The Best Galapagos Cruises for Intrepid Travelers
Explore this far-flung corner of the globe by boat.
From luxury catamarans to expedition vessels with expert marine scientists onboard, these are the best Galapagos cruises / ©Silversea
“The natural history of this archipelago is very remarkable: it seems to be a little world within itself,” wrote Charles Darwin during his visit to the Galapagos Islands in 1835.
What the young geologist found here was astonishing: a unique population of birds, plants and reptiles had developed in total isolation from the neighboring islands. It was this extraordinary setting that would inspire his groundbreaking theory of evolution and capture the imagination of naturalists around the globe.
The best way to explore this secluded corner of the planet is by boat. Darwin arrived onboard the HMS Beagle, but today there is a range of Galapagos cruises offering intrepid travelers the chance to see the archipelago’s giant tortoises and colorful marine iguanas for themselves.
Situated in the Pacific Ocean around 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador it isn’t easy to get here so you’ll want to ensure you travel in comfort – and style. From luxury catamarans to expedition vessels with expert marine scientists onboard, these are the best Galapagos cruises.
Silversea
The ultra-luxury cruise line’s 100-passenger Silver Origin expedition ship was built specifically for exploring the Galapagos Islands / ©Silversea
Kicking off our list of the best Galapagos cruises is Silversea. The ultra-luxury cruise line’s 100-passenger Silver Origin expedition ship was built specifically for exploring the archipelago and is installed with dynamic positioning which allows the vessel to hover over the seabed’s delicate ecosystem without causing any damage.
Onboard, there’s an observation and stargazing deck for soaking up the views, as well as a cozy lounge complete with a firepit for whiling away the evenings. The suites are extravagant in the best way with wraparound balconies, ocean-view marble bathrooms and around-the-clock butler service.
