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Maximize Your Wildlife Encounters in the Galapagos
on Our Award-Winning Safari-Style Yacht Adventures™
Safari-Style Cruises™ in Galapagos
When it’s finally time for the luxury Galapagos cruise you’ve been dreaming of, you deserve to experience the best of the islands as an adventurer—not a tourist. You’re ready to discover breathtaking landscapes, have up-close encounters with rare wildlife, dive into the marine world, and relax in accommodations as unique as the islands. Tour buses won’t cut it. You’re looking for full access to the island’s hidden gems.
A small-ship luxury Galapagos cruise goes beyond checking this incredible destination off your bucket list. Our boutique style of travel lets you experience the islands the best way Darwin did: away from the crowds, with freedom to explore your way.
Immerse yourself in the real Galapagos Islands - a place beyond your wildest dreams. Guarantee a deeper island experience on Travel + Leisure’s #1 Intimate Ocean Cruise Line.
As an Adventurer,
Not a Tourist
LUXURY CRUISE
South America
ADD-ONS
Learn Through a Local Lens
The right naturalist can turn every experience into a lifetime memory. Our handpicked team of top Galapagos Guides bring earth science to life. We maintain a 10:1 Guest to Guide ratio, the industry low.
Our naturalists are the Islands' ambassadors and memorable educators; guardians of the legacy to protect the islands. Their expertise and Level III rankings offer Guests a unique, authentic experience.
MEET OUR GALAPAGOS GUIDESLet Your Adventurous Spirit Fly
Imagine: After Ecuadorian coffee and breakfast, a quick panga ride transports you to Darwin’s paradise. A Galapagos Hawk calls out a hello, competing with sea lions barking to welcome you ashore. Yours are the first footsteps on the white sand beach. Where will the adventure take you today?
On your safari-style luxury cruise, excursions are tailored to your best interests, preferred level of activity, and desire for off-the-beaten path activities. Quasar lets you see Galapagos your way.
Which itinerary is right for me?
From US$ 9,500 per person
Light or Moderate Activity Level
Baltra Island Port, Galapagos Islands
From US$ 10,550 per person
Light or Moderate Activity Level
Baltra Island / Puerto Ayora Port, Galapagos Islands
From US$ 18,050 per person
Light or Moderate Activity Level
Baltra Island Port, Galapagos Islands
- Guarantee The Perfect Adventure
- Avoid The Crowds
- Choose The Right Yacht For You
On a Quasar eco-friendly cruise ships, you’ll join our fight to conserve Galapagos, protect wildlife, and support local economies. From our zero single-use plastic policy to carbon-neutral emissions, we are working toward a future of clean energy.
Choose Your Iconic Galapagos Luxury Yacht
Timeless elegance with royal history. Cruise the Galapagos Islands aboard Grace Kelly’s honeymoon yacht.
explore the grace
Experience the Galapagos in spacious comfort and privacy aboard a luxury yacht that retraces the footsteps of Darwin.
explore the evolution
How to Get To Galapagos
Is there a flight directly to Galapagos?
There are no direct international flights to Galapagos. To reach the islands, you must first arrive in mainland Ecuador (either Quito or Guayaquil), then take a quick flight directly to your Galapagos cruise port.
How much does a ticket cost from Quito or Guayaquil to Galapagos?
The extra roundtrip plane ticket from Ecuador’s mainland cities of Quito or Guayaquil to Galapagos averages US$ 450-500. Domestic air tickets to Galapagos are typically not included with Quasar's Galapagos cruises, however, we are happy to help you arrange this flight in conjunction with your selected yacht safari.
How far in advance should you book your flight to the Galapagos or South America?
Unlike other destinations, airlines that fly to Galapagos do not apply the typical dynamic pricing conditions. Therefore, the “golden rule” of booking flights between 40 and 50 days prior to your cruise does not always apply.
Real Guest Cruise Reviews & Testimonials
When to Visit the Galapagos Islands
Unlike many of the best top vacation destinations in the world, there is no “bad” time to travel to the Galapagos Islands. Set right on the equator, the archipelago’s air and water temperatures rarely vary from ideal. Every month is filled with wonder and delight, other-worldly wildlife encounters, and underwater radiance.
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT THE GALAPAGOS?
January
- Top month for snorkeling with penguins
- Great Underwater visibility
- Warm sunny days, with lots of hours of clear skies
- Air Temp (Max / Min): 30 / 22°C, 86 / 72°F
- Average Rainfall: 2.5cm, 1.0in (in the highlands)
- Average Water Temperature: 24.5°C / 76°F
February
- Most Underwater visibility (along with March)
- Warm sunny days. Most hours of clear skies of any month
- Giant tortoises are laying eggs in the wild
- Air Temp (Max / Min): 30 / 24°C, 86 / 75°F
- Average Rainfall: 2.5cm, 1.0in (in the highlands)
- Average Water Temperature: 25°C / 77°F
March
- Most Underwater visibility (along with Jan & Feb)
- Water temperature is the highest all year (along with April)
- Land Iguanas begin mating (male fighting spectacles)
- Air Temp (Max / Min): 31 / 24°C, 88 / 75°F
- Average Rainfall: 5.1cm, 2.0in (in the highlands)
- Average Water Temperature: 25°C / 77°F
April
- Water temperature is the highest all year (along with March)
- Flamingos breeding and nesting (bright colors)
- Some of the clearest skies all year
- Air Temp (Max / Min): 31 / 24°C, 88 / 75°F
- Average Rainfall: 3.8cm, 1.5in (in the highlands)
- Average Water Temperature: 25C°C / 77°F
May
- Cooler season begins (days are not as hot)
- Waved Albatross arrive to Galapagos and begin nesting
- Humboldt Current gets stronger (nutrient rich waters attract marine life)
- Air Temp (Max / Min): 28 / 22°C, 82 / 72°F
- Average Rainfall: 1.9cm, 0.75in (in the highlands)
- Average Water Temperature: 24.5°C / 76°F
June
- Most pleasant weather all year (along with May)
- Flightless Cormorants start nesting (depending on food supply)
- Stronger Humboldt Current makes marine life active (great for snorkeling)
- Air Temp (Max / Min): 26 / 21°C, 79 / 70°F
- Average Rainfall: 0.6cm, 0.25in (in the highlands)
- Average Water Temperature: 23°C / 73°F
July
- California Sea Lions start breeding (sea lion pups throughout the islands)
- Red Footed Boobies begin nesting
- Whale and dolphin spotting becomes more common
- Air Temp (Max / Min): 26 / 20°C, 79 / 68°F
- Average Rainfall: 1.3cm, 0.50in (in the highlands)
- Average Water Temperature: 22°C / 72°F
August
- Blue Footed Boobies mating and nesting (dancing rituals)
- Stronger Humboldt Current makes marine life active (great for snorkeling)
- Whale and dolphin spotting is more common throughout the islands
- Air Temp (Max / Min): 26 / 19°C, 79 / 66°F
- Average Rainfall: 0.6cm, 0.25in (in the highlands)
- Average Water Temperature: 21.5°C / 71°F
September
- Whale and dolphin watching is at its prime (along with Oct)
- Frigate birds start mating (beautiful displays)
- Greatest Snorkeling all year (along with Oct)
- Air Temp (Max / Min): 26 / 19°C, 79 / 66°F
- Average Rainfall: 2.5cm, 1.3cm, 0.50in (in the highlands)
- Average Water Temperature: 22°C / 72°F
October
- Whale and dolphin watching is at its prime (along with Sept)
- Giant Tortoises are laying eggs in the wild
- Greatest Snorkeling all year (along with Oct)
- Air Temp (Max / Min): 26 / 20°C, 79 / 68°F
- Average Rainfall: 0.6cm, 0.25in (in the highlands)
- Average Water Temperature: 22.5°C / 73°F
November
- Green sea turtles begin mating
- Whale and dolphin watching still great
- Active marine life and great snorkeling
- Air Temp (Max / Min): 26 / 21°C, 79 / 70°F
- Average Rainfall: 1.3cm, 0.50in (in the highlands)
- Average Water Temperature: 23°C / 73°F
December
- Official start of the warm season (days get warmer)
- Humboldt Current loses strength (waters get warmer)
- Masked Boobies begin nesting
- Air Temp (Max / Min): 27 / 22°C, 81 / 72°F
- Average Rainfall: 1.3cm, 0.50in (in the highlands)
- Average Water Temperature: 22.5°C / 73°F
Accolades
Quasar As Seen On:
Real People. Insider Knowledge.
-
ENGLISH & SPANISH
SPEAKING
(U.S.A. BASED) -
FRIENDLY TRAVEL PROFESSIONALS
WITH LOCAL KNOWLEDGE -
COMPLIMENTARY PLANNING
CALLS AROUND YOUR SCHEDULE
Our Galapagos Expedition Designers have been in your shoes before. They know what it takes to plan the perfect Galapagos luxury cruise. With a complimentary call, we'll answer your every question, suggest or arrange trip add-ons, and recommend the premier top bucket-list itinerary. Don’t sweat the details—that’s our job.
Top 10 Galapagos FAQs Asked by First-Time Travelers
Over 97% of the Galapagos archipelago is a national park, completely off limits to human establishments. Only 3% of the islands are human-inhabited, where hotels are allowed to be built. Therefore, the only way to access the majority of the visitor sites is on a cruise throughout the entire archipelago. Cruises are the only way to access the majority of Galapagos National Park sites, which are unreachable from land-based hotels. Hotels limit access and often require long boat rides. For full island exploration, luxury cruises offer exclusive itineraries, expert guides, and seamless access. Learn more here - What's the best way to see the Galapagos Islands?
Starting in 2010 when restrictions on non-local ships were lifted, larger international cruise lines started to gain interest in Galapagos. Organizations like Celebrity, Silversea, Disney and Hurtigruten now offer cruises in the archipelago. All of these major cruise lines operate 100 passenger ships, which is the largest ship size permitted in the Galapagos National Park and the Galapagos Marine Reserve.
To get the top experience in the Galapagos, we highly recommend choosing Galapagos luxury yachts with 36 passengers or less. With much smaller tour groups, flexible itineraries, and dedicated naturalist guides, yacht safaris allow you to experience Galapagos away from the crowds. Learn more here - Which Cruise Lines go to the Galapagos Islands?
Galapagos cruises depart from 3 places within the archipelago: Baltra Island, the port town of Puerto Ayora (on Santa Cruz Island), and the port town of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno (on San Cristobal Island). No Galapagos cruises leave from mainland Ecuador. Quasar handles all in-country logistics for a seamless arrival. Learn more here - Where do Galapagos Cruises leave from?
Luxury Galapagos cruises range from $800 to $1,700 per person, per day, depending on suite and ship. Budget options start around $250/day, but amenities and access vary greatly. Quasar delivers unmatched value in the luxury category. Learn more here - How much does a Galapagos cruise cost?
Absolutely. Galapagos cruises offer unparalleled wildlife encounters and access to protected sites unreachable by land. A luxury cruise provides the most immersive and rewarding experience for nature lovers and adventurers. Learn more here - Are Galapagos Cruises Worth It?
Flights from mainland Ecuador (Quito or Guayaquil) to the Galapagos take 1.5 to 2.5 hours. Most travelers connect through Guayaquil. Quasar manages all flights and transfers to ensure a smooth journey. To learn more - How long does it take to get from Ecuador to Galapagos
Galapagos is arguably one of the safest and most magical destinations in the world. Quasar yachts include onboard doctors and trained crew. We also provide tips for safe travel on mainland Ecuador. Please refer to our detailed article Is it Safe to Travel to the Galapagos Islands? for necessary precautions for a pleasant stay in both Ecuador and the Galapagos.
The Galapagos is a year-round destination with minimal seasonal variation. For fewer crowds and potential discounts, travel between September and early December. For a detailed month by month depiction of Galapagos travel in terms of weather, water temperatures and animal encounters, please visit our page of When to Visit the Galapagos Islands.
Unless you already live in Ecuador, making your way to the Galapagos is going to be a multi-leg travel event. You’ll have to take an international flight to get to Ecuador, and then you’ll need to take a domestic flight out to the islands. For a detailed step by step guide, be sure to visit our page on How to Get to the Galapagos Islands.
Galapagos cruise itineraries are often referred to as 'loops' due to the circular routes the ships take around the archipelago. Therefore, whether a company calls their offerings 'itineraries' or 'loops,' they are talking about the same concept. The best itinerary depends on your interests. Quasar offers expertly designed 8- and 15-day loops covering diverse islands, wildlife, and experiences. Learn more - 'Galapagos Cruise Itineraries & Loops Explained: Which One is Best?