Galapagos Islands Sailing Tour: Our Experience Onboard The Eco Galaxy
If you want to visit the Galápagos Islands in 2025, a Galápagos Islands sailing tour is the way to do it. The Galápagos Islands are a bucket list destination for nature lovers and one of the most renowned ecotourism spots on the planet.
In December, we set sail through the Galápagos Islands with Galápagos Galaxy Cruises onboard the Eco Galaxy catamaran. After our experience, we’re fully convinced that the best way to experience these islands is on the water. From intimate wildlife encounters to luxurious and sustainable accommodations, this trip far exceeded any expectation we had for the destination.
In this post, we’re sharing the full Galápagos Islands Travel Itinerary we followed and all the details about our Galápagos Islands sailing tour. Below, we break down everything you can expect from this off-the-beaten path, eco adventure. The company was also kind enough to give us an exclusive 5% discount (use code BAGGAGEGPS) when you book this tour through our link. Let’s dive in!
Sunset on the Eco Galaxy
Galapagos sea lions
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Table of Contents
Views from the Eco Galaxy
Blue Footed Boobie family
Galápagos Islands Sailing Tour: FAQs
What is so special about the Galápagos Islands?
The Galápagos Islands are special for their biodiversity and unique wildlife, much of which is found nowhere else on Earth. This is a direct result of the islands’ isolation and strict conservation efforts, making them one of the best ecotourism destinations in the world. Visitors can experience close encounters with animals like giant tortoises, sea lions, and blue-footed boobies in a protected environment that puts the wildlife first, as it should be.
These islands are also famous for inspiring Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution and are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
How many of the Galápagos Islands have human inhabitants?
Only 4 of the 127 Galápagos Islands have human inhabitants: Santa Cruz, San Cristóbal, Isabela, and Floreana. The majority of the islands are uninhabited and protected as part of the Galápagos National Park.
What is the best month to go to the Galápagos?
The Galápagos Islands are one of those rare destinations that’s incredible to visit year-round. Ultimately, the best month depends on your preferences. For warm weather, calmer seas, and excellent snorkeling, visit between December and May. For unique wildlife behaviors like nesting and hatching, as well as cooler temperatures, visit between June and November.
How much does it cost to go to the Galápagos Islands?
A 5-day / 4-night trip aboard the Eco Galaxy costs approximately $3,000–$4,000 per person. Galapagos Galaxy Cruises gave us a unique code to offer you 5% off if you book directly through our link using the code BAGGAGEGPS.
To reach the Galápagos Islands, you’ll need to fly into Guayaquil or Quito, and then fly to the islands from there. The company can help you arrange these flights to align with your cruise’s arrival and departure! Including flights, Galápagos National Park fees ($200 per person), and tips for the guide and crew, expect to spend around $5,000–$6,000 per person for this unforgettable experience.
Why Choose a Galápagos Islands Sailing Tour?
The Galápagos Islands have long been a bucket list destination for us as sustainable travelers, and these islands did not disappoint. Sailing is hands down the best way to explore the islands, and here’s why:
- Many of the islands in the Galápagos are uninhabited and only accessible by boat, making a sailing tour essential for exploring.
- Unlike large cruise ships, the Eco Galaxy offers an intimate experience with just 16 passengers.
- A small cruise like this is a more personal and environmentally responsible way to travel.
- This small group size ensures that you won’t feel crowded, whether onboard or during excursions.
- Small group size also means more authentic and meaningful encounters with the Galápagos’ extraordinary wildlife.
- Boats here carefully coordinate their itineraries to limit the number of vessels visiting the same site at one time.
The Galápagos is one of the most biologically diverse ecosystems on Earth. We were amazed to find that the animals here are so well-protected that they don’t typically fear humans. Nowhere else in the world have we been able to observe wildlife up close like we did in the Galápagos. From sea lions playing beside us in the water to blue-footed boobies nesting just feet away on the trail.
Ultimately, trips like this embody the essence of ecotourism, offering travelers a chance to connect deeply with nature while emphasizing the importance of protecting it. A Galápagos sailing tour inspires a sense of stewardship for the places and animals we’re lucky enough to encounter. It’s not just a trip — it’s a call to protect the natural world.
Galapagos wildlife
Hiking in the Galapagos
About the Eco Galaxy Catamaran
The Eco Galaxy is a first-class catamaran thoughtfully designed to preserve the fragile ecosystem of the Galápagos Islands while offering a luxurious and eco-friendly travel experience. Its sustainability features set it apart, demonstrating that luxury tourism can also be environmentally responsible. Here are some of the sustainability features of the Eco Galaxy:
- Energy Efficiency: Operates on low fuel consumption, with continuous self-cleaning fuel purifiers and energy-efficient LED lighting.
- Water Conservation: Reuses treated water to clean the decks and hull, and has a pressure tank system to save fresh water onboard.
- Sustainable Materials: Built using recycled teak wood from old boats, reducing the use of new timber by 50%.
- Biodegradable Products: All cleaning and housekeeping products are biodegradable, ensuring no toxic chemicals enter the ecosystem.
- Locally Sourced Cuisine: The onboard kitchen uses locally sourced ingredients, directly supporting the island population while crafting Ecuadorian and international dishes.
- Eco-Education: The crew undergoes regular training in customer service, conservation, and preventing invasive species, ensuring a commitment to protecting the islands.
Furthermore, the Eco Galaxy proves that sustainable tourism and comfort can go hand in hand, offering an unforgettable travel experience
View from the cabin onboard Eco Galaxy
Cabin on the Eco Galaxy
Itinerary Highlights: What to Expect on a Galápagos Islands Sailing Tour
You’ll quickly catch on to the routine onboard the Eco Galaxy. Each morning starts at 7:00 am with breakfast, followed by a morning hike on one of the islands. Then, you’ll return to the boat for a snack and time to change before your midday snorkel. Following your incredible underwater experience, you have a fresh lunch on board. You’ll have a few hours to relax before embarking on your afternoon hike at a new destination. Finally, you’ll catch the sunset on the dinghy ride back to the Eco Galaxy, and then enjoy the most delicious meals for dinner onboard.
Here’s a day by day breakdown of each destination we visited. Plus, a few of our favorite wildlife encounters on each island!
Day-by-Day Breakdown:
Day 1: Arrival in San Cristobal
Environmental briefing, followed by an afternoon hike on Lobos Island.
Wildlife Highlights: Nesting Blue-Footed Boobies with a baby, Sea Lions and their pups, Marine Iguanas.
Day 2: Santa Fe and South Plaza
Wildlife Highlights: The Galápagos Hawk, Frigate Birds, Marine Iguanas, Land Iguanas; snorkeling with White Tip Reef Sharks and Sea Turtles.
Day 3: Seymour and Mosquera
Wildlife Highlights: Hammerhead Shark, thousands of Starfish on the seafloor, Eagle Rays, Stingray.
Day 4: Darwin Bay and Genovesa
Wildlife Highlights: Red-Footed Boobies, swimming with the most playful Sea Lions, the Boss Sea Lion (the leader of the Sea Lion colony).
Day 5: Santa Cruz
Wildlife Highlights: Observing Giant Tortoises in their natural habitat.
South Plaza Island hike
Galapagos Sea Lion
The Importance of a Naturalist Guide
In the Galápagos Islands, having a certified naturalist guide is not only a legal requirement but also an essential part of the experience. These guides ensure that visitors explore responsibly, respecting the islands’ delicate ecosystems and incredible wildlife. Our guide, David, made our journey unforgettable.
David’s deep knowledge of the islands and their unique species enhanced every hike and snorkel excursion. He explained the details of the landscapes and wildlife and encouraged questions. Of course, he also educated us on the carefully implemented measures to protect the Galápagos. From understanding the behavior of sea lions to spotting elusive birds like the Galápagos hawk, David’s expertise gave us a deeper appreciation for the islands.
Beyond the educational aspect, David made us feel safe and comfortable throughout our daily activities. Whether we were hiking across volcanic terrain or snorkeling in waters teeming with marine life. We can’t imagine doing this trip without him! Having a guide every step of the way elevated our experience.
The Incredible Eco Galaxy Staff
What’s more, The Eco Galaxy’s entire crew of 11 staff members made our trip exceptional. From the moment we boarded, they took incredible care of our group. They kept our rooms impeccably clean, served delicious fresh meals, drinks, and snacks, and ensured every detail of our experience was seamless. The team skillfully transported us to and from the islands for hikes and snorkeling adventures and sailed the catamaran from destination to destination while we slept. Their professionalism and hospitality went above and beyond! It made for a truly luxurious experience where we felt cared for as guests every step of the way.
Hiking with our naturalist guide
Galapagos Yellow Land Iguana
Who Is the Galápagos Islands Sailing Tour Perfect For?
After taking this trip ourselves, we can confidently say that the Eco Galaxy is ideal for a wide range of travelers. Whether you’re a couple seeking an intimate, uncrowded adventure or a family with kids, this sailing tour caters to all ages.
That said, it’s especially ideal for nature lovers, wildlife enthusiasts, and eco-conscious travelers who value sustainable tourism. If you love hiking, snorkeling, and you have a deep desire to learn about the place you’re visiting, the Galápagos Islands are for you. This is the spirit we should all embrace as travelers—connecting with the natural world while respecting and protecting it.
Galapagos Hawk with the Eco Galaxy
Traveling to and from the boat
Best Time to Visit the Galápagos Islands
The Galápagos Islands are one of those rare destinations that are truly great to visit year-round, due to their unique climate. No matter when you plan your trip, you’ll find incredible wildlife experiences and stunning landscapes to enjoy.
The islands experience two distinct seasons:
Warm Season (December-May): This is the perfect time for snorkeling, with calmer seas and warmer water.
Dry Season (June-November): During this time, wildlife behaviors like nesting and hatching are at their peak.
We visited in December and absolutely loved our trip. However, our guide informed us that in just a few weeks, there would be more lush greenery, as some of the trees were still bare. Ultimately, the Galápagos offers unforgettable adventures every month of the year.
Galapagos coast
Dining on the Eco Galaxy
Why Book Your Galápagos Sailing Tour Through Us?
When it comes to travel, we prefer to take our recommendations from people who have been where we want to go. Having embarked on this Galápagos sailing tour ourselves, we can honestly say it was one of the most incredible AND sustainable trips we’ve ever taken.
If after reading this post and hearing from our experience, you think a trip on the Eco Galaxy is right for you, we have an exclusive 5% off to offer anyone who books with Galápagos Galaxy Cruises through our link. Our code is BAGGAGEGPS.
If you have any questions about our experience or the booking process, feel free to comment below or send us a DM on Instagram!
Wrap It Up
Sailing through the Galápagos Islands combines adventure, education, and the chance to experience one of the world’s most pristine ecosystems up close. This Galápagos Islands sailing tour is the perfect way to explore this incredible destination while supporting sustainable travel. From the Eco Galaxy’s thoughtful design to the wildlife encounters, every moment of this trip reminded us why seeking authentic, off-the-beaten-path travel destinations is so important.
If you want to see more of our experience on the Eco Galaxy, head over to our Instagram @baggagegirls, where we’ve shared a series of videos to document our time on board—from playful sea lions and hiking adventures to the incredible food and hospitality.
