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Why Galapagos?

Galapagos Cruise: A Unique and Unforgettable Experience

Galapagos Islands: Where Adventure Meets Nature

Over 485 years ago, in the heart of the Pacific Ocean, a one-of-a-kind paradise was discovered: the Galapagos Islands.

Today, this iconic archipelago is recognized as one of the most astonishing places on Earth — a destination where science, evolution, and magic beautifully converge. Exploring its breathtaking landscapes aboard a luxury Galapagos cruise is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience, offering travelers the perfect blend of adventure and comfort. The archipelago’s unique geological formation and rich biodiversity have created an ecosystem that continues to amaze both explorers and scientists alike. Sailing on a Galapagos Islands cruise or embarking on a private Galapagos tour allows visitors to encounter endemic species up close and discover volcanic landscapes found nowhere else in the world.

Discover and Explore Galapagos

The Galapagos Islands’ volcanic origins, remote location, and extraordinary wildlife have given rise to a true natural wonder — an exotic ecosystem found nowhere else on Earth. Recognized worldwide for its uniqueness, the archipelago offers travelers an unparalleled opportunity to explore one of the most fascinating destinations on the planet.

Darwin’s Inspiration in the Galapagos Islands

The extraordinary variety of species across the Galapagos Islands — and the contrasts Charles Darwin observed between them and their mainland relatives — sparked the groundbreaking theory of evolution by natural selection.

UNESCO World Heritage Site (1978)

Located 1,000 km off the coast of Ecuador, the Galapagos Islands remain one of the most extraordinary ecosystems on Earth. Their extreme isolation, the convergence of powerful ocean currents, and unique geography have created a natural world unlike any other.

Galapagos Islands Biosphere Reserve

Declared a Biosphere Reserve in 1984, the archipelago’s volcanic origins and isolated climate have given rise to an ecosystem unlike any other. With scarce rainfall, low humidity, and cooler waters, the Galapagos nurture a remarkable diversity of species.

2023

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why our guests choose golden

Sail aboard the Elite with Golden Galapagos for the best Galapagos cruise experience
We cruised in the Galapagos Islands aboard the Elite, with Golden Galapagos Cruises. It was very luxurious. All of our flights and transfers were handled and fees covered, so we didn’t have to do anything. Our room was huge – a king-sized bed, armoire, desk, couch, bedstands, coffee maker, room safe, regular-sized bathroom, and a private balcony. The itinerary was full of early starts: snorkeling virtually every day (1 or 2 times), walks or tours of the islands or a tortoise sanctuary daily or a zodiac tour, and three great meals a day with a snack almost every time you re-boarded. And the meals were so delicious.

Breakfast and lunch were buffet style and dinner was served with a choice of either of two proteins (sometimes both like surf & turf). The crew were fantastic and the naturalist was knowledgeable and answered all of our questions. We saw all we came to see and much more. And people weren’t getting seasickness unlike the first time we cruised in the Galapagos. The Elite is a catamaran, well-appointed, and maximum of ~17 passengers with 8 double-occupancy suites on 2 decks and 1 single-occupancy suite. Highly recommend the Elite and Golden Galapagos. 

July 28, 2025

OMG. Oh my Galapagos!!! 
I had been to Galapagos 27 years ago. And that was a fantastic trip. This trip was even better!!! The Ocean Spray boat was fabulous!
Crew FABULOUS. Javier was our guide and naturalist. He took us to the best spots on each island. We had jam packed full days of snorkeling and hiking 

My group consisted of me (70 year old woman in decent shape until this trip. — I had a sciatica attack 3 weeks before going. But I went. In pain) 
My 80-year-old sister ( her 80th birthday present) with Parkinson’s, and my 50-year-old niece and her husband. Im thinking the crew was very apprehensive upon seeing us board the boat. But they ALL. went above and beyond in taking care of us. 

Javier in particular helped my sister snorkeling and kayaking 
When we got back from snorkeling each day, they helped us remove our wet suits AND wrapped us in WARM towels. Amazing!
The food was top notch. Great variety and amazed at the amount of seafood they served. But they also went out of their way to accommodate special requests. Vegetarians. And non-fish eaters.
I should have gained 5 lbs, but the hour-long snorkeling every day helped !!! I can’t say enough about golden Galapagos. Thank you!

July 24, 2025

Amazing experience!
The whole experience was amazing!

The crew was wonderful! They were so kind and considerate and the service was extraordinaire! The guide was extremely knowledgeable, patient, and answered everyone’s questions. The accommodations were very beautiful and clean and the food was outstanding! We saw so many beautiful and unique birds and sea life that you can’t see elsewhere. It was a trip that will always be remembered as one of the best! 

July 16, 2025

The Most Amazing Trip – Golden Galapagos rocks
We just returned from a trip on the Ocean Spray (5-night trip A) and 3 nights at La Selva all booked with Golden Galapagos. I could not imagine a better vacation experience for me, my wife, and 18-year-old daughter. Booking everything through Golden Galapagos was so easy and seamless. The service on the Ocean Spray was impeccable. Lots of little small details (e.g. warm towels when you come in from snorkeling, quickly picking up on food and drink preferences, help with wetsuits, etc, etc.) were exemplary.

Our guide, Carlos, was truly a world class guide. His scientific explanations of the flora, fauna, and environment were amazing. He was also was an excellent photographer and shared things after the trip, which was very nice. Having a cruise director plus the guide really made the trip feel like you were well taken care of. The food was also excellent with a good variety of choices. The Ocean Spray had great personal and social space with comfortable beds, warm showers, and an amazing cleaning team that kept our room immaculate. Really cant say enough about the crew, the boat, the guide and the experience. 

June 26, 2025

Elite Catamaran – Just Amazing
Blessed with 14 other delightful companions, our 4 night cruise exceeded all our expectations. Our cabin was spacious with a huge very comfortable bed. The public areas were spacious and accommodated all the guests.

The crew were fantastic and really made us feel at home and how they produced such amazing food in a small galley is beyond me. Nothing was too much trouble. The excursions were wonderful enabling us to see a wide variety of animals and birds on the different islands. It’s not a cheap option but to us worth every penny for such an amazing once in a lifetime trip. A Big thank-you to all the crew. 

June 6, 2025