7 Highest Rated Luxury Galapagos Tours You Can’t Miss in 2024

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LOOKING FOR THE BEST LUXURY GALAPAGOS TOURS?

You’re in the right place for luxury Galapagos tours info! We’ve researched hundreds of Galapagos tours for you and have compiled a list of the best and most luxurious. We love the Galapagos Islands. You won’t visit another destination with more unique wildlife and adventure. 

The Galapagos Islands are a UNESCO World Heritage site located in the Pacific Ocean, about 620 miles (1,000 km) off the coast of Ecuador. They consist of a group of volcanic islands known for their unique and diverse ecosystem.

So to not disturb the fragile ecosystem, the best way to visit the Galapagos Islands is with an experienced tour guide. Many islands don’t allow visitors without one.

Best Galapagos Cruise ⤵️

The 5 best luxury tours featured here are a mix of different experiences — including the Galapagos Islands 5-Day Northern Cruise aboard Yacht Isabela II and the Galapagos Islands Cruise: 5-Day Eastern Itinerary aboard Yacht La Pinta.

If you’re looking for a private tour of the Galapagos Islands, you’ll find those here as well.

Regardless of the experience you’re after, there’s a luxury Galapagos tour for everyone. Ready to discover the best luxury Galapagos tours? Let’s get to it!

Quick Guide: Best Luxury Galapagos Tour

luxury Galapagos tours

Best Luxury Galapagos Tours

1. Galapagos Islands 5-Day Northern Cruise aboard Yacht Isabela II

🎟 NAME: Galapagos Islands 5-Day Northern Cruise aboard Yacht Isabela II | ⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 5 Days — CRUISE

WHAT’S INCLUDED IN THIS TOUR

✅ Glass Bottom boat, Kayaks, Paddle boards
✅ Doctor onboard 24/7
✅ Reading Room & Natural History Library on the yacht
✅ Hot Tub
✅ Bar – Lounge
✅ Sightseeing with certified Naturalist Guides

This tour takes the top spot because it’s the best, most luxurious Galapagos Tour there is — with everything included to complete your bucket-list-worthy adventure in the Galapagos Islands.

Some tours don’t include transportation pickup from hotels; this one picks up from “select” hotels.

This tour stands out for its quality food, the expertise of naturalist guides, and quality service on a yacht.

It comes highly recommended. Complete information is provided daily on what to expect and what to bring on each excursion/adventure, including snorkeling, kayaking, and paddle boarding.

This tour starts on Santa Cruz Island, where you’ll meet one of the most fascinating inhabitants of the Galapagos archipelago: The giant tortoises the islands are named for.

The yacht travels at night, so there is plenty of time to explore during the day for snorkeling, kayaking, and learning about the different islands and their inhabitants from trained naturalist guides.

This trip is impressive. I never imagined going to a place like Galapagos. Neither crying to leave. This is a lifetime trip. Money comes back, but memories do not, best decision I’ve ever made.

—Isabella (see more reviews)

During the afternoon, you will observe sea lions, rays, and sharks in South Plaza’s turquoise waters. This tour gives you the perfect taste of the Galapagos.

The yacht has all the amenities you need, including a hot tub, a bar and lounge, a reading room, and spacious cabins for sleeping.

2. Galapagos Islands Cruise: 5-Day Eastern Itinerary aboard Yacht La Pinta

🎟 NAME: Galapagos Islands Cruise: 5-Day Eastern Itinerary aboard Yacht La Pinta | ⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 5 Days — CRUISE

This tour is likely to sell out!

WHAT’S INCLUDED IN THIS TOUR

✅ Wifi (due to the Galapagos’ remote location, connections are intermittent with low-bandwidth)
✅ Doctor on board 24/7
✅ Outdoor terrace / BBQ
✅ Restaurant
✅ Use of snorkeling equipment

You will be picked up from the Baltra Airport or select hotels and can also meet the group at previously coordinated meeting point.

You will then board the La Pinta and venture east along the volcanic shores of North Seymour and Santa Cruz Islands, until we reach the Plaza Islands.

Your adventures start with a dry landing at a manmade jetty on South Plaza Island.

We took our family of 11 ages 9-81 on the trip of a lifetime to the Galapagos Islands. 

— trip advisor reviewer (read more reviews)

On this tour, you will visit all the major islands, including Santa Cruz, Baltra, Española, San Cristobal, and Santa Fe.

The excursions depart early morning to avoid the scorching heat, allowing you to enjoy a siesta after lunch.

However, make sure not to miss the incredible snorkeling experience. It’s truly amazing as you get to swim alongside sharks, marine iguanas, turtles, rays, hogfish, colorful angel fish, and even sea lions!

luxury galapagos tours

3. Galapagos Islands 6-Day Southeastern Cruise aboard Yacht Isabela II

🎟 NAME: Galapagos Islands 6-Day Southeastern Cruise aboard Yacht Isabela II | ⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 6 Days — CRUISE

WHAT’S INCLUDED IN THIS TOUR:

✅ Air-conditioned throughout the Yacht
✅ 6-Day tour
✅ Island Sightseeing with certified Naturalist Guides
✅ Hot Tub on deck
✅ Glass Bottom boat, Kayaks, Paddle boards excursions
✅ Bar, restaurant, and lounge

The journey begins through Galapagos’ Southeastern Islands teeming with magnificent islands and endemic wildlife.

During your first day, you’ll encounter giant tortoises at Cerro Colorado.

Superb trip with a helpful and friendly crew, great food and everything aboard very comfortable. We had opportunities every day to see unique wild life right up close in a small group. We also snorkelled most days and went on small boat trips too. The naturalists were well informed, entertaining and caring and took a marvellous set of photos which they sent on to us for free. The best way to see Galapagos.

— Trip advisor reviewer (see more reviews)

On the second day, you will stop at Punta Pitt to observe a fascinating array of booby species.

During the third day of this Galapagos expedition, a visit to Española Island will put you face to face with magnificent wildlife, from mockingbirds to colorful marine iguanas!

On the fourth day, you’ll wake up in Floreana Island, where historic Post Office Bay and Cormorant Point’s green beach await.

Then sail all the way to the west, where you’ll get to walk across young lava formations at Punta Moreno and explore the fascinating mangroves of southern Fernandina.

This unique Galapagos adventure concludes with a morning visit to Eden Islet!

High Note: you’ll get an afternoon to wander across beautiful North Seymour Island.

4. 7-Day Luxury Safari Tour of the Galapagos Islands

🎟 NAME: 7-Day Luxury Safari Tour of the Galapagos Islands| ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 7 Days — LAND TOUR

WHAT’S INCLUDED IN THIS TOUR

✅ Accommodation x 6 nights
✅ Transportation on and between islands described in itinerary
✅ Pick up at San Cristobal Island
✅ Snorkeling equipment: mask, snorkel, fins and life vest.
✅ Lunch (3)
✅ Breakfast (6)

As the name suggests, this is a land-based tour, but the tour provides accommodations and some meals.

Explore the underwater world in Kicker Rock, where you can find sharks, rays, and colorful fish.

Walk among giant tortoises on Santa Cruz Highlands and visit one of the best snorkeling places in the world, Los Tuneles.

You’ll also Kayak in Puerto Villamil and visit the town of Puerto Ayora in Santa Cruz, the most popular island in the Galapagos.

Luxury GalapAGOS TOURS

5. 8-Day Galapagos Island Hopping Tour: Isabela, Giant Tortoises, and Snorkeling

🎟 NAME: 8-Day Galapagos Island Hopping Tour: Isabela, Giant Tortoises, and Snorkeling | ⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 8 Days — LAND TOUR

WHAT’S INCLUDED IN THIS TOUR

✅ Accommodation in a single, double or triple room x 7 nights 
✅ Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station close to Tortuga Bay
✅ Land tour
✅ Transportation between Baltra Airport – Itabaca Channel each way
✅ Breakfast (7)
✅ Lunch (6)

This land-based tour hits all the sweet spots! While traveling in the footsteps of Darwin during this 8-day all-inclusive tour of the Galapagos Islands, you get a bit of everything.

You’ll begin this trek being picked up from the Baltra airport and dive right into your island hopping experience, with a speedboat ride to Isabela Island.

Very nice snorkeling with sharks, miniature jellyfish, rays, fishes, seahorses and of course big beautiful turtles!!! Spectacular bird watching, delicious food, warm people, great beach time… just perfect for a natural, interesting, educational couples vacations!

— A Tripadvisor review (see more reviews)

From there, you’ll spend the second day on a beautiful kayak excursion in the bay of Puerto Villamil. Here you can spot various endemic animals, such as marine iguanas, sea lions, and penguins.

You’ll get to snorkel on one of the Galapagos’ best spots for snorkeling, Los Tuneles, for one whole day.

For the final stop on the tour, you’ll visit the Charles Darwin Research Station and beautiful Tortuga Bay, home to one of the Galapagos’ prettiest beaches.

6. 8-Day Galapagos Island Hopping Tour: Land Tour Including 4 Islands

🎟 NAME: 8-Day Galapagos Island Hopping Tour: Land Tour Including 4 Islands | ⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 8 Day — LAND TOUR

WHAT’S INCLUDED IN THIS TOUR

✅ 7 nights accommodation
✅ Breakfast (7)
✅ Lunch (7)
✅ Dinner (7)
✅ Bilingual naturalist guides for each island and activities

Everything’s included on this wonderful land-based tour of the islands; meals, accommodations, and snorkeling gear.

Take a deep dive into flora and fauna with a bilingual naturalist guide while hopping the most popular Galapagos Islands, San Cristobal, Santa Cruz, and Isabela Islands, where you can observe wildlife at close range.

Definitely a memorable trip. So many animals and such wonderful people. Everyone was extremely nice. The 8-day tour was very well organized…Days were filled with great activities and evenings were just for us.

— Marie (See more reviews)

You’ll also get to spend some time in Santa Cruz, the most bustling part of the Galapagos.

This tour has the most number of meals included of any on this list.

luxury galapagos tours

7. Galapagos Island 5-Day Land Based Tour (Intensive)

🎟 NAME: Galapagos Island 5-Day Land Based Tour (Intensive) | ⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 5 Day — LAND TOUR

WHAT’S INCLUDED IN THIS TOUR

✅ Use of Snorkeling equipment
✅ Breakfast (4)
✅ Lunch (4)

The tour operator, Galapagos Natural Life, has meticulously crafted this itinerary to provide you with an exceptional wildlife experience in the Galapagos Islands.

Over the course of 5 days, you’ll visit three different islands, and have the opportunity to encounter a wide array of remarkable animal species.

Prepare to be amazed as you witness the iconic Giant Tortoises, a symbol of the Galapagos Islands.

Galápagos Natural Life were excellent. They organised everything for me so that a car would pick me up every morning and take me to wherever I needed to go, and I had no problems. They also chose a really enjoyable and interesting itinerary for me. Highly recommended!

— DUNcan (read more reviews)

You’ll also have the chance to observe the captivating Blue-Footed Boobies, playful penguins, and charming sea lions in their natural habitats.

This tour will bring you face-to-face with the unique Marine Iguanas, magnificent Coral Sharks, elegant flamingos, and the renowned Darwin Finches, among many other fascinating creatures that inhabit the Galapagos Islands.

This tour promises an unforgettable wildlife encounter, allowing you to witness the diversity and beauty of the animal kingdom in one of the world’s most extraordinary destinations.

Galapagos Frequently Asked Questions

Why are Galapagos cruises so expensive?

A visit to the Galapagos Islands may not be budget-friendly, but the experience it offers is undoubtedly priceless (the Galapagos Islands are worth visiting).

The unique characteristics of the islands, their commitment to sustainable tourism, and the importance of supporting local development contribute to the higher cost compared to the mainland of Ecuador.

How many days is enough for Galapagos Islands?

To fully experience the Galapagos’ unique wildlife, landscapes, and activities, most visitors typically spend at least 6-8 days on the islands. 
 
Some choose to extend their stay to a week or more, especially if they plan to visit multiple islands or participate in specialized activities such as scuba diving or to extend their visit to tour Machu Picchu. 

Is 5 days enough for the Galapagos Islands?

Travelers with a five-day timeframe in the Galápagos Islands have a range of choices to suit their preferences. They can opt for a land-based tour that covers the archipelago’s key attractions, providing opportunities for outdoor adventures and bird-watching.

Alternatively, they can embark on a specialized cruise that caters to specific interests, such as nature or wildlife, allowing for a more focused and immersive experience.

What is the best time of year to go to the Galapagos Islands?

The Galapagos Islands experience a warm and tropical climate year-round, with slight variations in temperature between seasons.
 
Perhaps the best time of year to visit is from December to May, considered the “warm season” or the “wet season.” Average temperatures tend to be slightly higher, and there is a higher chance of rainfall. The average temperature during this period ranges from around 75°F (24°C) to 85°F (29°C), with occasional spikes in temperature due to El Niño events.

How many days do you need on a Galapagos Cruise?

The Galapagos Islands is truly an extraordinary experience, but some find that a four or five-day cruise is plenty for them, while others prefer to see absolutely everything and take an eight-day cruise or longer.

What is the best way to see the Galapagos Islands?

The best way to see the Galapagos Islands is to take a cruise or land tour. Several are listed on this list.

Some islands are restricted to visitors without a guide. In a place like the Galapagos Islands, where they take conservation seriously, it’s best to go on a guided tour with qualified experts.

What 4 things do you need to enter the Galapagos Islands?

• Valid passport
• Mandatory medical and travel insurance (the Ecuadorian government requires all visitors to the Galapagos Islands to have compliant travel medical insurance)
• Transit Control Card
• Galapagos National Park entrance fee ($100 cash)

Final Thoughts: 7 Highest Rated Luxury Galapagos Tours

When planning a visit to the Galapagos, you’ll want to include one of these amazing tours via cruise (my pick) or land tour.

A small group tour is the best way to go, which these tours offer, so you have a knowledgeable guide explaining everything about this unique place!

With an accredited guide (or even a naturalist guide), your Galapagos Island experience will stay with you and your family forever.