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Aqua Mare

An exclusive Galapagos superyacht experience of next-level luxury and the most personalized service.

Overview

The seven-suite Aqua Mare is the first superyacht to sail in the Galapagos Islands. At 164 feet long, the four-deck-high ship presents indoor and outdoor social spaces, stylish finishing, and absolute attention to detail, making her the ultimate luxurious retreat while exploring the volcanic landscapes of the Galapagos Archipelago.

The Luxury Life Onboard

Aqua Mare yacht accommodates up to 16 guests in seven large and splendid designer suites, including the 861-square-foot owner’s suite for a maximum of four guests. All are characterized by wall-to-wall carpeting, are inclusive of a cruise ship steward, full walnut veneer wood paneling, big windows that allow plenty of natural light, and ensuite bathrooms fitted with Italian marble and a spacious walk-in shower plus a rain shower.

Outside of your cabins, the onboard social spaces are equally inviting, not least the panoramic main lounge, distinguished by its beam-to-beam windows, a huge U-shaped sofa, and two large flatscreen televisions. The teakwood sun deck has outdoor seating with a wraparound lounge sofa, a six-person jacuzzi, and convertible workout zones. Big TV screens are positioned on either side of the jacuzzi. The vessel also features a Beach Club, located at water level on the lower deck, which incorporates a swimming platform from which many excursions are launched; it has a wraparound sofa, picture windows, and a flatscreen TV.

Aqua Mare Galapagos also carries top-of-the-line, non-motorized water sports equipment, including snorkeling gear that you can select for the duration of your cruise including masks, fins, snorkels, as well as optional shorty wetsuits, eight double kayaks, and two stand-up paddleboards.

Divine Dining

You can enjoy communal meals at the grand 16-seater table in the aft outdoor dining room with its magnificent passing views. Additionally, the sun deck panoramic dining area, with its two communal dining tables, is ideal for al fresco lunches, sunset cocktails and evening barbecues. The Aqua Mare cruise gourmet dining experience promises refined dishes featuring the Japanese-Peruvian flavors of the Nikkei cuisine from Peru, the origins of which date back over 100 years and combine Japanese technique and Peruvian seasoning using the freshest local fish and seafood.

The menus are adaptable to any food allergies or dietary requirements that guests might have. A curated wine list is tailored to the menu with careful attention to South American vineyards. In the spirit of Galapagos conservation, the chef sources only the finest ingredients with a focus on ethical sustainability.

Expert-led, Exclusive Excursions

The yacht’s exclusivity is combined with personalized service enabled by the one-to-one crew to passenger ratio including two naturalist guides, who lead twice-daily expeditions in two custom-made, military-grade black rib tenders with central steering consoles. Each island offers a different landscape, from mountainous terrains scattered with shield volcanoes and lava fields, arid zones covered with endemic cacti, to beautiful white-sand beaches and turquoise waters.

Hike along the natural volcanic formations of Los Gemelos, encounter the Galapagos giant tortoises in their natural habitat, and go snorkeling with penguins, sea turtles, and marine iguanas in Punta Espinoza. Witness the courtship dance of blue-footed boobies in Seymour Norte, and be greeted by groups of sea lions lounging on the rocks at Punta Suárez.

As nature has not introduced danger and competition from outside their territory, it is fascinating to observe many animals so unusually close-up, ensuring that you and your partner, family and friends will relish a wildlife adventure that you will remember forever.

Itineraries & Prices

All itineraries are subject to change due to seasonal weather conditions (and resultant variations in river and tributary water levels) affecting accessibility to locations. Thus navigation routes, times and excursions may need to be modified at the cruise captain’s or your guide's discretion.

1 / 5
6-Day E
8-Day E
8-Day W
15-Day E&W
15-Day W&E

6 Day - Special East Galapagos Expedition Cruise

itinerary map

Embarkation

AM: Once you arrive at Baltra airport, you will be met by our team and escorted on a short cross island transfer to the jetty. Receive a warm welcome aboard Aqua Mare, the Galapagos Islands’ first 50m luxury superyacht where you will be treated with the utmost attention courtesy of our 1:1 crew to guest ratio.

PM: After a delicious lunch, pick out your snorkeling kit complete with mask, fins, snorkel, and an optional wetsuit for your personal use during the week. You will also receive a special waterproof bag and an Aqua Expeditions water bottle as a welcome gift.

Next, we leave for Sombrero Chino Island, so named after the small crater that forms the islet. In the surrounding crystal-clear waters, you might have the opportunity to observe sea lions and penguins from above. There will be time for snorkeling, stand-up paddle boarding, and kayaking. After working up an appetite, return to the yacht for evening sundowners and our signature dining experience crafted by Chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino.

Aqua Mare - Special East Galapagos Expedition Cruise
Location
Santa Cruz
Day
1 / 6

Bartolomé Island & Dragon Hill

AM: With an early morning anchor at Bartolomé Island, you will embark upon a mild climb up to the summit of a spatter cone for a spectacular view of the island’s iconic Pinnacle Rock. Cool down afterwards with a snorkel where you may encounter sea turtles and Galapagos penguins, before heading back to the yacht for lunch as we sail towards Santa Cruz Island.

PM: Our afternoon excursion takes us to Cerro Dragón or Dragon Hill, so named because in 1975 it was one of the only places in the Santa Cruz Island where scientists could still find a healthy population of land iguanas (Conolophus subcristatus). Back onboard, swap tales of your magnificent excursion while enjoying the best of the region’s flavors.

Aqua Mare - Special East Galapagos Expedition Cruise
Location
Santa Cruz
Day
2 / 6

Puerto Ayora

AM-PM: Build your own adventure today from a selection of activities, whether you’re interested in snorkeling, hiking, cycling, or even scuba diving. Please reach out to our Cruise Director onboard for more information.

Spend the evening exploring the main town of Puerto Ayora. We recommend strolling along the main waterfront where you can stop by the many boutiques and jewelry shops before heading back to the ship for a fascinating lecture from our guides. Finally, end the day with a fresh seafood dining in the Galapagos Islands.

Aqua Mare - Special East Galapagos Expedition Cruise
Location
Santa Cruz
Day
3 / 6

Suarez Pitt, Gardner Bay & Osborn Islet

AM: Rise and shine to a guided meditation on our upper deck before disembarking in Punta Suárez for this morning’s excursion. This visitor site is one of the most interesting landing sites in Galapagos Islands, due to the high percentage of unique endemism in its fauna such as Española mockingbirds, lava lizards, marine iguanas, and the unique waved albatross.

PM: In the afternoon, we will take a tender ride to the beautiful array of islets where you will be able to snorkel alongside playful sea lions and many different species of reef fishes. The last visit of the day will be Bahía Gardner, an outstanding coralline sand beach that boasts one of the biggest colonies of sea lions in the Galapagos Islands. Back at the yacht, head over to our bar to socialize over a glass of our special Aqua Bloody Mare as the crew prepares for departure to our next anchorage.

Aqua Mare - Special East Galapagos Expedition Cruise
Location
Española
Day
4 / 6

Santa Fe & South Plazas

AM: After a night of sailing, you will visit Santa Fé Island for your penultimate day. It is one of the oldest in the Galapagos Islands (around 3.6 million years old), with the island being characterized to some degree by its vegetation of palo santo trees, a pear cactus that is called Opuntia echios barringtonensis, and many other native bushes. Here we will spot land iguanas, lava lizards, mockingbirds, and Darwin’s finches. After the visit, we will be able to enjoy snorkeling, kayaking, or stand-up paddle boarding.

PM: After lunch onboard, the boat will sail to Plaza Sur Island, located off the eastern shore of Santa Cruz. In the afternoon you disembark at a small but diverse little islet to head out on a two-hour hiking excursion led by your guide to discover its unique landforms. Swap notes on everything you’ve seen today and end the day gazing at the archipelago’s amazing starlit skies while sipping on a glass wine.

Aqua Mare - Special East Galapagos Expedition Cruise
Location
Santa Fe - South Plazas
Day
5 / 6

Disembarkation

AM: The last day begins with a luxurious breakfast set against the morning sunrise. Enjoy the views from Aqua Mare before we make our way to Puerto Ayora for disembarkation. Bid farewell to the crew and your beautiful home for the past week.

Location
Santa Cruz
Day
6 / 6
1 / 6

8 Day - East Galapagos

itinerary map

Embarkation

AM: Once you arrive at Baltra airport, you will be met by our team and escorted on a short cross-island transfer to the jetty. Receive a warm welcome aboard Aqua Mare, the Galapagos Islands’ first 50m luxury superyacht with our 16-strong crew where you will be treated with the utmost attention courtesy of our 1:1 crew to guest ratio.

A delicious Nikkei-inspired lunch crafted by consultant chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino will be served. At your leisure, pick out your snorkeling kit complete with a mask, fins, snorkel, and an optional shorty wetsuit for your personal use during the week. You will also receive as a welcome gift a special waterproof bag to place your belongings during wet landings and an Aqua Expeditions water bottle.

PM: The afternoon will see you head out onto your first excursion to Playa Las Bachas on the northern part of Santa Cruz Island for a short 20-minute hike taking us to two ponds where you can observe various species of flamingos, ducks, shorebirds, and sometimes marine iguanas. It is also possible to spot Darwin’s finches, yellow warblers, and mockingbirds among the coastal vegetation, mangroves, and saltbush.

For those who prefer to snorkel, the beach is one of the main nesting sites of sea turtles, so you will no doubt come across one or two! Head home to the yacht for the evening to indulge in your first sumptuous dinner in the Archipelago, making it the perfect start to your Galapagos Islands adventure.

Aqua Mare - East Galapagos
Location
Baltra
Day
1 / 8

El Barranco & Darwin Bay

AM: For those who missed the equatorial crossing the night before, ask our crew for your very own equator crossing certificate -although this is usually reserved for our young explorers, even the young at heart will proudly be able to take this home! This morning explore Genovesa Island, where you will take a tender ride along the volcanic rocks of El Barranco to view the fur seals resting inside rock crevices. A 1.5 km hike inland takes us to the lava fields to view red-footed boobies as well as great frigatebirds and Galapagos storm petrels. After the visit, we will return to the yacht to get suited up for your snorkeling session to view bottlenose dolphins, schools of hammerhead sharks, colorful fish, and pristine corals. The tenders will accompany us alongside the cliffs to observe the animal species that rest on the cliffs before a splendid lunch back on board.

PM: The afternoon sees us at Bahía Darwin’s coralline beach for hiking, snorkeling, stand-up paddleboarding, or kayaking. Make it a family affair after dinner at the lower deck Beach Club by enjoying a private movie screening. We recommend watching the Planet Earth documentary on the Galapagos Islands, the swashbuckling box office Master, and Commander, or simply enjoying the starlit skies from the upper deck.

Aqua Mare - East Galapagos
Location
Genovesa
Day
2 / 8

Sullivan Bay & Chinese Hat

AM: Start the morning early with a workout or a guided meditation on our upper deck followed by a refreshing breakfast. Our first excursion of the day will take us to the northeast of Santiago Island with a dry landing at Bahía Sullivan to discover recent Pahoehoe lava flows.

PM: After a sumptuous lunch and lecture on the geology of the Galapagos Islands from one of our expert scientist guides onboard Aqua Mare, we depart to Sombrero Chino Island, so named after the small crater that forms the islet. The surrounding crystal-clear waters provide a great opportunity to observe sea lions and penguins from above. There will be time for snorkeling, stand-up paddleboarding, and kayaking. Return to the yacht for evening sundowners and a barbecue dinner on the upper deck, with the volcanic island serving as a stunning backdrop to your once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

Aqua Mare - East Galapagos
Location
Santiago
Day
3 / 8

Bartolome & Dragon Hill

AM: With an early morning anchor at Bartolomé Island, you will embark upon a mild climb up to the summit of a spatter cone for a spectacular view of the island’s iconic Pinnacle Rock. Cool down afterward with a snorkel where you may encounter sea turtles and Galapagos penguins, before heading back to the yacht for lunch as we sail towards Santa Cruz Island.

PM: Our afternoon excursion takes us to Cerro Dragón or Dragon Hill, so named because in 1975 it was one of the only places in Santa Cruz Island where scientists could still find a healthy population of land iguanas (Conolophus subcristatus). The hiking trail begins with a wet landing and continues inland to a flamingo lagoon, ending with the option to swim and snorkel from the beach or walk along the mangroves and sand dunes of the south beach. Back onboard, swap tales of your magnificent excursion over an al fresco dinner encompassing flavors from the South American Pacific coast and Peruvian Nikkei style crafted by consultant chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino.

Aqua Mare - East Galapagos
Location
Bartolome - Santa Cruz
Day
4 / 8

El Chato Giant Tortoise Reserve & Fausto Llerena Breeding Center

AM: This morning you will explore the El Chato Giant Tortoise Reserve to see these wild Galapagos Islandscreatures up close in their natural habitat. The area is also a great place to observe Darwin’s finches, yellow warblers, flycatchers, cattle egrets, and if lucky Galapagos Rails.

PM: After a mouth-watering lunch and afternoon lecture on the evolution of Darwin’s finches presented by our expert guides in the panoramic lounge, you will take a tender ride to Darwin Station and National Park headquarters to observe tortoises in captivity at the Fausto Llerena Breeding Center, as well as the different age hatchlings categorized by islands. There will be free time to enjoy the town of Puerto Ayora before returning to the ship. Refreshing superfruit juices await at our Beach Club, which is located at water level at the aft of the ship, or enjoy the scenic sunset views from the upper deck. For divers, there is the option of a full day of diving instead of joining the day excursions.

Aqua Mare - East Galapagos
Location
Santa Cruz
Day
5 / 8

Suarez Point, Gardner Bay & Osborne Islet

AM: Rise and shine to a guided meditation on our upper deck before disembarking in Punta Suárez for this morning’s excursion. This visitor site is one of the most interesting landing sites in the Galapagos Islands, due to the high percentage of unique endemism in its fauna such as Española mockingbirds, lava lizards, Galapagos tortoises, marine iguanas, and the unique waved albatross.

PM: In the afternoon, we will take a tender ride to the beautiful array of islets where you will be able to snorkel alongside playful sea lions, sea turtles, sharks, rays, and many different species of reef fishes. The last visit of the day will be Bahía Gardner, an outstanding coralline sand beach that boasts one of the biggest colonies of sea lions in the Galapagos Islands. Back at the yacht, head over to our bar to socialize over Happy Hour with a glass of our special Aqua Bloody Mary as the crew prepares for departure to our next anchorage.

Aqua Mare - East Galapagos
Location
Española
Day
6 / 8

Barrington Island & Plaza Sur Islet

AM: After a night of sailing, you will visit Santa Fé(also known as Barrington) Island for your penultimate day. It is one of the oldest in the Galapagos Islands (around 3.6 million years old), with the island being characterized to some degree by its vegetation of palo santo trees, a pear cactus that is called Opuntia Echio Barringtonensis, and many other native bushes. Here we will spot land iguanas, lava lizards, swallow-tailed gulls, shearwater petrels, red-billed tropicbirds, mockingbirds, Darwin’s finches, and Galapagos hawks. After the visit, we will be able to take advantage of the last full day in the Galapagos Islands by snorkeling, kayaking, or stand-up paddleboarding.

PM: As you enjoy lunch onboard -we recommend the Galapagueña lobster lettuce wraps with Acevichado dressing -the boat will sail to Plaza SurIsland, located off the eastern shore of Santa Cruz. In the afternoon you disembark at this small, but diverse little islet to head out on a two-hour hiking excursion led by your guide to discover its unique landforms. Swap notes on everything you’ve seen today at your final recap briefing once back aboard and toast farewell under the Archipelago’s amazing starlit skies to your newfound friends over a glass of wine.

Aqua Mare - East Galapagos
Location
Santa Fe - Santa Cruz
Day
7 / 8

Disembarkation

AM: You begin your last day with a luxurious breakfast before bidding farewell to the Aqua Mare crew. Your last visit before leaving paradise is a final short excursion to drive up the highlands of Santa Cruz Island to the twin craters of Los Gemelos en route to the airport. It is a remarkable location surrounded by lush vegetation - with help of the expert naturalist guides you may spot short-eared owls, or if lucky, a vermilion flycatcher. Memories of this last adventure will accompany you as you are escorted to Baltra Island for the departing flight back to the mainland and onward journey home.

Aqua Mare - East Galapagos
Location
Santa Cruz - Baltra
Day
8 / 8
1 / 8

8 Day - West Galapagos

itinerary map

Embarkation

AM: Once you arrive at the airport, you will be met by our team and escorted on a cross-island van and ferry transfer of approximately 1.5 hours to Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island. Receive a warm welcome aboard Aqua Mare, the Galapagos Islands’ first 50m luxury superyacht with our 16-strong crew where you will be treated with the utmost attention courtesy of our 1:1 crew to guest ratio. A delicious Nikkei-inspired feast crafted by consultant chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino will be served for lunch.

At your leisure, pick out your snorkeling kit complete with a mask, fins, snorkel, and an optional shorty wetsuit for your personal use during the week. You will also receive as a welcome gift a special waterproof bag to place your belongings during wet landings and an Aqua Expeditions water bottle. 

PM: This afternoon you will visit Darwin Station and National Park headquarters, located at the Fausto Llerena Breeding Center. Our scientific team and expedition leaders will guide you through the grounds to observe these giant reptiles and learn about the conservation program of tortoises and land iguanas.

You will have some leisure time to explore the main town of Puerto Ayora after the visit. We recommend strolling along the main waterfront where you can stop by the many boutiques and jewelry shops before heading back to the ship for an evening of lecture and inspiration for the next day, than to indulge in your first taste of fresh seafood dining in the Galapagos Islands

Aqua Mare - West Galapagos
Location
Baltra - Santa Cruz
Day
1 / 8

Cormorant Point, Post Office Bay & Baroness' Lookout

AM: For your second morning in the Galapagos Islands, we will be anchored in the southern part of the Archipelago at Floreana Island. After breakfast, the morning wet landing excursion will take you to a big brackish water lagoon to observe greater flamingos, ducks, black-necked stilts, and other shorebirds at Punta Cormorant. You will be able to observe where sea turtles nest at night, and spot stingrays and sharks swimming very close to the shore. Later you will return to the boat to prepare for kayaking or take a short tender ride to Devil’s Crown for snorkeling.

PM: Enjoy a splendid lunch consisting of fresh Ecuadorian recipes with an Andean twist before heading back out to Floreana to pay tribute to an old island tradition at Bahía Post Office. The visit will follow another quick tour of what once was a fishing enterprise in the 1920s before continuing onboard the tenders to visit Mirador de la Baronesa. Another delicious feast showcasing Japanese technique combined with Peruvian seasoning using only the freshest local fish and seafood awaits when you return onboard Aqua Mare. Stay out on the upper deck with a cocktail if you would like to admire the northern and southern hemispheres’ starlit skies tonight.

Aqua Mare - West Galapagos
Location
Floreana
Day
2 / 8

Moreno Point & Urbina Bay

AM: After a night of sailing, the morning sees our beautiful superyacht anchored on the western side of Isabela Island. As the biggest and youngest island in the Archipelago, Isabela was formed by five relatively young volcanoes and is characterized by giant tortoises and marine iguanas. For the morning excursion, a hike at Punta Moreno takes us to the mangroves and gas-rich basaltic lava rocks resulting from a large basaltic lava flow that came from the Cerro Azul volcano on Isabela hundreds of years ago. There are mangrove lagoons along the shore and small saltwater lagoons inland, where you will observe ducks, shorebirds, stilts, blue-winged teals, flamingos, and gallinules. After the visit, you will have the opportunity to go snorkeling near the shore or return to the yacht to rest and enjoy the majestic landscapes Isabela has to offer.

PM: In the afternoon, the boat will sail north to Bahía Urbina, a 6km point, once underwater and uplifted in 1954 up to 3m above sea level. Here you can see tortoises, land iguanas, and the biggest marine iguanas roaming free in the Archipelago. We end the day with an unforgettable view of Isabela’s five volcanoes as we dine on refreshing seafood salads, baked fish, potato llapingachos, tuna crudo, barbequed plantains, and shrimp ceviche beneath the stars.

Aqua Mare - West Galapagos
Location
Isabela
Day
3 / 8

Espinoza Point & Tagus Cove

AM: Start the morning early with a workout on our upper deck at our next anchorage point of Punta Espinoza, part of a huge lava flow formed from one of the many eruptions of the La Cumbre volcano, known to be one of the most active volcanoes in the world. Famous for its large colonies of marine iguanas, flightless cormorants, Galapagos penguins, Galapagos hawks, lizards, and snakes, you will spend the morning onshore with the option to snorkel before returning to the yacht for a sumptuous lunch and lecture on the geology of the Galapagos Islands from one of our expert scientist guides. 

PM: As Aqua Mare crosses the Bolivar Channel back towards Isabela Island, prepare to channel your inner pirate for the afternoon excursion visiting Caleta Tagus, once a favorite anchorage spot for pirates and whalers. Here we will hike to see Darwin Lake, a saltwater lake trapped inside a tuff cone. If you would rather not hike, you can take your pick from our eight double kayaks, snorkeling, stand-up paddleboarding, or a ride on our elegant black tenders to explore the cave and its surroundings. Return to the yacht for evening sundowners and head to the bridge after dinner for a chat with our captain as we cross the equatorial line twice while rounding the top of Isabela Island sailing to our next anchorage point.

Aqua Mare - West Galapagos
Location
Fernandina - Isabela
Day
4 / 8

Egas Port, Espumilla Beach & Bucaneer Cove

AM: For those who missed the equatorial crossing the night before, ask our crew for your very own equator crossing certificate -although this is usually reserved for our young explorers, even the young at heart will proudly be able to take this home! This morning we disembark on the black sand beaches of Puerto Egas, northwest of Santiago Island. Once the location of a salt mine (1967), today you can take a two and a half-hour hike to find the abandoned mine turned into a shallow saltwater lake. For those who prefer to stay by the beach, you will be able to walk the intertidal zone to the fur seal grottos or snorkel to watch sea turtles, sea lions, and white-tipped sharks.

PM: We head back to the yacht for lunch encompassing flavors of the South American Pacific coast and Peruvian Nikkei style crafted by Pedro Miguel Schiaffino. Then our tenders will continue their adventure to Playa Espumilla, where a wet landing will set us upon a golden sandy beach, a well-known breeding ground for sea turtles. You will also visit Caleta Bucanero, a 17th-century pirate rest stop where pirates used to stock up on fresh tortoise meat and freshwater. The day will end with a choice of snorkeling, kayaking, or stand-up paddleboarding before winding down back onboard with Happy Hour over a glass of our special Aqua Bloody Mary as the crew prepares for departure to our next adventure.

Aqua Mare - West Galapagos
Location
Santiago
Day
5 / 8

Rabida & Black Turtle Cove

AM: Awake to the sounds of nature and a fresh breakfast before departing by tender to Rábida Island, also known as the red island. The color is the result of the oxidation of very old porous lava. You will be able to hike, take out one of our eight double kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, or snorkel, as well as observe hundreds of sea lions who have made their home on the beach.

PM: After a delicious lunch, you can listen to an afternoon lecture on the evolution of Darwin’s finches presented by our expert guides in the panoramic lounge. The Aqua Mare will sail towards the north of Santa Cruz Island, to Caleta Tortuga Negra, a mangrove estuary that is home to sea turtles. This is a tender ride excursion as there is no landing site, but you will be able to spot green sea turtles, as well as three different types of sharks: the black tip, the Galapagos, and the famous blue shark. End this glorious day discovering more of our signature Ecuadorian cuisine with an Andean twist courtesy of Chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino -we recommend the Galapagueña lobster lettuce wraps with Acevichado dressing.

Aqua Mare - West Galapagos
Location
Rabida - Santa Cruz
Day
6 / 8

North Seymour & Mosquera

AM: Your penultimate day in the Archipelago begins with a refreshing breakfast before heading out to Seymour Norte Island, formed by uprisings of underwater volcanic lavas some 3.1 million years ago. The island is mostly known for its healthy population of land iguanas, blue-footed boobies, swallow-tailed gulls, and great frigate birds. After a morning full of fun activities, you will head back to the yacht for a delicious lunch aboard Aqua Mare. 

PM: For the afternoon excursion, hop on to one of our tenders for a wet landing onto Mosquera Island. While the rock pile is one of the smallest in the Archipelago, it is home to one of the largest colonies of sea lions in the Galapagos Islands, and if you’re lucky you may even spot migratory orcas. Around sunset, you will return to the sleek comfort of Aqua Mare for your last evening aboard. Swap notes on everything you’ve experienced during this most incredible adventure with your friends on board and toast farewell with something special from our curated wine list.

Aqua Mare - West Galapagos
Location
North Seymour - Mosquera
Day
7 / 8

Disembarkation

AM: The last day begins with a luxurious breakfast set against the sunrise before setting out for one final excursion by tender. You will enjoy the views of the fragile visitor site of Daphne Island, a scientific use zone for scientists studying Darwin’s finches. You will observe Nazca boobies, red-billed tropicbirds, and blue-footed boobies nesting at Daphne Major terraces, which is also the site of a 40-year study on the evolution in Darwin’s finches, demonstrating evolution occurring over short periods. We return to the ship for a refreshing juice and to pack up the last of your belongings as we set sail to BaltraIsland, bidding farewell to our crew and beautiful home for the past week. You will be escorted to the airport for your flight back to the mainland and onward journey home with all the wonderful memories we hope you will cherish forever.

Aqua Mare - West Galapagos
Location
Daphne - Baltra
Day
8 / 8
1 / 8

15 Day - East & West Galapagos

itinerary map

Embarkation

AM: Once you arrive at Baltra airport, you will be met by our team and escorted on a short cross-island transfer to the jetty. Receive a warm welcome aboard Aqua Mare, the Galapagos Islands’ first 50m luxury superyacht with our 16-strong crew where you will be treated with the utmost attention courtesy of our 1:1 crew to guest ratio.

A delicious Nikkei-inspired lunch crafted by consultant chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino will be served. At your leisure, pick out your snorkeling kit complete with a mask, fins, snorkel, and an optional shorty wetsuit for your personal use during the week. You will also receive as a welcome gift a special waterproof bag to place your belongings during wet landings and an Aqua Expeditions water bottle.

PM: The afternoon will see you head out onto your first excursion to Playa Las Bachas on the northern part of Santa Cruz Island for a short 20-minute hike taking us to two ponds where you can observe various species of flamingos, ducks, shorebirds, and sometimes marine iguanas. It is also possible to spot Darwin’s finches, yellow warblers, and mockingbirds among the coastal vegetation, mangroves, and saltbush.

For those who prefer to snorkel, the beach is one of the main nesting sites of sea turtles, so you will no doubt come across one or two! Head home to the yacht for the evening to indulge in your first sumptuous dinner in the Archipelago, making it the perfect start to your Galapagos Islands adventure.

Aqua Mare - East & West Galapagos
Location
Baltra
Day
1 / 15

El Barranco & Darwin Bay

AM: For those who missed the equatorial crossing the night before, ask our crew for your very own equator crossing certificate -although this is usually reserved for our young explorers, even the young at heart will proudly be able to take this home! This morning explore Genovesa Island, where you will take a tender ride along the volcanic rocks of El Barranco to view the fur seals resting inside rock crevices. A 1.5 km hike inland takes us to the lava fields to view red-footed boobies as well as great frigatebirds and Galapagos storm petrels. After the visit, we will return to the yacht to get suited up for your snorkeling session to view bottlenose dolphins, schools of hammerhead sharks, colorful fish, and pristine corals. The tenders will accompany us alongside the cliffs to observe the animal species that rest on the cliffs before a splendid lunch back on board.

PM: The afternoon sees us at Bahía Darwin’s coralline beach for hiking, snorkeling, stand-up paddleboarding, or kayaking. Make it a family affair after dinner at the lower deck Beach Club by enjoying a private movie screening. We recommend watching the Planet Earth documentary on the Galapagos Islands, the swashbuckling box office Master, and Commander, or simply enjoying the starlit skies from the upper deck.

Aqua Mare - East & West Galapagos
Location
Genovesa
Day
2 / 15

Sullivan Bay & Chinese Hat

AM: Start the morning early with a workout or a guided meditation on our upper deck followed by a refreshing breakfast. Our first excursion of the day will take us to the northeast of Santiago Island with a dry landing at Bahía Sullivan to discover recent Pahoehoe lava flows.

PM: After a sumptuous lunch and lecture on the geology of the Galapagos Islands from one of our expert scientist guides onboard Aqua Mare, we depart to Sombrero Chino Island, so named after the small crater that forms the islet. The surrounding crystal-clear waters provide a great opportunity to observe sea lions and penguins from above. There will be time for snorkeling, stand-up paddleboarding, and kayaking. Return to the yacht for evening sundowners and a barbecue dinner on the upper deck, with the volcanic island serving as a stunning backdrop to your once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

Aqua Mare - East & West Galapagos
Location
Santiago
Day
3 / 15

Bartolome & Dragon Hill

AM: With an early morning anchor at Bartolomé Island, you will embark upon a mild climb up to the summit of a spatter cone for a spectacular view of the island’s iconic Pinnacle Rock. Cool down afterward with a snorkel where you may encounter sea turtles and Galapagos penguins, before heading back to the yacht for lunch as we sail towards Santa Cruz Island.

PM: Our afternoon excursion takes us to Cerro Dragón or Dragon Hill, so named because in 1975 it was one of the only places in Santa Cruz Island where scientists could still find a healthy population of land iguanas (Conolophus subcristatus). The hiking trail begins with a wet landing and continues inland to a flamingo lagoon, ending with the option to swim and snorkel from the beach or walk along the mangroves and sand dunes of the south beach. Back onboard, swap tales of your magnificent excursion over an al fresco dinner encompassing flavors from the South American Pacific coast and Peruvian Nikkei style crafted by consultant chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino.

Aqua Mare - East & West Galapagos
Location
Bartolome - Santa Cruz
Day
4 / 15

El Chato Giant Tortoise Reserve & Fausto Llerena Breeding Center

AM: This morning you will explore the El Chato Giant Tortoise Reserve to see these wild Galapagos Islandscreatures up close in their natural habitat. The area is also a great place to observe Darwin’s finches, yellow warblers, flycatchers, cattle egrets, and if lucky Galapagos Rails.

PM: After a mouth-watering lunch and afternoon lecture on the evolution of Darwin’s finches presented by our expert guides in the panoramic lounge, you will take a tender ride to Darwin Station and National Park headquarters to observe tortoises in captivity at the Fausto Llerena Breeding Center, as well as the different age hatchlings categorized by islands. There will be free time to enjoy the town of Puerto Ayora before returning to the ship. Refreshing superfruit juices await at our Beach Club, which is located at water level at the aft of the ship, or enjoy the scenic sunset views from the upper deck. For divers, there is the option of a full day of diving instead of joining the day excursions.

Aqua Mare - East & West Galapagos
Location
Santa Cruz
Day
5 / 15

Suarez Point, Gardner Bay & Osborne Islet

AM: Rise and shine to a guided meditation on our upper deck before disembarking in Punta Suárez for this morning’s excursion. This visitor site is one of the most interesting landing sites in the Galapagos Islands, due to the high percentage of unique endemism in its fauna such as Española mockingbirds, lava lizards, Galapagos tortoises, marine iguanas, and the unique waved albatross.

PM: In the afternoon, we will take a tender ride to the beautiful array of islets where you will be able to snorkel alongside playful sea lions, sea turtles, sharks, rays, and many different species of reef fishes. The last visit of the day will be Bahía Gardner, an outstanding coralline sand beach that boasts one of the biggest colonies of sea lions in the Galapagos Islands. Back at the yacht, head over to our bar to socialize over Happy Hour with a glass of our special Aqua Bloody Mary as the crew prepares for departure to our next anchorage.

Aqua Mare - East & West Galapagos
Location
Española
Day
6 / 15

Barrington Island & Plaza Sur Islet

AM: After a night of sailing, you will visit Santa Fé(also known as Barrington) Island for your penultimate day. It is one of the oldest in the Galapagos Islands (around 3.6 million years old), with the island being characterized to some degree by its vegetation of palo santo trees, a pear cactus that is called Opuntia Echio Barringtonensis, and many other native bushes. Here we will spot land iguanas, lava lizards, swallow-tailed gulls, shearwater petrels, red-billed tropicbirds, mockingbirds, Darwin’s finches, and Galapagos hawks. After the visit, we will be able to take advantage of the last full day in the Galapagos Islands by snorkeling, kayaking, or stand-up paddleboarding.

PM: As you enjoy lunch onboard -we recommend the Galapagueña lobster lettuce wraps with Acevichado dressing -the boat will sail to Plaza SurIsland, located off the eastern shore of Santa Cruz. In the afternoon you disembark at this small, but diverse little islet to head out on a two-hour hiking excursion led by your guide to discover its unique landforms. Swap notes on everything you’ve seen today at your final recap briefing once back aboard and toast farewell under the Archipelago’s amazing starlit skies to your newfound friends over a glass of wine.

Aqua Mare - East & West Galapagos
Location
Santa Fe - Santa Cruz
Day
7 / 15

Puerto Ayora at Leisure

AM: Build your own adventure today from a selection of activities such as a morning run to Academy Bay for a beach morning, an introductory scuba dive with a local certified dive operator, hike to the Las Grietas fissure canyon for a cool snorkel in the crystal-clear waters, or even choose to bicycle around and outside of Puerto Ayora town. 

PM: You will be able to meet new companions joining you onward for the next seven nights over another delicious lunch aboard. As they explore the Fausto Llerena Breeding Center in the afternoon, yours is free to spend at your leisure - just let our Cruise Director know and all the arrangements will be made. If you prefer to slow down the pace, our tenders can take you out for a short snorkeling excursion, or stay onboard Aqua Mare to sunbathe on our upper deck sun loungers. Regroup at the end of the day over dinner where our chefs will present you with a dazzling array of native Ecuadorian and Galapagoan ingredients.

Aqua Mare - East & West Galapagos
Location
Santa Cruz
Day
8 / 15

Cormorant Point, Post Office Bay & Baroness' Lookout

AM: For your second morning in the Galapagos Islands, we will be anchored in the southern part of the Archipelago at Floreana Island. After breakfast, the morning wet landing excursion will take you to a big brackish water lagoon to observe greater flamingos, ducks, black-necked stilts, and other shorebirds at Punta Cormorant. You will be able to observe where sea turtles nest at night, and spot stingrays and sharks swimming very close to the shore. Later you will return to the boat to prepare for kayaking or take a short tender ride to Devil’s Crown for snorkeling.

PM: Enjoy a splendid lunch consisting of fresh Ecuadorian recipes with an Andean twist before heading back out to Floreana to pay tribute to an old island tradition at Bahía Post Office. The visit will follow another quick tour of what once was a fishing enterprise in the 1920s before continuing onboard the tenders to visit Mirador de la Baronesa. Another delicious feast showcasing Japanese technique combined with Peruvian seasoning using only the freshest local fish and seafood awaits when you return onboard Aqua Mare. Stay out on the upper deck with a cocktail if you would like to admire the northern and southern hemispheres’ starlit skies tonight.

Aqua Mare - East & West Galapagos
Location
Floreana
Day
9 / 15

Moreno Point & Urbina Bay

AM: After a night of sailing, the morning sees our beautiful superyacht anchored on the western side of Isabela Island. As the biggest and youngest island in the Archipelago, Isabela was formed by five relatively young volcanoes and is characterized by giant tortoises and marine iguanas. For the morning excursion, a hike at Punta Moreno takes us to the mangroves and gas-rich basaltic lava rocks resulting from a large basaltic lava flow that came from the Cerro Azul volcano on Isabela hundreds of years ago. There are mangrove lagoons along the shore and small saltwater lagoons inland, where you will observe ducks, shorebirds, stilts, blue-winged teals, flamingos, and gallinules. After the visit, you will have the opportunity to go snorkeling near the shore or return to the yacht to rest and enjoy the majestic landscapes Isabela has to offer.

PM: In the afternoon, the boat will sail north to Bahía Urbina, a 6km point, once underwater and uplifted in 1954 up to 3m above sea level. Here you can see tortoises, land iguanas, and the biggest marine iguanas roaming free in the Archipelago. We end the day with an unforgettable view of Isabela’s five volcanoes as we dine on refreshing seafood salads, baked fish, potato llapingachos, tuna crudo, barbequed plantains, and shrimp ceviche beneath the stars.

Aqua Mare - East & West Galapagos
Location
Isabela
Day
10 / 15

Espinoza Point & Tagus Cove

AM: Start the morning early with a workout on our upper deck at our next anchorage point of Punta Espinoza, part of a huge lava flow formed from one of the many eruptions of the La Cumbre volcano, known to be one of the most active volcanoes in the world. Famous for its large colonies of marine iguanas, flightless cormorants, Galapagos penguins, Galapagos hawks, lizards, and snakes, you will spend the morning onshore with the option to snorkel before returning to the yacht for a sumptuous lunch and lecture on the geology of the Galapagos Islands from one of our expert scientist guides. 

PM: As Aqua Mare crosses the Bolivar Channel back towards Isabela Island, prepare to channel your inner pirate for the afternoon excursion visiting Caleta Tagus, once a favorite anchorage spot for pirates and whalers. Here we will hike to see Darwin Lake, a saltwater lake trapped inside a tuff cone. If you would rather not hike, you can take your pick from our eight double kayaks, snorkeling, stand-up paddleboarding, or a ride on our elegant black tenders to explore the cave and its surroundings. Return to the yacht for evening sundowners and head to the bridge after dinner for a chat with our captain as we cross the equatorial line twice while rounding the top of Isabela Island sailing to our next anchorage point.

Aqua Mare - East & West Galapagos
Location
Fernandina - Isabela
Day
11 / 15

Egas Port, Espumilla Beach & Bucaneer Cove

AM: For those who missed the equatorial crossing the night before, ask our crew for your very own equator crossing certificate -although this is usually reserved for our young explorers, even the young at heart will proudly be able to take this home! This morning we disembark on the black sand beaches of Puerto Egas, northwest of Santiago Island. Once the location of a salt mine (1967), today you can take a two and a half-hour hike to find the abandoned mine turned into a shallow saltwater lake. For those who prefer to stay by the beach, you will be able to walk the intertidal zone to the fur seal grottos or snorkel to watch sea turtles, sea lions, and white-tipped sharks.

PM: We head back to the yacht for lunch encompassing flavors of the South American Pacific coast and Peruvian Nikkei style crafted by Pedro Miguel Schiaffino. Then our tenders will continue their adventure to Playa Espumilla, where a wet landing will set us upon a golden sandy beach, a well-known breeding ground for sea turtles. You will also visit Caleta Bucanero, a 17th-century pirate rest stop where pirates used to stock up on fresh tortoise meat and freshwater. The day will end with a choice of snorkeling, kayaking, or stand-up paddleboarding before winding down back onboard with Happy Hour over a glass of our special Aqua Bloody Mary as the crew prepares for departure to our next adventure.

Aqua Mare - East & West Galapagos
Location
Santiago
Day
12 / 15

Rabida & Black Turtle Cove

AM: Awake to the sounds of nature and a fresh breakfast before departing by tender to Rábida Island, also known as the red island. The color is the result of the oxidation of very old porous lava. You will be able to hike, take out one of our eight double kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, or snorkel, as well as observe hundreds of sea lions who have made their home on the beach.

PM: After a delicious lunch, you can listen to an afternoon lecture on the evolution of Darwin’s finches presented by our expert guides in the panoramic lounge. The Aqua Mare will sail towards the north of Santa Cruz Island, to Caleta Tortuga Negra, a mangrove estuary that is home to sea turtles. This is a tender ride excursion as there is no landing site, but you will be able to spot green sea turtles, as well as three different types of sharks: the black tip, the Galapagos, and the famous blue shark. End this glorious day discovering more of our signature Ecuadorian cuisine with an Andean twist courtesy of Chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino -we recommend the Galapagueña lobster lettuce wraps with Acevichado dressing.

Aqua Mare - East & West Galapagos
Location
Rabida - Santa Cruz
Day
13 / 15

North Seymour & Mosquera

AM: Your penultimate day in the Archipelago begins with a refreshing breakfast before heading out to Seymour Norte Island, formed by uprisings of underwater volcanic lavas some 3.1 million years ago. The island is mostly known for its healthy population of land iguanas, blue-footed boobies, swallow-tailed gulls, and great frigate birds. After a morning full of fun activities, you will head back to the yacht for a delicious lunch aboard Aqua Mare. 

PM: For the afternoon excursion, hop on to one of our tenders for a wet landing onto Mosquera Island. While the rock pile is one of the smallest in the Archipelago, it is home to one of the largest colonies of sea lions in the Galapagos Islands, and if you’re lucky you may even spot migratory orcas. Around sunset, you will return to the sleek comfort of Aqua Mare for your last evening aboard. Swap notes on everything you’ve experienced during this most incredible adventure with your friends on board and toast farewell with something special from our curated wine list.

Aqua Mare - East & West Galapagos
Location
North Seymour - Mosquera
Day
14 / 15

Disembarkation

AM: The last day begins with a luxurious breakfast set against the sunrise before setting out for one final excursion by tender. You will enjoy the views of the fragile visitor site of Daphne Island, a scientific use zone for scientists studying Darwin’s finches. You will observe Nazca boobies, red-billed tropicbirds, and blue-footed boobies nesting at Daphne Major terraces, which is also the site of a 40-year study on the evolution in Darwin’s finches, demonstrating evolution occurring over short periods. We return to the ship for a refreshing juice and to pack up the last of your belongings as we set sail to BaltraIsland, bidding farewell to our crew and beautiful home for the past week. You will be escorted to the airport for your flight back to the mainland and onward journey home with all the wonderful memories we hope you will cherish forever.

Aqua Mare - East & West Galapagos
Location
Daphne - Baltra
Day
15 / 15
1 / 15

15 Day - West & East Galapagos

itinerary map

Embarkation

AM: Once you arrive at the airport, you will be met by our team and escorted on a cross-island van and ferry transfer of approximately 1.5 hours to Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island. Receive a warm welcome aboard Aqua Mare, the Galapagos Islands’ first 50m luxury superyacht with our 16-strong crew where you will be treated with the utmost attention courtesy of our 1:1 crew to guest ratio. A delicious Nikkei-inspired feast crafted by consultant chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino will be served for lunch.

At your leisure, pick out your snorkeling kit complete with a mask, fins, snorkel, and an optional shorty wetsuit for your personal use during the week. You will also receive as a welcome gift a special waterproof bag to place your belongings during wet landings and an Aqua Expeditions water bottle. 

PM: This afternoon you will visit Darwin Station and National Park headquarters, located at the Fausto Llerena Breeding Center. Our scientific team and expedition leaders will guide you through the grounds to observe these giant reptiles and learn about the conservation program of tortoises and land iguanas.

You will have some leisure time to explore the main town of Puerto Ayora after the visit. We recommend strolling along the main waterfront where you can stop by the many boutiques and jewelry shops before heading back to the ship for an evening of lecture and inspiration for the next day, than to indulge in your first taste of fresh seafood dining in the Galapagos Islands

Aqua Mare - West & East Galapagos
Location
Baltra - Santa Cruz
Day
1 / 15

Cormorant Point, Post Office Bay & Baroness' Lookout

AM: For your second morning in the Galapagos Islands, we will be anchored in the southern part of the Archipelago at Floreana Island. After breakfast, the morning wet landing excursion will take you to a big brackish water lagoon to observe greater flamingos, ducks, black-necked stilts, and other shorebirds at Punta Cormorant. You will be able to observe where sea turtles nest at night, and spot stingrays and sharks swimming very close to the shore. Later you will return to the boat to prepare for kayaking or take a short tender ride to Devil’s Crown for snorkeling.

PM: Enjoy a splendid lunch consisting of fresh Ecuadorian recipes with an Andean twist before heading back out to Floreana to pay tribute to an old island tradition at Bahía Post Office. The visit will follow another quick tour of what once was a fishing enterprise in the 1920s before continuing onboard the tenders to visit Mirador de la Baronesa. Another delicious feast showcasing Japanese technique combined with Peruvian seasoning using only the freshest local fish and seafood awaits when you return onboard Aqua Mare. Stay out on the upper deck with a cocktail if you would like to admire the northern and southern hemispheres’ starlit skies tonight.

Aqua Mare - West & East Galapagos
Location
Floreana
Day
2 / 15

Moreno Point & Urbina Bay

AM: After a night of sailing, the morning sees our beautiful superyacht anchored on the western side of Isabela Island. As the biggest and youngest island in the Archipelago, Isabela was formed by five relatively young volcanoes and is characterized by giant tortoises and marine iguanas. For the morning excursion, a hike at Punta Moreno takes us to the mangroves and gas-rich basaltic lava rocks resulting from a large basaltic lava flow that came from the Cerro Azul volcano on Isabela hundreds of years ago. There are mangrove lagoons along the shore and small saltwater lagoons inland, where you will observe ducks, shorebirds, stilts, blue-winged teals, flamingos, and gallinules. After the visit, you will have the opportunity to go snorkeling near the shore or return to the yacht to rest and enjoy the majestic landscapes Isabela has to offer.

PM: In the afternoon, the boat will sail north to Bahía Urbina, a 6km point, once underwater and uplifted in 1954 up to 3m above sea level. Here you can see tortoises, land iguanas, and the biggest marine iguanas roaming free in the Archipelago. We end the day with an unforgettable view of Isabela’s five volcanoes as we dine on refreshing seafood salads, baked fish, potato llapingachos, tuna crudo, barbequed plantains, and shrimp ceviche beneath the stars.

Aqua Mare - West & East Galapagos
Location
Isabela
Day
3 / 15

Espinoza Point & Tagus Cove

AM: Start the morning early with a workout on our upper deck at our next anchorage point of Punta Espinoza, part of a huge lava flow formed from one of the many eruptions of the La Cumbre volcano, known to be one of the most active volcanoes in the world. Famous for its large colonies of marine iguanas, flightless cormorants, Galapagos penguins, Galapagos hawks, lizards, and snakes, you will spend the morning onshore with the option to snorkel before returning to the yacht for a sumptuous lunch and lecture on the geology of the Galapagos Islands from one of our expert scientist guides. 

PM: As Aqua Mare crosses the Bolivar Channel back towards Isabela Island, prepare to channel your inner pirate for the afternoon excursion visiting Caleta Tagus, once a favorite anchorage spot for pirates and whalers. Here we will hike to see Darwin Lake, a saltwater lake trapped inside a tuff cone. If you would rather not hike, you can take your pick from our eight double kayaks, snorkeling, stand-up paddleboarding, or a ride on our elegant black tenders to explore the cave and its surroundings. Return to the yacht for evening sundowners and head to the bridge after dinner for a chat with our captain as we cross the equatorial line twice while rounding the top of Isabela Island sailing to our next anchorage point.

Aqua Mare - West & East Galapagos
Location
Fernandina - Isabela
Day
4 / 15

Egas Port, Espumilla Beach & Bucaneer Cove

AM: For those who missed the equatorial crossing the night before, ask our crew for your very own equator crossing certificate -although this is usually reserved for our young explorers, even the young at heart will proudly be able to take this home! This morning we disembark on the black sand beaches of Puerto Egas, northwest of Santiago Island. Once the location of a salt mine (1967), today you can take a two and a half-hour hike to find the abandoned mine turned into a shallow saltwater lake. For those who prefer to stay by the beach, you will be able to walk the intertidal zone to the fur seal grottos or snorkel to watch sea turtles, sea lions, and white-tipped sharks.

PM: We head back to the yacht for lunch encompassing flavors of the South American Pacific coast and Peruvian Nikkei style crafted by Pedro Miguel Schiaffino. Then our tenders will continue their adventure to Playa Espumilla, where a wet landing will set us upon a golden sandy beach, a well-known breeding ground for sea turtles. You will also visit Caleta Bucanero, a 17th-century pirate rest stop where pirates used to stock up on fresh tortoise meat and freshwater. The day will end with a choice of snorkeling, kayaking, or stand-up paddleboarding before winding down back onboard with Happy Hour over a glass of our special Aqua Bloody Mary as the crew prepares for departure to our next adventure.

Aqua Mare - West & East Galapagos
Location
Santiago
Day
5 / 15

Rabida & Black Turtle Cove

AM: Awake to the sounds of nature and a fresh breakfast before departing by tender to Rábida Island, also known as the red island. The color is the result of the oxidation of very old porous lava. You will be able to hike, take out one of our eight double kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, or snorkel, as well as observe hundreds of sea lions who have made their home on the beach.

PM: After a delicious lunch, you can listen to an afternoon lecture on the evolution of Darwin’s finches presented by our expert guides in the panoramic lounge. The Aqua Mare will sail towards the north of Santa Cruz Island, to Caleta Tortuga Negra, a mangrove estuary that is home to sea turtles. This is a tender ride excursion as there is no landing site, but you will be able to spot green sea turtles, as well as three different types of sharks: the black tip, the Galapagos, and the famous blue shark. End this glorious day discovering more of our signature Ecuadorian cuisine with an Andean twist courtesy of Chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino -we recommend the Galapagueña lobster lettuce wraps with Acevichado dressing.

Aqua Mare - West & East Galapagos
Location
Rabida - Santa Cruz
Day
6 / 15

North Seymour & Mosquera

AM: Your penultimate day in the Archipelago begins with a refreshing breakfast before heading out to Seymour Norte Island, formed by uprisings of underwater volcanic lavas some 3.1 million years ago. The island is mostly known for its healthy population of land iguanas, blue-footed boobies, swallow-tailed gulls, and great frigate birds. After a morning full of fun activities, you will head back to the yacht for a delicious lunch aboard Aqua Mare. 

PM: For the afternoon excursion, hop on to one of our tenders for a wet landing onto Mosquera Island. While the rock pile is one of the smallest in the Archipelago, it is home to one of the largest colonies of sea lions in the Galapagos Islands, and if you’re lucky you may even spot migratory orcas. Around sunset, you will return to the sleek comfort of Aqua Mare for your last evening aboard. Swap notes on everything you’ve experienced during this most incredible adventure with your friends on board and toast farewell with something special from our curated wine list.

Aqua Mare - West & East Galapagos
Location
North Seymour - Mosquera
Day
7 / 15

Daphne & Las Bachas Beach

AM: Today begins with a luxurious breakfast set against the sunrise before setting out for an excursion by tender. You will enjoy the views of the fragile visitor site of Daphne Island, a scientific use zone for scientists studying Darwin’s finches. Here you will observe Nazca boobies, red-billed tropicbirds, and blue-footed boobies nesting at Daphne Major terraces, which is also the site of a 40-year study on the evolution in Darwin’s finches, demonstrating evolution occurring over short periods.

PM: The afternoon will see you head out to Playa Las Bachas on the northern part of Santa Cruz Island for a short 20-minute hike taking us to two ponds to observe various species of flamingos, ducks, shorebirds, and sometimes marine iguanas. It is also possible to spot Darwin’s finches, yellow warblers, and mockingbirds among the coastal vegetation, mangroves, and saltbush. For those who prefer to snorkel, the beach is one of the main nesting sites of sea turtles, so you will no doubt come across one or two! Head home to the yacht for the evening to indulge in a sumptuous dinner in the Archipelago, followed by an aperitivo on our upper deck with your fellow adventurers. Night owls will also have the opportunity to watch the equatorial crossing from the bridge.

Aqua Mare - West & East Galapagos
Location
Daphne - Santa Cruz
Day
8 / 15

El Barranco & Darwin Bay

AM: For those who missed the equatorial crossing the night before, ask our crew for your very own equator crossing certificate -although this is usually reserved for our young explorers, even the young at heart will proudly be able to take this home! This morning explore Genovesa Island, where you will take a tender ride along the volcanic rocks of El Barranco to view the fur seals resting inside rock crevices. A 1.5 km hike inland takes us to the lava fields to view red-footed boobies as well as great frigatebirds and Galapagos storm petrels. After the visit, we will return to the yacht to get suited up for your snorkeling session to view bottlenose dolphins, schools of hammerhead sharks, colorful fish, and pristine corals. The tenders will accompany us alongside the cliffs to observe the animal species that rest on the cliffs before a splendid lunch back on board.

PM: The afternoon sees us at Bahía Darwin’s coralline beach for hiking, snorkeling, stand-up paddleboarding, or kayaking. Make it a family affair after dinner at the lower deck Beach Club by enjoying a private movie screening. We recommend watching the Planet Earth documentary on the Galapagos Islands, the swashbuckling box office Master, and Commander, or simply enjoying the starlit skies from the upper deck.

Aqua Mare - West & East Galapagos
Location
Genovesa
Day
9 / 15

Sullivan Bay & Chinese Hat

AM: Start the morning early with a workout or a guided meditation on our upper deck followed by a refreshing breakfast. Our first excursion of the day will take us to the northeast of Santiago Island with a dry landing at Bahía Sullivan to discover recent Pahoehoe lava flows.

PM: After a sumptuous lunch and lecture on the geology of the Galapagos Islands from one of our expert scientist guides onboard Aqua Mare, we depart to Sombrero Chino Island, so named after the small crater that forms the islet. The surrounding crystal-clear waters provide a great opportunity to observe sea lions and penguins from above. There will be time for snorkeling, stand-up paddleboarding, and kayaking. Return to the yacht for evening sundowners and a barbecue dinner on the upper deck, with the volcanic island serving as a stunning backdrop to your once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

Aqua Mare - West & East Galapagos
Location
Santiago
Day
10 / 15

Bartolome & Dragon Hill

AM: With an early morning anchor at Bartolomé Island, you will embark upon a mild climb up to the summit of a spatter cone for a spectacular view of the island’s iconic Pinnacle Rock. Cool down afterward with a snorkel where you may encounter sea turtles and Galapagos penguins, before heading back to the yacht for lunch as we sail towards Santa Cruz Island.

PM: Our afternoon excursion takes us to Cerro Dragón or Dragon Hill, so named because in 1975 it was one of the only places in Santa Cruz Island where scientists could still find a healthy population of land iguanas (Conolophus subcristatus). The hiking trail begins with a wet landing and continues inland to a flamingo lagoon, ending with the option to swim and snorkel from the beach or walk along the mangroves and sand dunes of the south beach. Back onboard, swap tales of your magnificent excursion over an al fresco dinner encompassing flavors from the South American Pacific coast and Peruvian Nikkei style crafted by consultant chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino.

Aqua Mare - West & East Galapagos
Location
Bartolome - Santa Cruz
Day
11 / 15

El Chato Giant Tortoise Reserve & Fausto Llerena Breeding Center

AM: This morning you will explore the El Chato Giant Tortoise Reserve to see these wild Galapagos Islandscreatures up close in their natural habitat. The area is also a great place to observe Darwin’s finches, yellow warblers, flycatchers, cattle egrets, and if lucky Galapagos Rails.

PM: After a mouth-watering lunch and afternoon lecture on the evolution of Darwin’s finches presented by our expert guides in the panoramic lounge, you will take a tender ride to Darwin Station and National Park headquarters to observe tortoises in captivity at the Fausto Llerena Breeding Center, as well as the different age hatchlings categorized by islands. There will be free time to enjoy the town of Puerto Ayora before returning to the ship. Refreshing superfruit juices await at our Beach Club, which is located at water level at the aft of the ship, or enjoy the scenic sunset views from the upper deck. For divers, there is the option of a full day of diving instead of joining the day excursions.

Aqua Mare - West & East Galapagos
Location
Santa Cruz
Day
12 / 15

Suarez Point, Gardner Bay & Osborne Islet

AM: Rise and shine to a guided meditation on our upper deck before disembarking in Punta Suárez for this morning’s excursion. This visitor site is one of the most interesting landing sites in the Galapagos Islands, due to the high percentage of unique endemism in its fauna such as Española mockingbirds, lava lizards, Galapagos tortoises, marine iguanas, and the unique waved albatross.

PM: In the afternoon, we will take a tender ride to the beautiful array of islets where you will be able to snorkel alongside playful sea lions, sea turtles, sharks, rays, and many different species of reef fishes. The last visit of the day will be Bahía Gardner, an outstanding coralline sand beach that boasts one of the biggest colonies of sea lions in the Galapagos Islands. Back at the yacht, head over to our bar to socialize over Happy Hour with a glass of our special Aqua Bloody Mary as the crew prepares for departure to our next anchorage.

Aqua Mare - West & East Galapagos
Location
Española
Day
13 / 15

Barrington Island & Plaza Sur Islet

AM: After a night of sailing, you will visit Santa Fé(also known as Barrington) Island for your penultimate day. It is one of the oldest in the Galapagos Islands (around 3.6 million years old), with the island being characterized to some degree by its vegetation of palo santo trees, a pear cactus that is called Opuntia Echio Barringtonensis, and many other native bushes. Here we will spot land iguanas, lava lizards, swallow-tailed gulls, shearwater petrels, red-billed tropicbirds, mockingbirds, Darwin’s finches, and Galapagos hawks. After the visit, we will be able to take advantage of the last full day in the Galapagos Islands by snorkeling, kayaking, or stand-up paddleboarding.

PM: As you enjoy lunch onboard -we recommend the Galapagueña lobster lettuce wraps with Acevichado dressing -the boat will sail to Plaza SurIsland, located off the eastern shore of Santa Cruz. In the afternoon you disembark at this small, but diverse little islet to head out on a two-hour hiking excursion led by your guide to discover its unique landforms. Swap notes on everything you’ve seen today at your final recap briefing once back aboard and toast farewell under the Archipelago’s amazing starlit skies to your newfound friends over a glass of wine.

Aqua Mare - West & East Galapagos
Location
Santa Fe - Santa Cruz
Day
14 / 15

Disembarkation

AM: You begin your last day with a luxurious breakfast before bidding farewell to the Aqua Mare crew. Your last visit before leaving paradise is a final short excursion to drive up the highlands of Santa Cruz Island to the twin craters of Los Gemelos en route to the airport. It is a remarkable location surrounded by lush vegetation - with help of the expert naturalist guides you may spot short-eared owls, or if lucky, a vermilion flycatcher. Memories of this last adventure will accompany you as you are escorted to Baltra Island for the departing flight back to the mainland and onward journey home.

Aqua Mare - West & East Galapagos
Location
Santa Cruz - Baltra
Day
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Accommodations

Social Areas

Al Fresco Dining
Bridge
Beachclub
Foredeck
Loungers on Sun Deck
Main Deck
Main Lobby
Shaded Dining Area
Side Deck
Sun Deck & BBQ Area

Suites & Cabins

Aqua Mare - Category V Aqua Mare - Category V
1 Cabin

Category V

Guests
2
Size
16 m² / 172 ft²
Beds
Queen

Located on the Bridge Deck, this suite complete with double bed is located on the highest level of the yacht. The cozy and complete small bathroom suits all needs. Ample closet space is sufficient to unpack fully for your seven nights onboard. It even comes with a leather-clad writing desk and comfortable bamboo writing chair. A great room with plenty of natural light and wonderful private view from the large panoramic window.

Aqua Mare - Category IV
2 Cabins

Category IV

Guests
2 - 3
Size
22 m² / 237 ft²
Beds
Queen / Twin / Triple

These suites are situated on the lower deck. One Category IV suite is available for triple occupancy, whilst the other can accommodate double occupancy. Each suite is complete with an ensuite bathroom fitted with Italian marble, spacious walk-in shower plus rainshower, natural organic hair and bath amenities, a large closet with electronic safe, wall-to-wall carpeting, full walnut veneer wood panelling and large windows to allow plenty of natural light.

Aqua Mare - Category III Aqua Mare - Category III
2 Cabins

Category III

Guests
2
Size
28 m² / 301 ft²
Beds
Queen

These suites are situated on the lower deck and can accommodate up to 2 people in a queen-sized bed. Complete with an ensuite bathroom fitted with Italian marble, spacious walk-in shower plus rainshower, natural organic hair and bath amenities, a large closet with electronic safe, wall-to-wall carpeting, full walnut veneer wood panelling and large windows to allow plenty of natural light. Cabin 102 features a large private Jacuzzi and separate sauna for two guests.


Aqua Mare - Category II
1 Cabin

Category II

Guests
2
Size
26 m² / 280 ft²
Beds
King

This suite is situated on the main deck and can accommodate up to 2 people in a king-sized bed.

Complete with an ensuite bathroom fitted with Italian marble, spacious walk-in shower plus rainshower, natural organic hair and bath amenities, a large closet with electronic safe, wall-to-wall carpeting, full walnut veneer wood panelling and large windows to allow plenty of natural light.


Aqua Mare - Owner's Suite Aqua Mare's Owner's Suite. Aqua Mare's Owner's Suite - Bathroom.
1 Cabin

Owner's Suite

Guests
2 - 4
Size
80 m² / 861 ft²
Beds
King + Twin Sofa

The largest and most luxurious suite onboard, the Owner's Suite is situated on the main deck. This grand suite can accommodate up to 4 guests in total. Complete with an ensuite bathroom fitted with Italian marble, spacious walk-in shower plus rainshower, natural organic hair and bath amenities, a large closet with electronic safe, wall-to-wall carpeting, full walnut veneer wood panelling and large windows to allow plenty of natural light. A separate study can be conveniently closed off for private dining or to accommodate two more guests in lower and upper beds (the upper one being a comfortable pullman). 


Technical Information

Deck Plan

Features

  • Air conditioning
  • Deck shower
  • Pool / Jacuzzi
  • Excercise room
  • Lecture room
  • WIFI available
  • Kosher Meals
  • Medical staff
  • Hot showers
  • All inclusive
  • Family Room (Triple or Quadruple)

Equipment

  • Satellite phone
  • Snorkeling gear
  • Wetsuits
  • Stand up paddleboard
  • Kayaks / Canoes
  • Yoga mats
  • Flash lights
  • Water canteen/bottle
  • Binoculars
  • Insect repellent
** Use of certain equipment at additional cost, ask for details