Most of Ecuador's cruising options are centered in the Galápagos, where dozens of yachts and catamarans offer 1- to 2-week tours to the archipelago's attractions. These cruises are focused on the fascinating fauna, and most offer the option of snorkeling or scuba diving, whereas some boats cater explosively to scuba divers.
Galacruises Expeditions (tel. 02/250-9007; www.galacruises.com) has four boats in the Galápagos, ranging from older, less-expensive yachts to luxury catamarans. They can also book Galápagos cruises on various other vessels.
Linblad Expeditions (tel. 800/397-3348 in the U.S. and Canada; www.expeditions.com), a luxury-oriented agency committed to environmental protection, offers first-class Galápagos cruises with highly trained naturalist guides on the smaller M/V Islander and M/V Polaris. The 10-day cruise costs $3,650 to $6,280 (£2,008-£3,454).
Metropolitan Touring (tel. 02/2988-200; www.galapagosvoyage.com) offers affordable Galápagos cruises on the 72m (237-ft.) M/V Santa Cruz, a 46-cabin ship, and more comfortable trips on the 50m (166-ft.) Isabela II, which has 20 air-conditioned cabins. They offer the option of pairing a cruise with time at their Finch Bay Hotel, on Santa Cruz Island, or with an array of packages on the mainland.
The rustic Manatee Amazon Explorer (tel. 02/2448-985; www.manateeamazonexplorer.com) runs 3-, 4-, and 7-night eco-cruises on the Napo River, the Amazon tributary where Francisco de Orellana began his journey that led to the big river's discovery. Accommodations are snug, but the guides and itinerary are first-class. The cruise includes daily boat trips up smaller rivers and hikes into the rainforest where you are likely to see everything from wooly monkeys to blue and gold macaws.
Tauk (tel. 800/788-7885 in the U.S. and Canada; www.tauk.com) is a soft-adventure company catering to higher-end travelers. They offer various Galápagos cruises, including a family package, and an add-on to package to Peru.
