Quick answer
The Galápagos can be visited year-round on small licensed ships. December to May is warmer with calmer seas; June to November is cooler, with richer marine life and more active seabirds.
- Cruise season
- Year-round
- Best months
- Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Dec
- Typical length
- 4–15 nights
- Main departure ports
- Baltra, San Cristóbal (flights from Quito or Guayaquil)
- Popular ports
- San Cristóbal, Santa Cruz, Española, Isabela, Fernandina, Genovesa, Floreana, Bartolomé
- Cruise lines sailing here
- 8
Why cruise here
- Giant tortoises, marine iguanas and blue-footed boobies
- Snorkelling with sea lions
- Strictly limited visitor numbers
Weather by month in Puerto Ayora
Long-term averages for planning — not a forecast. Cruise season Best months
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg high °C | 29 | 30 | 31 | 30 | 29 | 27 | 26 | 25 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 |
| Avg low °C | 22 | 23 | 23 | 23 | 22 | 21 | 20 | 19 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 |
| Rain days | 4 | 6 | 7 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
Ports of call
- San Cristóbal
- Santa Cruz
- Española
- Isabela
- Fernandina
- Genovesa
- Floreana
- Bartolomé
Sailings & fares
Loading sailings…
Cruise lines sailing Galápagos Islands
Expedition & polar cruises
Asian river cruises
Galápagos cruises
Visas for Galápagos Islands cruises
Ecuador's entry rules apply; there is also a Galápagos national park entrance fee and a transit control card bought before flying in.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to cruise Galápagos Islands?
The cruise season is Year-round; the best months are January, February, March, April, May, December.
Do I need a visa for a Galápagos Islands cruise?
Ecuador's entry rules apply; there is also a Galápagos national park entrance fee and a transit control card bought before flying in.
How long is a typical Galápagos Islands cruise?
Most are 4–15 nights, usually from Baltra, San Cristóbal (flights from Quito or Guayaquil).
Which cruise lines sail Galápagos Islands?
Lindblad Expeditions – National Geographic, UnCruise Adventures, Silversea Expeditions, Aqua Expeditions, Celebrity Cruises – Galápagos, Quasar Expeditions, Ecoventura, Metropolitan Touring.