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Exploring Galapagos Expedition Cruise-2026

Exclusive Galapagos Experience

Galapagos Sea Lions

The Galápagos Islands are a dream destination for adventurers, wildlife enthusiasts and photographers. Our voyages take place on board luxury yachts, tailored to cruising in the Galápagos. Each day, you will visit another unique site of the Galápagos, from white sandy beaches to volcanic rock formations. It feels like going back in time to when animals roamed the earth. 

Travelling on board a small yacht means you can avoid crowds and have the islands, animals and guides almost to yourself. Your days exploring the islands will be filled with exciting moments! From zodiac rides along the coast, to hiking the highlands and snorkeling at the most idyllic beaches.  Led by naturalist guides, you go out to find remarkable wildlife and explore the unique protected islands of the Galápagos.

Most of the Galápagos Islands are part of a protected National Park. Visits to certain sites are limited and tourists are only allowed to explore these with a certified naturalist guide. These regulation were introduced to disperse visitors evenly over the islands, resulting in 2 cruise itineraries for each ship in Galápagos. Some of these protected locations are known for their specific scenery, vegetation, and wildlife. However, many species, such as sea lions, marine iguanas, lava lizards, and a variety of coastal birds such as herons, tattlers, plovers, turnstones, and whimbrels, are commonly seen at most islands in the Galápagos.

Sample itinerary

Cruises are 8 days/7 nights and start either from Isla Baltra or San Cristobal. As with any expedition cruise, the daily schedule and activities are weather depending.

Each ship in Galapagos offers 2 different itineraries, usually labeled as A and B. Both are packed with authentic encounters and wildlife sightings. No itinerary is better or worse, they are simply different. The itinerary you experience will be determined by your dates of travel and the ship of your choice.

ITINERARY A | Southern & Central Route- Tropical Landscape & Fun in the Sun

Itinerary A takes you to the archipelago’s southern central islands. You will either start in San Cristobal or Isla Balta, and this complete & immersive itinerary offers privileged access to the most beautiful and remote locations. Your first views might be of the famous Kicker Rock and as you travel from Española to Floreana and Santa Cruz, the first activity opportunities arise. Kayaking through the calm reflective waters, or getting a closer idea of the underwater life through a snorkeling adventure.

Continuing on the route towards some stops along the way include Bartolome, Genovesa, Santa Fe, Santiago, North Seymour, and Black Turtle Cove. If weather permits, you might visit the Charles Darwin Research Station.

On this itineary you will be surrounded by breathtaking views and wildlife around every corner!

ITINERARY B | Northern & Western Route- Volcanic Landscape & Wildlife Galore

Itinerary B takes you to the northern and western islands of the Galapagos. You will either start in San Cristobal or Isla Balta, and this route includes in-depth visits to some of the islands most wonderful locations. You are likely to start your adventure heading towards Black Turtle Cove, Cerro Dragon and Bachas. Here you will have an opportunity to partake in the activities onboard and onshore. Fernandina and Urbina Bay are home to fascinating volcania landscapes as well as the famous marine iguana and lava cactus. These islands are also home to 95% of the Galapagos penguin population. Some itineraries include a stop at the Charles Darwin Research Station, while others head a bit further north to Genovesa Island.

Next, you will head towards and potentially visit Punta Vicente Roca, Elizabeth Bay, Puerto Egas and Rabida. Here, the marine mammals and sea life trive. The best places to witness the beauty of what swims below the surface.

ITINERARY A & B

If you are interested in both the itineraries listed above, it is possible to do a back-to-back cruise. Each day you will go to a new location and there is an additional discount if you book back-to-back cruises.

Activities

When cruising the Gálapagos, there is never a dull moment. You can participate in daily activities, specially crafted to maximize your Gálapagos wildlife encounters. Snorkel alongside vibrant marine life, explore the turquoise waters by kayak, watch playful sea lions from the zodiac, search for blue footed boobies and walk with the majestic giant tortoises. All excursions and activities are included in your voyage:

  • Snorkeling
  • Kayaking
  • Walks & hikes
  • Zodiac rides
  • Bird watching
  • Photography

Impression

Dates & Rates

Exploring Galapagos Expedition Cruise-2026

Explore the Galapagos in Style
Dates and duration
Year round 8 days
Evolution 32 passengers

From $ 9950 per person
More info

Other dates

Exploring Galapagos Expedition Cruise-2027

Exclusive Galapagos Experience
Dates and duration
Year round 8 days

From $ 11000 per person
More info

Exploring Galapagos Expedition Cruise-2026

Exclusive Galapagos Experience
Dates and duration
Year round 8 days

From $ 10750 per person
More info

Exploring Galapagos Expedition Cruise-2026

Explore the Galapagos in Style
Dates and duration
Year round 8 days
Grace 16 passengers

From $ 10950 per person
More info

Exploring Galapagos Expedition Cruise-2027

Explore the Galapagos in Style
Dates and duration
Year round 8 days
Evolution 32 passengers

From $ 9950 per person
More info

Exploring Galapagos Expedition Cruise-2027

Exclusive Galapagos Experience
Dates and duration
Year round 8 days

From $ 11000 per person
More info

Exploring Galapagos Expedition Cruise-2027

Explore the Galapagos in Style
Dates and duration
Year round 8 days
Grace 16 passengers

From $ 11500 per person
More info

FAQ

Flights to Galapagos are serviced by AVIANCA Airlines from Quito (UIO) and
Guayaquil (GYE) to Galapagos (San Cristobal = SCY).

There are four flights every day, two in the morning and two in the evening. Airfares and flight schedules are subject to change.

If you're interested in adventure travel, you simply will not find a better, more knowledgeable, experienced, and whale-centered crew than with Waterproof. As repeat customers, 10/10 would recommend Waterproof and we will continue to return to this area of the world as their customers.

Ashley

Winter Whales of Norway- 2025
My wife and I can't thank the team at Waterproof Expeditions enough for an incredible trip to Norway to swim with orcas. The booking was easy and straightforward, and we were taken care of from the minute we met our guides in Tromso. The ship is comfortable with plenty of spaces to hang out and stay warm, a hot tub, sauna, and hot water available for coffee and tea.

Yoni

Winter Whales of Norway- 2025
We had an absolutely amazing trip in Svalbard. The communication with Waterproof was at all times very friendly, punctual and correct. We would highly recommend booking trips with them and especially onboard the Plancius.

Petra

Svalbard 2025
It was my dream for many years to see Orcas. With Waterproof Expeditions it was so much more than that. The weather was challenging but Rinie and Szymon where the best guides and hosts for this trip I could imagine. I would highly recommend the trip to whale lovers, nature enthusiasts, adventurers and whoever is looking for memories of a lifetime. Everyone on our trip was fantastic, also the other guests which made the journey even better.

Sabrina

Winter Whales of Norway 2024
We participated in the Winter Whales of Norway expedition aboard the Polarfront in November 2024 and it was one of the most incredible experiences we have had. Like with all wildlife and nature expeditions, we came into the trip nervous about whether the whales and orcas would be present and whether the weather would cooperate. The trip ended up vastly exceeding our expectations!

Zachary Seelenfreund

Winter Whales of Norway- Nov 2024
This was the best trip I have literally ever taken. If you are looking for an expedition that put whales front and center, while also truly caring about the ecosystem and simultaneously your needs are being taken care of, then do not hesitate to book!

Karen J

Winter Whales of Norway- Nov 2024
Went to Antartica on the MV Ushuaia Expedition Cruise booked through Waterproof Expeditions. Everything was well organised. The team was super prompt with their responses in addressing the queries. Highly recommend!

Hiral Shah

Expedition Cruise Antarctica - Dec 2023
This was by far the best week of my life. The crew were fantastic from start to finish and the guides went above and beyond to make sure our trip was great. The pre-trip information was useful and thorough. I really hope to be back again one day.

Helen Wing

Winter Whales of Norway - Nov 2023
We all had a wonderful time last summer and I cannot rate highly enough the entire experience: the ship and crew were exceptional and with Rinie's expert help, we had fantastic polar bear sightings.

Rita Fryer

Expedition Cruise Svalbard - Jun 2023
Wonderful time on the vessel Explorer. Great staff and great guides. Safe, wildlife-respectful and rich snorkelling experience with the whales and orcas in the Norwegian fjords.

Julie Dinet

Winter Whales of Norway - Nov 2022
We have booked three vacations through Waterproof Expeditions so far and have experienced unique moments snorkelling with orcas and humpback whales. Everything went smoothly with the organization and the contact was always very friendly and helpful.

Andreas Geislinger

Winter Whales of Norway - Nov 2022
We have been on many wonderful trips, but this one is certainly one of the finest. The Orcas and whales, the ospreys and the magnificent scenery left an unforgettable impression. The icing on the cake were the northern lights. The guides were also of champions league level. The captain and his crew did their utmost to spoil us. Thanks for organizing this trip very professionally.

Daniël Jacobs

Winter Whales of Norway - Nov 2022
Waterproof is a reliable, responsible travel agency. The trip I went on was very well organised. My booking was very last minute and the contacts were always friendly and helpful. The trip itself was amazing, from accomodation, crew, food to exceptionel guiding (very responsible with wildlife, too). Would certainly book again!

Susanne Schex

Winter Whales of Norway - Jan 2022
I had an amazing trip snorkeling with the orcas in Norway. The trip was really well organized, communication was great, the staff incredibly friendly and helpful, and our guides were the best. Absolutely unforgettable experience. I would highly recommend this trip.

Izelle Volman

Winter Whales of Norway - Nov 2022
We went on a Norway cruise with Waterproof Expeditions. It absolutely exceeded our expectations. Orca’s, Humpbacks (from the boat as well in the water), northern lights, beautiful scenery. It was an amazing experience thanks to the professional care of our guides and crew on the boat. Absolutely recommended to choose this organization to make a trip.

Sten Nijs

Winter Whales of Norway - Nov 2021
Antarctica is a very beautiful place. We are very grateful that we were able to travel there and trust that it will continue to remain a wild and unspoilt place.

Carol Warman

Expedition Cruise Antarctica - 2018