It is truly amazing to me how many options there are for visiting and experiencing the Galapagos, one of the most unique places on earth.  I have been fortunate to experience the Galapagos three times, each unique unto itself: a 64-guest older ship; a 98-guest mass market ship; a 20-guest premium yacht; and, on May 17, 2026, Via Natura’s MY Hermes, a 12-suite/20-guest ultra-luxury yacht. (MY is the nautical identifier of a motoryacht.)

For me, the big question is: Will the ultra-luxury yacht experience enhance, change, or interfere with a true Galapagos nature experience? 

Of course, the second question is: How well does MY Hermes deliver an ultra-luxury yacht experience? noting I have spent 40+ years in the superyacht and 20+ years in the luxury cruise and expedition industries.

Yes, I know Goldring Travel’s focus is on “What is Your Luxury?” and, for sure, this will challenge my sense of nature being my luxury versus (or in combination with) luxurious accommodations, service, and cuisine. But let’s take a step back before I get into all of the details.

In October 2023, I was contacted by Via Natura about its construction of a new luxury catamaran for the Galapagos. Then, a little over a year ago, MY Hermes began actually operating.  Well, a year has gone by, and the yacht has been sailing, yet there are very few reviews of MY/ Hermes. And while what I have read has been quite positive, none of them critically and substantively discuss the onboard experience from a yachtie’s, luxury cruise expert, or a naturalist’s perspective. I optimistically and enthusiastically plan on providing all three! (By the way, when first introduced to me, I asked because MY Hermes was touted as so luxurious, whether it was associated with the luxury brand Hermès. No, it is not, but rather as the Greek god that, among his many traits (both good and bad), is the protector of travelers.)

Having previously discovered and written about Quito, the Equator, Ecuadorian cuisine, and politics during my prior experiences, this time I am singularly focused on MY Hermes.  In fact, I am flying the same day in the journey starts, and other than a post-journey night at the Holiday Inn Quito Airport, I won’t be spending any real time on the mainland.

MY Hermes carries no more than 20 guests in all-suite/all-balcony accommodations, including an Owner’s Suite (with dining area), interconnecting suites (great for families), and two single suites.  Each suite has its own private jacuzzi, walk-in closet (not the singles), balcony, and in-suite mini-bar, as well as in-suite dining and Butler Service (6:00 AM – 10:00 PM).

MY Hermes Single Suite

Truly unexpected, but certainly appreciated, is a Spa including a Hammam, a Massage Room, and Fitness Center.

There is also a plethora of other public spaces, including the Paradiso and al fresco Sole e Luna Restaurants, two lounges, a library, a Sun Deck with a hot tub, and plenty of areas to soak up the outdoors (sun and shade).

Included for all guests are an open bar, internet, laundry (amount depends on the length of your expedition), domestic air, National Park Entrance Fee, Galapagos Control Transfer Fee, access to the Galapagos airport VIP Lounge, and Galapagos transfers. [Note: Booking domestic air ($550 per person above the published cruise fare) through Via Natura is required, as are the payment of the two Fees ($200 and $20 per person).] Gratuities are not required, but 10-15% of the cruise fare is suggested. 

Oh, yeah, also included it the delivery of The Galapagos! I mean, isn’t that the primary reason most people visit?   There are two naturalists for a maximum of twenty guests, which, from past experience, I know is a big plus. MY Hermes also supplies, as part of your fare, kayaks, standup paddleboards, snorkeling gear, and wetsuits. 

There is a wide variety of itineraries ranging from 4 to 15 Days, with some offering two options depending on the date. Generally, there are Northwestern and Southeastern-based itineraries, so to really get a full Galapagos experience, combining the two is the way to go. With so many lengths and itineraries, MY Hermes gives you many options.

I will be sailing on the 5 Day Itinerary A voyage. I am thrilled this is the one offered to me because my last two voyages were more focused on the Southeast, so I am visiting a number of different environments (each island is unique), including one new island for me (Santiago), but also at a time of year when I haven’t yet visited (previously I visited in August, October, and January). 

Now, how does MY Hermes deliver all of this luxury (onboard and nature)? It is staffed by a crew of 20, including two naturalists, two butlers, spa and bar staff, and wait staff. That is a true 1:1 ratio! 

Once you have made a reservation, you are assigned a Concierge who will coordinate all the logistics. You are sent a link to let your concierge of your desires from special occasions, if you want your butler to unpack your luggage (and if you want your clothes folded, rolled or hung on hangers), pillow requests (feather/down, memory cloud, or hypoallergenic), style of wine you prefer in your suite (one bottle), wetsuit size and, of course, any dietary requirements. 

Shortly thereafter, you are giving your domestic flight information. When I mentioned I was arriving the same morning as the flight to Baltra, I was gently advised that flying a day earlier was preferred. I agree that to be true, but as I am working on a tight schedule, he advised I should have more than enough time to clear immigration and head over the domestic check-in. (I knew that, but it was good that he settled any anxiety a regular guest might have.) 

Ten days before my journey, I received all the relevant documentation, along with instructions that I would be given my LATAM boarding passes and assisted with check-in, and that I would be contacted the day before by the Via Natura escort. Also provided are excellent lists of what to bring and what is expected onboard, including “smart casual” dress in the evening, including appropriate footwear, and no wet clothes at breakfast or lunch.  (My last trip, bare feet in the dining room, seemed by some to be perfectly acceptable.) Bravo!

While this journey will be short, and I generally recommend at least a seven day, but more preferred a 10+ day experience, I am very much looking forward to seeing what Via Natura and MY Hermes provides and how the Galapagos are going to excite me yet again!

Let me know if you are interested in more information or want to book this Galapagos experience. And, of course, stay tuned for my articles once I am aboard MY Hermes!