The Galapagos, the treasure trove of Ecuador—and, indeed, the world—when it comes to living temporarily among biodiverse nature that seems prehistoric, is best experienced by boat. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978, the Galapagos is best known for its giant iguana, but you are also continuously awestruck by the number and antics of many penguins, turtles, giant tortoises, and a variety of boobies (there are 45 unique bird species here, including Darwin’s finch, the flightless cormorant, and the Galapagos waved albatross).

Typically, cruise companies alternate seven-night cruises around western islands and eastern islands. Enthusiastic travellers do both—14 nights total and no repetition. Mostly, navigation between islands is done at night, which means you wake up to a new-to-you island with different, and always sensational, experiences. Ships carry their own guides, part of the all-inclusive offerings (pay extra for spa services and first-growth instead of the highly acceptable wines provided). In all the cruise ships mentioned below, dining outside, under the stars—or inside—is memorable as passengers swap experiences of the day. All crew aboard, by the way, are Ecuadorean, and in my experience, they really understand luxury service.

Reach your ship via the Ecuadorean capital, Quito, and then Guayaqil. It’s worth spending time in Quito but transfer in Guayaqil as quickly as possible before continuing to one of Galapagos’ three airports—cruise companies are adept at getting passengers, and their luggage, onto the right ship on time.

Ecuadorean-owned Golden Galapagos has a 37.5-metre Elite catamaran, holding 16 passengers. 10 crew members are complemented by a dedicated cruise service officer and a naturalist guide (two guides are carried when there are private charters). The eight suites have individually controlled marine air conditioning, and there’s an onboard whirlpool.

South African expedition company &Beyond is ecstatic at its expansion, to both Bhutan and Galapagos. Its 38-metre &Beyond Galapagos Explorer operated as a private yacht for charters before being converted for its current role. The three-decker can carry a maximum of 12 passengers—the best cabin is the 32-square-metre Deluxe View Suite on the top deck. There are 14 crew, including guides.

Quasar Expeditions, founded by Dolores and Eduardo Diez in 1986, are current custodians of M/Y Grace, a 44.8-metre yacht that holds 16 passengers. This vessel is a one-off and it’s worth diverting to study its history. Built by Camper & Nicholson in 1928 for Argentinian entrepreneur Santiago Soulas, and named for his daughter Monica, she was sold in 1932 and renamed Rion. Her next owner, in 1938, was a Brit, Sir George Tilley, who loaned her to the Royal Navy for active service. Peace again, and Sir George sold her to Aristotle Onassis, who gave it to Grace Kelly as a wedding present.

And that is how, in 1956, what is now the M/Y Grace was sailing for seven weeks around the Mediterranean. In fact, during that idyllic voyage, honeymooners HSH Prince Rainier of Monaco and his bride made an unscheduled stop in northern Mallorca. The newlyweds spent 11 nights at Mallorca’s best hotel, the Formentor—the hotel that, now Mexican-owned, reopens March 2025 as Four Seasons Resort Mallorca at Formentor. But back to the ship. Not surprisingly she was at some point renamed after that famous honeymoon, and now you too can study rare Santa Fe iguanas while staying aboard royal history.