Galaxy Orion Cruise Ship, Galapagos

Name: Itinerary A: Naturalist Cruise (San Cristobal - Santa Cruz)
Start: 2026-09-30
End: 2026-10-03
Location: Galapagos

9.2 Superb

Free Internet
Naturalist Guide
En-Suite bathrooms
Aircon Cabins
Warm Water Showers

from $ 382 / day Check dates

“The trip was great! Arrival and boarding was organized very efficient. The vessel was well suited for the trip, with professional …”
Markus T, Germany

Highlights

Renewed in 2022
Naturalist itineraries

The Galaxy Orion is a 29-meter/96-ft small-ship cruise offering naturalist itineraries in the Galapagos. Fully renewed in 2022, it can accommodate up to 12 guests in 8 comfortable cabins, all with air conditioning and en-suite bathrooms. The Galaxy Orion offers naturalist itineraries. On the upper deck, guests can enjoy the ocean views from their large windows; on the lower deck, there are porthole views.

The Galapagos are famous for their biodiversity and are one of the best places in the world for seeing unique ecosystems and endemic species such as giant tortoises and blue-footed boobies. Cruising in the Galapagos is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Water temperatures fluctuate through the year, usually warmer on the north island and cooler in the western, southern, and central Galapagos islands. This type of cruise in the Galapagos emphasizes conservation and responsible tourism, ensuring that the islands' natural wonders are preserved for generations to come.

Book your next small ship cruise to the Galapagos aboard the Galaxy Orion today.

Choose your departure date

Date

Itinerary

Price

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29 Aug

5 Days / 4 Nights

Plus Free Air Ticket of $500! Offers valid for a limited time only. T&Cs apply.

~~$ 2,650~~ $ 2,120 Save 20% -20%

FULL

29 Aug

8 Days / 7 Nights

$ 4,200

FULL

02 Sep

4 Days / 3 Nights

Plus 1 FREE night in Galapagos! Offers valid for a limited time only. T&Cs apply.

~~$ 1,800~~ $ 1,620 Save 10% -10%

Select Cabin only 1 space left

05 Sep

8 Days / 7 Nights

Valid for a limited time only. T&C apply.

~~$ 4,200~~ $ 3,780 Save 10% -10%

Select Cabin only 1 space left

12 Sep

5 Days / 4 Nights

Valid for a limited time only. T&C apply.

~~$ 2,650~~ $ 2,385 Save 10% -10%

Select Cabin only 3 spaces left

12 Sep

8 Days / 7 Nights

$ 4,200

FULL

16 Sep

4 Days / 3 Nights

Plus 1 FREE night in Galapagos! Offers valid for a limited time only. T&Cs apply.

~~$ 1,800~~ $ 1,530 Save 15% -15%

Select Cabin only 4 spaces left

19 Sep

8 Days / 7 Nights

Valid for a limited time only. T&C apply.

~~$ 4,200~~ $ 3,780 Save 10% -10%

Select Cabin only 1 space left

26 Sep

5 Days / 4 Nights

$ 2,650

FULL

30 Sep

4 Days / 3 Nights

Get 1 FREE night in Galapagos! Valid for a limited time only. T&C apply.

$ 1,800 Deal %

Select Cabin only 1 space left

03 Oct

8 Days / 7 Nights

$ 4,200

FULL

10 Oct

5 Days / 4 Nights

Valid for a limited time only. T&C apply.

~~$ 2,650~~ $ 2,385 Save 10% -10%

Select Cabin available

Included: VAT, Fuel Surcharge, Port Fees, Airport Transfer, Drinking Water, Tea & Coffee, Welcome Cocktails, Full-Board Meal Plan (All meals), Snacks, Kayaks, Land Excursions, Naturalist Guide, Snorkel Gear, Beach Towels, Cabin Towels, Complimentary Toiletries, Deck Towels, WiFi internet.

Required Extras: Domestic Flight Non-Issuance Fee ($60 / trip), National Park Fees ($200 / trip), Visas and Fees ($20 / trip).

Optional Extras: Gratuities, Local Flights, Alcoholic Beverages, Soft drinks.

Book now, pay later: You can easily place your booking online. We will then hold the spaces for you and you can confirm with a payment later.

* Extra fees are shown per person.

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Best Price Guaranteed

Boat features

Free Internet
Naturalist Guide
En-Suite bathrooms
Aircon Cabins
Non-Diver (Snorkeler) Friendly
Warm Water Showers
Air Conditioned saloon
Nearly 1:1 Crew-to-Guest Ratio
Kayaks On-Board
Seaview Cabins
Naturalist Itineraries
Non-Smoking Rooms
Custom built for diving
Charging stations
Indoor Saloon
Audio & video entertainment
Observation Deck
Hair Dryer in Cabin
Available for Charter
Local & International Crew
Separate Rinse for u/w Camera
Daily housekeeping
Bar
Naturalist Guide

Food & Drinks

Vegan Options
Vegetarian Options
Beer available
Wine Available
Fine Wines Selection
Welcome Cocktails
Buffet style
Local Food
Set Menu Dinner

If you have any specific dietary requirements whilst on-board your cruise, you can add this to your special requests on step 2 of the booking form. We advise limiting these requests to religious beliefs or food allergies.

Languages Spoken

The crew speaks English and Spanish.

Drawings & Vessel Layouts

Cabin Types

Boat Specifications

Year renovated: 2022

Length: 29 meters

Beam: 6.6 meters

Top speed: 10 knots

Cruising speed: 8 knots

Max guests: 14

Number of cabins: 8

Number of bathrooms: 9

Boat navigation and safety

Radar
GPS
Radio VHF/DSC/SSB
Emergency Rafts
Life Vests
Fire Alarm & Fire Extinguishers
First Aid Kits
Satellite & mobile phones
Search light
Crew trained in first aid
Emergency flares

Galaxy Orion Reviews

9.2 Superb

Vessel

8.9
Crew

9.2
Food

9.7
Activities

9.3
Value

8.9

9.2 Superb
Markus T
Germany

Spectacular diving with professional crew and nice travel group.
The trip was great! Arrival and boarding was organized very efficient. The vessel was well suited for the trip, with professional and well-maintained equipment. The crew was simply outstanding. All dive briefings focused fully on safe diving, and to let the group having a joint dive experience. Underwater experience was great, although the water temp turned out to be unusually warm, which let to pelagics staying in greater depth. Nevertheless, we had numerous hammerhead (school) encounters all over the trip. A particular highlight was the "equator baptism", where the crew celebrated with us the equator crossing in a very funny way. :-) In addition to offshore diving, we explored near-shore diving with lots of seal encounters and even some bird watching along the coast. All in all, an unforgettable once-in-a-lifetime trip, surely worth the long travel.
Recommended for
Pelagic action (hammerheads, seals, ...). Cultural experience (ceviche cooking class, island trips, learning local card games, ...). Crew professionalism.
02 Aug, 2026

9.6 Exceptional
Michael E
Australia

Beautiful boat, crew, activities especially the snorkeling plus beautiful weather
The professional of the crew, safety first, nothing a trouble, always happy and very helpful
Recommended for
The great organisation of the guide and crew. The water activities. Food.
26 Apr, 2026

10 Exceptional
Erik P
United States

Incredible experience!
Amazing adventure, wonderful crew and incredible constant wildlife encounters!
Recommended for
Hiking and snorkeling every day. Friendly crew. Great boat.
08 Feb, 2026

9.2 Superb
ROBERT P
United States

Bucket list trip was amazing
The itinerary, crew and naturalist were excellent. The service and food were incredible. Each activity was well planned and executed, it always finished with a fresh drink and delicious snack. The boat was older but well maintained. This was an excellent value for the money. Thank you to the Orion family for the trip of a lifetime.
Recommended for
Activities. Naturalist. Crew.
15 Apr, 2026

10 Exceptional
Lovell S
United States

Everything happened as planned, good value.
Days full of enjoyment and adventures.
Recommended for
The other guest were wonderful.. Guild . keep everything in order. Saw the major items we wanted to.
13 Feb, 2025

10 Exceptional
Stacy O
United States

EPIC and Excellent Service
Dives were epic. The guides were very safe and thorough in the briefing. It was obvious that Jorge really loves ❤️ what he's doing and has a passion and enthusiasm for nature. Food was exceptional and Juanito the bar tender did a fantastic job serving food and making cocktails. Wine selection was dismal but simple cocktails were very nice. Cipriani
Recommended for
Dive Guides
12 Dec, 2023

10 Exceptional
An J
China

The equipment is perfect, the service is first-class, and the diving guide is excellent.
Excellent service!
Recommended for
1. All aspects of the service in the ship are dedicated and detail-oriented. 2. When on the boat, the navigator will pay attention to the sea surface and guide everyone to watch in time. 3. Our English is not very good, and the dive guide will explain patiently.
30 Jul, 2024

Translated from Chinese

10 Exceptional
Gerard M
Spain

Best week of our life
We had a really amazing week aboard the Galaxy. The diving was the best of our life, it is really fantastic to see a sea so full of life. We so thousands of hammerheads, humpback whales, orcas, mola mola, Marine iguana and many other. But not only the diving is good, the crew is really friendly and you can feel that there are good vibes in the boat.
Recommended for
Wildlife; Crew; Itinerary
15 Sep, 2023

9.6 Exceptional
Thorsten Wilhelm M
Germany

Friendly crew, well-organized activities, and an unforgettable Galápagos experience!
The crew was exceptionally attentive and friendly, the activities were perfectly organized with a fantastic guide, making it an overall amazing experience highly recommended for visiting the Galápagos.
Recommended for
Activities. Crew. Food.
23 Sep, 2025

10 Exceptional
Guan Chua S
Singapore

Awesome diving!
One of the best place on earth to dive with an awesome crew ensuring such a comfortable and awesome experience!
Recommended for
Fantastic diving, awesome crew, most delicious food!
26 Mar, 2023

122 reviews

9.2 Superb
122 Verified Reviews

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9.6 Exceptional
Annika S
Germany

I booked a dream trip and that's exactly what I received!
In addition to unique diving experiences, I was very positively impressed by the excellent, creative, healthy and balanced food that was offered to us at every meal. The crew and dive guides were also constantly striving to make happy memories for all guests beyond the actual service.
Recommended for
Dives were all filled with incredible experiences. Diving with a pot of dephins, achules of hammerhead sharks and with tiger sharks was unique.
22 Oct, 2023

Translated from German

9.6 Exceptional
Elena P
Italy

The Galapagos dream!
We had a fantastic week onboard the Galaxy Orion. Everything was smoothly organized, and each day was filled with so many activities to fully experience the Galápagos. The crew was wonderful—so friendly, always smiling, and constantly making sure everyone was having a great time. The naturalist guide is such an essential part of the trip. Ours was kind and funny, but above all incredibly knowledgeable about the archipelago—its history, geology, and biology.
Recommended for
The excursions on the islands. The people and crew. the comfort of the boat.
28 Mar, 2026

9.6 Exceptional
Henrik W
Germany

An absolute amazing experience I will never forget.
The entire trip was a highlight and the Galaxy Diver crew and Galápagos Islands kept on giving one amazing surprise after another.
Recommended for
Friendliness and service of the crew, the wildlife abundance of the sea life, the very delicious food.
17 Mar, 2023

10 Exceptional
David C
United States

Extraordinary! Wonderful experience and is a great way to explore with family, friends or a solo traveler.
Not only go to these remote islands, but spending time there snorkeling and short land hikes. Learning while doing as the guide explains the nature and history while exploring the unique archipelago of the Galapagos.
Recommended for
Naturalist guide (Fabian) who you spend a lot of time with was kind, passionate, and knowledgeable. Crew was approachable and friendly. Attention to detail. After each excursion you are greeted with delicious drinks and snacks. Rooms were cleaned multiple times daily. All B, D, L was presented very well and also.
01 Jul, 2026

8.4 Very good
Michellle M
Canada

Galaxy wildlife - experience of a lifetime
We really enjoyed our naturalist tour on Galaxy Orion. We are not accustomed to cruises or being pampered quite so much but did enjoy the range of activities and that our cruisemate were also there for the wildlife. And we did see and experience plenty. Our only suggestions would be for some more early morning activities before breakfast and for four activities on more days.
Recommended for
Crew and guide we're very accommodating. Range of activities - walks, snorkeling, panga, kayak. That we visited some farther, less visited sites..
18 Mar, 2026

10 Exceptional
Xiyu Z
China

The best week of my life!
We saw EVERYTHING! sea lions, white tip sharks, hammerhead sharks, galapagos sharks, whale sharks, eagle rays, HUMPBACK WHALES, ORCAS..... it's been a dream! The boat ride is challenging, I'm almost constantly sea sick but the crew did their best to take care of my needs, and they are amazing!! They took care of diving equipments after every dive so we get to enjoy the most out of it. Also love how chill and happy they are:) The food is amazing too, i did not expect to have good food on the boat but I was impressed! Would absolutely recommend this liveaboard to everyone!
Recommended for
The dive sites, the services, the crew!
24 Sep, 2023

10 Exceptional
Gerd W
Germany

The best diving experiences of our lives
Clearly the dives - sometimes it was as if we were diving in an aquarium - our expectations were fully met - The crew of the Galaxy Diver is very attentive and helpful - 12 divers was the perfect size - the price - performance ratio is top, we can recommend this liveaboard without reservation
Recommended for
1. The underwater world - hammerhead sharks - whale shark - sea lions - dolphins - iguanas - manta rays and much more 2. The top service on board 3.
08 Mar, 2023

9.2 Superb
Juanita M
Canada

A fantastic trip to check off many bucket list items
Very organized and I loved the size of the boat, perfect amount of people…the food was fantastic and all the activities were well planned…loved both the hiking and the snorkelling and especially liked that you returned to the boat between most activities so if you wanted, you didn’t have to participate in everything…worked well for some of the older guests. Overall, had a fabulous time, learned lots, saw more and fulfilled many lifetime dreams….shoutout to our guide Fabricio and to Johnny….they were fabulous
Recommended for
Staff was wonderful. Food was excellent. Very organized and ran very smoothly.
24 Mar, 2025

9.6 Exceptional
john H
United Kingdom

Small boat with excellent crew; nothing too much to please
Seeing many new animals
Recommended for
Diving; crew; customers on board
27 Jan, 2023

9.2 Superb
Dee H
New Zealand

The best way to see these islands - with a great guide, a well equipped boat, unbelievable wildlife and wild islands.
Jorge was so knowledgeable and experienced. It was wonderful to have him as a guide. The rest of the crew worked so hard to make sure we were looked after. The meals were first class and reflective of local dishes. Each island was unique with its own environment and wildlife. The daily visits were full-on but worth it not to waste a moment. The trip was full of magic moments, like going back to a time before man overpopulated our planet. What a privilege to go there!
Recommended for
The variety of islands and animals we saw. Great guide (Jorge) and crew. Magic place that the Galapagos is.
27 Jun, 2025

10 Exceptional
Eli A
Israel

An excellent experience that I will remember for many years
Amazing dives, an excellent team that helps with everything, and makes sure that the divers have maximum enjoyment. A cook of a very high standard. Who prepared gourmet meals. An excellent experience for many years.
Recommended for
Dives, staff, chef
25 Jan, 2024

9.6 Exceptional
Christopher P
United States

Fabuloso; best diving of my life with a crew who loved being there too.
The marine life without a doubt and the shear beauty all around in a very place on this earth, the dive masters and panga drivers who took great care of us. As well as the rest of the crew; hot towels after dives, rooms, food, party at the equator and a great crew who were all loved their jobs and were like family. I just got back a week ago ( cold season ) already thinking about returning in the warm season. Thank you Galaxy Dive Crew for an amazing life time memory I'm still smiling about.
Recommended for
Whale sharks, hammer heads and sea lions
30 Sep, 2023

9.6 Exceptional
Emilie J
France

Magnificent discovery
Very nice cruise, beautiful excursions along the way.Very good mealVery pleasant staff The only negative point is the noise of the engine during travel, not always easy to sleep
Recommended for
Good route and very good guide. Very pleasant and professional staff. Good meals.
24 Dec, 2024

Translated from French

10 Exceptional
Ronald M
United States

Bucket list trip
Whalesharks, hammerhead sharks, diving with marine iguana, sea lions, penguins Crew were great, funny, and ready to help
Recommended for
Drawin&wolf dives, crew, food
27 Oct, 2022

10 Exceptional
Sarah B
United States

Relaxing and incredible
This trip exceeded my expectations, our naturalist guide Victor provided a lot of background to the formation of the islands and information about all the various animals we saw. The crew went above and beyond keeping our cabins clean and all passengers well fed. The captain even spent an hour sailing around a dolphin pod and helping us hunt down whales on one of our sailings. There were so many priceless moments on this trip and the 8 day / 7 night itinerary had us alone with no other humans or boats spotted for a day or two in the middle.
Recommended for
Excursions. Snorkeling. Crew/Naturalist Guide.
07 Dec, 2025

9.6 Exceptional
Thomas R
United States

The boat crew and guide made our experience that much more amazing
The fact that we had such fast paced itinerary to see as much as possible was the best thing of all. All the activities were fun and interesting, with the exception of paddle boarding which we were promised and the boat didn’t have them
Recommended for
The warmth of the crew, the food, the tours
11 Jul, 2024

8.0 Very good
Stephen P
United Kingdom

Amazing Experience
Highlights were Darwin & Wolf islands, seeing Scalloped Hammerheads, Whale Shark, Tiger Shark, Manta Rays, Sea Lions and so much more! Great crew and guides, the food was outstanding and the whole crew so helpful
Recommended for
Diving, Food, Crew
22 Dec, 2023

10 Exceptional
ANN C
United Kingdom

Top notch experience
Food, abundance of animal sightings marine, on land and in the air. Cabin was comfortable, bed made up everyday. Shower cleaned daily. Excursions by guide were interesting. Safety measures taken by crew of the higher standard.
Recommended for
Food, excursions, food
25 Nov, 2022

10 Exceptional
Jacqueline P
Argentina

Excellent, would do it again
I was able to go to Galapagos free and on the cruise and I was able to compare. Without hesitation I recommend doing it with the cruise
Recommended for
Undoubtedly, the warmth of the crew. The scheduled activities. Punctuality.
16 Jan, 2025

Translated from Spanish

9.2 Superb
Don B
United States

Outstanding itinerary and a great value
I'm extremely happy with my decision to choose the Galaxy Orion. I spent a lot of time comparing different boats and itineraries, and not only is the itinerary B is nearly perfect, it's a great value compared to other ops. The crew was absolutely outstanding, and we were kept busy with 3-4 activities per day. The food variety was very good, and most of it was delicious, but my one and only gripe was that pretty much anything beef or fish was extremely overcooked. The flavor was good, but five minutes less fire would have made a world of difference. Get the main deck cabin. It is larger and has at least twice the storage space of the other cabins.
Recommended for
Itinerary. Crew. Boat.
29 May, 2026