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Eastern Galápagos - Hermes
Dive into a Galápagos adventure where volcanic landscapes, rare wildlife, and turquoise waters blend into an unforgettable journey through nature's most extraordinary playground.
SPECIAL OFFER
TBA*
ECO SCORE
20
PASSENGERS
8
DAYS
3/5
ACTIVITY LEVEL
Galápagos: Drink It In
Welcome Aboard the
Hermes
Embark on an unforgettable Galápagos journey that begins on Santa Cruz Island, where the lush highlands reveal the secrets of ancient volcanic formations and the majestic giant tortoises that roam freely. Rábida's striking red sands and Bartolomé's dramatic volcanic peaks invite you to snorkel among penguins and sea lions in crystal-clear waters. On South Plaza and Santa Fé Islands, stroll through enchanted cactus forests. San Cristóbal Island offers breathtaking vistas and close encounters with vibrant marine life.
On Española Island, bask on the powdery sands and witness the mesmerizing dance of albatrosses. Floreana Island entices with emerald and white beaches, playful sea lions, and the curious tradition of Post Office Bay. The journey concludes at the Charles Darwin Research Station, where you'll glimpse the future of conservation efforts, leaving you with memories as timeless as the Galápagos itself.
- • Explore the underground lava tunnels on Santa Cruz Island, some stretching over 1 km, offering a surreal journey through ancient volcanic formations.
• Witness the rare spectacle of waved albatrosses nesting and performing their courtship dance on Española Island, a remarkable bird watching experience.
• Enjoy first class service on this opulent mega-yacht, featuring decadent local cuisine, top notch guidance from a team of experts, and luxurious amenities.
Travel Curator’s Insights:
SPECIAL OFFER:
Rates:
From $12,995 per person
Policies and protocols provided before you book.
Departs every other Thursday, year-round.
Inquire with your preferred dates.
Year-round departures;
Hover here for specific dates.
Departures:
Trip Sustainability Awards
CARBON
Fantastic advances in minimizing carbon footprints at locations.
ENERGY
On the East African Energy Renewal Board
EDUCATION
Runs local educational facilities for children.
Itinerary
Day 1: Baltra Airport / Santa Cruz Island
Transfer to the boat to meet the guide and get on board. In the afternoon, enjoy the highlands. Visit a tortoise ranch and see some of the amazing volcanic formations on Santa Cruz.
Santa Cruz Highlands Excursion (PM)
Visit the highlands of Santa Cruz and see the Galápagos giant tortoise in its natural surroundings. Explore the area and its incredible underground lava tunnels – some are more than 1km (.6 mi) long! Wander along the volcanic tubes and keep an eye out for the (mainly) nocturnal barn owls that sometimes roost here.
Day 2: Rábida Island / Bartolomé Island
This morning we will have an excursion to Rábida, with its unique reddish landscape, to see a lagoon and a sea lion colony. Continue to Bartolomé for a guided tour to see the dramatic volcanic features before hiking to a panoramic viewpoint.
Rabida Island Excursion (AM)
Arrive at a red sand beach at Rábida to explore its trails. A short trail leads to a saltwater lagoon; another trail goes past the lagoon to the interior, where the revered palo santo trees grow. (When burned, the branches of this tree give off a pleasing aroma and ward off mosquitoes.) Head back to the beach to see prehistoric-looking pelicans nesting among low-lying bushes – it's a rare treat to watch parent pelicans return with gullets full of fish for the squawking youngsters.
Snorkeling (Isla Rábida) (AM)
Take a panga ride from the beach to a cliff wall that drops off into the water to find one of the best deep-water snorkeling spots in the islands.
Bartolomé Island Landing (PM)
Hike to Bartolomé's summit for a stronger perspective of the islands' not-too-distant volcanic origins, and enjoy a panoramic view – it’s one of the best among the islands! See other Galápagos Islands in the distance as well as Pinnacle Rock, the island’s famous towering landmark.
Snorkeling (Bartolomé Island) (PM)
Take the opportunity to swim and snorkel around Pinnacle Rock, one of the most iconic volcanic rock formations on the islands. Home to Galápagos penguins, friendly sea lions, sea turtles, and a huge variety of fish, Bartolomé and its surrounding waters are a fantastic place to explore the natural wonders of the Galápagos.
Day 3: Islas Plaza / Santa Fé Island
Land at South Plaza in the morning for wildlife spotting opportunities and a walk through the cactus forest. In the afternoon, take a guided walk around Santa Fé to observe wildlife and plentiful marine iguanas.
South Plaza Island Visit (AM)
Visit South Plaza, one of the smallest islands in the Galápagos, which has one of the largest populations of land iguanas. Walk along a path through a cactus forest and view a combination of dry and coastal vegetation on this lively island, home to a wide range of fauna, including incredible birdlife. Spot red-billed tropicbirds and indigenous swallow-tailed gulls resting on the cliffs, and sea lions playing in the waters.
Sante Fé Hiking (PM)
Lace up your hiking boats to explore the island's flora and fauna. Trek toward the cliffs along the island's northern shore to see a forest of giant prickly pear cacti (Opuntia). See endemic land iguanas lounging in their favorite forest, and feasting on Opuntia pads and fruit.
Day 4: Punta Pitt / Cerro Brujo
Morning landing at Punta Pitt on San Cristóbal Island to observe the marine iguanas and seabirds along the beach and enjoy a snorkeling excursion. In the afternoon, we land at Cerro Brujo to observe the sea lions, marine iguanas, and seabirds along the beach.
Punta Pitt Visit (AM)
Enjoy amazing wildlife watching and interesting geological formations on this fascinating expedition. Arrive at a quiet cove on the eastern tip of San Cristóbal to explore Punta Pitt. Made up of volcanic tuff substrate, it's the only site in the Galápagos where it's possible to see three species of boobies and two species of frigatebirds.
Snorkeling (Punta Pitt) (AM)
Snorkel around Punta Pitt Island and spot schools of fish swimming below. On the shore admire the nesting birds and sun bathing sea lions.
Cerro Brujo Visit (PM)
Visit Cerro Brujo to explore its coastline, and look for wildlife on the beach, in the water, and in the air. Learn about the human and natural history of the area. Take a refreshing dip in the turquoise water, and head out on a short walk to a freshwater lagoon – a great place to see flamingos.
Day 5: Lobos Island / Tijeretas/Interpretation Center
In the morning, visit Isla Lobos and be greeted by sea lions frolicking in the waves and a small colony of blue-footed boobies. In the afternoon, visit Tijeretas, a great viewpoint and our first wildlife encounter. Learn about the origins of the Galápagos at the Interpretation Center.
Isla Lobos Visit (AM)
Explore this tiny island by foot and boat for some great wildlife encounters. Take a panga ride to view the sea and shore birds nesting and feeding. Spot a small colony of blue-footed boobies as well as two species of sea lions.
Snorkeling (Isla Lobos) (AM)
Snorkel right off the beach at peaceful Isla Lobos, amid the families of sea lions and their inquisitive pups looking to play. Spot nesting frigate birds and the famous blue-footed boobies resting on the shore. Be sure to bring your camera to catch some snaps at this prime wildlife watching haven.
Interpretation Center Visit (PM)
Learn about the history of the Galápagos Islands from the very beginning of their volcanic origins through to today’s conservation efforts. Tour the Human History exhibit to learn about the islands’ discovery and colonization, and discover the natural history and variety of flora and fauna that make the Galápagos so fascinating.
Tijeretas Hill (PM)
This hill bears its name thanks to the frigate birds as “Tijeretas” is how people locally call them. Here we will enjoy a great view of beautiful landscapes at the foot of a frigate bird nesting colony.
Day 6: Bahía Gardner / Punta Suárez
Enjoy the day on Española Island, one of the oldest in the archipelago. Visit the white sandy beach of Gardner Bay and the bird colonies of Punta Suárez.
Arriving at Gardner Bay in the morning, spend the day exploring on shore and snorkeling at Gardner Island in the bay. After lunch, sail to the western side of the islands to Punta Suárez, known for its amazing bird colonies and home to the waved albatross (April and December).
Gardner Bay Visit (AM)
Visit Gardner Bay's magnificent white sandy beach, home to sea lions and sea birds. Be sure to explore the beautiful turquoise water and its incredible sea life. Spot young sea lions and large schools of surprisingly big tropical fish, including yellow-tailed surgeonfish, king angelfish, and bump-head parrot fish.
Snorkeling (Gardner Bay) (AM)
Head to Tortuga Rock and Gardner Bay for a spectacular snorkeling experience. Spot playful young sea lions and large schools of tropical fish, including yellow-tailed surgeonfish, king angelfish, and bump-head parrot fish. Look for white-tipped reef sharks napping on the bottom.
Punta Suárez Visit (PM)
Visit Punta Suárez, one of most rich wildlife landing sites in the Galápagos. Be greeted by surfing young sea lions on arrival. Head to the trail to find many species of nesting seabirds, and, if lucky, see the waved albatross. Follow the path up to a cliff for great views over the ocean, and watch sea birds gliding in the wind.
Day 7: Cormorant Point / Floreana Island
Land at Punta Cormorant on Floreana. Guided walks to observe the bird and wildlife and learn about the natural history. Snorkeling excursion at Champion Islet. Visit Post Office Bay.
Punta Cormorant Visit (AM)
Visit Punta Cormorant, the only landing site on Floreana Island, and discover two amazingly different beaches: one with green sand, coloured by olivine crystals, and another with white sand particles known as 'Flour Beach'. Spend the afternoon observing flamingos and other shore birds feeding in the lagoon. Spot penguins and marine iguanas at the water’s edge, and explore the lava tubes.
Snorkeling (Champion Islet) (AM)
Jump on in and get up close and personal with the playful sea lion colony that resides in the waters off this tiny island. Keep an eye out for sea turtles, rays and colorful fish swimming by. There can be currents in this area, this activity should be done by strong swimmers only.
Post Office Bay Visit (PM)
Visit Post Office Bay and learn about its unique history. In the late 18th century, English whaling vessels placed a barrel here to be used as a post office. Today, the box is used mainly by tourists, who may drop off and pick up unstamped letters to be carried to far destinations. Continue the tradition – leave a letter and take one to deliver (be sure it makes it to the correct location)
Day 8: Charles Darwin Station / Airport
Disembark in Puerto Ayora and visit the Charles Darwin Research Station to see the giant Galápagos tortoises. Fly back to the mainland from Baltra airport.
Charles Darwin Research Station Visit (AM) (45 m)
Visit Fausto Llerena Breeding Center, a great place to observe many species of tortoises and land iguanas in captivity. Brought back from the brink of extinction, see the famous Galápagos tortoise up close – a corral houses adult tortoises, and a nursery cares for the young until around age three when their shells have hardened.
This area also houses the Charles Darwin Research Station, a scientific organization initiated in 1964, which works to preserve the Galápagos' ecosystem through the conservation efforts of scientists, researchers, and volunteers. While the offices themselves are not open to visitors, the research station provides a study location for international scientists and environmental education for the local community.
Hermes
Hermes Mega Catamaran is the first Ultra-Luxury Cruise to sail in the Galápagos Islands. With a guest capacity capped at 20 guests maximum, Hermes provides an unrivaled experience through exclusivity, high end amenities and a crew to guest ratio of almost 1 to 1. Onboard Hermes you can experience the intimacy of a small vessel without compromising the amenities of a larger cruise ship.
All of our Suites feature their own private balconies and private jacuzzi overlooking the ocean. Enjoy a beverage from our premium beverage menu, complimentary during your stay. Relax after a day of discovery in the islands with the pampering of our butler service or from purification in our Hammam with views to stunning Galápagos’ landscapes.
• Capacity: 20 guests
• Cabins: 12 cabins
• Specialists: Highly credentialed naturalists & guides, nearly 1:1 guest to staff ratio.
ACHIEVEMENTS
2024 Trip Advisor Travelers’ Choice Award
"The Hermes delivers a high-end experience as it glides through one of the world’s most extraordinary natural wonders. Her elegant suites offer both comfort and privacy, and the spacious public areas invite camaraderie among passengers. The onboard spa adds a touch of indulgence, and the dining is top-notch. With a first class crew and personalized service, the Hermes is the perfect choice for those who seek both adventure and uncompromised luxury in the Galápagos."
Wild Nectar
Life On Board
Deck Plan
Click to enlarge
Questions?
Rates
Pamper yourself on this brand new luxury yacht determined to be more stylish than any other ship in the Galápagos. This seasoned operator has worked hard to finally launch this stunning new vessel. Choose Hermes for combining the inspiring animals of the Galápagos with over the top luxury.
Joy Martinello, Founder
Questions?
What’s Included & Cancellation Policy:
WHAT'S INCLUDED:
Accommodation in double cabin; Fuel Surcharge; All activities and excursions as depicted in the itineraries in company of a bilingual naturalist guide; Snorkeling equipment; Kayak; Wetsuits; Stand up Paddle Board; Cooking and cocktail demonstrations; Internet; All meals on board; Purified water, tea, coffee; Non – alcoholic beverages; Selected menu premium wines, beer and cocktails; Laundry service; Mini bar consumption; Butler service; Assistance at the airport for flight to Galápagos on departure dates; National Park Entrance Fee ($6 Ecuadorians / $100 Foreigners); Galápagos Control Transit $20; Access to Galápagos airport VIP Area.
NOT INCLUDED:
Air ticket to and from Galápagos; Gratuities to guides and crew; Personals expenses; Alcoholic drinks not included in menu selection; Travel insurance.
