Galapagos Yacht Charter

Evolution's workshop, explored at your own pace from the deck of a private yacht.

The Galapagos Islands are the ultimate wildlife charter destination. Nowhere else on Earth can you swim alongside marine iguanas, walk among giant tortoises, and watch bluefooted boobies perform their courtship dance — all in a...

Best months

January, February, March, June, July, August

Typical charter

7–10 days

Embarkation

Baltra (Santa Cruz)

Why Charter Here

The Galapagos Islands are the ultimate wildlife charter destination. Nowhere else on Earth can you swim alongside marine iguanas, walk among giant tortoises, and watch blue-footed boobies perform their courtship dance — all in a single day, all from a private yacht.

What makes a Galapagos charter unique is the combination of access and expertise. National park regulations require a certified naturalist guide on every vessel, which means your crew includes a world-class wildlife interpreter. Combined with the mobility of a yacht — moving between islands overnight while guests sleep — the experience is both educational and deeply immersive.

Drivas Yachts works with the small fleet of permitted expedition yachts operating in the Galapagos. We handle the permit logistics, naturalist guide coordination, and itinerary planning so that guests can focus entirely on the experience. Whether your interest is snorkelling with hammerhead sharks off Wolf Island or photographing flightless cormorants on Fernandina, we can design the right voyage.

Charter Notes

Swim with marine iguanas and sea lions

Walk among giant tortoises in the wild

Certified naturalist guide on every voyage

Year-round wildlife encounters

Related Itinerary

7–10 days Galapagos charter itinerary

Use this as a directional journey rather than a fixed schedule. We adapt the detailed route around your yacht, your dates, and the weather window.

Day 1

Arrive Baltra Airport, transfer to yacht. Afternoon visit to North Seymour Island for frigatebirds, blue-footed boobies, and sea lions.

Day 2

Genovesa Island — Darwin Bay and Prince Philip's Steps. Thousands of seabirds, including red-footed boobies and storm petrels.

Day 3

Santiago Island — Sullivan Bay lava fields and Bartolomé Island for the iconic Pinnacle Rock viewpoint. Snorkelling with Galapagos penguins.

Day 4

Isabela Island — Tagus Cove and Urbina Bay. Giant tortoises, land iguanas, and flightless cormorants.

Day 5

Fernandina Island — Punta Espinosa. The most pristine island: marine iguanas, sea lions, and the world's only flightless cormorant colony.

Day 6

Elizabeth Bay and Moreno Point on Isabela. Kayaking among mangroves, flamingos, and sea turtles.

Day 7

Santa Cruz Island — Charles Darwin Research Station and giant tortoise breeding centre.

Day 8

Santa Cruz highlands for wild giant tortoises. Transfer to Baltra for departure.

Galapagos
Journey Planning

Request the detailed route

These itinerary ideas are editorial starting points. Contact us for the fully worked route, yacht pairing, and embarkation plan.

Request Detailed Itinerary
Suggested Itineraries

Routes from Galapagos

Weather

When to Charter in Galapagos

MonthAir TempSea TempWindRain Days
January28°C24°CLight5
February29°C25°CLight5
March29°C25°CLight6
April28°C24°CLight4
May27°C23°CLight to moderate2
June24°C22°CModerate SE1
July22°C20°CModerate SE1
August21°C19°CModerate SE1
September22°C19°CModerate SE1
October23°C20°CModerate1
November25°C22°CLight to moderate2
December27°C23°CLight3
FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions About Chartering in Galapagos

How much does a yacht charter in the Galapagos cost?+

Galapagos yacht charters typically range from USD 40,000 to USD 250,000+ per week depending on vessel size and the number of guests. Park fees, naturalist guides, and fuel are usually additional. Contact Drivas Yachts for a detailed quote.

What is the best time to visit the Galapagos by yacht?+

The Galapagos is a year-round destination. January to June (warm season) brings warmer water, better snorkelling visibility, and sea lion pupping. July to December (cool season) offers whale shark sightings, albatross nesting, and calmer seas.

Do I need a permit to charter in the Galapagos?+

Yes. All vessels operating in the Galapagos Marine Reserve require national park permits, and itineraries must follow approved routes. Your charter broker and yacht operator handle all permit logistics.

Is the wildlife really that close?+

Yes. Galapagos animals evolved without land predators and show almost no fear of humans. You will walk within metres of nesting birds, swim alongside sea lions, and see marine iguanas at arm's length.

What type of yacht operates in the Galapagos?+

Expedition motor yachts with snorkelling gear, pangas (inflatable tenders for wet landings), and a certified naturalist guide. The fleet is smaller and more specialised than mainstream charter destinations.

Ready to charter in Galapagos?

Dates, guest count, and preferences. We will shortlist the best-matched yachts for your voyage.

Start your enquiry