Lindblad Expeditions vs Royal Galapagos in South America

This comparison covers two expedition cruise lines operating in South America — Lindblad Expeditions and Royal Galapagos — both offering voyages through the Galápagos Islands and surrounding waters. With 2082 in-stock departures across these 2 operators, itineraries range from 3 to 17 nights and depart year-round from embarkation ports including Quito, Baltra, San Cristóbal, and Lima. Highlights across both lines include Santa Cruz Island, San Cristobal Island, Santiago Island, Genovesa Island, Floreana Island, Española Island, Isabela Island, and Fernandina Island. December is the busiest departure month, and the most common itinerary length is 9 nights. Prices and availability are subject to change; final price confirmed at booking.

Lindblad Expeditions

Lindblad Expeditions offers South America expedition voyages from $12000, with itineraries starting from 15 nights. The line operates three vessels in the region: National Geographic Delfina (capacity 16 guests), National Geographic Islander II (capacity 48 guests), and National Geographic Endeavour II (capacity 96 guests), providing a range of small-to-mid-size ship experiences. Longer itineraries allow for deeper exploration across multiple Galápagos island groups, and the all-inclusive nature of expedition pricing typically bundles naturalist guides, shore excursions, and onboard meals. Physical activity levels vary by departure, so prospective travellers should review individual itinerary requirements. Departures are available across all twelve calendar months.

Best fit: Well-suited for travellers seeking extended, immersive expedition voyages with a naturalist-led focus, who are comfortable with a higher all-inclusive investment and prefer itineraries of 15 nights or more.

Royal Galapagos

Royal Galapagos offers South America expedition voyages from $5000, with itineraries starting from 4 nights, making shorter Galápagos getaways more accessible. The line operates three vessels: Infinity (capacity 20 guests), Galapagos Sea Star (capacity 16 guests), and Grand Majestic (capacity 16 guests) — all intimate small-ship experiences. Shorter departures of 4 nights allow travellers to sample iconic destinations such as Santa Cruz Island and San Cristobal Island within a more compact schedule. As with all Galápagos expedition cruising, some itineraries involve active landings and moderate physical demands; travellers should confirm fitness requirements at booking. Departures are available across all twelve calendar months.

Best fit: Well-suited for travellers looking for a more accessible entry point into Galápagos expedition cruising, particularly those with limited time who prefer shorter itineraries of 4 nights or more aboard intimate small ships.

Lindblad Expeditions and Royal Galapagos each offer a distinct approach to South America expedition cruising. Lindblad Expeditions, starting from $12000 for voyages of 15 nights or more, caters to those seeking extended, in-depth exploration across a wider fleet range — from boutique vessels of 16 guests up to ships accommodating 96. Royal Galapagos, starting from $5000 for itineraries from 4 nights, provides a more flexible and accessible entry into the Galápagos, with an exclusively small-ship fleet capped at 20 guests per vessel. The right choice depends on a traveller's available time, budget, and appetite for depth of exploration — neither line is objectively superior, and both cover the region's most celebrated island destinations year-round. Prices and availability are subject to change; final price confirmed at booking.

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Inventory data on this page last updated 2026-10-29.

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Lindblad Expeditions vs Royal Galapagos in South America