As with all things to do with the Galapagos Islands, Galapagos Island cruises come in one of three different modes:

(a) high-end;
(b) medium: and
(c) economical.

(a) High-end Galapagos Island Cruises

Galapagos Islands Map

Most high-end Galapagos Island cruises fall into two categories: Galapagos luxury cruises, which can accommodate between 50 and 100 passengers; and smaller Galapagos yachts. Most of the smaller Galapagos yachts accommodate between 12 and 16 passengers and have 6 crew members: who take care of your every onboard need.

Among the Galapagos yachts available in this price range are the Alta – possibly the fastest yacht in the waters around here – and the Beagle, arguable one of the best yachts to hire if you plan to do some diving whilst you’re in the Galapagos Islands.

However, if luxury onboard a Galapagos yacht is what you’re looking for, the Heritage, with its 10 crew members, is considered on of the most spacious sailing vessels in the Galapagos Islands.

For those who want to sail around the Galapagos Islands in comfort, but who would prefer a to take one the Galapagos Islands luxury cruises, rather than a yacht, the Aggressors I and II accommodate 14 passengers and usually sail for 8 days Galapagos luxury cruises – leaving on Thursdays. If you would prefer to spend less time on your Galapagos luxury cruise, so that you may take advantage of some time on the islands themselves afterward, the Beluga leaves on Mondays for a 5 day luxury cruise.

(b) Medium Galapagos Island Cruises
As with high-end Galapagos Island cruises, medium Galapagos Island luxury cruises fall into two categories: motor cruises and motor yachts. Ordinarily these medium luxury cruises last for between 5 and 8 days and can accommodate between 8 and 16 passengers - as with the Ahmara and Sagitta (respectively).

Again, selecting which of the medium priced Galapagos Island luxury cruises to take will depend on whether or not you want to do some scuba-diving and snorkeling. In this regard, whilst all cruises and yachts accommodate scuba-diving and snorkeling, some, such as the Nemo (leaving Wednesday’s for a 5-day tour), are considered to be better equipped to handle diving.

(c) Economical Galapagos Island Cruises
Fittingly, the economical class of Galapagos Island cruises advertise themselves as being a cruise that doesn’t mean you need to re-mortgage your home! In other words, whilst they may be considered to be “economical” in the general scheme of things, they are not cheap and you are still assured of having a wonderfully memorable time spent on board one of the Galapagos Island finest boats or yachts! In fact, overall, the main difference between taking an economical Galapagos Island cruise and a medium or high-end Galapagos Island luxury cruise in the size of the cabin that you’ll be staying in. Aside from this, most economical Galapagos Island cruises sail weekly for 5 to 8 days. Again, selecting which cruise to take will largely depending on whether or not you would like to do some scuba diving. If scuba diving is your thing, the Sea Man is considered one of the best equipped diving vessels in the Galapagos Islands and departs on Monday or Thursday for 8 days of luxury cruising around the islands. On the other hand, if you are not too keen on doing any scuba diving, the Estrella de Mar is considered one of the most stylish vessels in this class of Galapagos Islands luxury cruises.

Whatever your choice, you’re sure to find the Galapagos Island luxury cruises to be one of the most memorable occasions in your life.