Personally experienced: December 2025 | 5 days / 4 nights | Baltra round-trip
Reviewed by: Dave Gillan, luxury travel advisor and founder of The Private Traveller
First off, while I’ve included Hermes Galápagos within my cruise reviews, this wasn’t a cruise in the conventional sense. Hermes is an ultra-luxury catamaran carrying a maximum of just 20 guests, designed specifically for exploring one of the world’s most extraordinary destinations: the Galápagos Islands.
We joined Hermes on 14 December 2025 for a five-day, four-night Galápagos expedition, beginning at Baltra and taking us through some of the archipelago’s most remarkable landscapes and wildlife habitats. Our journey included Bachas Beach on Santa Cruz, Tagus Cove and Urbina Bay on Isabela, Espinoza Point on Fernandina, Vicente Roca Point, Santiago Island and North Seymour before returning to Baltra.
The Galápagos had long been a bucket-list destination for me, but what made this trip particularly special was the combination of genuine expedition-style exploration during the day with the space, comfort and service of Hermes to return to afterwards. With so few guests on board, it felt far removed from a traditional cruise and much more like exploring the islands from your own luxury yacht.
And what an experience it was. The wildlife encounters and landscapes were every bit as extraordinary as I had hoped, while Hermes proved to be an exceptional way to experience them.
This review focuses on what it is actually like to sail the Galápagos aboard Hermes – the catamaran itself, my suite, food and drink, service, excursions and the overall experience. I’ll also be writing a more detailed day-by-day account in my Travel Diaries, covering exactly what we saw and did throughout the journey.
If the Galápagos is on your own bucket list, I hope this gives you a sense not only of what makes the islands so special, but why I think Hermes is such an impressive way to experience them.
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Hermes Galápagos – Fast Facts
| Vessel | Hermes Galápagos |
| Type | Luxury catamaran |
| Guests | Maximum 20 |
| Suites | 12 |
| My Journey | 5 days / 4 nights |
| Visited | December 2025 |
| Best For | Luxury Galápagos expeditions |
Why I Chose Hermes
For the Galápagos, I wanted something that felt genuinely special – a unique experience, a newer style of luxury expedition travel, and above all something small and boutique.
There was another consideration too: ‘Mrs’ TPT was not particularly keen on the idea of a cruise of any form! But exploring by water is one of the best ways to experience the Galápagos, allowing you to travel between the islands while making the most of your time ashore.
Hermes therefore felt like the ideal compromise – although, as I mentioned in the introduction, it really doesn’t feel like a conventional cruise. With a maximum of just 20 guests, it is much closer to the experience of travelling aboard a private luxury yacht, but with a full programme of guided exploration built around it.
For a bucket-list destination like the Galápagos, that combination of adventure, exclusivity and a very small number of guests was exactly what I was looking for.
What Is Hermes Galápagos?
Hermes is a luxury catamaran designed specifically for exploring the Galápagos Islands. Launched in 2025, she is around 50 metres long and accommodates a maximum of just 20 guests, making this a very different proposition from even many of the smaller expedition cruise ships. I’m always a bit of a geek for numbers, so while there are 10 double suites and two single suites (main deck and upper deck) so technically a maximum of 22, numbers are always capped at a maximum of 20.
There are just the 12 suites on board, alongside indoor and outdoor dining, generous deck spaces and wellness facilities. The emphasis is very much on combining the exploration of the Galápagos with a genuinely luxurious experience back on board.
Days are centred around the islands themselves, with naturalist-led excursions and activities taking you out to experience the landscapes and extraordinary wildlife of the Galápagos. You then return to Hermes between excursions and at the end of the day.
That small scale is important. Rather than feeling like a cruise ship visiting the Galápagos, Hermes feels much more like a luxury base from which to explore the islands – and that distinction became one of the things I appreciated most about the experience.
The Catamaran
Hermes may be small and intimate, accommodating a maximum of just 20 guests, but there's a surprising amount of space on board. From the generously sized suites and indoor lounges to the outdoor dining areas and expansive decks, the catamaran has been thoughtfully designed to make the most of its spectacular Galápagos surroundings.
Built in 2025, Hermes measures 50 metres in length and has four decks, offering a variety of spaces for dining, socialising, relaxing and enjoying the scenery.
(1) Main Deck – Home to guest suites and the main indoor restaurant, along with the spa and wellness facilities, including the gym, massage room and steam room.
(2) Upper Deck – Additional guest suites, together with the main lounge and bar area, and outdoor space for relaxing and enjoying the views.
(3) Panoramic Deck – An elevated area offering wonderful views across the Galápagos Islands and another opportunity to enjoy the surrounding scenery.
(4) Sun Deck – One of my favourite areas on board, with outdoor dining, sun loungers, a Jacuzzi and plenty of space to relax between excursions.
Despite having only 20 guests on board, it never felt as though everyone was congregating in the same place. There was always somewhere to find a quiet corner, whether relaxing outdoors, enjoying the views or spending time in one of the lounges.
I'll take you through the main areas below.
Our Suite
The suites on Hermes were excellent and, importantly for a trip like this, incredibly comfortable. We had everything we could possibly need, with plenty of space and lots of storage, as well as a small separate dressing area.
The bathroom was fantastic, with a Jacuzzi bath and a really large walk-in shower, along with plenty of space for toiletries and everything else you inevitably bring with you. And twin sinks, which I always love.
Overall, it felt much more like a luxury hotel room than accommodation on a small catamaran. There was plenty of room to properly unpack and settle in, and it was a great space to come back to after being out exploring the islands.
I’ll cover the different suite categories separately, but even putting the size aside, it was the comfort and the amount of space that really stood out for me.
Food & Drink
The food and drink on Hermes was excellent throughout – even more impressive when you consider just how remote you are. Breakfast was always served buffet-style, with plenty of choice alongside hot items cooked to order, while both lunch and dinner were full meals with a good variety each day.
As a vegetarian, I was particularly impressed. Dietary requirements and individual preferences were very well catered for, and it never felt as though the vegetarian option was an afterthought. Given the location and logistics involved in provisioning in the Galápagos, the quality and variety were excellent.
Where we ate could also change depending on the day, with lunch and dinner sometimes served outside on the panoramic deck – a pretty special setting when you are surrounded by the Galápagos. Drinks were available throughout the day, either from the restaurant or the downstairs bar area, and whenever we returned from an excursion or activity there would always be snacks and refreshments waiting for us.
We were also provided with refillable water bottles for the duration of the trip, which could be topped up on board and taken with us on excursions – a small but very practical touch, while also avoiding the need for single-use plastic bottles.
The Galápagos Itinerary
We joined Hermes for a five-day, four-night itinerary, departing in December from Baltra. Our journey took us to Bachas Beach on Santa Cruz, before exploring Isabela and Fernandina, followed by Santiago and North Seymour – with each day bringing very different landscapes and wildlife experiences.
Hermes offers a number of different Galápagos itineraries, so our route is just one of the options available. The shorter itineraries can also be combined back-to-back, which is a great option if you have more time and want to explore more of the archipelago without changing vessels.
For us, five days gave us a fantastic introduction to the Galápagos, although I could very easily have stayed on board for longer. I’ll cover exactly what we did – and what we saw – in my separate day-by-day Travel Diary.
Excursions & Wildlife Experiences
One of the things I really enjoyed about the Galápagos was the mix of activities. We could be walking along a beach one morning, doing a slightly longer hike later in the day, and then be out on the water snorkelling or exploring by canoe. Some of the walks were a little more energetic, but everything we did was very manageable.
And, of course, almost everything revolved around the wildlife. Whether we were on land or in the water, there was always something to see – often incredibly close – and having such a variety of ways to experience the islands made every excursion feel different.
I’ll cover the individual excursions and wildlife encounters in much more detail in my day-by-day Travel Diary, as there were far too many highlights to include here.
Life On Board
Although the days on Hermes are built around exploring the Galápagos, there was absolutely no pressure to take part in every activity. If you wanted to miss an excursion and simply enjoy some time on board, you could – and Hermes was a very comfortable place to do exactly that.
There were plenty of places to relax, both inside and out. The sun deck was a particular favourite, with loungers and an outdoor Jacuzzi – a great place to spend some downtime while still enjoying the incredible surroundings.
There is also a small gym on board, as well as a spa and steam room, so there were more facilities than I had expected for a catamaran carrying only 20 guests. You could book a treatment, use the gym, relax in the steam room or simply find a quiet spot on deck.
It was also a wonderfully relaxed environment. If you wanted a cocktail, soft drink, coffee or tea, you could have one at pretty much any time and wherever you happened to be relaxing on board. Nothing felt overly formal or regimented, and the crew very quickly got to know what everyone liked.
That flexibility was something I really appreciated. The excursions are obviously a huge part of coming to the Galápagos, but it was still very much our holiday – if we wanted a couple of hours to relax rather than head out on another activity, that was completely fine.
Service & Crew
The service was excellent from beginning to end – and actually started well before we stepped aboard Hermes. We were met as soon as we arrived at Guayaquil Airport and helped through the various airport and Galápagos formalities, making what could potentially have been quite a complicated process incredibly straightforward.
We were met again on arrival at Baltra, where Hermes guests used a separate VIP entrance before being whisked into a private lounge while our luggage was taken care of. From there, it was just a short journey to the dock and a quick tender transfer out to Hermes itself.
Once on board, the standard of service continued throughout the trip. Everyone was excellent – from the guides and naturalists who accompanied us on our excursions to the restaurant and bar team, housekeeping and spa staff. Despite the relaxed atmosphere, the level of service and attention to detail was exceptionally high.
In fact, reflecting the standards Hermes is aiming for, there is not only a Captain responsible for the vessel but also a dedicated Hotel Manager overseeing the hospitality side of the experience.
Ultimately, though, it was the people who really made the trip. With only 20 guests on board, you quickly got to know the team, and their warmth, knowledge and genuine enthusiasm for the Galápagos added so much to an already very special experience.
What I Loved
There was so much I loved about Hermes – the people, the food, our suite, the service and, of course, the extraordinary location itself. It all came together to make this a genuinely incredible experience.
I particularly loved the outdoor deck, whether sitting out with a drink, relaxing on a lounger or using the Jacuzzi as we sailed through the Galápagos. The spa was another real highlight. There was something quite surreal about sitting in the beautiful blue-tiled steam room, watching the scenery and water pass by outside.
For me, that sums up what made Hermes so special. You had all the adventure and wildlife of the Galápagos, but without having to compromise on comfort or luxury – and some wonderful places on board to simply stop and appreciate where you were.
What to Know Before You Go
One of the first decisions to make is how you get to the Galápagos. Flights to the islands operate from both Quito and Guayaquil, so either city can be used as your gateway.
Quito is undoubtedly the more interesting option if you want to add a few days exploring mainland Ecuador, with its historic centre, culture and spectacular Andean setting. However, it sits at around 2,850 metres (9,350 feet) above sea level, and the altitude can affect some visitors, particularly when first arriving.
Guayaquil, by contrast, is at sea level and is the more direct gateway to the Galápagos, with a shorter flight to the islands. For anyone concerned about altitude, that can make it the easier option.
This was actually one of the decisions we had to make when planning our own trip. Thankfully, we had visited Quito previously, so we didn't feel we were missing out by choosing Guayaquil and avoiding having to factor altitude and acclimatisation into this particular journey.
There are also some additional formalities for travelling to the Galápagos, including the Transit Control Card and biosecurity checks before departure. Hermes made this particularly straightforward for us, with assistance at the airport, but they are worth being aware of when planning your trip.
My Verdict: Is Hermes Worth It?
For me, 100% yes. There are clearly lots of different ways to explore the Galápagos, but I was so pleased with our choice of Hermes.
It ticked so many boxes, particularly for someone who didn’t want a traditional cruise or to travel with lots of other people. At the same time, it wasn’t so intimate that you felt you had to interact with the other guests all the time or join communal meals. You could be as sociable as you wanted to be – or simply enjoy the experience on your own.
Hermes got the balance just right: stylish without being overly formal, luxurious but incredibly relaxed, with excellent facilities on board and a fantastic range of activities when you headed ashore.
Most importantly, it never felt as though the catamaran was simply a means of getting from one island to another. Hermes became a big part of the experience itself – and I would happily choose it again.
Booking Hermes Galápagos with The Private Traveller
Having experienced Hermes and the Galápagos first-hand, I can help you decide whether it is the right choice for you, which itinerary best suits the time you have available, and how to build the wider trip around it – including flights, hotels and time in Ecuador before or after your sailing.
Booking through The Private Traveller also means you have someone who knows the experience personally, rather than simply choosing from a brochure. I can advise on the different suite options, what to expect on board and the practicalities of travelling to and around the Galápagos.
For families, groups of friends or special celebrations, I can also help arrange an exclusive full-catamaran charter of Hermes, giving you private use of the entire vessel for up to 20 guests. This offers a particularly special way to explore the Galápagos together, with the privacy and personalised service of your own luxury expedition catamaran.
Whether you're considering an individual suite, an exclusive charter or simply want to explore the best luxury options for experiencing the Galápagos, get in touch and I'd be delighted to help plan your trip.
Hermes Galápagos: Frequently Asked Questions
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Hermes carries a maximum of just 20 guests, which was one of the big attractions for me. It felt small, personal and relaxed, but importantly not so intimate that you felt you had to spend all your time with the other guests.
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Our suite was excellent – spacious, incredibly comfortable and with far more room than you might expect on a catamaran. We had plenty of storage, a small dressing area, minibar and a fantastic bathroom with both a Jacuzzi bath and large walk-in shower. The double suites average around 35 square metres, so these are proper rooms rather than traditional cruise cabins.
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Yes. The main suites have their own private balcony, which was another feature that made Hermes feel much more like a luxury hotel or yacht than a conventional cruise ship.
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A great deal is included. Accommodation, meals, excursions with naturalist guides, snorkelling equipment, wetsuits, kayaks and paddleboards are included, along with Wi-Fi, laundry, minibar, non-alcoholic drinks and a selection of wines, beers and cocktails. Airport assistance, the Galápagos National Park entrance fee and Transit Control Card are also currently included. Massages and certain premium drinks are additional.
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Excellent – and particularly impressive given the remoteness of the Galápagos. There was a buffet breakfast with additional hot choices, followed by full lunches and dinners. We also sometimes ate outside on the panoramic deck, and there were always snacks waiting when we returned from an activity.
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Excursions vary according to the itinerary, but ours included a really enjoyable mixture of exploring on foot and from the water. We had everything from beach walks and slightly longer hikes to snorkelling and exploring by canoe. Guided excursions and activities shown on your particular itinerary are included in the cruise fare.
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It can be as active as you want it to be. We generally had different opportunities to get off Hermes and explore each day, but there was no pressure to do everything. Some walks were a little more energetic than others, but we found everything very manageable.
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I wouldn't say you need to be particularly fit, based on our experience, although you do need to be reasonably mobile and comfortable getting in and out of tenders and walking on sometimes uneven terrain. You can also choose to miss an activity and stay on board if something doesn't suit you.
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I would concentrate on comfortable, lightweight clothing rather than anything particularly formal, along with good walking shoes or trainers, swimwear, sun protection and something you don't mind getting wet. Hermes provides snorkelling equipment and wetsuits, so you don't need to bring your own unless you particularly want to.
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The Galápagos really is a year-round destination, and the best time depends partly on what you want to see and do. December to May generally brings warmer water and calmer seas, while June to November is cooler, with nutrient-rich waters supporting particularly abundant marine life. We travelled in December and had a fantastic experience.
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You fly to the Galápagos from mainland Ecuador, generally via Quito or Guayaquil, before joining Hermes in the islands. We chose Guayaquil, partly because we had already visited Quito and didn't need to factor its altitude into this trip. Hermes also provided excellent assistance with the Galápagos airport formalities and again when we arrived at Baltra.
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Absolutely. I'm vegetarian and thought the food was excellent. My dietary requirements were extremely well catered for and never felt like an afterthought. Given how remote you are, I was particularly impressed by both the quality and variety.
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For me, 100% yes. Hermes isn't going to be the cheapest way to experience the Galápagos, but that isn't really what it is trying to be. For the combination of just 20 guests, excellent suites, food and service, fantastic facilities and the quality of the overall experience, I was extremely pleased we chose it.
Most importantly, it gave us exactly what we wanted: an incredible way to experience the Galápagos without feeling as though we were on a traditional cruise.
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You can book Hermes Galápagos through The Private Traveller. Having experienced Hermes first-hand, I can help you choose the right itinerary and suite, as well as plan the wider journey around your cruise – including flights, hotels and any time you would like to spend in mainland Ecuador.
If you are considering Hermes, or would simply like some advice on whether it is the right way for you to experience the Galápagos, get in touch with me and I would be delighted to help plan and book your trip.
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Yes. Hermes is available for exclusive private charter, accommodating up to 20 guests. A full-catamaran buyout is an excellent option for families, groups of friends or special celebrations who want to experience the Galápagos together. Through The Private Traveller, I can help arrange an exclusive charter and coordinate the wider trip, including flights, hotels and time in mainland Ecuador.
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Absolutely, and that was one of the reasons we chose Hermes. With a maximum of just 20 guests, spacious suites, excellent dining and plenty of places to relax, it felt much more like travelling aboard a private luxury yacht than a conventional cruise ship. The focus is firmly on exploring the Galápagos, with the comfort of Hermes to return to after each excursion.
Ready to Experience the Galápagos?
If Hermes sounds like your kind of way to explore the Galápagos, I’d be delighted to help plan your trip. Having experienced Hermes first-hand, I can advise on the right itinerary and suite, as well as arrange the wider journey around it.
Get in touch to start planning your Galápagos adventure.
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