Luxury Galapagos Cruise Aboard the Hermes

By Sarah Cornellier

A Return to the Galapagos — 16 Years Later

For many travelers, Galapagos Island travel is about wildlife first. The comfort level simply shapes how you experience it. The first time I visited the Galapagos Islands was 16 years ago. I chose the most budget-friendly route possible, and I loved every second of it. The islands are magical. At times, I felt like I had stepped inside a wildlife documentary. I was constantly in awe, and I learned so much.

This second trip to the Galapagos came as a last-minute opportunity—one I simply couldn’t refuse. Not only would it take me to places in the islands I hadn’t experienced the first time, but it was also super fancy. And quick.

This short but action-packed itinerary was filled with active excursions, incredible wildlife, stunning scenery, delicious food, and a cabin and ship that could not have been more spacious, beautiful, and comfortable.

Aboard the Hermes

I spent five days and four nights aboard the Hermes. The ship is brand new, with its first sailing just a few months earlier in April 2025. We were on its third departure the following July.
The ship was immaculate and quite large compared to many vessels sailing around the Galapagos. It is a 150-foot catamaran with a maximum of 20 passengers across 10 cabins. With several public areas throughout the ship, finding a quiet space to read or relax is easy—assuming you can find time to sit still.

With this short itinerary, passengers stay busy.

Daily Excursions and Exploration

After breakfast each morning, we would meet at the back of the boat for the day’s first excursion. During the three full days of the itinerary, we had three excursions per day—two in the morning and one in the afternoon.

The only real downtime came for about an hour between the final excursion and the evening gathering, when we met with the naturalists to review the day and talk about what we would see next.

All excursions were optional, but there was no way we were going to miss any of them.

The walks and hikes were wonderful. In some areas, the terrain could be a little tricky with loose gravel or uneven rocks. Occasionally, there were larger steps to navigate, but overall, the difficulty level was moderate at most. The pace was relaxed, with frequent stops to listen to the naturalists and ask questions.

Snorkeling, Kayaking, and Water Activities

Snorkeling was one of the main activities during the trip. The ship provided wetsuits, masks, and snorkels, and we were fitted for our gear at the beginning of the journey. Each guest used the same equipment throughout the cruise.

Along with snorkeling and hiking, we also had opportunities to kayak and try stand-up paddleboarding (SUP). All equipment was provided and included at no additional cost.
These activities offered a different perspective of the islands and brought us even closer to the wildlife and dramatic landscapes.

Arrival in the Galapagos

On the first day, we flew from Quito to Baltra. Given the level of luxury aboard the ship, we were granted access to the VIP lounge at the airport. We were escorted to the lounge to enjoy drinks and snacks while the crew collected our luggage and transported it to the ship.

While our bags made their way to our cabins, we set off on our first excursion in the highlands. Seeing the giant tortoises right away was an incredible way to begin our time in the Galapagos.
Throughout the trip, we encountered an impressive range of wildlife, including:

• Sea turtles
• Marine iguanas
• Sea lions
• Penguins
• Sharks
• Flamingos
• Blue-footed, red-footed, and Nazca boobies
• Numerous species of fish

And those are just the ones I remember off the top of my head.

Our guides were knowledgeable, passionate, and excellent educators who brought every encounter to life.

Life Onboard

Now let’s talk about the ship.

The Hermes is unlike any other vessel cruising in the Galapagos. The level of luxury is truly exceptional. There are 17 crew members for a maximum of 20 passengers, creating an incredibly personalized experience.

Each cabin has an assigned butler ready to assist with almost anything—delivering food or beverages, handling laundry, preparing a bath, or making sure your cabin is exactly how you like it. Baths could even be prepared with candles, rose petals, and beautifully folded towels in your private jacuzzi.

The service quickly becomes wonderfully intuitive. For example, once the wait staff learned that I liked green tea with breakfast, it was waiting at my table every morning without needing to ask.

Food preferences, dietary restrictions, and allergies were easily accommodated, and the alternatives were far from boring. The food itself was spectacular. Each meal offered a wide variety of options with a strong focus on regional cuisine.

There were plenty of vegetables, proteins, fruits, and carbohydrates to fuel our active days. Living in the mountains myself, I especially appreciated the daily seafood offerings.
The white-glove service felt genuine and welcoming rather than overly formal.

Spacious Cabins with Ocean Views

The cabins themselves were spacious, elegant, and extremely comfortable. Bathrooms featured double vanities, a large shower, and a private jacuzzi, along with a large window looking out toward the sea.

Each morning, we spent time on our private balcony, enjoying coffee while watching the ocean before heading to breakfast and the day’s adventures.

It was a peaceful moment before another full day of exploration.

A Short but Incredible Journey

The only downside to the experience was how quickly it passed. Four nights and five days felt like barely enough time.

However, considering the number of animals we encountered, the places we explored, and the incredible meals we enjoyed along the way, it’s impossible to describe the trip as anything less than wonderful.

The Galapagos remain one of the most extraordinary destinations in the world—and experiencing them from the comfort of a ship like the Hermes makes the adventure even more memorable.

Start Planning your Luxury Galapagos Cruise!
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