Two Week Ultimate Galapagos Cruise
Welcome to the Galápagos
A two-week wildlife odyssey revealing the diversity of Ecuador’s famous archipelago.
Your journey has been designed to explore Darwin’s islands with hand-selected naturalist guides, and your home for two weeks is a yacht that has repeatedly been hailed as “the finest in the islands.”
Ultimate Galápagos is designed for travelers with an insatiable curiosity about the natural world. Two back-to-back weeks combine our Eastern and Western routes, so you’ll explore far more of the archipelago, from the Charles Darwin Research Station and the Santa Cruz highlands to the more distant islands.
Guided Daily Exploration
Naturalist-led shore excursions and snorkeling delight guests with intimate wildlife encounters.
Each day you will explore the islands, many unchanged since Darwin’s time. Your Galápagos naturalist guide will lead shore excursions to observe flora and fauna with engaging descriptions of the natural forces shaping the islands.
The Luxury Galápagos Yacht Integrity
An elegant base for 16 discerning guests to cruise the islands. Stabilized. Comfortable. Spacious.
The best way to visit the Galápagos is by yacht, and the most complete experience in the islands is aboard Integrity. Nine spacious staterooms accommodate 16 guests in comfort, style, and safety aboard a yacht that has never missed a day of service. Stabilized and secure, with redundant safety, communications, and engineering systems, she ensures a smooth, uninterrupted journey, and an abundance of public spaces lets guests spread out for quiet time or socialize with companions.
Your Galápagos Itinerary
Arrive in Ecuador
Most flights will arrive in Guayaquil or Quito late in the evening. A hotel room has been reserved for you for the brief overnight stay before your departure to Galápagos the following morning.
You may wish to consider adding a buffer day to guard against flight delays, or simply spend extra time exploring Guayaquil or Quito.
To Baltra and Santa Cruz
You’ll be transferred back to the airport for your flight to Baltra, Galápagos. Upon arrival, you will be escorted to the VIP arrivals lounge, where staff will collect your passport and facilitate your entrance formalities with the Galápagos National Park. Once you’ve collected your luggage, you will transfer across the Itabaca Channel to the island of Santa Cruz for lunch in the highlands and the opportunity to search among the lush grasses for grazing giant tortoises. Time permitting, explore a lava tunnel.
Continuing to the town of Puerto Ayora, you’ll visit the Charles Darwin Research Station and stop to check the fit of your wetsuit before boarding Integrity to begin your cruise.
First week aboard the yacht
Using Integrity as your home, you’ll cruise the islands, spending as much time ashore as the Park rules permit. With our licensed, INCA-selected naturalist guides, you’ll learn about the birds and animals, geology, marine life, and marine systems of the Galápagos Islands.
One of the highlights of any visit to the Galápagos is the opportunity to swim and snorkel with the marine life: tropical fish, sea lions, turtles, and sometimes penguins! On most days you’ll snorkel at least once, some days twice. Back on board, you’ll enjoy delicious meals, complimentary Wi-Fi, and laundry service (typically twice a week).
A free day on Santa Cruz
After breakfast, say farewell to the travel companions who aren’t joining you for the second week. You’ll disembark and meet your driver for the trip across Santa Cruz Island to Puerto Ayora.
Spend the free day as you like: swim at a favorite local beach, hike to Tortuga Bay, or browse the shops of Puerto Ayora. With advance notice, we can also arrange a visit to a Galápagos coffee farm or more time with the giant tortoises in the highlands. Lunch is on your own at one of the seafront restaurants.
You’ll board Integrity again with your new group of travelers before dinner, ready for another week of adventure.
Second week aboard the yacht
By now you know the rhythm of exploration and discovery: morning and afternoon shore visits to see wildlife, interspersed with fine meals, snorkeling and kayaking, naturalist talks, and perhaps a nap, a lounge on deck, a drink at the bar, and some stargazing. Your second week follows the other route, so you’ll see a different set of islands.
Disembark and return to Guayaquil or Quito
Say “adios” to Integrity and her dedicated crew from anchorage in Baltra harbor. Return to the Baltra airport for your flight back to the Ecuadorian mainland, where a day room will be waiting for you to relax before your late-night international departure.
Extending your stay
Explore more of Ecuador with visits to the Andean highlands, the Amazon jungle, or Peru. A variety of options are available.
Before & after
Extend your stayActivities
Hiking
Guided shore walks with your naturalist to see wildlife up close, landing by panga on sandy beaches or rocky shores.
Snorkeling
Swim alongside sea lions, sea turtles, penguins and tropical fish, entering the water from the panga with your naturalist.
Kayaking
An optional paddle a few times during the week, or join your guide on a panga ride along the same route.
Video
A taste of what to expect
Ultimate Galápagos · Dates & Prices
Choose Your Departure
Make It Yours
Owner’s Suite
+$1,600 per person
Upgrade to Integrity’s Owner’s Suite, which spans the yacht from port to starboard: $3,200 per stateroom.
Solo Travelers
No cruise supplement in single staterooms
Single staterooms: no cruise supplement (limited availability).
Solo in a double stateroom: supplement applies.
Land portion: $300 single supplement.
Children 6–17
$3,000 off per child
One child discount per accompanying adult. Not combinable with special offers, or valid on Christmas and New Year’s departures. No minimum age on private charters.
Our 16-day Ultimate Galápagos combines the Eastern and Western routes over two consecutive weeks and can start any Friday when both weeks are available, year-round except during the yacht’s annual maintenance in September. Availability and current rates are confirmed at the time of booking.
“There is no one else to go with to the Galápagos Islands. INCA and Integrity are simply the best!”
Extend Your Galápagos Adventure
One of the most biodiverse countries on the planet, Ecuador has so much to offer. From the high Andes to the basin of the Amazon Rainforest, dive deeper into the culture, wildlife, and history of this beautiful region.
Quito City Tours
Discover Ecuador’s capital, whose colonial historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, on guided city tours.
Amazon Rainforest
Trade the islands for the rainforest and explore Ecuador’s Amazon from a jungle lodge or river cruise.
Luxury Highlands Retreat
Stay at Hacienda Zuleta, a working ranch in the Andean highlands, with hiking and other optional activities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Tap a question to see the answer. For anything else, our team is happy to help.
Should I choose the Eastern or Western Islands route?
Both routes are designed to showcase the remarkable flora and fauna of the Galápagos, and each visits different islands. Compare the routes
When is the best time to visit the Galápagos?
The Galápagos is a year-round destination, with some seasonal variation in temperature. See the seasons
How active is a Galápagos cruise?
Each day includes guided walks and snorkeling, and you’ll travel between Integrity and shore by panga. Terrain ranges from easy beachcombing to walks over rough, uneven ground. Is this trip right for me?
What is snorkeling in the Galápagos like?
A highlight for most guests. Your naturalist leads at least one snorkel outing a day from the panga, and you may swim alongside sea lions, sea turtles, penguins, tropical fish, and harmless sharks. Pangas have ladders for easy entry and exit, and flotation belts are available aboard.
The water is cooled by ocean currents and ranges from about 60° to 75°F, and currents can be strong. You should be comfortable swimming and floating face-down with a snorkel before you go, as there’s no time for lessons once the trip begins. Full-face snorkel masks are not allowed.
Wetsuits, masks, fins, and snorkels are provided, with wetsuits in standard sizes from XS to XXL. If you need a custom size or prefer your own mask, you’re welcome to bring it.
Scuba diving isn’t possible from Integrity, as Galápagos National Park rules allow diving only from licensed dive boats. You’re welcome to arrange day dives from Puerto Ayora independently before or after your cruise; INCA doesn’t arrange scuba diving due to liability limitations.
Is a Galápagos cruise suitable for young children?
For adventurous families, yes. The minimum age is 6 for individual bookings, and private charters have no minimum age. Children ages 6–17 receive a $3,000 discount; see Make It Yours under Dates & Prices.
While our minimum age is 6, the Galápagos Islands are an expedition destination. Guests explore the islands continuously, with morning and afternoon shore visits of up to three hours at a time. Terrain can be challenging for smaller children, the equatorial sun is very strong, and at certain times of year it may rain. There are no toilet facilities at visitor sites on uninhabited islands. Galápagos National Park rules require guests to be accompanied by a naturalist guide at all times, so guests can’t walk back to the pickup point or stay along the shore on their own. There are no daycare facilities aboard Integrity, and parents are responsible for their children at all times, both aboard and on shore. All children under 8 at the time of travel require a waiver signed by a parent or legal guardian acknowledging and accepting these limitations.
How do I get to the Galápagos?
By air from Guayaquil or Quito. INCA books your Galápagos flights so the whole group arrives and departs together; Galápagos airfare is in addition to the trip price, currently $595 per person. The group transfer is timed to specific flights, so guests on other flights risk missing the transfer or facing long waits at the terminal.
Before you fly, every traveler 18 and over must complete a short online biosafety declaration within 48 hours of the flight to the islands. You’ll receive a QR code by email to show on arrival at Baltra airport; the link is also included in your final itinerary.
The Galápagos National Park entrance fee (currently $200 per adult, $100 per child under 12) and the Transit Control Tax (currently $20) are in addition to the trip price. INCA can arrange pre-payment of both so you skip the lines; otherwise, the transit tax is paid at the mainland airport and the park fee in cash on arrival at Baltra. Keep your transit tax card, as you’ll need it to leave the islands.
Can you accommodate dietary restrictions and allergies?
Almost always. Integrity can cater to nearly all dietary preferences, allergies, and restrictions, and you’ll have the chance to share yours when you book. Hard-to-source or highly specialized provisions may require a supplement.
Are drinks included on the yacht?
Non-alcoholic drinks (soft drinks, coffee, tea, and juice) plus house wine and beer are included and unlimited. Other wines and spirits are available for $10–$15 per glass, and your bar tab can be paid in cash or by credit card aboard. A sample bar menu is available on request.
You’re welcome to bring your own bottles in your checked luggage; Ecuador currently allows up to three liters of alcohol per person. Special labels can also be pre-ordered at Ecuadorian rates.
How much should we tip the guides and crew?
Tipping is always at your discretion. We recommend $120–$180 per guest per week for your naturalist guide and $225–$350 per guest per week for the yacht crew. Tips for porters and drivers are already included.
Due to Ecuador’s tax and labor regulations, gratuities are paid in cash at the end of the cruise.
Planning Your Journey
How to Book
First, you’ll connect with our team of experts and share when you’d like to travel, who’s coming with you, and what kind of experience you’re hoping for. From there, your specialist will take care of the details so you don’t have to.
Ready to begin?
Email us to start planning
Or call us directly at
(510) 420-1550
Monday–Friday, 8:00–5:00 PT.
Additional Booking Information
What’s included in your trip, plus deposit, payment and cancellation terms. Tap a row to see the details.
What’s Included
Included
- All airport transfers
- One hotel night on arrival in Guayaquil or Quito, with transfers
- 15-day / 14-night cruise aboard Integrity (two consecutive weeks, Eastern and Western routes)
- Day-use room in Guayaquil or Quito between flight connections on your return
- All meals from breakfast on Day 2 to breakfast on Day 16, except lunch on the free day on Santa Cruz (Day 9)
- Unlimited non-alcoholic drinks (soft drinks, coffee, tea and juice), house wine and beer aboard
- Laundry service aboard, typically twice a week
- Unlimited Wi-Fi
- Wetsuits, masks, fins and snorkels
- Eight 2-person sea kayaks, where permitted by the National Park
Not Included
- International airfare to Ecuador
- Galápagos airfare (currently $595 per person)
- Galápagos National Park entrance fee (currently $200 per adult, $100 per child under 12)
- Galápagos Transit Control Tax (currently $20)
- Medical emergency and evacuation insurance (required, with at least $100,000 of coverage; INCA offers $200,000 coverage for a nominal fee)
- Trip cancellation and interruption insurance (highly recommended)
- Additional wine and spirits aboard ($10–$15 per glass)
- Gratuities for naturalist guides and yacht crew (recommended $120–$180 per guest per week for the naturalist guide and $225–$350 per guest per week for the crew)
Additional costs are subject to change without prior notice.
Deposit, Payment & Cancellation
Individual Bookings 1–4 travelers
Deposit
- $1,600 per person, due at booking
- Additional arrangements may require further deposits, due when those services are booked
Final Payment
- Balance due 90 days before departure
Cancellation · days before departure
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151+ daysDeposit refundable, or transferable to a new departure within one year*
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150–91 daysDeposit non-refundable, but transferable to a new departure within one year*
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90–61 daysAll payments non-refundable, but transferable to a new departure within one year*
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60–0 days100% of the trip price is forfeited
Small Groups 5 or more travelers
Deposit
- $1,600 per person, due at booking
- A second $1,600 per person, due 150 days before departure
- Additional arrangements may require further deposits, due when those services are booked
Final Payment
- Balance due 90 days before departure
Cancellation · days before departure
-
151+ daysInitial deposit refundable, or transferable to a new departure within one year*
-
150–91 daysBoth deposits non-refundable, but transferable to a new departure within one year*
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90–61 days50% of the trip price is forfeited; the remaining balance is non-refundable, but transferable to a new departure within one year*
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60–0 days100% of the trip price is forfeited
Minimum Group Size 4 guests
Departures operate with a minimum of four guests. If fewer than four are booked, you’ll be offered a transfer to another departure at no additional charge, plus a credit of up to $250 per person toward airline change fees (restrictions apply).
Changes $100 fee within 90 days
A $100 amendment fee applies to itinerary changes requested within 90 days of departure. Tours are sold as a complete package; no refunds are issued for unused services.
*Refunds and transfers are less any payments to hotels, airlines, or local service providers that we are unable to transfer or recover. Cancellation due to force majeure (circumstances outside your control, including medical illness) must be covered by travel insurance; INCA/Inca Floats, Inc. will not be responsible. In the event of cancellation, wire and credit card fees will be deducted when calculating refunds.