Southern Islands Galápagos Cruise
4 Days Galápagos cruise on board the Hermes
Length
4 Days
Ship category
Luxury
Ship type
Motor Catamaran
Capacity
20 passengers Passengers
Southern Islands Galápagos Cruise
Trip highlights
Enjoy the day on Española Island, one of the oldest in the archipelago.
Visit Gardner Bay's magnificent white sandy beach, home to sea lions and sea birds.
Visit Punta Suárez, one of most rich wildlife landing sites in the Galápagos.
Visit Fausto Llerena Breeding Center a great place to observe many species of tortoises and land iguanas in captivity.
The Galapatours experience
First Ultra-Luxury Cruise to sail in the Galapagos Islands
High end amenities and a crew to guest ratio of almost 1 to 1
A transformational journey aboard experienced through a signature menu, cooking and cocktail lessons.
Private balconies and private jacuzzi overlooking the ocean
Embark on an extraordinary 4-day journey with Hermes Galapagos Cruise:
Begin your adventure on San Cristóbal Island, where you'll catch an early flight and immerse yourself in the breathtaking landscapes of Tijeretas Hill. Here, marvel at panoramic views and encounter frigate birds nesting along the coast. Continue your exploration at the Interpretation Center, delving into the rich history and ecological significance of the Galápagos Islands.
Next, set sail for Gardner Bay on Española Island, home to a pristine white sandy beach teeming with sea lions and sea birds. Spend the morning basking in the sun and snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters, encountering a diverse array of marine life, including colorful tropical fish and curious sea lions. In the afternoon, venture to Punta Suárez, where you'll witness breathtaking bird colonies and have the chance to spot the iconic waved albatross (April and December).
On day three, discover the wonders of Floreana Island, starting with a visit to Punta Cormorant. Explore its unique green and white sand beaches, home to nesting flamingos and playful marine iguanas. Dive into the azure waters of Champion Islet for an unforgettable snorkeling experience, where you'll swim alongside playful sea lions and colorful reef fish. End your day at Post Office Bay, where you'll learn about its fascinating history as a traditional mail drop-off point for sailors.
Conclude your journey with a visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station in Puerto Ayora, where you'll have the opportunity to see giant Galápagos tortoises up close and learn about ongoing conservation efforts. Bid farewell to the enchanting Galápagos Islands as you depart from Baltra Airport, carrying with you memories of an unforgettable adventure.
Join us aboard HERMES for a once-in-a-lifetime exploration of the Galápagos archipelago.
Your ship: Hermes
At Galapatours, we proudly introduce the Hermes Mega Catamaran, setting the standard for ultra-luxury cruising in the Galapagos Islands. As the first of its kind, Hermes promises an exclusive experience, limiting guest capacity to a maximum of 20 individuals, ensuring an unparalleled journey characterized by intimacy, high-end amenities, and an extraordinary crew-to-guest ratio, with nearly one crew member for each guest.
One of the standout features of the Hermes is its commitment to providing an incredibly personalized experience. With a maximum of 20 guests on board, each guest benefits fr … Read more about Hermes
Cabins
Amenities
Snorkel gear (free of charge)
Library
English guide
Wetsuits
All meals
Transfers to and from ship
Travel for good: Your Each booking contributes to Ventura’s Conservation Project.
Air conditioning & private bathroom
Kayaks on board
Spa
Sundeck with jacuzzi
Internet/Wifi
Alcoholic Beverages included
100$ Galapagos NP Entrance Fee included
Butler Service
Laundry service
Water, Coffee, Tea & fresh juices
Standup paddle boards
Private Balcony
Food & Drinks
Indulge in an exquisite culinary journey aboard the Hermes Catamaran. A fusion of Ecuadorian and international cuisine awaits, curated by a renowned Ecuadorian chef. Guests not only savor signature dishes but also engage in cooking lessons, bringing a hands-on and personalized aspect to their gastronomic experience.
Map
Itinerary
Your itinerary below may vary, depending on the weather, wildlife breeding, and local conditions.
Pre-trip add-ons
Day 1
AM
Arrival at San Cristóbal airport+transfer to ship
San Cristóbal • Arrival at San Cristóbal airport+transfer to ship
Welcome to Galápagos! Once your flight has landed and you went through the immigration process, you'll be met in the Arrivals lounge by our English-speaking guide who will take you to your transfer vehicle for the short journey to your waiting ship.
San Cristobal is home to the official capital city of the Galápagos, Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, and one of the archipelago's 2 airports. We don't know of any other airport where jet airliners land that is within walking distance of the town it serves, as is the case here on San Cristobal - you can stroll to the centre of town from the terminal in 15 minutes!
Once on board your ship, you will be introduced to the crew and given a welcome briefing as well as an important safety drill. After this you'll be shown to your cabin. While you're served a well-deserved and delicious lunch, the captain will cast off and your adventure truly starts.
Note: If you are already in San Cristóbal before the cruise and want to meet the group there, please let us know. This is no problem at all and the transfer from Puerto Baquerizo Moreno and back couldn't be easier.
Day 1
PM
Tijeretas Hill
San Cristóbal • Tijeretas Hill
Translated, this is "Frigatebird Hill", and it's well named! This is a place where both endemic species of frigatebird, the Great Frigatebird and the Magnificent Frigatebird, share a colony.
The hill itself offers a wonderful view of Wreck Bay to the south and to Kicker Rock to the west, but it also provides the perfect opportunity for your Galapatours guide to tell you more about the two species of frigatebird to be found in Galápagos, and how you can tell them apart. There's also a range of native plant species here.
The beach at the bottom of the hill is a nice place to relax, and the waters here are safe for swimming and snorkeling - perfect for cooling off after your climb!
Day 2
AM
Gardner Bay
Española • Gardner Bay
Gardner Bay is a wonderfully sheltered area on the eastern shore of Espanola Island. It boasts one of the best beaches in the Galápagos, with superb white sand. There is nowhere better on the archipelago to simply sit back, relax, and take in the marvels of the wildlife around you.
The beach here is home to a large colony of Galápagos Sea Lions, who seem to love sunbathing on the beach as much as we humans do! As well as the fun-loving Sea Lions you can also find Galápagos Mockingbirds here. These birds are full of curiosity, and have been known to come and investigate bootlaces, camera straps and other equipment!
The wonderful Galápagos Green Sea Turtle can also often be seen in the shallows here, and along with a large variety of colorful reef fish, this makes Gardner Bay a great place to swim and snorkel.
Day 2
PM
Suarez Point
Española • Suarez Point
Suarez Point is on the western tip of Espanola and is one of the most wildlife-packed of all the visitor sites in the Galápagos. After a wet landing on a beach that's frequented by Galápagos Sea Lions you can enjoy a 2 mile hike along a trail that will take you up around the cliffs.
The range of wildlife on show here is simply stunning. This is a great place to view the remarkable Galápagos Blue-Footed Booby as well as their cousins the Nazca Booby. You can also see the rare Waved Albatross at Suarez Point, where they use the cliff tops to launch themselves into the air over the ocean.
Another famous natural feature here is the blowhole. This geological formation funnels the incoming waves into a chamber where it gets compressed and then the air and seawater are forced out at great speed, making a spectacular plume of water shoot high into the air.
Day 3
AM
Cormorant Point
Floreana • Cormorant Point
Cormorant Point is on the northern tip of Floreana, and you'll land on a beach that sits between two volcanic cones. The sand on one of the beaches here has a noticeably olive-green color. This is due to a much higher than usual concentration of olivine crystals in the sand. Another beach is made up mainly of coral sand and is almost a brilliant white in comparison.
This Galápagos site has a large lagoon which is favored by flamingos, their pink coloring contrasting with the green sand. There is some good snorkeling here, and you can often spot rays in the shallows. There is a one mile hike available that takes you to higher ground and provides great views over the lagoon, and to both beaches on either side of the Point.
Day 3
PM
Post Office Bay
Floreana • Post Office Bay
Floreana, like several of the Galápagos Islands, has a history of whaling. During voyages of many months, whaling ships would call here to replenish stocks of food and water, and the sailors were often keen to send news to loved ones that they were still safe. A tradition grew up here where sailors would leave a letter addressed home, hopeful that a ship heading back to port would pick it up and deliver it for them. This tradition of leaving letters and cards, and picking up others addressed to your home port meant that the location of this letter drop became known as "Post Office Bay".
Decades later, the unofficial Floreana post office is still very active - why not leave a card of your own, or see if you could take one back to your home town for someone else?! As well as this charming tradition, Post Office Bay boasts a pleasant beach, and there is a short hiking trail down to a cave, which is actually a lava tube that runs down to the sea.
You will also have the opportunity to take a Panga through some of the nearby coves and mangroves from which you could see sharks, rays, and sea lions swimming around you.
Day 4
AM
Charles Darwin Research Station
Santa Cruz • Charles Darwin Research Station
The world famous Charles Darwin Research Center is just a 10 minute walk from downtown Puerto Ayora, and is the home of the non-profit Charles Darwin Foundation.
Inside, you'll find exhibits about the geography, geology and climate of the Galápagos, and the evolution of her unique species. There is also lots of information on the Foundation's current conservation and education programs.
As well as conducting it's own key research, the Charles Darwin Center also hosts international scientists, and supports the work of government agencies like the Galápagos National Park.
Next door is the site of the Galápagos' first giant tortoise breeding center, where pioneering work has been done since 1965 for the preservation of these species. Here you can see newly hatched babies, up to juveniles and full-grown adults ready to be released back into the wild.
Day 4
PM
Transfer to Baltra airport
Baltra • Transfer to Baltra airport
Your Galápagos adventure ends with the arrival of your ship back at Baltra Island. After what many guests describe as an emotional goodbye to your ship and its crew, you'll board the transfer vehicle that will take you on the short journey to the airport in plenty of time for your flight back to the mainland.
Baltra airport serves both Guayaquil or Quito, and we can arrange flights that fit best with your onward plans - particularly if you are continuing a South America tour. Speak to one of our travel experts as we are often able to beat even internet pricing on flights to and from Galápagos.
Note: If you plan to spend a few days in Galápagos after your cruise this is no problem at all. Just let us know and we will arrange for the logistics. The transfer from Baltra to Puerto Ayora, for example, is very easy.
Post-trip add-ons
Dates & Prices
When do you want to travel?
From
Until
Info
Availability
Price
28
Apr
2025
1
May
2025
From
USD 6,195
28
Apr
2025
1
May
2025
From
USD 6,195
12
May
2025
15
May
2025
From
USD 6,195
12
May
2025
15
May
2025
From
USD 6,195
26
May
2025
29
May
2025
From
USD 6,195
26
May
2025
29
May
2025
From
USD 6,195
9
Jun
2025
12
Jun
2025
From
USD 6,195
9
Jun
2025
12
Jun
2025
From
USD 6,195
23
Jun
2025
26
Jun
2025
From
USD 6,195
23
Jun
2025
26
Jun
2025
From
USD 6,195
7
Jul
2025
10
Jul
2025
From
USD 6,195
7
Jul
2025
10
Jul
2025
From
USD 6,195
21
Jul
2025
24
Jul
2025
From
USD 6,195
21
Jul
2025
24
Jul
2025
From
USD 6,195
4
Aug
2025
7
Aug
2025
From
USD 4,337
USD 6,195
4
Aug
2025
7
Aug
2025
From
USD 4,337
USD 6,195
18
Aug
2025
21
Aug
2025
From
USD 6,195
18
Aug
2025
21
Aug
2025
From
USD 6,195
1
Sep
2025
4
Sep
2025
From
USD 6,195
1
Sep
2025
4
Sep
2025
From
USD 6,195
Preferred date unavailable? Contact us
Info
Single Cabin Supplement
When booking online, you can choose the option to "Upgrade to single occupancy". This will guarantee you the whole cabin to yourself, for an additional fee. If you don't select this option, then another traveler of the same sex might be placed into the same cabin with you.
What's included
All meals onboard (International and Ecuadorian Cuisine with signature menus). Almost all dietary requirements can be catered for with advance notice - please ask us about your needs.
Snorkeling sessions - whenever possible and allowed by the National Park & Wetsuits
Stand Up Paddleboard
Kayaking
Extensive Zodiac Rides to explore the shorelines and mangrove forests from close up.
All transport to and from the ship: Pick-up by your guide directly from the airport (if you arrive at the first day) and drop-off by your guide directly to the airport (if you leave on the last day).
English-speaking naturalist guides with you at all times during the excursions.
Briefings in the evening, during which your guide will explain what you can expect from your next day.
Lectures in the evenings about a variety of topics, including Geology, Marine Biology, Natural History, Human History, and more.
Entry costs to museums, research stations, breeding stations, etc.
Your booking contributes to our Conservation Project.
Butler Service
Laundry Service
National Park Entrance Fee & Transit Control Card
Mini Bar
Unpacking Service
Access to Galápagos Airport VIP Lounge
Satellite Internet
Hamman Use
Alcoholic and Non-alcoholic Beverages from Selected Menu
Cocktail & Cocktail Lessons
What's not included
Drinks not included in the menu
International Flights
Local Flights
Gratuities
Credit Card charges may apply
A fuel surcharge may apply at a later stage. More info
The ship operator may charge a fee if you don't book your flights to and from Galápagos through them. More info
Credit Card charges may apply
A fuel surcharge may apply at a later stage. More info
The ship operator may charge a fee if you don't book your flights to and from Galápagos through them. More info
Massage Treatments
Travel Insurance
Single Supplement
Personal Expenses
FAQs
Are their any customs restrictions for travel to Galapagos?
Under Ecuadorian law, if you are only temporarily visiting the Galápagos then you are exempted from the requirement to pay any customs charges on items that you are bringing in to the country. This includes new or used portable electronics such as cameras, laptops, music players, etc.
You MUST NOT bring any agricultural or plant materials or any unprocessed food products to the islands. To avoid problems at customs and bag check we suggest only traveling to Galápagos with pre-wrapped snack products such as chocolate bars, etc. Food is plentiful and freshly cooked on your Galapatours cruise, with a wide range of choice on offer to suit all tastes - you really don't need to bring anything with you!
Do I need a visa to go to Galápagos?
As the Galapagos Islands are part of Ecuador, and all flights to the Galapagos depart from mainland Ecuador, you will need to enter Ecuador first.
Entering Ecuador: Every traveler is responsible for checking the individual visa requirements for their nationality. We recommend using https://www.passportindex.org/ to find out if you need a visa for Ecuador. At the time of writing, U.S. citizens do not need to apply for a visa beforehand. Similarly, visitors from the UK, Germany, and most other European countries do not require a visa for the Galapagos Islands. Upon entering the country, you will be given a visa stamp that permits you to stay in Ecuador for up to 90 days. This also applies to many other countries, but please verify the current visa regulations yourself before booking any tickets. In any case, your passport must be valid for at least six more months from the date of entry into Ecuador. You will also need to show proof of onward or return travel out of Ecuador to customs and immigration officials upon arrival; this can be a return or onward airline ticket. If you do not meet these requirements, you may not be allowed to enter the country.
Entering Galapagos: To enter Galápagos, the first official requirement is a valid Ecuadorian tourist visa stamp in your passport - this should have been issued to you upon arrival to mainland Ecuador.
What are the entry requirements for Galápagos?
This is a multi-layered question, that we have tried to answer in various articles. Please click on the corresponding links to learn more about the different topics. To recap:
- Passport & Visa: Tourists visiting the Galapagos Islands must have a valid passport and, in most cases, can obtain a visa upon arrival in Ecuador. Click here to read more.
- Luggage Check: When leaving Ecuador's main land, tourists' luggage will be checked for restricted items by the Tourist Control and Certification (TCC) to ensure the preservation of the islands' unique environment and wildlife. This check costs 20USD and is done at the airport in Quito or Guayaquil, before checking in for your flight to Galapagos.
- Entrance Fee: A Galapagos National Park entrance fee must be paid upon arriving in Galapagos.
- Travel Insurance: A travel insurance that covers emergency evacuation and medical expenses. is highly recommended, and even obligatory on board of some ships.
- Vaccinations: At the following link you can find out more about vaccinations for a Galápagos trip.
What is the Galápagos National Park Entrance Fee?
The Galápagos National Park Entrance fee is levied on all visitors to the islands. For foreign visitors, the entry fee is currently 100 USD per person (50 USD for children under 12 years old), but will be increased to 200 USD per person (100 USD for children) from 1 August 2024 onwards. If you are a citizen of a country in South America you might pay less, check here for more information.
Important: This fee must be paid, in cash, at the airport of arrival. If you do not pay, you will not be allowed to leave the terminal - so please make sure you have the means to pay the Galápagos entrance fee! Therefore, the payment of this entrance fee is indispensable to take part in a Galapagos cruise.
The entrance fees collected will be allocated to various local entities to support sustainability and community development in the Galápagos Islands. The proceeds are split between several important institutions as follows:
- 40% to the Galápagos National Park
- 20% to Galápagos Municipalities
- 10% to the National Institute
- 10% to Galápagos Province Local Government
- 5% to the National Navy
- 5% to the Ministry of Environment
- 5% to Quarantine and Pest Control
- 5% to the Galápagos Marine Reserve
For more information about the entrance fee structure and the distribution of funds, please visit the official website of the Galápagos National Park Administration.
What is the SICGAL baggage check?
To protect the vulnerable and unique Galapagos habitats and wildlife, no non-native plant or animal species must be allowed to arrive on the archipelago. SICGAL is the government department responsible for ensuring the islands are protected in this way.
After you have received your TCT/TCC card at the airport in Ecuador, you should proceed to the SICGAL booth. There you will be asked to fill out a form and may have your luggage examined.
To make sure you don't have any trouble here, please do not attempt to travel with any foods other than small quantities of pre-wrapped snack items like chocolate bars or similar, and certainly don't have any plants or plant materials in your bags. Once checked, you will receive an approval label to attach to your bags, and you can then make your way to your airline check in.
How long does it take to get to the Galápagos Islands?
Galapagos boasts two airports on Baltra and San Cristóbal Islands, offering daily flights from Quito and Guayaquil. Departing in the early morning, the journey from Quito to Galapagos takes approximately 2.5 hours, often including a brief stopover in Guayaquil. The direct flight from Guayaquil to Galapagos clocks in at around 1.5 hours. Three airlines currently serve Galapagos - Avianca, TAME and LATAM.
To mitigate any potential issues arising from flight delays or cancellations on your international leg, it is advisable to arrive in Quito or Guayaquil the night before your Galapagos departure. Ask us for advice on Ecuador hotels when you book your cruise with us.
Southern Islands Galápagos Cruise
From
USD 4,337
No dates selected