Beginning July 5 2025, Silversea will operate exclusive charter flights between Quito's Mariscal Sucre International Airport and San Cristóbal Island, trimming roughly two hours off the journey to the Galápagos. Reserved for guests sailing on the purpose-built Silver Origin, the service replaces the customary Guayaquil stop, adds private check-in, blocks middle seats, and upgrades onboard dining. The announcement underscores Silversea's focus on seamless logistics and deeper destination immersion, letting travelers start their expedition sooner and in greater comfort.
Key Points
- Why it matters: door-to-ship transit shortened by about two hours
- Nonstop Quito-San Cristóbal service launches July 5 2025
- Charter perks include private check-in, blocked middle seats, and upgraded meals
- Available only to Silver Origin guests on seven- to fourteen-night expeditions
- Bert Hernandez says the move "makes bucket-list memories more accessible and seamless"
Snapshot
Silversea's charter replaces a multi-step commercial itinerary with a single two-hour hop. Travelers check in at a private Quito lounge, pass immigration Pre-Clearance, and settle into aisle-window pairs with the center seat free. The flight's Ecuadorian-inspired menu, served on China, pairs shrimp ceviche with local craft beer and Andean wines. Luggage is tagged pier-side in Quito and appears outside suites within an hour of boarding, minimizing wait time. Guests can also bolt on curated Quito extensions-city stays or guided Andean excursions-without worrying about coordinating separate air tickets.
Background
Most Galápagos cruisers once endured an overnight or same-day connection in Guayaquil, rechecking bags and repeating security while racing tight embarkation clocks. Although Silversea's ground staff smoothed the process, guest feedback flagged the detour as the trip's least luxurious segment. Ecuador caps commercial lift to its fragile archipelago, limiting schedule flexibility. By contracting a dedicated aircraft, Silversea gains control of departure windows, guarantees a full manifest of cruise guests, and eliminates missed-bag scenarios. Bundling the fare inside its "door-to-door" pricing simplifies advisor comparisons and aligns with the line's previous charter successes in Antarctica and the Arctic.
Latest Developments
Elevated in-flight experience
- Cabin comfort: With the middle seat blocked, effective seat width and personal space rival domestic first class. Seat pitch expands by up to four inches, and a favorable lavatory-to-passenger ratio keeps queues short.
- Culinary touches: Multi-course menus spotlight local ingredients-ají-marinated ceviche, cacao-nib mousse-served with complimentary beer, wine, and premium spirits.
- Destination briefings: Two expedition staff ride each sector to preview wildlife highlights and answer last-minute gear questions. Tablet-based videos replace generic safety cards, building anticipation before touchdown.
Streamlined ground logistics
- Private check-in lounge: Located landside in Quito, the lounge handles charter-only passengers, speeding document checks and security.
- Coordinated transfers: Upon landing, guests board dedicated coaches for the ten-minute ride to the pier while baggage travels separately in sealed trucks.
- Sustainability nod: Silversea offsets the charter's carbon footprint and funds reforestation projects in San Cristóbal's highlands through a local NGO partnership.
Silver Origin: the ship these flights serve
Silver Origin carries just 100 guests in 50 all-suite accommodations, each with butler service and in-suite water-purification taps that reduce single-use plastic. Certified Naturalist Guides lead daily Zodiac adventures, and an Ecuadorian-sourced culinary program keeps the sense of place alive on board. Itineraries of seven or fourteen nights rotate western and northern loops to balance wildlife impact and give return visitors fresh landing sites.
Analysis
For travelers used to white-glove service, the old Guayaquil stopover felt out of step with Silversea's luxury standard. The charter closes that gap, positioning the line ahead of Lindblad-National Geographic and Celebrity Flora, both of which still rely on scheduled service. Two hours saved equals either an extra Zodiac landing or simple recovery time after an overnight to Ecuador.
Because the fare is embedded in Silversea's all-inclusive pricing, advisors can quote one figure without separate air add-ons, removing friction in the sales process. Operationally, the line benefits from predictable arrival batches, streamlined pier staffing, and fewer luggage issues. The offset program tackles rising consumer concerns about aviation emissions, though detailed reporting will be essential to convince skeptics.
Overall, Silversea's charter demonstrates how Cruise brands can "own" the entire travel ribbon without owning an airline, integrating sky and sea into a single, high-touch experience that begins the moment guests leave Quito.
Final Thoughts
If the Galápagos top your wish list, trimming transit hassle matters. Silversea's new charter cuts hours, boosts comfort, and folds neatly into the line's all-inclusive promise. Book early-Silver Origin's 100-guest cap means seats vanish fast. Plan at least one night in Quito for altitude adjustment and colonial-era sightseeing, and pack light layers; island highs hover near 70 °F (21 °C) year-round, but evening breezes invite a windbreaker. With direct flights and thoughtful extras, Silversea Galápagos charter flights let the adventure start sooner.