Galápagos Ocean Cruise Multi-Adventure Tour
Couples, Friends & Solos
8 days
7 nights
Activity Levels 1-2
Deluxe Ship
Galápagos Ocean Cruise Multi-Adventure Tour
Couples, Friends & Solos
8 days
7 nights
Activity Levels 1-2
Deluxe Ship
2024: Dec 2025: Jan-Mar, May-Jul, Sep-Oct, Dec
From $9,599 - $13,099 /person
Includes $800 internal air
Sailing through Ecuador's Enchanted Isles
Embark on an island escapade like no other. The Galápagos archipelago is an isolated natural sanctuary, home to some of the world's most unique tropical ecosystems above and below the sea. Meet Galápagos giant tortoises and blue-footed boobies. Explore volcanic calderas and stunning beaches. Each day aboard our expedition ship brings a new adventure.
Highlights
- Dive into immersive activities in some of the most phenomenal and captivating environments on Earth
- Sail to uninhabited islands accessible only by our cruise-based itinerary and enjoy epic (including face-to-face!) animal encounters
- Snorkel and kayak for a special extended time exclusive to Backroads guests, then return to our ship to indulge in creature comforts
- Bike through the misty highlands of Santa Cruz, keeping an eye out for wildlife and sensational views
Start/End Quito
* Start/End locations may vary. Do not book flights until your trip details are confirmed.
Itinerary
Days 1-3
Your adventure begins in Baltra, the gateway to the Galápagos Islands • Journey on an eco-boutique expedition ship each day to unique coves and remote islands with opportunities to hike, snorkel and kayak at world-class sites • Get acquainted with iconic blue-footed boobies, plus red-footed and Nazca • Stroll along and climb lava-strewn terrain and desert-like landscapes • Donning a snorkel and mask, discover an underwater wonderland of fascinating sea life.
Nights 1-7
This intimate yet spacious boutique expedition ship delivers comfort, personalized service and amenities including an outdoor bar, hot tub and stargazing deck. (pool)
Days 4-6
Bike through Santa Cruz’s verdant highlands and visit an eco-farm that produces coffee and sugarcane • View giant tortoises and learn about the breeding and life cycle of the islands’ most famous residents • Watch Galápagos critters dart and dive among the waves and Nazca boobies perched on rocky cliffs • Relax on idyllic sandy beaches with sunbathing sea lions • Hike along cactus-dotted cliffs in search of the prehistoric-looking Galápagos land iguana.
Nights 1-7
This intimate yet spacious boutique expedition ship delivers comfort, personalized service and amenities including an outdoor bar, hot tub and stargazing deck. (pool)
Days 7-8
Take to the water in sturdy sea kayaks to gain a new perspective of the coastline and wildlife—if luck is on your side, you might spot rays, sea turtles, dolphins or sharks! • Discover the far reaches of this archipelago, with endless opportunities for exploration on land and sea • Look for lava lizards and frigate birds as you hike through acacia forests and take in panoramic ocean views • Navigate calm turquoise waters in a Zodiac • Savor a final evening under the stars while moored in a sheltered lagoon.
Nights 1-7
This intimate yet spacious boutique expedition ship delivers comfort, personalized service and amenities including an outdoor bar, hot tub and stargazing deck. (pool)
What's Included
See moreStraight Talk
We want to make sure you're on the trip that's right for you. Every Backroads trip is unique and this one is no exception.
The ship we sail on is like a floating expedition boutique hotel, so you can visit a new destination each day without touching your suitcase once you've settled in. Our ship is custom‐designed with a variety of inviting spaces that offer plenty of room for both relaxing and socializing. Our ship is vastly smaller than most cruise ships, with up to just 100 passengers. We sail with up to 30 Backroads guests on the Galápagos Legend ship.
If you're new to Backroads active cruise trips, there are a few things you need to know. Although our average group size is larger than a typical Backroads tour, our ship-based trips feel smaller and much more intimate than a typical cruise.
Additionally, even with an itinerary subject to fixed nautical schedules and national park regulations that may occasionally limit our time on shore, we get out and explore far beyond the cruise norm.
Being onboard a ship provides the benefit of being able to take advantage of ship amenities: the fitness room, hot tub and a pool. In addition, there is the opportunity to relax in the inviting common spaces or the privacy of your room. Your Trip Leaders will have information on the array of options to choose from.
If having longer routes or more flexibility to explore is important for you, we recommend choosing one of our River Cruise or Hotel trips. If you love meeting new people and having more time to relax aboard the ship, and enjoy the ease of unpacking once, you'll love our approach to active ocean cruising. Nobody does it like we do.
All meals are served aboard. On-ship meals, though delightful, are meant to appeal to a wide cross section of passengers and may at times feel more conventional and less reflective of the region than on Backroads Hotel trips.
In contrast to our Hotel trips, which typically have similar room categories, the Galápagos Legend offers a wide range of stateroom categories to choose from. The top-tier staterooms often fill fast, so book as early as possible if this is important to you.
Please note that there is an ample amount of travel time on this trip, and we may have earlier mornings than you are used to on Backroads trips—including as early as 4 a.m.—due to our flights between the Ecuadorian mainland and the Galápagos Islands. We'll be flying on commercial flights with Avianca or LATAM Airlines aboard twin-jet planes. Also, be prepared for wet, windy conditions and bring seasickness medication if you think you'll need it, especially in summer months when the waters can be a bit rougher.
The Galápagos Islands are subject to national park regulations. Mid-trip itinerary changes are quite common. If we encounter changes to our planned activities, your Trip Leaders will find alternate activities that you're sure to enjoy.
Most hikes on this trip are remote and do not intersect with roads. Vehicles or boats will get us to and from the trailheads, but the nature of these trails is such that we won't see our vehicles along the route. Ample trail support in the form of water and encouragement is provided by your Backroads leader and local guides.
Although the Galápagos Islands are part of Ecuador, they can feel worlds away from the mainland, with challenges including slow or nonexistent internet and ATMs possibly running out of cash. Service onboard our ship and at hotels and restaurants can lack a sense of urgency.
During the trip there's time for you to enjoy a scuba diving adventure. This activity is often a highlight for those who choose to do it, but due to liability issues and because it may not be to everyone's liking, it's not included in the cost of the trip and participation is at your own risk.
This trip includes travel on a commercial flight so that we can explore the best of your destination. Please note that flight schedules can change with little advance warning, which may require us to adjust our activities on a travel day. Your Trip Leaders will provide more details on any changes should this occur.
Accommodations
Small Ships, Big Adventures
Our small ships feel more like boutique retreats, offering an experience a world away from the typical large cruise.
Ship may vary based on departure. Any variations will be displayed when selecting a departure under Dates & Prices.
Nights 1-7
This intimate yet spacious boutique expedition ship delivers comfort, personalized service and amenities including an outdoor bar, hot tub and stargazing deck. (pool)
Gallery
Bikes
Choose Your Perfect Bike
Our bikes are designed and built with specific cyclists and riding styles in mind, so we can always offer you a perfect ride. Please note that bike requests are subject to availability and prioritized based on the date they're submitted.
Included in your trip price
- Suited for a wide range of cyclists
- Comfortable ergonomic seat
- Long wheel base adds to the bike's control and stability
- Upright handlebars only
Dates & Prices
Dates & Prices
Click on dates for pricing, itinerary variations and to book your trip.
Note: Your stateroom will be assigned based on availability. Please contact us if you are interested in booking multiple Stateroom Categories for your party, selecting a specific stateroom, or Single Supplement pricing.
Please Select a Group Size
Group size is required to show per-person pricing. Your group size can be approximate and can change.