Galaxy Cruises Expands Galapagos Islands Fleet with Two Luxury Vessels for Exclusive Wildlife Adventures

Ecuador’s Galaxy Cruises has added two new ships to its Galápagos Islands fleet. The Galápagos Islands arrivals operator is bolstering its offering for both luxury expedition travellers and those looking for shorter island trips with the introduction of Galaxy Stella and Galaxy Skape. The ships will be available from 6 November 2026.

The Galaxy Stella has capacity for 12 guests on multi-day cruises and the Galaxy Skape for 16 guests on day trips. Both vessels are designed to bring small groups of intrepid travellers to some of the archipelago’s most spectacular scenery, marine environment and marine wildlife with a naturalist onboard.

The growth also indicates increased attention on personalised nature-based tourism. Instead of huge groups of passengers, Galaxy Cruises is prioritising small ships, flexible destinations and encounters with the environment of the Galápagos.

Galaxy Stella Brings Private Luxury Expedition Cruises to Ecuador

The Galaxy Stella is a US-built Broward yacht designed for travellers seeking an intimate expedition experience. With six guest cabins, it combines comfortable accommodation with access to some of the Galápagos Islands’ most remarkable natural environments.

Its facilities include a master suite with a private study, alongside a hot tub, barbecue area and outdoor fire pit. The vessel also supports full-ship charters for families and private groups.

Galaxy Stella offers several cruise itineraries:

Four-day southern itinerary: A shorter expedition exploring the southern Galápagos region.
Five-day eastern itinerary: An extended voyage focused on the eastern islands.
Eight-day western itinerary: A longer expedition across the western Galápagos region.
Combined eight-day voyage: An itinerary connecting the southern and eastern routes.

These itineraries allow travellers to choose between shorter wildlife holidays and more extensive island exploration. Specific landing sites and wildlife encounters depend on approved routes, environmental conditions and national park regulations.

The yacht’s limited guest capacity may also appeal to travellers who prefer private group experiences. Smaller expedition groups can simplify shore excursion arrangements while maintaining the conservation requirements that govern tourism throughout the archipelago.

Galaxy Skape Introduces Premium Day Trips Across the Galápagos Islands

The second addition, Galaxy Skape, is an Italian-built Ferretti 731 yacht accommodating 16 passengers. It is the fastest vessel in the company’s fleet and is designed for visitors staying in hotels rather than booking overnight cruises.

Galaxy Skape operates single-island excursions to North Seymour, South Plaza and Bartolomé. Each destination offers a different experience, ranging from seabird watching and coastal landscapes to volcanic scenery.

This approach gives land-based travellers access to guided marine excursions without committing to a longer expedition. It also broadens the options available to visitors with limited holiday time.

Small-Group Expeditions Support Responsible Wildlife Tourism

The Galápagos Islands operate under strict environmental protections intended to safeguard their exceptional biodiversity. Galaxy Cruises has structured its small-group excursions around the 16-visitors-per-guide limit applicable to guided national park visits.

The company’s overnight expeditions also use inter-island sailing during the night. This arrangement helps preserve daylight hours for wildlife observation, snorkelling and shore excursions.

Early arrivals at visitor sites can provide more comfortable temperatures for outdoor exploration. However, wildlife sightings remain dependent on natural conditions and cannot be guaranteed.

How Travellers Can Reach the Galápagos Islands from Mainland Ecuador

International visitors generally travel through Quito or Guayaquil before taking domestic flights to Baltra or San Cristóbal. Flight times vary according to the departure airport and routing.

Visitors should arrange onward transfers with their cruise operator and allow sufficient time for mandatory entry procedures.

Ecuador’s Galápagos authorities require tourists to obtain a Transit Control Card (TCT). The official fee is US$20, and travellers must meet the applicable identification and return-ticket requirements.

Essential Galápagos Travel Guide: Entry Fees, Documents and Conservation Rules

Travellers should account for government charges separately from their cruise fares. The Galápagos National Park lists an entry fee of US$200 for most international visitors aged 12 and above, with reduced rates for eligible categories.

Before departure, visitors should:

Obtain their Transit Control Card and retain their travel documents.
Confirm cruise itineraries, transfers and applicable park fees.
Carry suitable sun protection, comfortable footwear and reusable water bottles.
Follow naturalist guides’ instructions and avoid disturbing wildlife.
Comply with biosecurity inspections designed to prevent invasive species entering the islands.
https://www.galaxycruises.com/

The Galápagos National Park confirms that visitor luggage is subject to biosecurity checks. These controls help protect the archipelago’s sensitive ecosystems.

Ecuador Strengthens Its Position in Sustainable Expedition Tourism

The fleet expansion gives Galaxy Cruises two different products; The luxury overnight yacht trips and The premium day trips.

This gives openings for tourism in Ecuador to cater to different visitors while promoting able guided tourism within the conservation system of the archipelago.

The entry fees for protected areas collected by the government also help improve environmental management and local sustainable development. This illustrates the importance of the interrelation between tourism activities and the long-term conservation of the Galápagos Islands.

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