Where to stay in the Galapagos Islands

Our guide on where to stay in the Galapagos Islands

Most travelers to the Galapagos visit via an island-hopping tour or a multi-day cruise. Island hopping involves staying at a hotel on one of the islands, typically taking a small speedboat to reach various protected sites to marvel at the unique wildlife like the blue-footed boobies and giant tortoises. A cruise means that you’ll be dining, relaxing, and sleeping on the ship while traveling to different islands to see the wildlife, with frequent opportunities to snorkel from the vessel. Island hopping is the more affordable option, and you won’t stick to a set schedule. You can choose to stay on a number of different islands to experience a variety of landscapes and wildlife. A cruise might sail on anything from a 10-person yacht to a 100-passenger vessel. It allows you to maximize your time by traveling while you’re eating and sleeping as well as to take advantage of all-inclusive plans.

There is a huge range of boats to choose from in the Galapagos Islands, about 80 different boats operate in the archipelago. There are high-end luxury yachts and more mid-range options available, they all tend to see the same wildlife and islands, the difference comes with how luxurious the boat is and how many guests it takes. All the boats must legally have certified, highly trained guides on board.

A small yacht offers a more intimate experience, generally taking 16 passengers as that is the maximum number a guide can take into the park. Small boats are great as you do not have to wait for one group to visit the island before another can go. The larger ships can hold up to 100 passengers and tend to have more amenities like a gym or spa on board. The larger boats are also more stable in rougher water.