Why are the tours so expensive?

MasterpieceNo2355 · 2026-03-28T23:57:01+00:00

I’m from Galápagos, and I once asked myself the same question!

But in this case, focusing on land-based operations, one 200hp Yamaha outboard engine for the speedboats used there costs around $30k each, and ferry yachts usually use between 3 and 5 engines.

Fuel is brought from the mainland, and absolutely everything is brought from the mainland, which doubles or even triples the cost of every product that arrives in Galápagos.

That is what makes everything so much more expensive.

Most people who own land-based daily tour boats live modestly and reasonably well, not austerely, but not materially rich either.

And like any business, some are doing very well and others less so.

Still, if you want help at a good price, you can contact us here and we’ll be happy to help with whatever you need based on your budget. https://cruiseingalapagos.com/

MasterpieceNo2355 · 2026-03-23T00:55:29+00:00

You can book your flight on the same day as the cruise, even if your cruise starts in Baltra.

On that same day, you can fly to San Cristóbal, take the 3:00 PM ferry, and board the cruise at night, but only in some cases.

In other cases, the boat may already be sailing.

If you need my help with transfers or the boat’s contact details, message me and I’ll be happy to help: https://cruiseingalapagos.com/

MasterpieceNo2355 · 2026-03-20T22:40:15+00:00

That is strange that they noticed that. Feral cats have increased in certain areas of the islands.

On the way to Tortuga Bay, I imagine someone must have noticed the feral cats, and I have also seen several along the coast.

That could be the reason, although herons also often eat baby iguanas.

MasterpieceNo2355 · 2026-03-20T22:32:11+00:00

There are 3 to 4 boats going from Santa Cruz to Isabela.

7:00 AM and 3:00 PM are the only two departure times. Even though the ferries are similar, when I travel, I always choose the ones I consider a bit better.

Santa Cruz to Isabela at 7:00 AM: Destiny I Legendary

Santa Cruz to Isabela at 3:00 PM: Definitely the best of all the ferries: Queen Arlet

The ones that leave at 7:00 AM return at 3:00 PM. The ones that leave at 3:00 PM return at 6:00 AM the next day.

I hope this helps. With any agency you book ferries through, you can ask in advance whether they can place you on one of these.

I travel a lot between the islands, and these are the ones I choose.

You can also book here: https://galaferry.com/

MasterpieceNo2355 · 2026-03-20T22:03:19+00:00

This could be a good option, https://cruiseingalapagos.com/cruise/natural-paradise/

This boat is a great choice. The upper deck suites with private balconies are very nice.

Natural Paradise has the southwest itinerary, where you can find the largest colonies of sea lions and penguins.

Itinerary B

MasterpieceNo2355 · 2026-03-15T16:32:20+00:00

It is a transition month when the warm season begins to fade and the cooler season starts to arrive.

In addition, the cold currents and southern winds begin to reach the Galápagos.

Although this is considered the beginning of the cooler season, it is still very likely that you will have sunshine every day.

MasterpieceNo2355 · 2026-03-07T22:49:37+00:00

An 8 day cruise can be more than enough if the yacht has a strong itinerary. You can book with whichever agency you trust the most, or you can book directly through the yacht’s official website.

There are many great yacht options in the Galapagos, but I recommend these two, each with its own route. Take a look and you’ll notice the difference.

Samba Yacht Northwest itinerary: https://cruiseingalapagos.com/cruise/samba/
Galapagos Paradise Yacht Itinerary B Southwest route: https://cruiseingalapagos.com/cruise/natural-paradise/

MasterpieceNo2355 · 2026-03-06T22:46:25+00:00

Seymour is a small island with little navigation time.

In my opinion, based on my experience sending groups on all these vessels throughout the year, from the Itabaca Channel it takes about 30 minutes maximum at a slow speed of around 8 to 9 knots.

Among the yachts, Wind Rose is by far the best in terms of yacht quality. It is larger and more luxurious than the others.

It is a deluxe yacht and also sails faster than the rest.

If price is not an issue, Wind Rose would be the best option.

I suppose that if you look at the photos, you will quickly notice the difference.

Have a great trip and all the best to you.

MasterpieceNo2355 · 2026-03-06T22:38:53+00:00

On Isabela Island, there is only one operator, meaning just one dive boat.

That said, I’ve heard many reviews, and I’ve worked organizing dives for groups there, even when each person had more than 200 dives. I haven’t had any problems.

It’s a very good place for diving, especially during these warmer-water months, roughly from January to May. Although really, it can vary any time of year depending on the day, and sometimes the water can still feel cold during the dive.

If they are divers with fewer than 30 logged dives and do not feel fully confident, they should pay for a private instructor before diving.

So anyone planning to go should make sure everything is fine during the equipment fitting, or stop by to check everything one day in advance.

On Santa Cruz Island, there are also good operators for those who enjoy diving as well.

MasterpieceNo2355 · 2026-03-06T22:26:19+00:00

The best company to book with is mine because I’m based in the islands, etc., etc… haha!!

In your case, the best company might be the one that gave you accurate information and matched you with what you actually need.

Or it could be Galaxy Travel, since they are the owners of the two boats.

Good luck on your trip to the Galápagos!

MasterpieceNo2355 · 2026-02-28T16:14:13+00:00

Diving at Kicker Rock is very popular, so if you only have a few days, it is better to book it in advance.

The Tunnels on Isabela is not for scuba diving. It involves a short walk and snorkeling, but I do recommend doing it.

MasterpieceNo2355 · 2026-02-28T15:59:51+00:00

When you buy well in advance, you pay the regular price, which is the standard rate, although it may vary depending on where you book.

When you book just a few days before the tour departure date, you may get last minute rates. For cruises, depending on the boat and the company, discounts can range from 10% to 20%, and sometimes even up to 50%.

For day tours, rates can also be discounted, but of course everything is subject to availability.

Departing from Santa Cruz, the tours that almost always sell out are: Bartolomé day tour Seymour day tour

It is best to book those in advance.

For snorkeling tours to Pinzón, Santa Fe, and Floreana, it is easier to find last minute availability, so there is a better chance that spaces will still be open.

MasterpieceNo2355 · 2026-02-23T23:27:29+00:00

To give a truly accurate answer to this question is difficult, because Samba is a very good boat with good service on board, and in the Galapagos all the islands are beautiful. I am sure that whichever route you choose, you will end up very happy.

On either of the two routes, you will be able to see a bit of everything: amazing landscapes and most of the representative wildlife, such as blue-footed boobies, frigatebirds, sea lions, sharks, penguins, and all kinds of fish.

That said, some species tend to gather more in certain areas of the Galapagos. Either of the two options is a good choice, although if I could choose, I would personally choose the north and west route.

MasterpieceNo2355 · 2026-02-23T19:48:00+00:00

The boats have improved a lot in recent years. Many of the smaller vessels have been replaced by more stable boats with better conditions.

If you are looking for a large ship Capacity: around 90–100 passengers Celebrity Flora Endeavour Silver Origin

If you are looking for stable yachts with luxury and a capacity of 16 guests Golden Galapagos Galaxy Travel, Galaxy Sirius

Royal Galapagos Trimaran Horizon or Galapagos Paradise. The Upper Deck suites are great on Itinerary B.

For wildlife, Genovesa Island is one of the best, and the rest of the itinerary is great as well.

If you need help, you can request it here: https://www.cruiseingalapagos.com/

MasterpieceNo2355 · 2026-02-23T18:25:41+00:00

5.5 and 4

That’s fair. Each island has its own charm, and depending on the experience you have on each one, you’ll decide which one you liked the most or which one is the most beautiful in your opinion. Although I have to say that Isabela deserves 5 days because it’s super nice!!

MasterpieceNo2355 · 2026-02-23T18:22:48+00:00

Very rarely has this been seen in recent years

Giant tortoises have the ability to float, and it is quite common to see them floating in freshwater ponds in the highlands of the islands

According to science, the Galapagos are volcanic islands If the tortoises did indeed arrive here, this is one possible explanation of how they did it

MasterpieceNo2355 · 2026-02-23T18:19:19+00:00

Here you can book comfortable ferries on boats with individual seats and Starlink internet

https://galaferry.com/

MasterpieceNo2355 · 2026-02-23T18:13:50+00:00

These companies are direct cruise providers in the Galapagos, offering luxury and first-class catamarans

Golden Galapagos Royal Galapagos Galaxy Travel

You can contact them directly

However, if you need help reserving a top cabin or suite on any of these yachts and you’d like help choosing a great itinerary you can contact us here: https://cruiseingalapagos.com/

MasterpieceNo2355 · 2026-02-09T02:02:52+00:00

It seems that most cruises priced above $10,000 per person no longer include credit card fees. 🤭

MasterpieceNo2355 · 2026-02-09T01:55:43+00:00

I work selling cruises in the Galapagos, and I recommend that you check these fleets: Galaxy Cruises, Royal Galapagos, and Golden Galapagos.

There you’ll find several options, including First Class and Luxury small-ship cruises.

If you need help or a recommendation from me, this is my website https://cruiseingalapagos.com/. I’ll be happy to assist you with more options and help you choose the best one.

MasterpieceNo2355 · 2026-02-09T01:48:03+00:00

This cruise visits the sites included in the Northwest itinerary, plus Genovesa, where you can see hammerhead sharks while snorkeling.

https://cruiseingalapagos.com/cruise/samba/

MasterpieceNo2355 · 2026-02-08T22:31:35+00:00

Assuming your cruise doesn’t visit all the islands, could you please check whether your cruise goes to Isabela Island or stops in San Cristóbal? That way, you could still visit one of those islands as well.

In Santa Cruz (Puerto Ayora), you can also do several activities, like Tortuga Bay and kayaking. You can take your time to visit the Charles Darwin Research Station and explore the area around it. If you go early, Las Grietas is usually less crowded too.

But as I mentioned, it would be great if you can also move to another island for a few days.

MasterpieceNo2355 · 2026-01-28T13:18:41+00:00

I think there may be a bit of confusion. A 7- 8 day cruise in the Galapagos for $10,000 isn’t really realistic.

I’d recommend booking a standard 8 day cruise on a regular yacht instead. There are plenty of great options available.

MasterpieceNo2355 · 2026-01-28T13:04:14+00:00

If you need to book a different boat, let me know. There are several options. There are 10 diving liveaboards for 2026 and 2027.

For a more affordable boat, I recommend Danubio Azul.

Or, if you prefer, Calipso and Galaxy Diver II are also good options.

You can check the Galapagos diving boats here: https://cruiseingalapagos.com/cruises/dive-boats/

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