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GALAPAGOS CRUISE
Adventure across the highest biodiversity on Earth sailing the enchanted volcanic islands for up-close wildlife encounters
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Adventure of a lifetime
Reward yourself with an unforgettable voyage along the islands born of fire.
Nestled off the coast of Ecuador, the Galapagos Islands harbor an entirely unique ecosystem, made up of endemic animals including Galapagos penguins, giant tortoises, land and marine iguanas, and sea lions. These enchanted islands played a significant role in inspiring Charles Darwin’s Theory of Evolution, which has largely shaped our understanding of life and its origins. Revel in up-close encounters with rare species, as you hike through remote trails and snorkel in pristine waters off the archipelago's volcanic shores.
After each excursion, return to the luxury of our superyacht – the only one which sails this archipelago. With elegantly designed suites and social spaces – including an 80m² owner’s suite, a sun deck, jacuzzi, and panoramic lounge – the 50-meter Aqua Mare makes a perfect respite following days filled with adventure and exploration.
Cuisine is another point of pride aboard the Aqua Mare, allowing for a multi-sensory exploration of the region. With a menu designed by renowned chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino, the superyacht presents an unparalleled dining experience inspired by the dramatic landscapes of the Galapagos Islands and the Peruvian Nikkei style.
Explore the Enchanted Islands
Trip highlights and excursions
For those traveling on Aqua Mare’s 7-night East itinerary and 14-night East & West itinerary, embarkation and disembarkation will work as follows:
Embarkation
Meeting Point: Arrival terminal, Seymour Airport (GPS), 12:30 PM
Guests will be welcomed by the Aqua Mare team at Seymour Airport upon landing. They will be able to indulge in refreshments at the airport’s VIP lounge while waiting for their luggage. Following this, guests will be escorted on a short cross island transfer to the jetty. They will board Aqua Mare around 01:00 PM.
Disembarkation
Guests will disembark Aqua Mare at Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island. Following this, they will be taken on a cross-island van and ferry transfer to Seymour Airport (GPS). They will be able to relax in the airport’s VIP lounge before boarding their flight to Quito or Guayaquil.
Our superyacht in the Galapagos Islands
What our guests say
FAQs
Have a question? Don’t be shy. We’re here help you make the most of your adventure. Find answers to our most frequently asked questions below. If you still need help contact us.
The Galapagos Islands are a volcanic archipelago located in the Pacific Ocean, off the coast of Ecuador. They were discovered in 1535 by Fray Tomás de Berlanga, the Bishop of Panama, during a voyage to Peru. The archipelago consists of 13 main islands, 6 smaller islands, and over 100 islets and rocks, formed through volcanic activity over millions of years. Renowned for their unique biodiversity, the islands played a key role in allowing Charles Darwin to formulate his theory of evolution. Today, the Galapagos Islands are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to species found nowhere else on the planet.
The Galapagos Islands are among the planet's most biodiverse destinations, home to endemic wildlife including Darwin’s finches, Galapagos sea lions, land iguanas, and giant tortoises. In West Galápagos, species like Galapagos penguins, flightless cormorants, and marine iguanas thrive courtesy of the nutrient-rich waters brought by the Cromwell Current. Meanwhile, East Galapagos hosts flamingos in brackish lagoons and nesting birds like blue-footed boobies and frigatebirds. Lava lizards are also common in the east, with species varying by island.
Our rates include elegant design suite accommodations; all onboard meals, non-alcoholic beverages, house wines, and beer; small-group excursions with expert guides; use of snorkeling equipment, wet suits, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards; onboard lectures and evening entertainment; laundry service; complimentary high-speed satellite internet; and entrance fee to the Galapagos National Park. We will provide group transfers from/to the airport if you arrive and depart on our recommended flights. The only extra expenses incurred will be airfare, cocktails, optional boutique purchases, and gratuities.
Life is relaxed while sailing on Aqua Mare. We have a no shoes policy on board and invite guests to dress casually during meals in the dining room.
We recommend you to bring the following items:
• Hiking or tennis shoes
• Water shoes or strap-on sandals (for wet landings)
• Flip-flops (optional)
• Lightweight clothing with SPF protection – sun shirts, short and/or long-sleeved tops, shorts, and trousers
• Underwear and socks
• Sweater or fleece for the cold season (June – December)
• Hat/caps and sunglasses (preferably polarized)
• Rain jacket or windbreaker
• 2+ bathing suits
• Sunscreen
• SPF lip balm
• Toiletries*
• Mosquito repellent with DEET 7 (OFF is recommended)
• Camera (with charger, extra batteries, and memory cards)
• Underwater camera for snorkeling
• Your favorite TV shows pre-downloaded onto a laptop or tablet for your entertainment
For those sailing on the West Galapagos itinerary, there will be an excursion prior to embarkation on the first day. The following is recommended:
• Dress in comfortable clothes, socks, and sneakers
• Carry sunscreen, a rain jacket, hat or cap, and a camera in your carry-on bag
We provide the following on board:
• Sunblock
• Insect repellent
• Water bottles
• Beach bag
• Powerful hair dryer in every suite
• 220-volt and 115-volt European outlets in all cabins
• Universal electrical adaptors on board
• 8x32 Binoculars
Aqua Mare offers unlimited access to SpaceX's high-speed Starlink Satellite Internet for all guests. Aqua Expeditions is the only small-ship expedition line to offer this groundbreaking technology on its voyages.
Citizens of over 90 countries may visit Ecuador visa-free for up to three months. Nationals of certain countries may require a visa; contact the nearest Ecuadorian embassy or consulate to confirm entry requirements and check for any necessary vaccinations. Aqua Expeditions covers the cost of entrance to the Galapagos National Park as well as the Transit Control Card fees for all guests sailing on Aqua Mare.
Guests are strongly advised to purchase trip cancelation insurance, which will reimburse the cost of air tickets and other non-refundable trip payments. International medical, baggage loss, and delay insurance are also recommended. Insurance companies such as Travel Guard and Allianz are options that guests may consider.
Unfortunately, we are unable to refund your booking should you miss your vessel departure due to any weather-related flight cancelation since flight cancelation s are beyond our control and we are required to comply with our schedules.
If Aqua Mare is unable to sail (i.e. due to force majeure or mechanical failure), Aqua Expeditions reserves the right to substitute another vessel. If this option is not taken, Aqua Expeditions reserves the right to cancel the trip upon a refund pro rata per cruise night not used or, as an alternative, offer credit towards a future expedition on Aqua Mare.
The minimum recommended age for children is 5 years old. Guests must be at least 18 years of age to travel without their parents or guardians. If any occupant in the suite is under 18, then a guest of at least 18 years old must be booked in the same suite.
Aqua Mare features seven individually designed suites, spread out across three decks. The main difference between each category lies in the dimensions of the suite, reflected in the difference in rates. Suites aboard Aqua Mare are some of the largest in the Galapagos Islands, ranging from 172 square feet (16 sqm) to 861 square feet (80 sqm), and showcase the attention to detail of Italian craftsmanship and décor, ensuring a luxurious sanctuary to retreat into while exploring the beautiful Galapagos Archipelago.
Our talented chefs are well-versed in a variety of preparations and can cater to vegetarian, vegan, kosher, gluten-free, and dairy-free diets, as well as other more specific preferences. Whether it’s allergies, dietary restrictions, or lifestyle preferences, our team will do their best to serve you world-class meals based on the preferences indicated in your guest account or online check-in. You will have the option to specify your dietary needs when completing the online check-in for your expedition.