Sailing Tours & Trips in Galapagos Islands
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10 best sailing Galapagos Islands tours
Compiled by
MelissaGalapagos Islands travel expert at TourRadar
- Samba Tourist Superior Sail Boat - 8 Days
- Ultimate Galapagos: Central Islands (Grand Daphne)
- Complete Galapagos (Grand Daphne)
- Alya Luxury Catamaran 6 Days
- Galapagos Escape - Solaris (Itinerary B)
- Galapagos Escape - Solaris (Itinerary C)
- Galápagos — North, West & Central Islands aboard the Yolita
- Galápagos Land & Sea — Central & South Islands aboard the Yolita
- Galapagos Express - Central & West Islands aboard the Archipel I
- Galapagos - Central & West Islands aboard the Treasure
The Dutch-built Samba yacht, with its teak decks and seven comfortable cabins, takes you through Galapagos waters from Mosquera Islet to Darwin Bay. Remote sites like Vicente Roca Point are accessible while guests enjoy outdoor dining and wildlife observation areas.
Duration 8 days Destinations Baltra Island, Genovesa Island, Marchena Island, Isabela Island, Fernandina Island, Floreana Island, Santa Cruz Island Age Range Ages 6+ Operated in English, Spanish Operator GUIDEcuador Travel From
- NZ$9,914
Ultimate Galapagos: Central Islands (Grand Daphne)
8 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The Galapagos is the most incredible destination, and if you are umm'ing and ahh'ing, don't! Just go.”
Kira, traveled in September
M/Y Le Grande Daphne offers zodiac excursions to prime sites like Las Bachas Beach and Punta Vicente Roca. Daily snorkeling activities and magnificent sunset views await from the yacht's expansive sun deck.
Duration 10 days Destinations Quito, Santa Cruz Island, Rabida Island, Isabela Island, Fernandina Island, Santiago Island, Bartolomé Island, Sombrero Chino Island, Seymour Norte, Baltra Island Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Intrepid Travel From
- NZ$11,960+$396 local payments
Complete Galapagos (Grand Daphne)
8 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Once we boarded Daphne, we we were treated very well, snorkeling was amazing, sea lions and seals came and played.”
Lois, traveled in November
The Grande Daphne yacht provides 7 nights of Galapagos sailing. Zodiac rides reach Black Turtle Cove's mangroves, while snorkeling at Devil's Crown and remote Genovesa Island await with expert naturalist guides.
Duration 10 days Destinations Quito, Baltra Island, Santa Cruz Island, Floreana Island, Española Island, San Cristóbal Island, Santa Fé Island, South Plaza Island, Genovesa Island, Santiago Island Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Intrepid Travel From
- NZ$11,960+$379 local payments
M/C Alya's luxury catamaran takes guests through remote Galapagos coves at Santa Fe and Gardner Bay's crystal waters. The route connects 8 diverse islands, including North Seymour's wildlife colonies and Española's dramatic coastline.
Duration 6 days Destinations Baltra Island, Seymour Norte, South Plaza Island, Santa Fé Island, San Cristóbal Island, Española Island, Floreana Island, Santa Cruz Island Age Range Ages 6+ Operated in English, Spanish Operator GUIDEcuador Travel From
- NZ$8,933+$1,188 local payments
The 118ft Solaris offers sundeck views and snorkeling equipment while sailing from Darwin Bay's caldera to Santa Fe's coves. Ten crew members and naturalist guide enhance 6-day sailing through volcanic archipelago.
Duration 6 days Destinations Quito, Galapagos Islands, Santa Cruz Island, Seymour Norte, South Plaza Island, Santa Fé Island, Guayaquil Age Range Ages 16+ Operator Exodus Adventure Travels From
- NZ$9,041
The 118ft Solaris, equipped with four kayaks and snorkel gear, takes you through the Galapagos. Highlights include Gardner Bay's sea lion colony, Devil's Crown's coral reefs, and marine life at Black Turtle Cove, with expert naturalist guidance.
Duration 6 days Destinations Quito, San Cristóbal Island, Española Island, Floreana Island, Santiago Island, Bartolomé Island, Santa Cruz Island, Baltra Island, Guayaquil Age Range Ages 16+ Operator Exodus Adventure Travels From
- NZ$9,041
Galápagos — North, West & Central Islands aboard the Yolita
19 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Great trip. Love Mauricio.”
Nancy, traveled in May
The Yolita yacht provides 7 nights of sailing from Genovesa's bird sanctuaries to Isabela's volcanic shores. Guests enjoy panga rides at Elizabeth Bay and snorkeling opportunities at Bartolomé Island.
Duration 10 days Destinations Quito, Baltra Island, Santa Cruz Island, Seymour Norte, Genovesa Island, Bartolomé Island, Isabela Island, Fernandina Island, Rabida Island, Daphne Island Age Range Ages 12+ Operator G Adventures From
- NZ$10,799
Galápagos Land & Sea — Central & South Islands aboard the Yolita
7 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The tour was excellent and provided a great experience.”
Daniel, traveled in July
The Yolita yacht offers three nights of Galápagos sailing. The itinerary features Devil's Crown reef and historic Post Office Bay, moving from Santa Cruz to Floreana Island with complete snorkeling equipment for marine encounters.
Duration 7 days Destinations Quito, Santa Cruz Island, Floreana Island Age Range Ages 12+ Operator G Adventures From
- NZ$6,699
Archipel I sails from Puerto Ayora through central and western Galapagos waters. The route features Vicente Roca's snorkeling caves, Black Turtle Cove's panga rides, and volcanic island navigation with expert naturalists.
Duration 7 days Destinations Quito, Guayaquil, Baltra Island, Santa Cruz Island, Puerto Ayora, Isabela Island, Fernandina Island, Santiago Island, Rabida Island Age Range Ages 16+ Operator Explore! From
- NZ$7,880
The Treasure catamaran links Eden Islet to Vicente Roca Point. The route through Bolivar Channel to historic Tagus Cove includes underwater cave viewing and tropical fish snorkeling.
Duration 9 days Destinations Quito, Guayaquil, Baltra Island, Santa Cruz Island, Puerto Ayora, Las Tintoreras Islet, Puerto Villamil, Isabela Island, Fernandina Island, Santiago Island Age Range Ages 16+ Operator Explore! From
- NZ$14,360
What people love about Sailing Tours in Galapagos Islands
- Ultimate Galapagos: Central Islands (Grand Daphne)
I booked Intrepid's 'Ultimate Galapagos' tour and went in 2017. Whilst the tour was great, it was somewhat blighted by the aircon in our room on the boat being broken, meaning our room smelt so strongly we couldn't keep the door closed for long periods of time and woke up to an unpleasant stench every morning (we had to close the door to sleep). We also woke up to dripping wet walls and soggy belonging as it leaked a lot. We flagged this when we got on the boat as the smell was unmissable, the crew (who were lovely) advised this was an issue with the room that couldn't be fixed during our stay unfortunately as it needed to be taken to another island. So we made the best of it, constantly hung our clothes off the back of the boat to dry them to wear the next day, and kept our door open as much as possible, as there was no alternative. When I got back I naturally picked this up with Intrepid, being disappointed that this was a known issue not flagged or fixed before our stay, on the holiday of a lifetime. Especially given we'd paid more for a top deck room, which turned out to be far worse than the cheaper rooms on the lower deck (which didn't have broken aircon). Intrepid offered a 15% discount if I booked with them again, given they are constantly promoting discounts this isn't helpful. Plus given the experience I had with them, there was no way I was going to consider booking my next holiday (for my 30th) with them, and risking another subpar experience (compared to the other guests and advertised trip) just for a discount. I suspect I was just unlucky, and the Galapagos itself was amazing, but it was very annoying having wet belongings and a very unpleasant smelling room for the whole 8 days, and I'd have expected them to handle it better on such an expensive tour. Overall disappointed with Interpid's customer service.
My experience with G Adventures at the Galapagos Islands was fabulous. It was all I could imagine and more. Who would have thought that I would be swimming with sharks, penguins and turtles!!. Thank you Omar and crew of the Yolita for your most excellent direction with a local focus, conservation and preservation being the key to all our activities. We were fed well, and given all the comforts of home while being worked hard to fit in all the sights on our 10 day tour. I would most definitely recommend this trip to my friends and family. Ecuador are doing a sterling job in preserving this gem of the pacific.
Galápagos — North, West & Central Islands aboard the Yolita
- Galápagos — Central, South & East Islands aboard the Yolita
This was the most amazing spiritual and uplifting memorable trip I ever took. We snorkeled, hiked, biked, walked, dived, drank ate and to our hearts content. the staff was incredible and very very knowledgeable as well as courteous and trustworthy. Pick up at airport, transfers and hotels were all top notch and first class. would recommend highly!
What our customers ask about Sailing Tours & Trips in Galapagos Islands
What are the typical routes and highlights covered on a Galapagos Islands sailing tour?
A typical Galapagos sailing tour spans 6-8 days visiting several distinct islands. Most routes include Española Island where travelers spot waved albatrosses Floreana Island with its historic Post Office Bay and Genovesa Island's Darwin Bay for bird watching. The Solaris yacht focuses on western islands like Fernandina and Isabela where you can see flightless cormorants and Galapagos penguins. Higher-end vessels such as the Infinity explore eastern destinations including Santa Fe and South Plaza islands. As one TourRadar traveler noted: "Each island offered something unique - from the red sand beaches of Rabida to the incredible marine life at Vicente Roca Point on Isabela Island."
How much does a typical Galapagos sailing tour cost?
Expect to pay between USD 5000-8000 per person for a 7-10 day Galapagos sailing experience. The 7-day Galapagos Express on the Archipel I starts at USD 5260 while a 10-day voyage on the premium Treasure of Galapagos reaches USD 8650. These prices cover lodging meals guided tours and snorkel gear. Additional fees include the USD 100 park entry USD 20 transit card and flights to the islands. A TourRadar traveler shared: "While not inexpensive the experience was absolutely worth the investment given the unique wildlife encounters and comfort level aboard."
What types of vessels are available for Galapagos sailing tours?
Vessels range from modern catamarans to traditional motor yachts. The Infinity features 8 cabins with private balconies and a sun deck while the Reina Silvia offers 6 staterooms that can be configured with twin or king beds. For those seeking exclusivity the Grand Majestic provides private charters with dedicated staff and naturalist guides. According to a TourRadar traveler's review of the Treasure of Galapagos catamaran: "The boat was extremely comfortable with spacious cabins excellent viewing areas and professional crew who made the journey exceptional."
What wildlife can I expect to see during a Galapagos sailing tour?
Each island presents different wildlife viewing opportunities. Sullivan Bay on Santiago Island is known for green sea turtles and blue herons. Darwin Bay on Genovesa Island houses red-footed boobies and swallow-tailed gulls. The waters near Isabela Island's Vicente Roca Point reveal seahorses marine turtles and mola-mola sunfish. A TourRadar traveler shared: "We saw everything from playful sea lions at Gardner Bay to flightless cormorants at Punta Espinoza - each day brought new and amazing wildlife encounters."
What kind of meals are provided on Galapagos sailing tours?
Dining options blend local and international dishes served either buffet-style or as plated meals. Ships provide three daily meals plus snacks and can accommodate special diets. The Eden yacht for instance serves 7 breakfasts 7 lunches and 7 dinners featuring Ecuadorian specialties and fresh seafood. One TourRadar traveler noted: "Very good food especially vegetables - the chef prepared excellent meals throughout the cruise."
How many islands will I typically visit on a Galapagos sailing tour?
A standard 7-8 day sailing tour covers 6-8 major islands including Santa Cruz Isabela Fernandina Santiago and Floreana. Some vessels like the Solaris First Class Yacht visit up to 13 islands in a week stopping at locations such as Las Tintoreras Moreno Point and Espinosa Point. As one TourRadar traveler reported: "The itinerary offered a perfect mix of different islands each with its own unique landscape and wildlife."