Hermes Galapagos Luxury Catamaran

Though ‘mega catamaran’ in name, Hermes has managed to achieve a truly intimate feel. While deck spaces are expansive, a boutique, small-ship feel is attained through sensitive design, a passenger limit of just 20, and a near 1:1 crew-to-passenger ratio. Highly personalised service is evident throughout your cruise, in no small part thanks to Hermes’ dedicated butler service. Always on-hand but never intrusive, they ensure your complimentary mini bar is regularly stocked, your massage is arranged for the time of your choosing, and your Jacuzzi bath and glass of wine are ready and waiting after a day of Galapagos adventures.

Dining forms a key part of a cruise on Hermes. Marking a refreshing shift from the sometimes rigid dining experience of classic expedition cruising, the culinary offering on board is fluid according to your preferences, but always impeccably executed. Lunch might be zingy ceviche and enticing appetisers, followed by prime cuts of beef or fresh seafood barbecued in front of you on the open-air cooking station. Evening meals shift to the elegant main deck restaurant, where à la carte menus designed by leading Ecuadorian chefs celebrate the freshest produce from land and sea. Carefully selected wines accompany every meal, and attentive bar service is available from morning to night. Pre-dinner cocktails are always a highlight, best enjoyed while listening to the naturalist guides deliver briefings on the adventures in store for the following day. The expeditions themselves range from nature walks across volcanic landscapes and wild beaches to snorkelling, paddle boarding, and small-group Zodiac nature safaris. All are carefully paced and designed to add greater insight to the astonishing wildlife and geological wonders that are present all around you.

ONBOARD FACILITIES:

• Butler service
• Outdoor Jacuzzi (plus private Jacuzzi bath in every suite)
• Sun deck with outdoor dining area, additional bar, and upper-level sun terrace
• Panoramic deck with sun terrace and forward-facing drinks area
• Restaurant with à la carte fine dining every evening
• Bar with premium selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks
• Air-conditioned indoor lounges with panoramic windows
• Library
• Wellness area with massage room and steam room
• Fitness room / small gym
• Kayaks
• Paddle boards
• Two state-of-the-art tenders

THINGS TO DO NEARBY:

• Snorkel with playful sea lions and discover an array of other colourful marine life
• Look for Galapagos inhabitants great and small on island landings, from giant tortoises to tiny lava lizards
• Take Zodiac safaris in search of blue-footed boobies, Galapagos penguins, and languid marine iguanas sunning themselves on the rocks
• Walk across otherworldly volcanic landscapes shaped by old lava flows
• Go kayaking or paddle-boarding through pristine bays that were once frequented by pirates