Petrel Galápagos Cruise

• THE luxury motor catamaran in Galápagos - newest in the Galápagos fleet, superb stability;
• 2 suites available for the ultimate in comfort;
• Sun deck with jacuzzi;
• Kayaks available.

Newest in the Fleet One of the newest vessels cruising in the Galápagos, the Motor Catamaran Petrel redefines luxury. Her modern design brings you state-of-the-art equipment and offers greater stability than traditional vessels, whilst providing you with levels of comfort and opulence not previously seen. Petrel will take you to wonderful settings smoothly, quietly and in grand style, her twin-hull design cutting through swells in a way that single-hull vessels can’t.

Stunning Decor With never more than 16 clients on board, Petrel’s 10-person crew ensures that you will receive unrivalled levels of service, and on-board Guest Manager Santiago has worked in some of the best hotel in South America and he will see to your every need. There are superb communal areas for relaxation and entertainment, including a fitness area and a library, and a beautiful dining room and sumptuous lounge. The beautiful upper-deck sun terrace features a jacuzzi and is home to the fully stocked bar featuring local beers and quality South American wines, as well as premium spirits. Although luxurious, the ambience aboard Petrel is friendly and relaxed - the perfect environment to relax in between your on-shore adventures.

Wonderful Food and Drink Food on board Petrel is a particular highlight. Chefs Adrian and David pride themselves on providing a superb variety of food and refreshments, including a signature hearty breakfast to ready you for your daily adventures. There’s lot of variety from classic Mediterranean cuisine to Ecuadorian favourites. Of course seafood is a speciality, and for lunches and dinners wonderful dishes like lobster and local ceviches always feature. Once or twice during your voyage you will enjoy an informal barbecue buffet lunch on the sun terrace - another fabulous touch that elevates Petrel above other vessels. For coffee lovers a high quality espresso/cappuccino machine is available at all times, and filtered ice and water are provided whenever you wish.

The Best Staterooms Private accommodation aboard Petrel sets a new standard for Galápagos. Every stateroom features a private balcony and stunning decor, complemented by the highest quality furnishings and equipment. For the ultimate in luxury choose one of the double suites, offering over 460 sqf of beautiful, light-filled space to call your own. All staterooms are equipped with modern, powerful showers and thoughtful touches abound such as quality hair dryers and beautiful toiletries.

At Your Service Every member of Petrel’s crew has been selected to ensure that your needs are catered for, and your safety and comfort are always their priority. Petrel’s resident bi-lingual National Park naturalists will help you to make the very most of everything you will see and experience of the region’s stunning wildlife. For truly unforgettable “up-close” adventures, Petrel also carries kayaks, wetsuits and snorkelling gear - snorkelling with sea lions is an experience not to be missed.

Our Comments The best way to see everything the Galápagos has to offer while travelling in total luxury, Petrel is one of the most sought-after boats on galapatours.com and recommended for those who value quality and the finer things in life. Petrel really does set a new standard for luxury in Galápagos, and we love the amazing size of the suites on board. The staff are superb and they make all their guests feel very special. Rarely for the Galápagos, this is a family-owned boat. Even rarer, Captain Camilo is a member of that family. He's been the skipper for 5 years and has a personal interest in everything running like clockwork. Looking after the clients is hotel manager Santiago, who tells us about his previous work in some of the best hotels in Quito. Chefs Adrian and David are well-travelled professionals and their repertoire is huge - everything from Ecuadorian specialities to Mediterranean classics and all in between.

At Galapatours we love and respect the pristine ecosystems and fascinating wildlife of the Galápagos Islands, and we insist that our cruise partners do too. To protect the archipelago all our cruise vessels must have sophisticated water filtration systems, modern efficient engines, and strict maintenance schedules to minimize pollution.

The Galápagos National Park authority also defines exact cruising routes that dictate which ships can visit highlights at specific times, as well as limiting passenger numbers. These measures ensure that animals and habitats are not disturbed by too many visitors.

But at Galapatours we like to go even further. We voluntarily offset all the CO2 emissions of every cruise we sell - at no cost to you. And you can also play your part by traveling responsibly and following our Eco Guidelines during your stay. Click here to find out more about these guidelines, our commitment to sustainable tourism, and the Galápagos National Park rules.

The food on our Galapágos Cruises is among the very best you will find in South America. Most of the on-board chefs are internationally trained and have prior experience working in the best hotels and restaurants in Ecuador and indeed around the world.

You can expect a first-class selection of food, including a good variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, locally sourced poultry and fish/seafood, rice and pasta dishes. Most boats will always include some typical Ecuadorian dishes on the menu during your cruise. If you have specific dietary requirements then these can usually be accommodated by the chef providing you have given advance notice. Please make sure you tell us about any allergies or dietary requirements you have at the time you book with us. If you leave it until you arrive at the dockside, then it may well be impossible to accommodate your needs.

Most boats serve a range of options at meal times in a relaxed buffet-style. At the first class and luxury end of the market, some boats have more formal dining where you will be served at your seat. However the atmosphere is always relaxed on board our cruises, and never stuffy or formal.