Galaxy Cruises, an Ecuadorian-owned company with deep roots in the Galapagos Islands, has unveiled two new yachts that expand its already impressive fleet. The addition of Galaxy Stella, a luxury expedition yacht for 12 guests, and Galaxy Skape, a day-tour vessel for up to 16 guests, gives travelers and tour operators fresh options for exploring one of the world’s most biodiverse archipelagos. With a focus on small-group travel, attentive service, and intimate experiences, these vessels are designed to make a bucket-list journey feel deeply personal.
Travelers looking for a transformative adventure will appreciate how Galaxy Cruises balances comfort with authentic wildlife encounters. The company’s philosophy centers on creating connections with nature and culture, and both new yachts deliver on that promise. Whether embarking on a multiday expedition or a single day trip from a land-based stay, guests can expect bilingual naturalist guides, freshly prepared Ecuadorian cuisine, and well-planned itineraries that maximize time ashore.
What is Galaxy Cruises?
Galaxy Cruises is a Galapagos-based operator that has been running expedition voyages since 2003. The company began with a single passenger boat called Ilusiones and has since grown to include a diverse fleet of yachts and catamarans, each offering a distinct style of travel. Its latest additions—Galaxy Stella and Galaxy Skape—continue this tradition of providing high-quality, small-group experiences in the Galapagos Islands.
The company’s mission is to create experiences that connect travelers with nature, culture, and the most fascinating destinations in Latin America. It achieves this by keeping groups small, using knowledgeable local guides, and incorporating sustainable practices into its operations. Galaxy Cruises is also a member of the Expedition Cruise Network, reflecting its commitment to responsible tourism and expert-led adventures.
The New Yachts: Galaxy Stella and Galaxy Skape
Galaxy Stella is a U.S.-built Broward yacht with six cabins, including a master suite with a study. On deck, guests can enjoy a hot tub, barbecue area, and fire pit. This yacht sails four-day southern, five-day eastern, and eight-day western itineraries; the southern and eastern routes can be combined into an eight-day voyage. Kayaks and paddleboards are kept on board for spontaneous water activities, and all meals, a bilingual naturalist guide, and snorkeling gear are included in the rate.
Galaxy Skape, built in Italy as a Ferretti 731, is the fastest vessel in the fleet. It offers day trips to North Seymour, South Plaza, and Bartolomé—one island per outing. These islands are known for their unique wildlife: frigatebirds and blue-footed boobies on North Seymour, land iguanas and sea lions on South Plaza, and Galapagos penguins at Pinnacle Rock on Bartolomé. The day-tour format complements the growing trend of land-based stays, which accounted for 79% of Galapagos visitors in 2025.
What Stands Out
Intimate Group Sizes
With only 12 to 16 guests per vessel, Galaxy Cruises ensures a personalized experience. Small groups mean less crowded landings, more attentive service from the crew, and a greater sense of connection to the environment. Travelers can interact closely with naturalist guides and ask questions without feeling rushed.
Well-Paced Itineraries
Multiday expeditions move between islands at night, so daylight hours are spent ashore or in the water. Groups reach landing sites early, when wildlife is most active and visible. This thoughtful scheduling maximizes the chance of unforgettable sightings, from nesting frigatebirds to playful sea lions.
All-Inclusive Comforts
Included meals feature Ecuadorian ingredients prepared by an onboard chef, with vegetarian, vegan, and allergy-friendly options readily available. Snorkeling gear, kayaks, and paddleboards are provided at no extra cost. Satellite Wi-Fi is available on most routes, allowing guests to share their experiences in near real-time.
Full-Yacht Charters
Both new yachts can be chartered in their entirety, making them ideal for families, private groups, or special occasions. This option gives travelers complete control over the itinerary and ensures an exclusive, tailored adventure.
Who It’s For
Galaxy Cruises appeals to a wide range of travelers. Multiday expeditions on Galaxy Stella are perfect for those who want a traditional cruise-based Galapagos experience with all the comforts of a luxury yacht. The small guest count makes it especially suitable for solo travelers, who can share a cabin with another guest of the same gender at no extra cost or pay a supplement for a private cabin.
Day tours on Galaxy Skape are designed for land-based travelers who prefer to stay in a hotel on one of the inhabited islands and explore by day. This format is convenient for those who want flexibility or have limited time. It also appeals to travelers who enjoy the freedom of returning to a fixed base each evening while still accessing the archipelago’s most iconic sites.
What Makes It Worth Considering
Galaxy Cruises stands out for its long-standing local expertise and commitment to sustainable tourism. The company sources provisions from local communities, employs Ecuadorian crew members, and contributes to the regional economy—the two new yachts alone have created more than 22 onboard jobs and added demand for guiding, transportation, and other services. Travelers can feel good knowing their visit supports local livelihoods.
The variety of itineraries and vessel types means there is an option for nearly every travel style and budget. From the fast day trips on Galaxy Skape to the immersive multiday voyages on Galaxy Stella, the company covers the full spectrum of Galapagos exploration. Booking is handled through travel advisors and tour operators, ensuring professional support and expertise throughout the planning process.
Verdict
Galaxy Cruises delivers a refined small-group expedition experience in the Galapagos that prioritizes personal connection, expert guidance, and comfort. With the addition of Galaxy Stella and Galaxy Skape, the company now offers even more flexibility for both cruise-based and land-based travelers. Anyone planning a trip to this extraordinary destination should consider Galaxy Cruises for its intimate atmosphere, thoughtful itineraries, and genuine commitment to showcasing the islands’ wonders.
Frequently asked questions
Galaxy Cruises operates a fleet including the new Galaxy Stella (multiday) and Galaxy Skape (day tours), plus other yachts like Galaxy, EcoGalaxy, Alya, Bonita.
Galaxy Stella hosts 12 guests, while Galaxy Skape takes up to 16 guests for day trips.
Galaxy Stella offers four-day southern, five-day eastern, and eight-day western itineraries; southern and eastern can be combined.
Yes, meals are prepared on board by the chef with Ecuadorian ingredients, including vegetarian, vegan, and allergy-friendly options.
Yes, both Galaxy Stella and Galaxy Skape are available for full-yacht charters, ideal for families and private groups.
Activities include guided hikes, snorkeling, kayaking, paddleboarding, and wildlife viewing. Some landings are wet and terrain uneven.
Satellite Wi-Fi is available on most routes, but connectivity may be limited.
