Discover the unparalleled charm of the Galapagos Islands aboard the 10 best Galapagos catamarans that epitomize luxury and comfort. Immerse yourself in the essence of these remarkable islands as we present the most exquisite catamarans, meticulously chosen to offer an unmatched experience.
From lavish onboard accommodations to state-of-the-art facilities, expertly crafted itineraries, and a seasoned crew dedicated to ensuring your every need is met, these catamarans redefine luxury exploration in the Galapagos. Join us on a journey where the fusion of elegance and adventure aboard these exceptional catamarans creates indelible memories amidst the awe-inspiring landscapes of the Galapagos archipelago.
#1 Hermes
Ship: Slated to debut in 2025, Hermes is a mega 20-guest catamaran set to be one of the most luxurious Galapagos ships. With ultra-personalized service and superb amenities, you’ll be hard-pressed to leave.
Amenities: You’re invited to unwind in the cozy library, aperitif lounge and on the roomy sundeck. Pamper yourself by booking a massage or hammam service, or participate in the cooking and cocktail lessons offered on board. Plus, Hermes offers snorkeling equipment, wetsuits, kayaks and stand-up paddleboards for complimentary use.
Crew: Hermes is staffed by a team of 15 crew members, including one butler, one cruise director and two bilingual guides to make this a memorable journey.
Dining: Guided by a team of world-class chefs, fine dining takes center stage on board the Hermes. Fresh catches and tropical fruits are featured across an array of Ecuadorian and global dishes.
Rooms: Accommodations include 10 double and two single generously sized suites, situated on the main and upper decks of the vessel. Regardless of class, all suites are air-conditioned and equipped with ensuite bathrooms, walk-in closets, minibars, private balconies, jacuzzis and floor-to-ceiling windows that highlight your natural surroundings. Families have the option of booking interconnecting suites and the 24/7 butler service allows you to feel pampered in your home away from home.
Itineraries: If you’re short on time, Hermes offers four-day itineraries that give a comprehensive overview of the Galapagos Islands. These itineraries can include the eastern islands like San Cristóbal, Española and Floreana Islands, with time to visit landmarks like Tijeretas Hill and Cormorant Point. Hermes also offers options for five, seven and eight-day cruises, with an eight-day itinerary including points like Santa Cruz, Genovesa, Isabela, Fernandina and Santiago Islands.
Price: from 6,190 USD per person.
Ship: A brand new addition to the fleet in 2023, the 16-guest Galaxy Sirius offers the latest in modern luxury, culinary excellence and comfort. Its interiors are characterized by sleek white and neutral colored décor, exuding sophistication and a refined ambiance for passengers to enjoy.
Amenities: Spread over four decks, you’ll have a variety of social spaces to unwind in. Bask in the warm sunshine and 360° views as you relax on the sun deck or sip on handcrafted cocktails at the al fresco lounge. Or, access the complimentary snorkel gear, kayaks and paddle boards for a more fast-paced afternoon.
Crew: Nine enthusiastic crew members, one cruise director and two bilingual naturalist guides warmly welcome you on board.
Dining A team of experienced chefs lead the dining experience on board and skillfully present a selection of freshly caught seafood and indulgent meats across a range of Ecuadorian dishes. Top your meals off with a selection of decadent desserts.
Rooms: Nine air-conditioned cabins across two categories make up the accommodations on board. Select from the 17.08 m2 Double Matrimonials, which are equipped with a king-sized bed, or the 16.85 m2 Twin Cabins, which feature two single beds. No matter which you go for, you’ll be rewarded with a private balcony and large windows from which to savor the views.
Itineraries: Select from three different five and six-day itineraries when cruising with one of the most luxurious Galapagos ships. Journey to San Cristobal, Espanola, Floreana, Santa Fe and Santa Cruz Islands on the five-day itinerary, or travel south to Santa Cruz and around Isabela Island on one of the six-day itineraries. The third invites you to explore Santa Cruz, Rabida, Genovesa and San Cristobal Islands over the course of six days.
Price: from 4,800 USD per person.
Ship: Launched in 2007, this catamaran was remodeled in 2017 when it began service for Celebrity. Serving a maximum of 16 passengers at a time, this is the most exclusive of the cruise line’s three ships that visit the Galapagos Islands.
Amenities: The catamaran’s three passenger decks are home to a lounge where many naturalist briefings take place, a sun deck for taking in the natural surroundings, sunbathing or soaking in the hot tub, indoor and outdoor dining areas, two bars, a library and a lounge. You’ll also have complimentary access to kayaks for exploring the surrounding waters.
Crew: You’ll receive personalized attention and expert guidance from a team of 10 crew members and one certified naturalist guide.
Dining: Located on the main deck, the dining room serves buffet breakfast and lunch, while dinner can be a combination of buffet and a-la-carte. Meals can also be enjoyed al fresco beneath a shaded canopy with a side of views.
Rooms: On board Celebrity Xploration are eight stylish and luxurious staterooms, and you can select from two categories: Junior Suite and Elite Ocean View, which offers two convertible beds. Each accommodation is equipped with 300 thread count and 100% Egyptian cotton linens, as well as a pillow menu to ensure a good night’s rest. Large windows or a veranda highlight dramatic views of the volcanic islands.
Itineraries: Celebrity Xploration offers two eight-day itineraries that highlight the region’s wildlife, flora and fauna. The southern route travels from Baltra Island to Santa Cruz, Isabela, Floreana, San Cristobal and Española Islands. On the northern route, cruise from Baltra Island to Santa Cruz, Santiago Island, Bartholomew, Isabela Island, Fernandina, Santiago, Santa Cruz, Genovesa and North Seymour Islands.
Price: from 4,980 USD per person.
Ship: Built in 2023, the brand-new Cormorant II is a luxury mega-catamaran that caters to an exclusive group of 16 guests. With regular sailings throughout the year, Cormorant II delivers year-round adventures in a stylish and comfortable setting.
Amenities: Spread over four passenger decks, you’ll have access to a host of amenities during your downtime on the luxury catamaran. Soak up the views in the 180° view lounge, unwind in a variety of social areas like the saloon, dining room, bar and coffee station on the main deck, or head to the Jacuzzi on the sun deck for more outdoor time. For more active pursuits, visit the fitness area, equipped with a weight machine, exercise bikes and ample floor space for yoga and gentle stretches. Or, make use of the complimentary snorkeling equipment, wet suits, kayaks and paddle boards.
Crew: An enthusiastic team of 12 crew members, one cruise director and one bilingual guide welcome you on board, making this a nearly one-to-one guest-to-guide ratio for the most personalized experiences.
Dining: With an open seating plan, the onboard dining areas are equipped with eight-person tables to encourage meeting other travelers. While breakfast and lunch are served buffet style, dinners come plated for a more elegant affair. You can expect a wide array of refreshing juices, fruits, salads and desserts with every meal, whether you’re enjoying international or regional dishes.
Rooms: The nine well-appointed and air-conditioned suites onboard range in size from 32.8m² to the 62m² Premium Suites, which feature private Jacuzzis for the ultimate luxury. Each accommodation, regardless of category, is equipped with either one king bed or two convertible twin beds, plus a private balcony and panoramic windows so you never have to miss out on the views. Families and larger groups can consider the four interconnected suites.
Itineraries: Cormorant II offers four sailings, including four, five and eight-day options. The short and sweet four-day one explores San Cristobal, Española, Floreana and Santa Cruz Islands, while you can select from two eight-day itineraries. One explores the outer islands, including Santa Cruz, Isabela, Fernandina, Santiago, Bartholomew and North Seymour Islands, while the other eight-day itinerary focuses on the inner islands, including Santa Cruz, Genovesa, South Plaza, Santa Fe, San Cristobal, Española and Floreana Islands.
Price: from 5,150 USD per person.
Ship: Following the region’s strict regulations to generate clean energy and reduce waste, Endemic is a carbon-neutral catamaran and a top choice for eco-conscious passengers. With elegant exteriors and top-notch amenities, this 16-passenger luxury catamaran has been sailing the Galapagos since July 2018.
Amenities: Across the catamaran’s three decks, you’ll find a variety of indoor and outdoor spaces to relax in. Join others in the briefing area for lectures and to access books and videos on the region, or head to the sky deck, where you’ll find the Jacuzzi, inviting lounge chairs, a conveniently placed cocktail bar, an al fresco dining area and a barbecue station.
Crew: Your time on board one of the most luxurious Galapagos ships will be enriched by one knowledgeable guide and a crew of 12, including a cruise director and a professionally trained chef.
Dining: In the al fresco dining area on the sky deck, gorge on international and regional dishes crafted by a professional chef, which feature locally grown ingredients. While breakfast and lunch are served buffet style, dinner is a combination of à la carte and buffet. In between meals, visit the always-open coffee and snack bar to satiate your appetite.
Rooms: Accommodations consist of eight luxury and air-conditioned Golden Panoramic Suites, all of which feature either one king-sized bed or two twin beds. Each 32 m2 unit also boasts a small social area, workspace, sofabed and private balcony.
Itineraries: Endemic boasts six sailings to suit a host of preferences, including four, five, six and eight-day options. For a short four-day tour of the region’s highlights, visit Bartholomew Island, Floreana Island, Chinese Hat Islet and North Seymour and Santa Cruz Islands. The two eight-day itineraries offer a more comprehensive exploration of the region. While the western route focuses on the attractions of Isabela Island, the eastern route explores Santa Cruz, San Cristobal, Española, Santa Fe, South Plaza, Bartholomew, Floreana and North Seymour Islands.
Price: from 4,490 USD per person.
Ship: As a carbon-neutral ship, Elite boasts sophisticated water filtration systems and follows strict maintenance schedules to minimize pollution, making one of the most luxurious Galapagos ships also one of the top choices for eco-conscious travelers.
Amenities: A host of amenities are spread over the three floors of the catamaran. For an afternoon of tanning, soaking in the hot tub or lounging at the bar, head to the sky deck. Spend time in the library learning the region’s history, flora and fauna, or access the complimentary wet suits, fins and snorkeling equipment for an immersive afternoon.
Crew: Elite is staffed by a crew of 10, plus one cruise service officer and one bilingual guide.
Dining: Three wholesome meals are served each day, beginning with a buffet-style breakfast which includes a variety of options like pancakes, french toast, fruits, cheeses and freshly baked croissants. While lunch also follows a buffet-style plan, dinners are a formal affair and are served in the al fresco dining area, with meals crafted from fresh ingredients provided by local farms whenever possible.
Rooms: Featuring contemporary décor, eight Golden Suites and one single suite are spread across the main and upper decks to make up the catamaran’s accommodations. Ranging from 35 to 37 m2, each unit is equipped with one queen-sized or two single beds, an ensuite bathroom with a rainforest shower and a balcony and panoramic windows that provide endless views.
Itineraries: Select from four sailings, which range from four to eight days in length. The four-day itinerary travels the southern islands including San Cristobal, Española, Floreana Islands and Mosquera Islet while the eight-day sailings offer a more thorough exploration of the region. One focuses on the western and eastern islands and highlights spots like Sierra Negra Volcano and Arnaldo Tupiza Tortoise Breeding Center on Isabela Island. The other itinerary explores the southern and northern islands, with stops to see giant tortoises in the Highlands of Santa Cruz, as well as the Fausto Llerena Breeding Center.
Price: from 4,490 USD per person.
Ship: Built in 2018, Galapagos Horizon is billed as the first trimaran that was built in Ecuador, and the only luxury trimaran to date to sail the Galapagos. Boasting three hulls, the eco-friendly trimaran moves at a faster pace relative to catamarans, shortening travel time between islands while reducing fuel consumption.
Amenities: The lavish amenities on board include a generously sized indoor lounge, cozy bar, al fresco dining area and an inviting solarium where you’ll find the Jacuzzi and lounge chairs. You can also make use of the complimentary snorkeling equipment, wet suits, kayaks and paddleboards.
Crew: Nine enthusiastic crew members, one cruise director and one bilingual naturalist guide warmly welcome you on board one of the most luxurious Galapagos ships.
Dining: Led by internationally trained chefs, the menu highlights a mouthwatering variety of fresh fruits, vegetables and locally sourced poultry and seafood across a range of regional and international dishes.
Rooms: Eight elegantly styled double cabins occupy the main and upper decks. Ranging in size from 29 to 32 m2, all air-conditioned accommodations feature either a private balcony, a king-sized bed or two convertible twin beds. Its crisp, white linens are contrasted by dramatic artwork of the ocean and decor with bold shades of navy. The accommodations are completed with a small social area, a sofa bed, a desk and a closet.
Itineraries: This luxury trimaran offers four itineraries, including options for four, five and eight-day journeys. The four-day itinerary focuses on the eastern islands, visiting San Cristobal, Española and Santa Cruz Islands with the opportunity to spot colonies of sea lions at play at Lobos Island. An eight-day option explores the northern and eastern islands, with stops at San Cristobal, Española and Santa Cruz, Bartholomew, Santiago, Genovesa and North Seymour Islands while the other eight-day itinerary focuses on the western islands. You’ll spend two full days exploring Isabela Island, the largest of all the islands, visiting points like Tagus Cove and Moreno Point.
Price: from 4,050 USD per person.
Ship: Named after a critically endangered seabird endemic to the Galapagos, Petrel is a 16-guest luxury catamaran that was built in 2015 and renovated in 2019. Boasting a sustainable ethos, Petrel offers a luxurious cruise experience as a part of a fleet of carbon-neutral ships.
Amenities: Discover a blend of expansive indoor and outdoor areas across the catamaran’s three decks for your onboard relaxation. On the partially shaded sun deck, sip on handcrafted cocktails at the fully-stocked bar and savor meals in the al-fresco dining area. On the main deck, you’ll find an indoor dining area, a six-person whirlpool, a sunning area and several inviting lounge chairs. Join your naturalist guide for daily briefings on excursions in the briefing area and read up on the volcanic islands in the library, where you’ll also find a TV, stereo and laptops for your convenience. For more water-based fun, make use of the complimentary wet suits and fins, double kayaks and stand-up paddle boards.
Crew: Committed to providing unparalleled service on board, the team is made up of 10 crew members and one multilingual guide.
Dining: Featuring a variety of fresh and locally sourced fruits, vegetables, poultry and seafood, a team of expert chefs and kitchen staff prepare a mix of international and Ecuadorian dishes for every meal. Wholesome snacks are available all day for times you need to refuel in between.
Rooms: Two spacious 43 m2 master suites, four 30 m2 double staterooms and one 14 m2 single cabin make up the accommodations on board. Each well-appointed and air-conditioned unit boasts large picture windows, a private balcony, its own bathroom with biodegradable amenities and two convertible twin or one king-sized bed.
Itineraries: With six sailings, you can select from a variety of four, five, six and eight-day cruises on this luxury catamaran. The short and sweet four-day one focuses on the southern islands, visiting San Cristobal, Española, Floreana and Santa Cruz Islands. One of the two eight-day options focuses on the western and eastern islands, with multi-day visits to the highlights of Isabela Island plus Fernandina, Santa Cruz, South Plaza, Santa Fe and San Cristobal Islands. The other eight-day itinerary focuses on the northern and southern islands, including Genovesa Island for attractions like Darwin Bay and Prince Phillip’s Steps.
Price: from 3,670 USD per person.
Ship: Built in 2011, Ocean Spray catamaran boasts interiors characterized by neutral hues of gray, crisp white walls and wood panelling to create an ambiance of understated luxury. Committed to preserving the environment, Ocean Spray offsets its carbon emissions through CanopyCo, a local organization focused on the restoration of Ecuador’s forests.
Amenities: Explore the numerous amenities spread across the three decks of the luxury catamaran, which all invite you to unwind on board. Lounge in the chairs or Jacuzzi on the shaded sundeck, sip on a cocktail at the bar or read up on the region in the library. For a more fast-paced afternoon, make use of the kettlebells and dumbbells in the fitness area or embrace aquatic adventures with the kayaks, paddleboards and snorkeling equipment.
Crew: The dedicated team is made up of 10 crew members, one cruise director and one park-certified bilingual naturalist guide.
Dining: Gorge on a mouthwatering selection of international and regional cuisine on board each day. While breakfast and lunch are served buffet style with a spread of fresh fruits, yogurt, salads, meat and seafood dishes, dinners are a complete three-course affair, and highlight fresh and local produce where possible.
Rooms: Get a restful night’s sleep in one of nine air-conditioned Golden Staterooms on board. The eight double cabins and one single cabin are spread across the upper and main decks. While the single cabin is 15 m2 and the others 28 m2 in size, all come equipped with a private balcony, a large closet, a desk and sofa, plus either two twin beds or a plush king-size bed.
Itineraries: Ocean Spray offers six different sailings that range from four to eight days in length, all focused on different regions of the Galapagos. See the highlights on a four-day cruise and explore points like Lobos Island, Kicker Rock and Post Office Bay on San Cristobal, Floreana and Santa Cruz Islands. For longer sailings, go with one of two eight-day options, with the western route visiting Isabela, Fernandina, Santa Cruz, South Plaza, Santa Fe, Española and San Cristobal Islands, and the other itinerary visiting San Cristobal, Floreana, Santa Cruz, Genovesa and Santiago Islands.
Price: from 3,670 USD per person.
Ship: Built in 2017, Alya is one of the most luxurious Galapagos catamarans. Delivering personalized service and sporting three decks of lavish amenities and private balconies to highlight the views, you’ll feel pampered from start to finish.
Amenities: Unwind in a number of indoor and outdoor spaces across the catamaran’s three passenger decks. Sunbathe on the loungers, enjoy meals al fresco or soak in the Jacuzzi in the solarium. Head to the lounge, made lively with carefully curated contemporary artwork, and laze on the couches or peruse the cozy library before grabbing a drink at the next-door bar. For families, the lounge is also home to a toy library. Those in pursuit of more adventure can make use of the snorkeling equipment, wetsuits, kayaks and paddle boards.
Crew: An enthusiastic team of eight, plus one cruise director and one bilingual guide, welcome you on board.
Dining: With the dining program led by a professional chef, you’re invited to gorge on a rotating selection of international and regional cuisine each day, offered both buffet-style and à la carte. Adopting sustainable practices and prioritizing working with local vendors, the food on board is always fresh. In between, fuel up on snacks and hit the 24-hour coffee and tea station.
Rooms: Make your home away from home in one of nine cabins spread across the main and upper decks. Ranging from 18 m2 to 22 m2 in size, all well-appointed cabins feature an ensuite bathroom, either a king or two twin-sized beds and oversized windows that highlight dramatic views of the surroundings. All but one unit are equipped with a private balcony.
Itineraries: Select from three itineraries, which are five and six days in length. Travel to Santa Cruz, Genovesa, Santiago and Bartholomew Islands, with stops at Chinese Hat Islet and Mosquera Islet on the five-day sailing, or go for one of two six-day cruises. While one explores Isabela, Fernandina and Santiago Islands, the other visits North Seymour, South Plaza, Santa Fe, San Cristobal, Española and Floreana Islands.
Price: from 3,500 USD per person.
YES! I WANT TO HEAR FROM A GALAPAGOS CRUISE EXPERT