-one time with the wildlife.

Extra Fees and Expenses for Galapagos Travel

Besides the price of the cruise, you have to be prepared for extra fees and expenses when traveling to the Galapagos. Depending on how you book or who you book with, these fees and expenses will be included in the overall trip price.

Galapagos National Park Entrance Fee: $100 USD pp

This entrance fee covers the expense of creating and maintaining a safe and happy environment for both the visitors and wildlife in the national park. Yes, this is a pricey ticket, but Ecuador places high importance on maintaining the the park’s unique ecology that you are traveling so far to see.

INGALA Transit Control Card: $20 USD pp

The INGALA is a temporary immigration card gives you legal permission to stay in the Galapagos for the duration of your trip. These cards are used to keep a close eye on visitor transit numbers to maintain control and adhere to the region’s strict regulations put in place to practise sustainable tourism. The cost of it covers the processing of the card. 

How Can I Get the Best Galapagos Cruise Deals?

The Galapagos is a year-round destination which means you can’t benefit from differing prices depending on the season. However, there are still a few ways you can save money and get the best Galapagos cruise deals.

Book through a travel agent

Travel agents like Totally Latin America have excellent partnerships with Galapagos cruise companies which allows them to provide better deals than the cruise companies themselves can offer. It’s a win-win for all parties because cruise companies fill their boats with minimal effort on their part and customers get lower prices. Therefore, it’s better to book your preferred cruise through an agent rather than directly with the cruise company itself.

Book as far in advance as possible

Galapagos cruises are limited and in high demand which drives prices, and so the further ahead of time you book your cruise, the better. This is because the further away your preferred trip dates are, the less competition there will be for them. We recommend booking at least a year in advance to benefit from cheaper cruise prices.

Benefit from last-minute deals

On the other hand, it’s also possible to find excellent last-minute deals two-six weeks before the trip dates. If you have the flexibility to book a vacation with such little notice or preparation time, this is an excellent option. Some of the deals you might find include two-for-one offers or free airport and hotel transfers. 

Is it Worth Paying More for a Better Galapagos Cruise?

The Galapagos is definitely a ‘you get what you pay for’ kind of destination, meaning the less you pay for your cruise, the lower quality you’ll receive. The more expensive cruises promise a lower passanger capacity and higher guest-to-crew ratio, which allows you to enjoy a more personal, attentive, and enriching onboard experience. And since the Galapagos is such an extraordinary destination, it’s worth paying that bit more for these invaluable benefits. Let’s take a deeper look at the benefits you’ll receive when paying more for a better Galapagos Cruise.

What to Expect Onboard a Luxury Galapagos Cruise

An all-inclusive indulgence

Everything from the food and drink to the excursions is included during your stay onboard a Galapagos cruise. So although the initial cost is high, you’ll spend little to nothing once you embark. And trust us, your cruise company will spoil you so much, you’ll inevitably get your money’s worth. The cruise itinerary is packed with extraordinary excursions that you’d otherwise pay a premium for and back on board, you can indulge in food and drink to your heart’s content.

Enviable facilities

On a Galapagos cruise, you’ll get to luxuriate in some of the most lavish and refined commercial boats at sea. Expect spacious suites with a private balcony, romantic fine-dining restaurants, suave lounges and bars, and large sun decks with jacuzzis and sunbeds. Some Galapagos yachts even boast onboard boutiques, gyms, cinemas, and spas for a little extra pampering and indulgence.

Outstanding service

Most luxury Galapagos cruises provide a 1:1 guest-to-crew ratio, which means guests receive a highly personal and attentive service. Every crew member will know your name and the bartender will even know your favorite drink. Among the crew includes a gourmet chef that freshly prepares every meal, a cruise director that ensures you feel right at home during your stay, and a naturalist guide that leads your small-group sea and shore excursions with outstanding passion and knowledge of the region.

A highly specialized experience

A Galapagos cruise is more than just a cruise, it’s an exploration of the world’s most remote and unique archipelago. Those traveling the islands on a cruise are, therefore, getting a highly specialized experience. While your onboard Galapagos guide will be equipped with valuable knowledge and insight into the region’s topography and wildlife, the onboard chef will be equipped with valuable skills for creating delicious cuisine inspired by the islands.

Are Galapagos Cruise Prices Fair?

While a Galapagos cruise prices are higher than general cruise prices, they are fair considering the incredible opportunities they provide to see such a unique part of the world. Plus, you are sure to get your money’s worth between the benefits you receive on board and the excursions and experiences you’ll have on shore. Since it’s the kind of plan you’ll only go once, it’s wise to invest in the best rather than cut costs and save because the more you pay the better your experience will be. 

Enquire about our Galapagos Cruise Prices and Deals

To book your own once-in-a-lifetime Galapagos Cruise, or find out more about what you can expect onboard and what you get for your money, speak to us by calling toll free on 1 855 217 9045 (USA/Canada) or by filling in our online contact form. You can also dive deep into the other luxury Galapagos tours we have to offer.