East & West Galapagos Expedition Cruise

Description

Reward yourself with the adventure of a lifetime in the islands born of fire, the Galapagos archipelago. Witness one of history’s greatest scientific discoveries by experiencing the extraordinary power of nature to adapt to its environment: evolution. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978, this remote Archipelago of 18 islands and more than 100 small islets lies around 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador in the Pacific Ocean. Its proximity to the equator, volcanic activity, and influence from three ocean currents (Humboldt, Panama, and Cromwell) created a distinctive set of environmental conditions that allowed for a unique land and marine ecosystems to develop over the course of four million years. The Galapagos Islands were created as a result of centuries of volcanic eruptions caused by the gradual movement of the Nazca tectonic plate. Today, 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. The Galapagos Islands’ marine reserve is one of the largest and most biologically diverse in the world. What sets the Galapagos truly apart is its remarkable levels of endemic wildlife and plant life, more than anywhere else in the world. Nearly 80 percent of land birds and mammals, over 90 percent of reptiles, more than 30 percent of plants and around 20 percent of marine life are native to the Galapagos Islands.

Trip Name

East & West Galapagos Expedition Cruise

Days

Overview

Vessel Type: Superyacht Length: 163.1 feet / 49.73 meters Passenger Capacity: 16 Year Built / Refurbished: 1998 / 2021 The Galapagos Islands’ first true superyacht experience As the first true superyacht in the Galapagos Islands, the 50m Aqua Mare takes an iconic once-in-a-lifetime adventure to the next level. With her expansive size and world-class pedigree, she boasts 30 percent more indoor volume than most yachts her size, making her the perfect respite after active days exploring the remote wildlife and dynamic nature of the Archipelago. Aboard the Italian CRN Yacht-built Aqua Mare, guests will find seven large Zuretti-designed suites, including an 80 sqm Owner’s Suite, extravagant indoor and outdoor social spaces, elegant finishing, and immaculate attention to detail, making it the first of its kind in the region, and the ultimate retreat while exploring the dramatic volcanic landscapes of the Galapagos Archipelago. Exclusivity is combined with the most personalized service enabled by two naturalist guides for 16 guests, on top of the islands’ most exclusive one-to-one crew to guest ratio. A tale of elegance and legacy A truly stunning example of signature Italian luxury mega yacht builders CRN Yachts, Aqua Mare is a vessel of distinction in every way. Designed and built in 1998, the 50m superyacht incorporates original custom interiors by famous yacht designer François Zuretti, and timeless exterior styling by the Italy-based Studio Scanu. Originally consisting of five elegant staterooms, the 2021 refurbishment led by Aqua Expeditions Director Birgit Galli Zugaro sees Aqua Mare add two spacious cabins to the already luxurious mix. A personalized interior makeover that complements the rich history of its destination, Aqua Mare reveals the personalized Aqua Expeditions touch and is ready to be enjoyed in all her sophisticated and contemporary glory. Sophistication and safety Having attained the highest international classifications (ISM, Lloyd’s Register) in safety, the vessel is additionally equipped with Koop Nautic Sea Rocq Underway stabilizers that allow for comfort at rest or while sailing at a maximum speed of 17 knots, faster than anyone in the Archipelago. Aqua Mare’s range outperforms any other yacht in the region, with a cruising range of 4,800 nm, allowing for explorers on board to experience the entirety of the wild and magnificent Archipelago at its most varied and intimate. Accommodations and Cabins Passengers are accommodated in seven sea-facing Design Suites across three decks. Upper Deck: 1 Cat V Design Suite measuring 16 square meters / 172 square feet Main Deck: 1 Cat I Owner’s Suite measuring 80 square meters / 861 square feet, 1 Cat II Design Suite measuring 26 square meters / 280 square feet Lower Deck: 2 Cat III Design Suites measuring 28 square meters / 301 square feet 2 Cat IV Design Suites measuring 22 square meters / 237 square feet On-board Living and Social Areas Sun Deck with Panoramic Dining, Outdoor Seating, Lounge Sofa, Outdoor Barbecue area, Outdoor 6-person Jacuzzi, and Outdoor Workout Zone Upper Deck with Bridge, Main Panoramic Lounge, Library, Lobby Bar, and Outdoor Deck Main Deck with Indoor Dining Room, Pop-Up Boutique, and Outdoor Dining and Lounge Area Lower Deck with Swim Platform, and Indoor Panoramic Beach Club / Movie Room

Itinerary

Day 1 - Day 1 ECUADOR Embarkation At Baltra Island And Bahia Borrero

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. 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. The afternoon will see you head out for your first excursion to the beautiful white beach of Bahia Borrero on the northern part of Santa Cruz. You might be able to spot Darwin’s finches, Cactus finches, and Small Ground finches nestled in the coastal vegetation. For those who prefer to snorkel, you will encounter sea turtles at the beach — one of their primary nesting sites. Afterwards, head back to the yacht and indulge in a sumptuous Nikkei-inspired dinner curated by Aqua Expeditions’ world-renowned consultant chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino. Share stories of your excursion with other guests, marking the perfect start to your Galapagos Islands adventure. *Recommended flights: EQUAIR

Day 2 - Day 2 ECUADORE l Barranco And Bahía Darwin, Genovesa Island

This morning, you’ll wake up on the other side of the equator and head over to Bahia Darwin’s coralline beach for hiking and snorkeling. Following a sumptuous lunch, explore Genovesa Island with a tender ride along the volcanic rocks of El Barranco. You’ll be able to view fur seals resting inside rock crevices. A 1.5 km hike inland will then take us to the lava fields to view red-footed boobies as well as great frigatebirds and Galapagos storm petrels. 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 enjoy the starlit skies from the sun deck.

Day 3 - Day 3 ECUADOR Bahía Sullivan, Santiago Island And Sombrero Chino Island

Start the morning early with a workout or a guided meditation on our sun deck followed by a refreshing breakfast. Our first excursion of the day will take us to Santiago Island with a dry landing at Bahía Sullivan to discover recent Pahoehoe lava flows. After a sumptuous lunch and lecture from one of our expert naturalist guides onboard Aqua Mare, 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 a signature dining experience serving macambo rice and fish maito. *Morning rendezvous diving option available

Day 4 - Day 4 ECUADOR Bartolomé Island And Cerro Dragón, Santa Cruz Island

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. 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 through seafood specialties like pan seared scallops and grilled squid. *Morning rendezvous diving option available

Day 5 - Day 5 ECUADORE l Chato Giant Tortoise Reserve And Fausto Llerena Breeding Center, Santa Cruz Island

This morning you will explore a Giant Tortoise Reserve to see these wild Galapagos Islands creatures 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. After a delicious lunch, you will visit 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.

Day 6 - Day 6 ECUADOR Punta Suárez, Bahía Gardner, Nd Islote Osborn, Española Island

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. 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 Happy Hour with a glass of our special Aqua Bloody Mare as the crew prepares for departure to our next anchorage.

Day 7 - Day 7 ECUADOR Santa Fé Island And Plaza Sur Island

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 take advantage of the last full day in the Galapagos Islands by snorkeling, kayaking, or stand-up paddle boarding. As you enjoy lunch onboard, the boat will sail to Plaza Sur Island, located off the eastern shore of Santa Cruz. In the afternoon you disembark at this small, but diversse 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. *Morning rendezvous diving option available

Day 8 - Day 8 ECUADOR Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz Island

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. You will be able to meet new companions joining you onward for the next seven nights, and 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. *Bookings for dives must be made at least eight days prior to departure.

Day 9 - Day 9 ECUADOR Punta Cormorant, Bahía Post Office, And Mirador De La Baronesa, Floreana Island

Today, 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 shore birds at Punta Cormorant. You will be able to observe where sea turtles nest at night, and possibly spot stingrays and sharks swimming very close to the shore. 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. Upon returning onboard Aqua Mare, enjoy another feast showcasing a blend of Japanese technique and Peruvian seasoning through delicacies such as the tuna tartare and quinoa yakimeshi. Stay out on the upper deck with a cocktail if you would like to admire the northern and southern hemispheres’ starlit skies tonight. *Morning rendezvous diving option available

Day 10 - Day 10 ECUADOR Punta Moreno And Bahía Urbina, Isabela Island

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 which came from the Cerro Azul volcano on Isabela hundreds of years ago. There are mangrove lagoons along the shore, where you will embark on a dinghy ride to observe marine iguanas, flightless cormorants, and penguins among other species. In the afternoon, the Aqua Mare will sail north to Bahía Urbina, a 6km² point, once underwater and uplifted in 1954 up to 3m above sea level. Here you can see land iguanas, some of the biggest marine iguanas roaming free in the Archipelago, and on occasion, tortoises as well. We’ll end the day with an unforgettable view of Isabela’s five volcanoes while dining on macambo rice, fish maito, and candied pear beneath the stars.

Day 11 - Day 11 ECUADOR Punta Espinoza, Fernandina Island, And Caleta Tagus, Isabela Island

Start the morning early with a workout on our sun 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. The region is famous for its large colonies of marine iguanas, flightless cormorants, and lizards. We might come across Galapagos penguins, Galapagos hawks, and snakes as well. You will spend the morning on shore with the option to snorkel before returning to the yacht for a sumptuous lunch. 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 four double kayaks, snorkeling, stand-up paddle boarding, or a ride on our elegant black tenders to explore the cove 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.

Day 12 - Day 12 ECUADOR Puerto Egas, Playa Espumilla, And Caleta Bucanero, Santiago Island

This morning, we’ll take a tender ride to Caleta Bucanero, a 17th century pirate rest stop where pirates used to stock up on fresh tortoise meat and fresh water. In case ocean conditions are unfavorable, we’ll visit Playa Espumilla instead, a golden sandy beach which is a well-known breeding ground for sea turtles. We head back to the yacht for lunch encompassing flavors of the South American Pacific coast through specially prepared dishes like the linguine ai frutti di mare. Next, disembark on the black sand beaches of Puerto Egas, northwest of Santiago Island. 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. Wind down back onboard with Happy Hour over a glass of our special Aqua Bloody Mare as the crew prepares for departure to our next adventure.

Day 13 - Day 13 ECUADOR Rábida Island And Caleta Tortuga Negra, Santa Cruz Island

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 oxidation of very old porous lava. You will be able to hike, take out one of our double kayaks, stand-up paddle boards, or snorkel, as well as observe sea lions which have made their home on the beach. After a delicious lunch, you can listen to an afternoon lecture 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 blacktip and Galapagos sharks. End this glorious day discovering more of our signature cuisine courtesy of Chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino. * Morning rendezvous diving option available

Day 14 - Day 14 ECUADOR Seymour Norte Island And Mosquera Island

Your penultimate day in the Archipelago begins with 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. For the afternoon excursion, hop on to one of our tenders for a wet landing onto Mosquera Island. Although it’s one of the smallest in the archipelago, Mosquera Island is one of the hotspots for spotting sea lions. 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 onboard and toast farewell with something special from our curated wine list. * Morning rendezvous diving option available

Day 15 - Day 15 ECUADOR Daphne Island And Disembarkation At Baltra Island

The last day begins with a luxurious breakfast set against the morning sunrise. Enjoy the views from Aqua Mare as we circumnavigate Daphne Island before making our way to Baltra Island for disembarkation. Bid farewell to the crew and your 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 which we hope you will cherish forever. *Recommended flights: EQUAIR

Day 16 - Please Note:

Itineraries are subject to change.

Trip Dates

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Inclusions

Every day, guests will also embark on snorkeling excursions in the surrounding waters to see the region’s marine life. The waters surrounding the Galapagos Islands are home to a variety of sea creatures including species of sharks, rays, reef fish, and occasionally, even whales!
Over on land, Aqua Mare guests will embark on guided hiking adventures to some of the islands’ hotspots for spotting wildlife. There’ll be opportunities to spot land and marine iguanas — striking creatures which look like they were descendants of the mythical dragons. There’ll also be visits to see the remarkable Giant Tortoises which make for one of the highlights of an expedition to the Galapagos Islands.
Finally, we’ll look to the skies for even more exciting sightings. The archipelago is inhabited by unique species of birds such as flightless cormorants, blue-footed boobies, and Darwin’s finches — named after the biologist, who used his experiences on the islands as the foundation for his theory of evolution.