Ferry Schedules

Only two departures run per day from each island. For example, from San Cristóbal to Santa Cruz there is a ferry at 7:00 a.m. and another at 3:00 p.m.

On the return route, from Santa Cruz to San Cristóbal, the schedule is the same: 7:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.

From Santa Cruz to Isabela, ferries also depart at 7:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. In the opposite direction, from Isabela to Santa Cruz, the departures are at 6:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.

For Floreana, although it does not run every day, the ferry leaves from Santa Cruz at 8:00 a.m., and the return from Floreana to Santa Cruz is at 3:00 p.m.

Typically, each departure time has a maximum of 3 to 4 boats operating. In terms of comfort, the ferries are fairly similar; however, there is usually one boat that is newer, larger, faster, and slightly more comfortable.

It’s worth mentioning that passenger ferries in the Galapagos that operate between islands are speedboats, ranging from vessels with two outboard engines that typically travel between 17 and 25 knots.

Onboard

The best place to sit on each boat is in the last four rows, meaning the rear rows closest to the engine. This is the most stable part of the vessel, and it’s also cool and well-ventilated. The crossings between islands take about two hours, even though the distance is around 40 nautical miles from port to port.

Cruise In Galapagos Assistance

We assist our clients with ferry arrangements when they book combined packages, spending some days land based and other days on a cruise, or even when they arrive on one island and their boat departs from another.