Question 1

What's included in the cruise price?

Accepted Answer

All cruise prices include: Accommodation in your selected cabin category; All meals aboard (breakfast, lunch, dinner); Non-alcoholic beverages: water, coffee, tea, juice (all ships); Guided excursions with certified naturalist guides; Snorkeling equipment (varies by ship; ask the operator); Transfers between islands during the cruise Alcoholic beverages vary by ship class: Budget/Tourist: $3-5 beers, $5-8 cocktails, $25-50 wine; First-class: $5-8 beers, $8-12 cocktails, $35-60 wine; Luxury tier: often included in the fare, or premium pricing; Some ships include drinks in the fare; ask the operator before booking Not included (unless explicitly stated): Flights to and from Galapagos; Galapagos National Park entrance fee ($200 adults, $100 children); Transit Control Card ($20 per person); Tips for crew and guides; Travel insurance; Personal expenses

Question 2

Can I get a better price?

Accepted Answer

Our prices come direct from the operator. There is no middleman markup. Last-minute discounts run from 15 to 50 percent off depending on how close you book to departure. Last-minute timeline: 60-90 days out: 15-25% off; 30-60 days out: 25-40% off; 14-30 days out: 30-50% off (when available); Under 14 days: rare openings, deepest savings Other discounts: Group bookings (6+ passengers) qualify for special rates; Children under 12: 15-40% off (varies by ship); Solo travelers: see the dedicated section below Holiday weeks (Christmas, Easter) rarely see discounts because demand is high. For the widest selection, contact us 2-3 months before travel.

Question 3

Why do prices vary so much between ships?

Accepted Answer

Price differences reflect: Ship category (Tourist, First-class, Luxury): each tier carries a different daily rate; Cabin type: interior vs. suite, deck location; Crew-to-passenger ratio: more crew, more attentive service; Amenities: hot tubs, kayaks, glass-bottom boats; All-inclusive options: some ships bundle alcohol or premium gear into the fare

Question 4

What about tipping?

Accepted Answer

Tipping is voluntary but customary in the Galapagos. A useful rule of thumb is 3-5% of the cruise fare split between crew and guide, which scales naturally with the ship you booked. Tips are typically pooled among the crew and handed over on the final evening. Envelopes are provided.

Question 5

How do I check real-time availability?

Accepted Answer

Each cruise listing shows live availability: 🟢 Available: book now; 🟡 Limited: 1-2 cabins left; 🔴 Sold out: join the waitlist

Question 6

What's the booking process?

Accepted Answer

1. Select your cruise and cabin 2. Complete online TCT pre-registration at siig-cgreg.gobiernogalapagos.gob.ec 3. Pay 30% deposit to secure your spot (may vary by ship and timeframe) 4. Receive confirmation within 6 hours 5. Pay remaining balance 60 days before departure (may vary by ship and timeframe) 6. Receive final documents 2 weeks before travel Last-minute bookings: 100% payment is required immediately because the cabin would otherwise stay open and the operator loses the slot.

Question 7

How far in advance should I book?

Accepted Answer

There is no single right answer. It depends on how set you are on a specific ship, date, or itinerary, and how much risk you are willing to carry of not finding your ideal match, or anything at all. The further ahead you book, the wider your range of options. The larger your group, the smaller the odds of finding a ship that can accommodate it as the sailing date approaches. Booking at the very last minute tends to produce the deepest savings, though during peak times those last-minute openings thin out quickly. For best selection: Peak season (Jun-Aug, holidays): 9-12 months ahead; Specific ships or suites: 6-9 months ahead; Standard bookings: 4-6 months ahead; Last-minute openings: monitor 2-3 months out

Question 8

Are flights included?

Accepted Answer

No. Flights are not included unless specifically stated. You need flights from: Quito (UIO) to Baltra (GPS) or San Cristóbal (SCY); Guayaquil (GYE) to Baltra (GPS) or San Cristóbal (SCY) If you are booking the flight yourself, it must coincide with the ship’s departure and arrival ports and times. We strongly recommend coordinating any flight booking with the ship, particularly if you fly to Galapagos on the day of embarkation or leave the day of disembarkation. Entry fees (paid separately in cash): Galapagos National Park: $200 adults, $100 children; Transit Control Card: $20 per person; Total entry costs: $220 per adult, $120 per child

Question 9

Can the ship arrange my flights?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Most ships can book flights for you. Benefits: Guaranteed connections with the cruise schedule; Group rates when available; Support if flight changes occur; Correct airport routing (many cruises start and end at different islands) Critical: book the cruise first, then flights. Wrong flights mean a missed cruise.

Question 10

What time should my flight arrive?

Accepted Answer

Arrival day: land by 10:00 AM for afternoon boarding; Departure day: book flights after 12:30 PM Flights leave the mainland as early as 8:00 AM and as late as noon, depending on the ship. We confirm exact times with your booking.

Question 11

What if I want to extend my stay?

Accepted Answer

Most ships can arrange: Hotels in Quito or Guayaquil (1-2 nights early is recommended); Land-based Galapagos extensions; Amazon or Machu Picchu add-ons; Modified flight schedules

Question 12

What's the difference between itineraries?

Accepted Answer

Western Route (Isabela & Fernandina): Best for: penguins, flightless cormorants, marine iguanas; Highlights: volcanic landscapes, whale watching; Season notes: penguins more active Jun-Dec Eastern/Southern Route (San Cristóbal, Española, Floreana): Best for: sea lions, waved albatross (Apr-Dec), snorkeling; Highlights: white beaches, Post Office Bay; Season notes: warmer waters Dec-May Northern Route (Genovesa & northern islands): Best for: red-footed boobies, frigate birds, sharks; Highlights: remote islands, dramatic cliffs; Season notes: rougher seas Sep-Nov Central Route (Santa Cruz, Santiago, Rábida): Best for: first-timers, variety of wildlife; Highlights: giant tortoises, varied landscapes; Season notes: good year-round

Question 13

Can I customize the itinerary?

Accepted Answer

Fixed itineraries are required by Galapagos National Park because each ship is licensed for one specific 15-day route. You cannot change a ship’s itinerary, but you can: Choose a cruise that visits your must-see islands; Combine multiple short cruises; Add pre or post land activities; Book a private charter for full control

Question 14

When are departures?

Accepted Answer

Different ships have different schedules. Any day of the week will have ships departing from different ports, on different itineraries, for different cruise lengths. Common patterns: 4-day: Mon-Thu or Thu-Mon; 5-day: Mon-Fri or Wed-Sun; 8-day: Sat-Sat or Sun-Sun; 15-day: monthly on specific dates Consult the ship for its exact schedule.

Question 15

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Accepted Answer

Yes. All cruises provide masks, snorkels, and fins, though some ships charge a fee. Check with the ship owner when speaking with them. Wetsuits: Ships provide wetsuits on a complimentary basis or for a fee. Ask the ship owner. Wetsuits are usually recommended, particularly in the garua (cool) season, from about May to December. A full-body rash guard is a good substitute during the warm season to protect from the sun. Bring your own mask if you have fit issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick Navigation

Pricing & Payment

Booking & Availability

Travel Logistics

Itineraries & Routes

Onboard Experience

Special Traveler Needs

Health & Safety

Booking Tips & Advice

Ready to book?

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick Navigation

Pricing & Payment

Booking & Availability

Travel Logistics

Itineraries & Routes

Onboard Experience

Special Traveler Needs

Health & Safety

Booking Tips & Advice

Ready to book?

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick Navigation

Pricing & Payment

What's included in the cruise price?

Can I get a better price?

Why do prices vary so much between ships?

What about tipping?

Booking & Availability

How do I check real-time availability?

What's the booking process?

How far in advance should I book?

Travel Logistics

Are flights included?

Can the ship arrange my flights?

What time should my flight arrive?

What if I want to extend my stay?

Itineraries & Routes

What's the difference between itineraries?

Can I customize the itinerary?

When are departures?

Onboard Experience

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

What about dietary restrictions?

What language do the guides speak?

How many people are on the cruise?

Do ships have amenities?

How's the internet?

Special Traveler Needs

What if I'm traveling alone?

Is a cruise suitable for children?

Health & Safety

Do I need vaccinations?

What about medical care?

Will I get seasick?

Booking Tips & Advice

What is Book Cruise Now?

Who runs Book Cruise Now?

What should I know before booking?

Red flags to avoid?

Ready to book?

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick Navigation

Pricing & Payment

What's included in the cruise price?

Can I get a better price?

Why do prices vary so much between ships?

What about tipping?

Booking & Availability

How do I check real-time availability?

What's the booking process?

How far in advance should I book?

Travel Logistics

Are flights included?

Can the ship arrange my flights?

What time should my flight arrive?

What if I want to extend my stay?

Itineraries & Routes

What's the difference between itineraries?

Can I customize the itinerary?

When are departures?

Onboard Experience

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

What about dietary restrictions?

What language do the guides speak?

How many people are on the cruise?

Do ships have amenities?

How's the internet?

Special Traveler Needs

What if I'm traveling alone?

Is a cruise suitable for children?

Health & Safety

Do I need vaccinations?

What about medical care?

Will I get seasick?

Booking Tips & Advice

What is Book Cruise Now?

Who runs Book Cruise Now?

What should I know before booking?

Red flags to avoid?

Ready to book?