galapagos cruise no single supplement

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Galapagos Cruises With Single Cabins & No Single Supplement

Galapagos solo exploration is often sought with prohibitively high single supplements, but there are ways to avoid paying them. One is to select a Galapagos cruise with a single cabin such as the Alya , Petrel , Solaris or larger Santa Cruz II ship. The Elite , Endemic , and Ocean Spray also have single cabins but typically only make these available to groups with odd numbers of passengers. If you’d prefer to be on board with many other solo travelers then the Mary Anne may be your best bet as it has no fewer than 8 single cabins.

The alternative is to find a Galapagos cruise offering no single supplement, such as the Natural Paradise , Grand Majestic , Infinity or Calipso vessels which offer this perk if you book a cruise within 2 months of the departure date, the Monserrat which offers no single supplement once its triple cabins are booked, or the Passion Yacht which offers a dedicated cabin with no single supplement without such conditions. All these options can be found in our curated collection of Galapagos cruises for singles below – Galapagos Islands solo travel made easy with Rainforest Cruises.

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Solaris: A 16-passenger yacht with no single supplement

Days: 7 & 5 | From: $3,925/per person

Launched in 2019, the 16-passenger Solaris is one of the most beloved first-class ships in the islands. It is also one of the few ships in the islands to offer multiple single cabins with no supplement for solo travelers, as well as triple cabins for families and groups. The boat features a bar and lounge with panoramic windows, library, sundeck, and dining room with café-style seating. Excursions are led by a bilingual naturalist guide and include snorkeling, zodiac rides, kayaking, and hiking.

• Regular departures throughout the year
• Available for private charter

We tailor itineraries to your dates and interests, adjusting ships, excursions and length as desired.

We consistently receive 5 star reviews from our discerning clients.

Vessel Information

Accommodations.

• 5 Ocean View Suites, 226-280 sq. ft., located on the Upper Deck. 3 suites have a queen and a single bed and 2 suites have a queen and a sofa bed for triple-occupancy (subject to availability).
• 5 Ocean View Cabins, located on the Main Deck. 4 are dedicated single cabins (118 sq. ft.) for solo travelers who want their own cabin, and 1 has a queen and a single bed for triple-occupancy (subject to availability).
• All cabins have private bathrooms, individual climate controls, and ample storage space for clothing and luggage.

Groups & Charters: This yacht is also available for private charter or for small groups of friends or family. Its 10 cabins can accommodate up to 16 people. Inquire for more details.

Available Activities (Depending On Itinerary)

• Zodiac Rides

Yacht Specifications

• Construction: completed in 2019
• Type: Power Motor Yacht
• Length: 118 feet (36 meters)
• Width: 30 feet (9 meters)
• Capacity: 16 passengers
• Cruising Speed: 10 knots
• Crew: 8 member crew + 1 naturalist guide

Itineraries & Pricing

Itinerary a (7 days, central/western islands).

Tuesday Arrive to Baltra / Las Bachas (Santa Cruz)

Wednesday Isabela: Tintoreras / Wetlands / Wall of Tears / Tortoise Breeding Center

Thursday Punta Moreno (Isabela) / Punta Mangle (Fernandina) / Tagus Cove (Isabela)

Friday Punta Espinosa (Fernandina) / Punta Vicente Roca (Isabela)

Saturday Santiago: Espumilla Beach and Bucaneer Cove / Puerto Egas

Sunday Rabida / Chinese Hat

Monday Santa Cruz: Charles Darwin Research Station / Return to Mainland

Itinerary B (5 days, Northern/Southern/Central Islands)

Monday Arrive to Baltra / Highlands (Santa Cruz)

Tuesday North Seymour / Mosquera

Wednesday Genovesa: Darwin Bay / Prince Phillip’s Steps

Thursday South Plaza / Barrington Bay (Santa Fe)

Friday Kicker Rock and Witch Hill (San Cristobal) / Return to Mainland

Itinerary C (5 days, Southern/Central Islands)

Friday Arrive to San Cristobal / Colorado Hill (San Cristobal)

Saturday Española: Gardner Bay / Punta Suarez

Sunday Floreana: Cormorant Point, Champion Islet / Baroness Viewpoint, Post Office Bay

Monday Sullivan Bay (Santiago) / Bartolome

Tuesday Black Turtle Cove (Santa Cruz) / Return to Mainland

(800) 342-1796

The itineraries displayed here are only summaries. Our travel specialists will help you select the best cruise based on your interests, timing, and budget.

Trip length: 7 and 5 day itineraries

Max number of passengers: 16, in 10 cabins

Prices 2024:

Included: All meals, guides & activities, water, coffee and tea, use of snorkeling equipment and kayaks

Not included: Park fees (about $220 per person), Galapagos airfare (about $600 per person), soft drinks, alcoholic drinks, gratuities, wetsuit rentals ($75 per 7-day cruise; $45 per 5-day cruise)

Prices in parenthesis are for peak departure dates (contact us for details)

5 day cruise: $3,925 ($4,525) per person

7 day cruise: $5,795 ($6,595) per person

Children 11 years and under receive a 20% discount (1 child per 2 adults)

Single Supplement: None (Ocean View Single Cabins)

Charters: from $62,800 (5 days), $92,720 (7 days)

Reviews from this trip

Our yacht the Solaris was a great choice for us.

Call us to start planning your journey today:

1 (510) 548-8487

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Galapagos Cruises With Single Cabins & No Single Supplement Fees

Looking for the perfect adventure on the stunning Galapagos Islands? Aventuras Naturales invites you to join us on our Galapagos cruises, tailored specifically for solo travelers. Our cruises offer single cabins and no single supplement fees, allowing you to explore this incredible archipelago at your own pace.

Why Choose Aventuras Naturales for Your Galapagos Cruise?

At Aventuras Naturales, we understand that solo travelers deserve the same level of comfort, convenience, and enjoyment as any other traveler. That's why we have carefully designed our Galapagos cruises to cater to solo adventurers. Here are some reasons why you should choose Aventuras Naturales:

• Single Cabins: Our cruises offer single cabins, providing you with privacy and comfort throughout your journey. You can enjoy your own space without having to share with other passengers.
• No Single Supplement Fees: Unlike many other cruises, we do not charge any single supplement fees. You can travel solo without worrying about extra costs.
• Expert Guides: Our knowledgeable and experienced guides will accompany you on every excursion, sharing their expertise about the Galapagos Islands' unique flora, fauna, and conservation efforts.
• Flexible Itineraries: We offer various itinerary options, allowing you to choose the cruise duration and activities that suit your preferences. Whether you want to dive into the crystal-clear waters, hike volcanic trails, or observe rare wildlife species, we have the perfect itinerary for you.
• Small Group Size: We believe in providing an intimate and immersive experience. Our cruises have small group sizes, ensuring personalized attention and the opportunity to make lasting connections with fellow solo travelers.
• Comfortable Accommodations: Our cruise ships are equipped with comfortable amenities, including spacious cabins, onboard dining options, and relaxation areas. After a day of exploration, you can unwind and recharge for the next adventure.
• Eco-Friendly Practices: Aventuras Naturales is committed to sustainable tourism. Our cruises follow strict environmental guidelines to minimize our impact on the pristine ecosystems of the Galapagos Islands.

The Galapagos Islands: A Natural Paradise

The Galapagos Islands, located in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Ecuador, are renowned for their unparalleled biodiversity and unique wildlife. This remote archipelago served as the inspiration for Charles Darwin's theory of evolution and continues to captivate visitors with its untouched beauty.

During your Galapagos cruise with Aventuras Naturales, you will have the opportunity to observe fascinating species found nowhere else on earth. From giant tortoises and playful sea lions to vibrant marine iguanas and rare bird species, every moment on the islands is a wildlife enthusiast's dream come true.

Our itineraries include visits to various islands, each offering distinct landscapes and wildlife encounters. Explore the breathtaking expanses of Santa Cruz, witness the spectacular volcanic formations of Bartolome, and marvel at the iconic blue-footed boobies on North Seymour Island.

Our Galapagos Cruise Itineraries

At Aventuras Naturales, we offer a range of Galapagos cruise itineraries, ensuring there is an option suitable for every solo traveler. Here are some examples of our popular itineraries:

1. Galapagos Highlights - 7 Day Cruise

Experience the highlights of the Galapagos Islands on this 7-day cruise. Visit iconic sites such as Punta Suarez on Espanola Island, known for its abundance of wildlife including waved albatrosses and marine iguanas. Explore the magical landscapes of Genovesa Island, home to vast colonies of red-footed boobies and frigatebirds. This itinerary offers a comprehensive overview of the Galapagos' diverse ecosystems.

2. Adventure in the Western Islands - 5 Day Cruise

If you're seeking a shorter but equally thrilling adventure, our 5-day cruise in the Western Islands is the perfect choice. Encounter giant tortoises in their natural habitat on Santa Cruz Island, snorkel alongside sea turtles in Isabela Island, and hike the volcanic trails of Fernandina Island. This itinerary allows you to discover the unique wonders of the Galapagos in a condensed timeframe.

3. Ultimate Galapagos Expedition - 14 Day Cruise

For the ultimate Galapagos experience, embark on our 14-day expedition cruise. This extended itinerary takes you to the hidden gems of the archipelago, including the remote islands of Floreana and Española. Immerse yourself in the rich biodiversity, photograph rare species, and create unforgettable memories in this unrivaled natural paradise.

Book Your Galapagos Cruise with Aventuras Naturales

Ready to embark on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure to the Galapagos Islands? Book your solo cruise with Aventuras Naturales today and join us for an unforgettable exploration of this extraordinary destination. Discover the wonders of the Galapagos while enjoying the comfort of a single cabin and the company of fellow solo travelers.

Experience the magic of the Galapagos Islands, enriched with abundant wildlife, pristine landscapes, and a sense of awe-inspiring wonder. Contact Aventuras Naturales now to reserve your spot on our Galapagos cruises with single cabins and no single supplement fees. Get ready to create lifelong memories in one of the most extraordinary places on earth.

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Galapagos Cruise Options for Single Adventurers

In the following article, we are going to share with you the best cruise options for single adventurers in Galapagos. To a solo traveler it may look challenging to visit the Galapagos, but there are some cruises that offer single cabins with no single supplement.

Vacationing on your own is an eye-opening experience that allows you to meet all different kinds of people, travel at your will, and decide when and where you want to go. If you have the chance to do it one day, we highly recommend it. However, for those on a budget, the thrill of traveling solo in Galapagos can sometimes be thwarted by the fact that you may find yourself paying more for lodgings and tours. Read more...

Sometimes tour agencies can match you up with another Galapagos solo traveler to share a room and cut costs, but not always. Often times single travelers or guests who wish to occupy single accommodations that are designed for two or more people, have to pay a single supplement as per person prices are always calculated on the basis of double (and in some cases triple) occupancy. Don’t let this fact stop you because thanks to some cruise options exclusively designed for single adventurers, being a single traveler in the Galapagos doesn’t have to be as costly as you initially thought. Traveling on your own is an eye-opening experience that allows you to meet all different kinds of people, travel at your will, when you want and go where you want to go. If you have the chance to do it one day, we highly recommend it. However, for those on a budget, the thrill of traveling on your own can sometimes be thwarted by the fact that you may find yourself paying more for lodgings and tours. Sometimes tour agencies can match you up with another solo traveler to share a room and cut costs, but not always. Often times single travelers or guests who wish to occupy single accommodations that are designed for two or more people, have to pay a supplement as per person prices are always calculated on the basis of double (and in some cases triple) occupancy. Don’t let this fact stop you because thanks to some cruise options exclusively designed for single adventurers, being a single traveler in the Galapagos doesn’t have to be as costly as you initially thought.

GALAPAGOS SAILING CRUISES

If you’re looking for an intimate cruising experience, the Mary Anne barquentine featuring three masts and 16 sails, could be the right boat for you. It’s steel hull and tall masts make it one of the most stable vessels in the islands. With cabins exclusively designed for singles with no single supplement, you really can’t go wrong.

FIRST CLASS BOATS

Both the 16-passenger M/C Treasure of Galapagos and M/C Elite offer a single cabin. Both are very modern boats having been built in the last few years and they offer the utmost in stabilizing technology for a smooth ride and all the amenities of a luxury boat. In addition to these boats with accommodations exclusively for singles at no additional cost, there is also a wide selection of Galapagos boats that you can select keeping in mind that you may have to pay a single cabin supplement or share a cabin with another passenger of the same gender.

BIGGER CRUISE SHIPS

If you’re looking for a more classic cruising experience and the chance to get to know lots of other travelers like you, you may consider some of the bigger Galapagos vessels such as the Santa Cruz II and La Pinta, both of which offer accommodations for singles. The Santa Cruz II, a boat with capacity for 90 passengers, has two single cabins located on the Horizon Deck, and La Pinta offers three cabins out of its 24 for singles.

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Can someone tell me boats with no single supplement? - Galapagos Islands Forum

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Can someone tell me boats with no single supplement?

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I would much prefer a room alone, but if it would save money and there is no choice, the tour company can hook me up with somebody to share a room.

What boats have no single supplement?

Do tour companies routinely match singles up? I will not purchase my tour until I'm in Quito, probably November/December. I will wait to purchase then, since the "last minute" trips seem to be quite affordable. I will have lots of time, so I'm not set to a certain date.

I'd appreciate any ideas and responses people might have. Thanks.

I looked into this rather extensively about a year ago, when I was researching our return trip. Single supplements were a problem for us, since my husband and I were going to travel with a single friend. Here's what I found back then.

The Beagle has a single cabin that, at least at that time, they sold without a single supplement. Heather, of CNH Tours, pointed us to the Mary Anne, which had recently shifted from carrying 20 passengers to 16 passengers. Since it had 10 cabins, the Angermeyer family was willing to sell a cabin or 2 without a single supplement. Their Web site still says that that's the case: http://www.visitgalapagos.travel/english/index.php/mary-anne-galapagos-cruise .

Having written all that, I think you're not very likely to get a non-single-supplement offer from either of those boats in a last-minute deal, since those cabins are probably in high demand. If, in a true last-minute deal, a boat will sail with several empty cabins, you might be able to negotiate away a single supplement with an operator who wants to fill a cabin however he/she/they can. But it is not unusual, if you're willing to be matched with a same-sex cabin-mate, for a boat to waive the supplement--even if a mate is never found. However, be sure to read the fine print, since that's not always the case. For example, I recall that Ecoventura, when I was looking, would still charge you the full price even if you were willing to be matched but no match was found.

trip report at http://galapagos2009.wordpress.com/

Beagle under new ownership now has a supplement, unfortunately-40%. If Sagitta was sailing, then she too was sailing will no supplement. Slim pickings.

Mary Anne, owned by Angermeyer. Fabulous sail boat with great crew and a good guide (Feb 2013). I had a spacious cabin to myself with everything I needed and no single supplement. There were some problems with air conditioning on a couple of occasions but the crew swung into action very quickly to fix it and captain gave us free wine at dinner by way of apology. There are fans in the cabins as well as Air Con so, for me, it wasn't even a problem. Captain put up the sails twice (they're for show more than anything) and crew gave us a trip round the boat so that we could photograph her in her full glory. I was on the Western Itinerary, we only saw other people, very briefly, on 2 occasions until the last day at North Seymour, which is close to the aiport. I can't recommend it highly enough.

Overseas Adventure Travel (OAT) usually does not charge a single supplement, although not 100% certain about their Galapagos trips.. And they go to the Galapagos with a very small group- no more than 16.

This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity.

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• What class of boat should I choose?
• Which itinerary is better?
• What's the best length of time for a cruise?
• Can I take a cruise if I get seasick?
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The Best Galapagos Islands Cruise for Solo Travelers

11/14/2019 by Kristin Addis 7 Comments

The finch eyes me as it inches closer, bouncing around ever nimble and effortlessly. One of Darwin’s muses when he visited the Galapagos, I’m delighted that this little bird is choosing to be so close to me. Anywhere else I would have assumed that it had been fed by careless humans, but not on remote Genovesa Island. This was a sign of the incredible animal encounters that were to come.

My Galapagos cruise took place over 8 days, stopping mostly in places that are only accessible by boat, aboard the S/S Mary Anne. We saw just about every animal the Galapagos has to offer, and some I didn’t expect to see, like penguins and an owl!

How should you go about picking a Galapagos cruise and what made mine so special? Let’s dive into what makes for a great Galapagos cruise:

Table of Contents

There are four different classes of boat that you can book in the Galapagos, ranging from economy class to luxury. The Mary Anne is one of the only schooners in the Galapagos, with sails and a luxury sailing feel, and the biggest bonus is, there’s no single supplement fee! That means you can get your very own cabin, with your own bathroom, without having to pay more for being solo.

The Mary Anne is considered a first class boat, which means the trip includes a top level naturalist guide on board, ensuite rooms with an onboard chef, and a max of 16 passengers. While luxury boats offer extras like shared jacuzzis and the possibility of larger suites, the boats are often up to 100 passengers, which makes it a hard no for me. Alternatively, economy might have been cool in my early 20s, but I love having my own bathroom and a more competent guide, plus a nicer boat and itinerary to boot.

For me the Mary Anne was the perfect size, giving me nearly private snorkeling opportunities, a lovely room to myself, plenty of space to hang out, and comfy and well decorated common spaces to hang with the other passengers, a few of whom were also solo travelers.

The other important thing to consider is the itinerary. Some cruises mimic what you can do on land, which is kind of pointless, no? The Mary Anne mostly stops in places where land tours can’t go and has two itineraries to choose from – Western and Eastern. I did the Eastern Itinerary which I can’t recommend highly enough:

The Itinerary

The real adventure begins after the all-night crossing to Genovesa – aka Booby Central.

This is one of the only islands in the Galapagos where you will see both red footed boobies, as well as the largest of the boobies, the Nazca booby.

The island is covered in Palo Santo trees, yes, the very same that you may have smelled burning in sacred ceremonies from the Americas, or even ecstatic dance. I burn it regularly to clear the energy in my house.

Though it looks like the trees might be dead, in the dry season they simply don’t have leaves, which makes it perfect for sighting the bird’s nests in the trees and down below.

This is the stuff you can only experience if you take a cruise, as it’s too far for day trips from any of the main islands.

Bartolomé + Chinese Hat

Next we journeyed down to the outskirts of the island of Santiago. Isla Bartolomé is one of the most famous and most photographed rock formations in the Galapagos, rising up dramatically out of the ocean. It’s about a 150m, fairly easy hike on a boardwalk to the top, which gives you a nice view from above.

The real star of the show for me was snorkeling around Bartolomé. Immediately after I jumped in, we were greeted by sea lions, followed by groups of penguins chasing tiny littering fish, I also came across a huge stingray. It was absolutely stunning, and probably one of the best snorkels of my life.

Next we pulled up in a zodiac boat (known locally as a panga) to a white sand beach, on an island called Chinese Hat, that was full of sea lions. They didn’t seem to care that we were there, but I can’t say I felt the same way, because I was as giddy as can be. If one can fangirl over sea lions, that’s exactly what I did!

Best of all, October is when the sea lions have their babies, so there were plenty of tiny, adorable pups to hang out with.

Rabida Island + Dragon Hill

The next day I woke up to the crimson red sand of Rabida Island and yet another wonderful day of snorkeling with sea lions. The morning began with a hike on the island to see the flamingoes in the lagoon, followed by an afternoon dip and kayak.

Plenty of turtles came to hang out as well. I wondered if it was still real life.

This is the only day where you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back into civilization. It was a bit of a shock to me, not having seen any evidence of people yet in the Galapagos, which is testament to how well preserved the other islands are. Still, Santa Cruz is worth checking out for its most famous residents – the tortoises.

I knew that they would be big, but they were HUGE you guys. And yet, they’re somehow so adorable, despite being older than my grandmother, and yours, too.

South Plaza + Santa Fe

At this point it started to sink in that my boat trip was closer to ending than beginning, and I have to tell you that the time spent offline , meditating and hanging out with animals who weren’t afraid of me, started to become my new normal and I didn’t want to let it go.

It didn’t help when once again upon pulling up to shore, this time South Plaza Island, a bunch of sea lions, which quickly became my favorite animal of the Galapagos, started barking and playing with each other. Then there were the Santa Fe land iguanas on the next island! These iguanas only live on Santa Fe Island, nowhere else in the world.

The day finished with a visit on board by the Galapagos owl. Even the crew were taking photos, everyone was so surprised that an owl decided to come by and hang out for a few hours!

The trip finished with a visit to the southern island of Española, where several currents converge to play host to some seriously amazing sea life. I’d previously thought that it didn’t get better than the snorkeling I had done earlier in the week.

Then I swam at Española.

Just when I thought it couldn’t get any more amazing, I spotted something lurking below the school of rays – something I’d been very much hoping to see so many times before, yet it had never happened.

I saw hammerhead sharks.

It was the cherry on top of a fantastic experience sailing around the Galapagos with the Mary Anne and Andando Tours.

After looking at a few other options around the Galapagos, comparing more itineraries and looking at other boats, I can’t help but feel like I chose just right. With no single supplement fee, a truly talented naturalist guide, and a fantastic itinerary with pristine islands, I never felt like there were crowds and always felt like I was immersed in nature. In a world where overtourism is becoming more common, the Galapagos, thanks to strict capacity laws and scheduling, never felt crowded or too impacted.

I’ll look back on this experience for years to come, so glad that I got to do it. I suspected the Galapagos would be amazing to sail through, but I never expected the abundance I saw there. I hope you go if you get the chance.

*This post was brought to you in partnership with Andando Tours. All positive reviews and giddiness about the experience are my own.

About Kristin Addis

Kristin Addis is the founder and CEO of Be My Travel Muse, a resource for female travelers all around the world since 2012. She's traveled solo to over 65 countries and has brought over 150 women on her all-female adventure tours from Botswana to the Alaskan tundra.

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11/15/2019 at 2:59 pm

Amazing post. I’ll be heading there in two weeks and very excited. The one thing I’m worried about is that I tend to suffer awful seasickness. How would rate the danger of that spoiling the experience on such a cruise?

Kristin says

11/15/2019 at 3:25 pm

The sea can be rough this time of year. I’d highly recommend taking dramamine with you, and seeing if you can get zofran from a doc before you go. Ginger pills may also help.

11/15/2019 at 8:01 pm

Thanks for the reply. Well, maybe I’ll have to do a land based tour ?

11/23/2019 at 2:42 am

11/28/2019 at 4:03 am

01/13/2020 at 1:09 pm

What type of camera did you use while snorkeling? We are heading there in May.

01/13/2020 at 6:04 pm

It’s a Sony A7III with a seafrogs housing.