What Is Included in a Galapagos Yacht Charter?

Galapagos yacht charters are priced and organized differently from many other yacht destinations. Routes are fixed by the Galapagos National Park, fuel is often built into the itinerary, and some local taxes and specialist experiences are handled separately.

This page explains what is usually included, what is usually extra, and where naturalist, dive, cabin, and deluxe arrangements can change the details.

The Short Answer

Most Galapagos yacht charters include the yacht, crew, meals, guide, scheduled excursions, snorkeling equipment, and fuel for the approved route. Park taxes, transit card, flights, alcohol, APA, dive add-ons, and deluxe experiences may be separate.

Usually Included

The exact inclusions vary by yacht and program, but a private Galapagos charter will usually include the core operating pieces needed for the trip.

Private yacht accommodation for the agreed dates
Crew and onboard service
Chef-prepared meals
Galapagos National Park-approved itinerary
Certified naturalist guide for land excursions
Scheduled visitor sites and shore landings
Snorkeling excursions
Snorkeling gear and wetsuits
Fuel for the fixed itinerary

Fuel is worth noting. In many yacht charter destinations, fuel is a major variable expense. In Galapagos, the route is fixed in advance, so fuel is often included in the charter rate for that approved itinerary.

Usually Not Included

Some costs are normally paid separately or handled through an APA or pre-arranged payment, depending on the yacht and program.

Galapagos National Park entrance tax
Transit control card
Flights to mainland Ecuador and the Galapagos
Alcoholic beverages
APA or onboard expense allowance, depending on the yacht
Specialist dive arrangements
Equipment rental or certification costs, where relevant
Deluxe experiences and private add-ons
Mainland Ecuador extensions before or after the charter

The Galapagos National Park tax and transit card are usually paid on arrival or arranged in advance. We clarify the process when we prepare the charter options.

Naturalist Charters

A naturalist-led charter usually includes the classic Galapagos experience: guided landings, snorkeling, wildlife walks, beach visits, panga rides, meals, crew, guide, and the fixed National Park route.

This is the best fit for most private charter groups. Read more on our Galapagos Naturalist Yacht Charters page.

Dive Charters

Dive charters need more careful inclusion checks. The proposal should explain the dive setup, route, number of dives, dive master or guide arrangements, tanks, weights, rental equipment, certification requirements, and whether a rendezvous dive operator is involved.

For dive-led trips, see our Galapagos Dive Charters page.

Deluxe Experiences and Add-Ons

Deluxe experiences are usually not a separate charter category. They are private add-ons arranged around the approved route. Examples include lava tunnel dinners, Ecuadorian chocolate and wine tastings, rendezvous diving, fishing, paddleboarding, stargazing, massage, photography, and mainland Ecuador extensions.

See the full menu on our Galapagos Charter Experiences page.

Private Charter vs Cabin Charter

Private charters reserve the yacht for one group. Cabin charters sell individual cabins on a shared departure. The inclusions may look similar on paper, but the experience is very different: privacy, schedule flexibility, dining, shared spaces, and availability all change.

For a deeper comparison, read Galapagos Private Yacht Charter vs Cabin Charter.

Why Inclusions Vary

Galapagos is tightly regulated. Yacht permits, National Park routes, cabin sales, dive support, taxes, and local provider availability can all affect what is included in a specific proposal.

That is why two Galapagos charter quotes should not be compared by headline rate alone. The route, yacht, included excursions, dive arrangements, taxes, and add-ons all need to be read together.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is fuel included in a Galapagos yacht charter?

Often, yes. Because Galapagos yacht routes are approved and fixed in advance, fuel for the set itinerary is commonly included in the charter rate.

Are Galapagos National Park fees included?

Usually not. The Galapagos National Park entrance tax and transit control card are typically separate and paid on arrival or arranged before travel.

Is alcohol included?

Alcoholic beverages are often handled separately or through an APA, depending on the yacht and charter program.

Is diving included?

Not usually on a naturalist charter. Diving may require a dedicated dive setup or rendezvous dive operator, and costs should be clarified before booking.

Are deluxe experiences included?

Special experiences such as lava tunnel dinners, chocolate tastings, fishing, massage, or mainland extensions are usually arranged separately or quoted as add-ons.

C.J. Coetzee, yacht charter broker with DMA Yachting

Compare Galapagos Charter Inclusions

Tell us your dates, group size, charter style, and must-have experiences. We will help you compare what is included, what is separate, and which yacht setup fits the trip.