Cormorant II Galapagos Cruise Review
TL;DR
The Cormorant II is the largest luxury catamaran in the Galapagos at 148 feet, built in 2023, carrying 16 guests in 9 suites. Its headline differentiator is unique in this series: the two Premium Suites each have a private jacuzzi on the balcony, not shared with the rest of the vessel. Four main-deck suites are interconnectable, making it the strongest family configuration in the luxury catamaran bracket. Speed tops 16 knots. Glass-bottom boat, 4K underwater camera, onboard gym, 180-degree view lounge, and satellite Wi-Fi are all included. Prices from $4,845 for 4 days to $10,745 for 8 days (standard suites), with park fees and alcohol excluded. TourRadar aggregates 118 reviews at 4.7 out of 5.
Cormorant II Galapagos Cruise: Quick Facts
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Vessel type | Mega catamaran (twin-hull, naval aluminium and GFRP) |
| Class | Luxury |
| Dimensions | 148 ft (45 m) length / 44 ft (13.5 m) beam. Largest luxury catamaran in the Galapagos. |
| Capacity | 16 passengers |
| Cabins | 9 suites: Main Deck: 4 interconnected suites (474 to 527 sq ft / 44 to 46 m2 each). Upper Deck: 2 Premium Suites (667 sq ft / 62 m2, private balcony jacuzzi), 3 standard suites (371 sq ft / 35 m2). All with private balconies, floor-to-ceiling windows, en-suite bathrooms, A/C. |
| Year built | 2023 (entered service June 2023) |
| Operator | Ecuadorian (same fleet as Cormorant I) |
| Crew | 12 crew + 1 cruise director + 1 bilingual naturalist guide |
| Speed | 16 knots (fastest in the luxury catamaran class) |
| Itinerary lengths | 4 days / 3 nights, 5 days / 4 nights, 8 days / 7 nights. Two 8-day routes (A East, B West) combinable into 15 days. Also 11 and 12-day options. |
| Price range (2026) | From $4,845 pp (Suite, 4 days) to $10,745 pp (Suite, 8 days). Premium Suite from $5,545 (4 days) to $12,545 (8 days). Includes all meals, soft drinks, water, coffee, tea, snorkel gear, wetsuits, kayaks, SUPs, glass-bottom boat, 4K underwater camera, Wi-Fi, airport transfers. Prices verified September 20, 2026. |
| Not included | Galapagos National Park fee ($200 USD adults), Transit Control Card ($20 USD), Galapagos domestic flights, alcoholic beverages, gratuities, travel insurance |
| Review scores | TourRadar 4.7/5 (118 reviews); Liveaboard.com 10/10 (early stage) |
What Is the Cormorant II and Who Is This Cruise Actually Built For?
The Cormorant II is the largest luxury catamaran currently sailing in the Galapagos, at 148 feet and 44 feet of beam, built in 2023. It carries 16 guests in 9 suites, two of which are Premium Suites with private balcony jacuzzis – a feature no other vessel reviewed in this series offers at the cabin level. Four main-deck suites are interconnectable for families or groups. Speed reaches 16 knots, faster than all comparable luxury catamarans. Prices start at $4,845 per person for 4 days before park fees.
The size distinction matters more in the Galapagos than on most cruise routes. At 148 feet, the Cormorant II is the widest and longest luxury catamaran operating in the archipelago, which translates directly to interior space per guest. At 16 passengers across 9 suites, the smallest cabins on the upper deck still run 371 square feet. The main-deck interconnected suites run 474 to 527 square feet each. Compare those figures to the Petrel’s 323-square-foot double staterooms or the Galaxy Sirius’s 244 to 277-square-foot cabins and the scale difference becomes concrete.
The 16-knot speed is the operational fact that changes the itinerary possibilities. Most luxury catamarans in the Galapagos cruise at 10 to 12 knots. The Cormorant II reaches 16. That extra speed means overnight passages between distant islands are shorter, which translates to more hours at anchor or in port rather than underway. On the western itinerary, which requires the longest crossings to Isabela and Fernandina, the speed advantage compounds across the 8-day trip into meaningfully more time at the visitor sites.
The near-noiseless hull is a design commitment that the operator names specifically and that matters to the wildlife encounter quality. Several Galapagos yachts produce diesel and mechanical noise that carries underwater and disturbs animals near the vessel at anchor. The Cormorant II’s hydrodynamic design and engine configuration reduce this substantially, which is a genuine conservation consideration as well as a comfort feature for guests trying to hear guide explanations over engine hum.
This cruise suits honeymooners and couples who want Premium Suite jacuzzis as a non-negotiable feature. It suits families and groups of four who need interconnectable suites. It suits travelers who want the newest and largest hardware in the luxury catamaran class. It is not the right choice for travelers prioritizing a two-guide ratio (one guide for 16 guests is standard here) or included alcohol. Reach out here and we’ll compare the Cormorant II honestly against the Galaxy Sirius and Sea Star for your travel dates.
What Are the Cabins and Suites Like on the Cormorant II?
Nine suites across two decks in three categories. The two upper-deck Premium Suites at 667 square feet each are the flagship: king beds, oversized balconies, and a private jacuzzi on the balcony itself. The three upper-deck standard suites run 371 square feet with private balconies. The four main-deck interconnected suites run 474 to 527 square feet each, with floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows and private balconies. All cabins have L’Occitane bathroom amenities, private bathrooms with hot water, individual A/C, and large storage for luggage.
The Premium Suite jacuzzi is genuinely different from anything else in this price bracket. On every other vessel in this series, the jacuzzi is a shared facility on the sun deck, accessed on a schedule and subject to the same group-timing dynamic as the pool on a standard cruise ship. On the Cormorant II’s Premium Suites, the jacuzzi sits on your private balcony. Morning, post-excursion, after dinner. No schedule, no waiting, no other guests. For couples on a honeymoon or anniversary trip, this is the specific feature that makes the upgrade from a standard suite worth asking about.
The four main-deck interconnected suites are the family configuration. Two pairs of suites, each pair sharing a connecting door that can be opened to create a two-room family space with separate beds, two bathrooms, and two private balconies. The main-deck position gives these suites panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows rather than upper-deck portholes or smaller frames. At 474 to 527 square feet each, they are among the largest standard cabin footprints in the Galapagos luxury fleet. A family of four in two interconnected suites has more room than most comparable vessels offer in their largest single cabin.
The social spaces on the Cormorant II are proportional to the hull. The 180-degree view lounge on the upper deck is the specific social feature that most competing catamarans cannot match at their beam: a curved panoramic lounge that faces forward, giving guests a near-captain’s view of the islands approaching without going onto the sun deck. The main-deck open-plan salon and dining area wraps around a porch for indoor-outdoor flexibility. The sun deck above carries the shared jacuzzi, sun loungers, and bar. The onboard gym provides exercise options across an 8-day trip that most comparable catamarans don’t include.
Which Itineraries Does the Cormorant II Sail and What Will You See?
Four itinerary formats: 4 days (Southern, Itinerary A short), 5 days (Northern, Itinerary A medium), 8 days (Eastern Itinerary A or Western Itinerary B), and combination options of 11, 12, or 15 days. The two 8-day routes cover complementary geographic zones and combine into the most comprehensive single-vessel itinerary in the fleet at 15 days. The western 8-day itinerary visits Sierra Negra volcano, the only volcano trek available in the Galapagos National Park visitor route network.
| Route | Length | Key Sites | Price From (pp, Suite) |
|---|---|---|---|
| A: Southern (short) | 4 days | San Cristobal (Kicker Rock), Española (Suarez Point, Gardner Bay), Floreana (Post Office Bay, Cormorant Point), Santa Cruz (Twin Craters) | $4,845 |
| A: Eastern | 8 days | Genovesa (Darwin Bay, El Barranco), South Plaza, Santa Fe, San Cristobal (Pitt Point, Witch Hill, Tortoise Breeding Center), Española (Suarez Point, Gardner Bay), Floreana (Post Office Bay, Cormorant Point, Champion Islet) | $10,745 |
| B: Western | 8 days | Santa Cruz (Bachas Beach), Isabela (Tintoreras Islet, Sierra Negra Volcano, Moreno Point, Elizabeth Bay, Urbina Bay, Tagus Cove), Fernandina (Espinoza Point), Santiago (Egas Port, Espumilla Beach, Buccaneer Cove), Bartolome | $10,745 |
The Sierra Negra volcano visit on Itinerary B is the specific land excursion that distinguishes this western route from most competing western itineraries. Sierra Negra is one of the most active volcanoes in the Galapagos and the second largest volcanic caldera on Earth. The hike to the crater rim is 16 kilometers return, takes 4 to 5 hours, and delivers views across a volcanic landscape that looks like a different planet. It is strenuous, and it is genuinely spectacular. Most western Galapagos itineraries visit Isabela’s marine sites without including the volcano trek. The Cormorant II’s Itinerary B includes it as a full-day activity, and the 16-knot speed allows the schedule to accommodate it without compressing the marine site visits.
The 4-day Southern option is one of the more accessible entry points into Galapagos cruising at this hardware level. It delivers Kicker Rock, Española, and Floreana in three full excursion days, giving first-time visitors the southern wildlife highlights on a vessel with full luxury amenities. The trade-off is the same half-day math: 4 days means roughly 2.5 full excursion days, appropriate for an introduction but not a comprehensive experience. Send us a message to check availability on the 8-day routes for your target dates.
How Is the Food, Crew, and Day-to-Day Experience on the Cormorant II?
Three meals per day prepared by professional chefs combining local Ecuadorian cuisine with international dishes. Soft drinks, water, coffee, and tea are included throughout the cruise. The operator schedules at least one deck picnic during the week as a set piece meal outside the standard dining room routine. L’Occitane bathroom amenities across all suites establish a specific luxury-brand baseline that most competing vessels don’t commit to. Alcoholic beverages are charged separately. The Liveaboard.com review specifically describes the vessel as “flawless” and the service as “impeccable.”
The deck picnic is an inclusion that sounds minor but changes the meal experience on the day it happens. A professionally prepared picnic served on the sun deck with the Galapagos as a backdrop is a different meal occasion than the interior dining room, and it creates a social memory that outlasts the food quality. The operator lists this as a guaranteed weekly inclusion rather than a weather-dependent option, which means guests can anticipate it as a scheduled experience rather than a pleasant surprise if conditions allow.
The 4K underwater camera is an inclusion that appears in the Galapatours listing and is not standard on most competing vessels. It means guests on snorkeling excursions have access to high-resolution underwater footage beyond what personal waterproof cameras typically deliver. For travelers who invest in Galapagos trips partly for the photography opportunities, the availability of a 4K camera in the water alongside the glass-bottom boat adds another layer of documentation to the marine encounters.
The cruise director and guide structure is a 1:16 guide ratio, standard for the luxury class but worth noting against the Galaxy Sirius’s 8:1. The cruise director handles logistics, scheduling, and guest management, freeing the naturalist guide to focus on wildlife education. This tandem appears in most competing vessels at this tier and functions well when both roles are filled by capable individuals. The Liveaboard.com review notes the crew as available at all times and the service as operating with consistent attention to detail.
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How Good Are the Naturalist Guides on the Cormorant II?
One certified bilingual naturalist guide for 16 guests, the standard 1:16 ratio for the luxury class. The Liveaboard.com account mentions the guide positively without naming them, which is the thin but consistent pattern for a vessel that entered service in 2023. TourRadar’s 118-review aggregate at 4.7 out of 5 reflects broader booking-channel feedback that covers guide quality as part of the overall experience score. No specific negative guide feedback appears across any platform.
The guide profile on the Cormorant II is harder to assess than on the Galaxy Sirius or Sea Star because the review corpus does not include named guide accounts across multiple departures. What can be derived from the operator’s positioning: the Cormorant II is marketed as the flagship luxury product of its fleet, which implies that the guide selection standard is the operator’s highest. Flagship vessels typically carry their strongest guides because the reputational stakes of a premium product are higher.
The 1:16 ratio is the most honest limitation to name. A skilled guide for 16 guests functions well across most Galapagos visitor sites. At sites with tight trail access, or when the group contains a wide range of mobility levels, a single guide managing 16 people simultaneously faces constraints that two guides managing 8 each would not. For travelers who prioritize the guide education depth above other factors, the Galaxy Sirius’s two-guide model at a similar price remains the stronger structural choice on that specific dimension.
How Does the Cormorant II Compare to Similar Vessels?
The Cormorant II competes most directly with the Galaxy Sirius (two guides, all-balcony, lower price, no suite jacuzzi), the Sea Star (four balcony cabins, modular itineraries, lower price), and the Petrel (all-balcony, larger suites at main deck level, same price range). Against all three, the Cormorant II wins on raw cabin size and is the only vessel offering in-suite balcony jacuzzis in the Premium category.
| Vessel | Largest Suite | In-Suite Jacuzzi | Guide Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cormorant II | 667 sq ft (Premium Suite) | Yes (Premium Suite only) | 16:1 |
| Galaxy Sirius | 277 sq ft | No (shared sun deck) | 8:1 |
| Petrel | 463 sq ft (main deck suite) | No (shared sun deck) | 16:1 |
| Sea Star | 377 sq ft (Sea Star Suite) | No (shared sun deck) | 16:1 |
The Galaxy Sirius comparison will land for most travelers considering the Cormorant II. The Sirius offers two guides, all-cabin balconies, and a 2023 build at a price that starts $1,145 lower per person for a comparable itinerary length. The Cormorant II offers larger cabins, the Premium Suite balcony jacuzzi, interconnectable suites, 16-knot speed, the glass-bottom boat, 4K underwater camera, and the Sierra Negra volcano access on Itinerary B. The two-guide ratio is the Sirius’s clearest advantage. The cabin scale and the in-suite jacuzzi are the Cormorant II’s clearest advantages. Travelers whose first question is “who’s teaching me about the wildlife?” will find the Galaxy Sirius compelling. Travelers whose first question is “where am I sleeping and what does my balcony look like?” will find the Cormorant II more persuasive.
What Do Real Travelers Say About the Cormorant II?
TourRadar aggregates 118 reviews at 4.7 out of 5, a meaningful sample for a vessel that entered service in 2023. Liveaboard.com carries an early-stage 10/10 rating with one verified review describing the trip as “better than expected” and naming wildlife, snorkeling, penguins, and sea lions as highlights alongside a “flawless” vessel and “impeccable” service. Two separate booking-channel testimonials name guide Peter Freire positively, and a November 2023 client account calls the crew’s “attention to detail and attentiveness” as standout. The consistent signal across multiple channels and over two years of operation is positive.
The 118 TourRadar reviews at 4.7 stars deserve specific context. TourRadar aggregates reviews across multiple booking channels rather than direct Liveaboard.com submissions, and the 118-review count at this rating represents one of the more robust early review pools for a luxury Galapagos catamaran launched since 2020. For context: the Galaxy Sirius has a smaller early pool despite launching around the same period. The Cormorant II’s booking-channel distribution is broader, producing more public review data than vessels that rely primarily on direct-booking platforms.
The guide Peter Freire appears by name in at least two separate booking-channel accounts from different departure periods. A guide named positively across multiple accounts from a vessel that launched in 2023 is an unusually fast reputation-building pattern. It suggests consistent guide assignment to departures rather than a rotating roster, and the accounts describe Peter as knowledgeable, dedicated, and effective at making the most of limited excursion time.
One February 2024 client note in the booking-channel corpus specifically calls out “attention to detail and attentiveness of all individuals involved from boat crew to transport logistics.” This is the kind of observation that reflects overall operational management rather than a single memorable experience, and it suggests the cruise director role is functioning as intended: ensuring the moving parts of a multi-day expedition run smoothly enough that guests experience the vessel as frictionless rather than managed.
Is the Cormorant II Worth Booking? Our Honest Verdict
Yes, for travelers who want the largest cabin footprint in the luxury catamaran class, the only in-suite balcony jacuzzi available in this review series, interconnectable suites for families, and the 16-knot speed that opens the most ambitious itinerary combination. The 8-day Itinerary B with Sierra Negra is the strongest single itinerary on this vessel. The honest caveats: one guide for 16 guests (not the strongest ratio in the class), alcohol excluded from the base fare, and a Premium Suite price that rises significantly above the standard suite. At standard suite pricing, the Cormorant II is strong value for the cabin size. At Premium Suite pricing, it competes with vessels that offer more included amenities.
The 15-day back-to-back combination of Itinerary A and B is the most comprehensive single-vessel Galapagos experience in the luxury catamaran bracket. Fourteen nights, both eastern and western island zones, Sierra Negra volcano, Genovesa, Española, Fernandina, and the full central island circuit, all on a vessel where the Premium Suite cabin has its own jacuzzi and the suites run to 667 square feet. For travelers who have wanted to do the Galapagos properly once, with enough time to see everything without rushing, this combination on the Cormorant II is the argument for booking it rather than a shorter itinerary on a cheaper vessel.
The standard suite at $10,745 for 8 days is strong value given the cabin sizes. The Premium Suite at $12,545 for 8 days is the right choice for couples who want the in-suite jacuzzi and the oversized balcony, and for whom that specific feature justifies the $1,800 upgrade over the standard suite. Ready to check availability on the 8-day or 15-day combination? Get in touch here for a free quote and honest comparison against the Galaxy Sirius and Petrel for your dates.
What Travelers Actually Report: Cormorant II Cohort Feedback
Based on feedback gathered through mytrip2ecuador.com, our YouTube audience, traveler conversations Oleg has conducted, and the combined TourRadar, Liveaboard.com, and booking-channel review corpus. The Cormorant II has operated since June 2023, giving it approximately three years of departure history at time of writing.
| Category | Score / Signal | Key Pattern |
|---|---|---|
| Cabin comfort | Very strong | Largest suites in the luxury catamaran class; Premium Suite at 667 sq ft with private balcony jacuzzi; L’Occitane amenities; floor-to-ceiling windows across all categories; 2023 build quality |
| Vessel condition | Strong | “Flawless” in primary Liveaboard review; 2023 build; noiseless hull design noted positively; speed advantage on overnight passages |
| Service and crew | Strong | “Impeccable” in Liveaboard review; “attention to detail and attentiveness” in November 2023 booking-channel account; crew availability cited as consistent |
| Guide quality | Positive early signal | Guide Peter Freire named positively across two separate accounts from different departures; 1:16 ratio standard for class; no negative guide feedback across any platform |
| Wildlife encounters | Strong | Penguins, sea lions, and snorkeling specifically highlighted in primary review; Sierra Negra volcano trek unique to this western itinerary; glass-bottom boat and 4K camera extend encounter documentation |
| Value for money | Good | Standard suite pricing competitive for cabin size; Premium Suite upgrade meaningful at $1,800 per person for 8 days; alcohol exclusion and park fees add to all-in cost; 4.7/5 on TourRadar across 118 reviews |
What to Know Before You Book the Cormorant II
One guide for 16 guests. The Cormorant II runs a 1:16 guide-to-guest ratio, standard for the luxury class but lower than the Galaxy Sirius’s 8:1. For travelers who want the strongest guide-to-guest ratio in the Super Deluxe bracket, the Galaxy Sirius is the alternative to consider. The Cormorant II’s guide quality appears consistently positive in the review corpus, but the ratio means all 16 guests share a single guide on every excursion.
Alcohol is not included. Soft drinks, water, coffee, and tea are included throughout the cruise. The welcome cocktail is a standard hospitality inclusion. All other alcoholic beverages run on your tab at the bar. Budget this against vessels like the Tribute where wine and beer are included in the published cabin rate.
The Premium Suite price premium is significant. At $12,545 for 8 days, the Premium Suite is $1,800 per person above the standard suite. For a couple booking two Premium Suites, that is $3,600 in additional cost for the private balcony jacuzzi and the larger footprint. Confirm whether the specific features of the Premium Suite justify that premium for your travel style before booking.
Park fees and the Transit Control Card are excluded. The $200 USD adult Galapagos National Park fee and $20 USD Transit Control Card must be paid separately. The TCT must be purchased through the official digital platform before flying to the islands, as of September 2026. These add approximately $220 per adult to the published cabin price.
The Sierra Negra volcano hike on Itinerary B is demanding. The 16-kilometer return trail gains significant elevation and takes 4 to 5 hours. Travelers with mobility limitations or health conditions affecting high-intensity walking should confirm the hike demands with the operator before selecting Itinerary B as the primary reason to book. The western itinerary’s marine sites are equally compelling without the volcano, but confirming physical readiness before departure prevents the day from being a disappointment for anyone in the group.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Cormorant II have a private jacuzzi in the cabin?
The two Premium Suites on the upper deck each have a private jacuzzi on the balcony. The standard suites and interconnected main-deck suites do not. All suites share access to a second jacuzzi on the sun deck.
Are the main-deck suites on the Cormorant II interconnectable?
Yes. The four main-deck suites are arranged in two interconnecting pairs. Each pair can be opened into a two-room suite with separate beds, two bathrooms, and two private balconies, making it the strongest family or group configuration in the luxury catamaran class.
Are park fees included in the Cormorant II price?
No. The $200 USD adult Galapagos National Park fee and $20 USD Transit Control Card are excluded and must be paid separately. The TCT must be purchased through the official digital platform before flying to the islands. Prices verified September 20, 2026.
What is the Sierra Negra volcano visit on Itinerary B?
The Sierra Negra hike on Isabela Island is a 16-kilometer return trail to the rim of one of the most active volcanoes in the Galapagos and the second largest volcanic caldera on Earth. It takes 4 to 5 hours and is a demanding full-day activity. It is included in Itinerary B and is the only volcano rim hike in the National Park visitor route network.
Considering the Cormorant II?
We can compare it against the Galaxy Sirius, Petrel, Sea Star, and every other luxury catamaran in the Galapagos fleet, including which itinerary and cabin category gives you the most for your budget. Cruises To Galapagos Islands holds a 4.9-star rating on both Google and TripAdvisor.
Written by Oleg Galeev
Galapagos cruise traveler (3 trips, 2 cruises) · Founder, Cruises To Galapagos Islands
Oleg has personally inspected nearly every available Galapagos cruise vessel and interviewed thousands of travelers to build the most first-hand cruise knowledge base available. He also runs the Ecuador travel blog mytrip2ecuador.com and the YouTube channel My Trip to Somewhere.
Cruises To Galapagos Islands is rated 4.9 stars on Google and TripAdvisor.
All pricing and regulations in this article are verified against official Galapagos National Park and Ecuador government sources as of the publish date.