The Petrel is a stylish expedition catamaran, designed for exploring the Galápagos Islands in comfort.
Carrying just 16 passengers, Petrel offers the intimacy of a small expedition vessel, together with plenty of space to settle in for a week cruising through the islands. She has nine spacious balcony cabins, generous living spaces and a relaxed onboard atmosphere.
Accompanied by expert naturalist guides, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the Galápagos’ extraordinary geology and wildlife, from giant tortoises and marine iguanas to blue-footed boobies, whales and sea lions. Back on board, enjoy a glass of wine on the sundeck or soak in the jacuzzi as you sail towards the next island.
What we love about The Petrel
- Small enough to feel personal – with a maximum of 16 passengers, the atmosphere onboard is relaxed and sociable, allowing guides to get to know everyone’s interests and tailor briefings and wildlife discussions accordingly.
- Some of the most spacious cabins aboard the smaller ships, each with a private balcony – we especially love the two Main Deck suites, the largest cabins on the boat at 43 sqm with double size balconies and a separate living area.
- The first-rate team of bilingual naturalist guides who bring the islands’ remarkable wildlife and geology to life, each of them knowledgeable and engaging.
- The sky deck, with a six-person jacuzzi, outdoor dining area and lounge areas with stunning 360° views of the islands.
- She has twin hulls, making her more stable at sea – perfect for those who don’t have great sea legs or who are prone to seasickness.
What to do aboard The Petrel
Petrel offers a choice of 4, 5 and 8-day itineraries, each taking in different islands, landscapes and wildlife.
Shorter trips explore the archipelago’s central, northern and eastern islands, while longer itineraries venture west to the remote islands of Isabela and Fernandina for dramatic volcanic landscapes, fewer visitors and some of the Galapagos’ most impressive wildlife.
Walk among blue-footed boobies and magnificent frigatebirds on North Seymour, climb Bartolomé for its iconic views across Pinnacle Rock, and snorkel with sea lions, turtles, reef sharks and rays in crystal-clear waters. On the western routes, explore quiet bays by Zodiac, spotting flightless cormorants and vast colonies of marine iguanas.
Snorkelling equipment, wetsuits and kayaks are provided, and the onboard expert naturalist guides bring the islands’ extraordinary wildlife, geology and evolution to life.
When to Travel
The Galapagos Islands can be visited at any time of year, with each month boasting an array of activities and natural delights. Seasons are split into cool and dry (June-November) and warm and wet (December-June). The warmer season tends to bring calmer seas and good underwater visibility; showers tend to be short, so you won’t be kept from discovering the beaches or sun-bathing on the deck.
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