Petrel
- capacity
- 16 guests
- year built
- 2015
- remodeled
- 2019
- crew members
- 11
- length
- 115 feet
- beam
- 41 feet
- draft
- 5.4 feet
- cruising speed
- 10 knots
Please note that the Petrel cruise ship is fully chartered in 2025, and therefore not currently available to book for Petrel Galapagos Cruises or as one of our Galapagos Islands yacht charters. Please contact us for current information on this ship and comparable options, or browse all of our small Galapagos cruise ships to filter by ship size and ship type.
The 16-guest Petrel catamaran offers a first-class way to cruise the magical archipelago. Named after a seabird common to the Galapagos, the Petrel is much like her namesake: elegant, swift and silent at sea. Her catamaran design offers comfort and stability, as well as spacious staterooms (each with a private balcony), a comfortable lounge and a Jacuzzi.
Petrel Review
AdventureSmith Explorations’ Petrel review includes a deck plan, photos and detailed description of the small ship. Our Galapagos experts have been aboard the Petrel firsthand. Please read our Petrel review below then contact our Galapagos cruise experts to compare the Petrel with other small cruise ships, yachts and catamarans offering Galapagos cruises, including private Galapagos yacht charters.
Choose the Petrel if you are seeking a skilled guide who is knowledgeable about biology and ecology in addition to having excellent language skills and who emphasizes the remarkable natural history of Galapagos. This yacht is designed with a stable hull for comfort and stability and is outfitted with spacious staterooms, a comfortable lounge, Jacuzzi and complimentary WiFi.
Common Areas Aboard Petrel
The Main Deck features a lounge at the bow, with the dining room (offering buffet breakfast and lunch, and plated dinner) and living area at the stern along with a porch. On the Upper Deck, find the bridge, captain’s cabin and outdoor bar. The top Sky Deck is an excellent place to unwind and take in the views, while sitting in lounge chairs or in the Jacuzzi; this space also offers al fresco dining when conditions permit. Activity gear on board includes 6 double kayaks and 2 stand-up paddleboards, plus one pair of binoculars for each cabin, and snorkeling gear and wetsuits.
Activities Aboard Petrel
Snorkeling gear and wetsuits are available for use aboard Petrel, as are walking sticks, kayaks and stand-up paddleboards for further exploring the Galapagos Islands up close, off ship. Daily excursions with naturalist guides include hikes to view points and beaches.
Crew & Guide Aboard Petrel
The Petrel is staffed by a captain, a bilingual Galapagos National Park naturalist guide, a quality control manager and 8 other crew (first mate, second mate, chef, sous chef, engineer, assistant engineer, barman, housekeeper). The entire crew emphasizes the remarkable natural history of the Galapagos. Expect a well-trained guide knowledgeable in biology and ecology, in addition to having excellent language skills and client reviews.
Cabins & Deck Plan Aboard Petrel
Every suite and stateroom aboard the Petrel catamaran in Galapagos features a private balcony (included in square footage), a private bathroom with hair dryer, panoramic picture window and air conditioning. The Main Deck features 2 Suites and 2 Double Staterooms, with 4 Double Staterooms on the Upper Deck. The two suites offer a sofa bed for children under 12 years old traveling with their parents. In addition, there is one single stateroom on the Upper Deck, which is is available to additional travelers who are part of odd-numbered groups and families (not available for solo passengers). Electrical outlets are 110/220v.
