4 cruises found
An Ecuador cruise lets you experience South America along a Pacific coast that has yet to be packaged for mass tourism: the port of Manta, Montecristi hat workshops, fish markets, the beaches of Manabí, and farther afield, Guayaquil, cacao haciendas, or extensions to Quito.
Ecuador is a gateway to a country of contrasts, where tropical coastline, traditional crafts, coastal cuisine, port cities, and Andean landscapes come together.
The Galápagos can be added to some trips, but they are often a dedicated, nature-focused cruise with more structured guidance.
Your search criteria:
Ecuador
Itinerary : Baltra, Gardner Bay, Punta Suarez, Cormorant point, Floreana, Punta Moreno, Isabela, Punta Espinoza, Ponta Vicente Roca, South Plaza, Daphne Island, Dragon Hill, Puerto Ayora, Baltra
48 other departures
Celebrity Flora
8 d
Suite
Baltra
09/20/2026
from
$ 9,012
Other departures:
18 Oct 2026
29 Nov 2026
13 Dec 2026
Other departures
Itinerary : Baltra, Puerto Egas, Rabida, Elizabeth Bay-Ile Isabella, Caleta Tagus - Isabela Island, Santiago, Bartolomé Island, Las Bachas, Daphne Island, North Seymour, Puerto Baquerizo, Punta Pitt, Puerto Ayora, Baltra
53 other departures
Celebrity Flora
8 d
Suite
Baltra
09/13/2026
from
$ 9,309
Other departures:
30 Aug 2026
11 Oct 2026
20 Dec 2026
Other departures
Itinerary : North Seymour, Dragon Hill, Ponta Vicente Roca, Fernandina, Puerto Ayora, Ponta Vicente Roca, Puerto Ayora, Post Office Bay, Champion Islet, Fernandina, Post Office Bay, Champion Islet, Punta Cormorant, Puerto Ayora, North Seymour, Post Office Bay, Champion Islet, Punta Cormorant, North Seymour
1 other departures
MS Santa Cruz II
5 d
Ocean view Stateroom
North Seymour
12/10/2026
from
$ 12,061
Other departures:
24 Dec 2026
Itinerary : San Cristobal - Galapagos, Prince Philip’s Steps, North Seymour, Santa Cruz Island - Galapagos, Gardner Bay, San Cristobal - Galapagos, Prince Philip’s Steps, North Seymour, Santa Cruz Island - Galapagos, Gardner Bay, San Cristobal - Galapagos
31 other departures
Silver Origin
8 d
Suite
San Cristobal - Galapagos
12/05/2026
from
$ 13,800
Other departures:
10 Oct 2026
07-21 Nov 2026
02-16-30 Jan 2027
Other departures
Manta fish market
Murciélago Beach
Pacoche
Murciélago Beach
Pacoche
Manta fish market
Pacoche
Manta fish market
Murciélago Beach
Montecristi hat workshops
Ciudad Alfaro
Montecristi's central square
Ciudad Alfaro
Montecristi's central square
Montecristi hat workshops
Montecristi's central square
Montecristi hat workshops
Ciudad Alfaro
Malecón 2000
Las Peñas
Cacao hacienda
Las Peñas
Cacao hacienda
Malecón 2000
Cacao hacienda
Malecón 2000
Las Peñas
Historic center of Quito
Mitad del Mundo
Galápagos
Mitad del Mundo
Galápagos
Historic center of Quito
Galápagos
Historic center of Quito
Mitad del Mundo
Weather & swimming
A year-round nature destination. The archipelago can be visited throughout the year, with differences between the warm season and calmer seas, and the cooler season and waters richer in marine life.
Expert advice
If the Galápagos are the heart of your trip, choose the timing based on your priorities: snorkeling, calmer seas, wildlife viewing, or cruising comfort.
Weather & swimming
Warmer and more tropical. Days can be bright, temperatures higher, and rainfall more frequent, especially early in the year.
Expert advice
A good option for a more summery atmosphere on the coast, with bright mornings, waterfront breaks, and a more tropical feel.
Weather & swimming
Conditions vary by area. These months can offer a good balance of warmth, humidity, and crowds, with significant differences among the coast, the Andes, and the Galápagos.
Expert advice
A good choice if the itinerary appeals to you and you are planning extensions. Above all, check conditions in the main area of your trip: Manta, Guayaquil, Quito, or the Galápagos.
Weather & swimming
Weather is often milder on the coast. Temperatures are less oppressive, the sea can be cooler, and conditions are good for coastal excursions, with humpback whale season around Puerto López.
Expert advice
A good time to focus on the coast, Manta, Montecristi, and nature outings, as long as you do not mind occasional overcast skies.
| Season | Weather & swimming | Expert advice |
|---|---|---|
Galápagos extension | A year-round nature destination. The archipelago can be visited throughout the year, with differences between the warm season and calmer seas, and the cooler season and waters richer in marine life. | If the Galápagos are the heart of your trip, choose the timing based on your priorities: snorkeling, calmer seas, wildlife viewing, or cruising comfort. |
January–April & December | Warmer and more tropical. Days can be bright, temperatures higher, and rainfall more frequent, especially early in the year. | A good option for a more summery atmosphere on the coast, with bright mornings, waterfront breaks, and a more tropical feel. |
May & November Conditions vary by area. These months can offer a good balance of warmth, humidity, and crowds, with significant differences among the coast, the Andes, and the Galápagos. A good choice if the itinerary appeals to you and you are planning extensions. Above all, check conditions in the main area of your trip: Manta, Guayaquil, Quito, or the Galápagos. | ||
June–October Weather is often milder on the coast. Temperatures are less oppressive, the sea can be cooler, and conditions are good for coastal excursions, with humpback whale season around Puerto López. A good time to focus on the coast, Manta, Montecristi, and nature outings, as long as you do not mind occasional overcast skies. | ||
In Ecuador, cruise highlights are concentrated mainly along the Pacific coast and through possible extensions. The appeal lies in the contrast among fishing ports, crafts, cacao, tropical cities, and sweeping landscapes accessible before or after the trip.
In Manta
The fish market, waterfront, and Murciélago Beach offer a firsthand look at Ecuador's coast.
In Montecristi
The hat workshops and craft shops provide insight into one of the country's signature traditions.
In Guayaquil
The Malecón and the Guayas River reveal a larger, more urban, and more tropical city.
In Manta
The fish market, waterfront, and Murciélago Beach offer a firsthand look at Ecuador's coast.
In Montecristi
The hat workshops and craft shops provide insight into one of the country's signature traditions.
In Guayaquil
The Malecón and the Guayas River reveal a larger, more urban, and more tropical city.
In Montecristi
Toquilla straw weaving remains one of the experiences most closely associated with port calls from Manta.
Around Guayaquil
The cacao haciendas connect the landscape, agriculture, and Ecuadorian chocolate.
On the Manabí coast
Ceviche, grilled fish, seafood soup, and portside cuisine give the port call a distinctly local flavor.
In Montecristi
Toquilla straw weaving remains one of the experiences most closely associated with port calls from Manta.
Around Guayaquil
The cacao haciendas connect the landscape, agriculture, and Ecuadorian chocolate.
On the Manabí coast
Ceviche, grilled fish, seafood soup, and portside cuisine give the port call a distinctly local flavor.
From Ciudad Alfaro
The hills above Montecristi offer clear views of the city and Manabí's dry landscapes.
In Las Peñas
Colorful houses and views of the river are among the most recognizable images of Guayaquil.
On Murciélago Beach
The Pacific, the waterfront, and Manta's atmosphere offer a bright, uncomplicated picture of the port call.
From Ciudad Alfaro
The hills above Montecristi offer clear views of the city and Manabí's dry landscapes.
In Las Peñas
Colorful houses and views of the river are among the most recognizable images of Guayaquil.
On Murciélago Beach
The Pacific, the waterfront, and Manta's atmosphere offer a bright, uncomplicated picture of the port call.
In Pacoche
The forest and trails near Manta offer a refreshing green escape during a port-focused call.
To Quito
The historic center and the equator offer a rich cultural extension before or after the cruise.
In the Galápagos
The experience becomes more nature-focused, with a different level of guidance and a different trip format from a classic coastal port of call.
In Pacoche
The forest and trails near Manta offer a refreshing green escape during a port-focused call.
To Quito
The historic center and the equator offer a rich cultural extension before or after the cruise.
In the Galápagos
The experience becomes more nature-focused, with a different level of guidance and a different trip format from a classic coastal port of call.
See Montecristi hats take shape in the workshops
Travelers often remember Montecristi because the experience gives meaning to an object known around the world. Watching toquilla straw being woven, touching the fibers, and appreciating the patience behind the craft makes the port call more tangible than a simple craft-focused stroll.
Feel the energy of Manta's port at the fish market
Manta appeals to travelers for its unvarnished authenticity. The fish market, boats, tuna stalls, and waterfront restaurants offer a genuine picture of Ecuador's coast, with the feel of a working port rather than a tourist set.
Extend the journey to Quito or the Galápagos
Many travelers enjoy Ecuador because a coastal stopover can become the starting point of a wider journey. Quito brings altitude, colonial squares, and the Andes, while the Galápagos open the door to a very different nature-focused experience.
Savor ceviche overlooking the Pacific in Manta
In Manta, travelers often enjoy simple breaks near Murciélago Beach or along the waterfront. Ceviche, grilled fish, or seafood soup ties the port call to the fishing harbor without turning the day into an overly packed tour.
Head up to Ciudad Alfaro for a different view of Montecristi
Ciudad Alfaro offers some perspective on Montecristi and the dry landscapes of Manabí. Travelers appreciate this short detour because it complements the workshop visit with a viewpoint, historical context, and a chance to pause above the city.
Follow cacao from pod to chocolate
Around Guayaquil, cacao-focused visits reveal a particularly tangible side of Ecuador. Travelers enjoy seeing the pods, beans, and processing stages, then finishing with a tasting that tells the country's story beyond its ports.
It's impossible to visit Ecuador without passing through its capital: Quito. Situated at an altitude of 2,850 m, it is virtually surrounded by green hills, with volcanoes to the west. Like Cuenca, its historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and you can explore monuments such as the Basilica del Voto, the Santa Catalina monastery, La Compania and the Plaza de la Independencia.
90km away, at an altitude of 2,580m, lies Otavalo. Here, you'll see mountains as far as the eye can see and one of Ecuador's most highly-rated markets. You'll also see the colorful Plaza de los Ponchos. Speaking of Cuenca, this is a city of colonial houses adorned with stucco. You'll have the chance to take pictures of the Catedral de la Immaculada, the Santo Domingo church or the San Francisco church. On the eastern side of the country, you'll find the Amazon, also known as the Oriente. On a trek there, you may spot monkeys, tapirs or even caimans and anacondas. In town, take a stroll to Puerto Misahualli or Macas. Still in the heights is Chimborazo at 6310m, Ecuador's first volcano. In second place is the Cotopaxi volcano, also the world's highest active volcano. Its ascent is best reserved for mountaineering enthusiasts. Finally, to see a volcano crater filled with turquoise water, head for the laguna Quilotoa. This is one of Ecuador's wildest Andean regions, making it the ideal place to discover the tribal way of life.
At 1850m above sea level, on the Loja side, you'll land in the village of Vilcabamba. A gentle, green landscape awaits you for mountain biking, hiking or horseback riding. If you want to see sea lions, dolphins and sea lions, head for Isla de la Plata. Similar to the Galápagos archipelago, it is full of unique spots where you can relax, such as La Canoa, Jipijapa and Montanita. The latter offers a "sea, sex and sun" atmosphere, and is very popular with tourists and surfers alike. A change of scenery and a frenzied atmosphere are guaranteed. After your expedition, try traditional dishes such as Bolon de verde, a banana donnut stuffed with cheese; ceviche; or Llapingachos, mashed potatoes with cheese.
Ecuador has an equatorial climate. There are two seasons: dry and wet. If you want to go climbing, it's best to go between December and January. The weather will be drier and the high altitude winds more tolerable. For beach activities and lounging, December to January is a good time, as the sun is out and the sea is warmer. And if you're feeling peckish, don't hesitate to order a menu at Quito's Zazu restaurant.
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