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Sea and stone formations in Galapagos

East Galapagos

Baltra - Santa Cruz - Example 8 Day Cruise aboard Aqua Mare
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This extraordinary eight-day expedition leaves from Baltra Island and sails north to Genovesa, which is noted for its huge diversity of bird species, including the world's largest colony of red-footed boobies. A stop at Baha Darwin provides the possibility to snorkel with hammerhead sharks. Observing indigenous Giant Tortoises in their natural habitat and spotting waved albatrosses are two highlights. The islands were formed by volcanoes, and their different landscapes show that. Los Gemelos twin craters are one of the most beautiful places on Earth, and Baha Sullivan has some very unusual lava flows.
Galapagos sealSea and stone formations in GalapagosSeascapesGalapagos Volcanic LandscapeKayaking in GalapagosSea and stone formations in Galapagos
Highlights
  • Observe wildlife such as flamingos, birds and marine iguanas.
  • Explore volcanic rocks of El Barranco to view fur seals.
  • Discover recent Pahoehoe lava flows at Bahía Sullivan.
  • Experience spectacular view of the island’s iconic Pinnacle Rock.
Places Visited
Activity Level: Variable
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Baltra Island | Bahia Borrero | Embark

Upon arriving at Baltra airport, you will be greeted by our team and escorted on a brief island transfer to the jetty. Receive a warm welcome aboard Aqua Mare, the Galapagos Islands' premier 50m luxury superyacht, where a 1:1 crew-to-guest ratio ensures exceptional service. Enjoy a delicious lunch, then select your snorkeling gear, including a mask, fins, snorkel, and optional wetsuit, for use throughout the week. You will also receive a special waterproof bag and an Aqua Expeditions water bottle as a welcome gift.

In the afternoon, embark on your first excursion to the stunning white beach of Bahia Borrero in northern Santa Cruz. Spot Darwin’s finches, Cactus finches, and Small Ground finches among the coastal vegetation. Snorkelers can encounter sea turtles, as the beach is a prime nesting site. Return to the yacht to savor a sumptuous Nikkei-inspired dinner, crafted by Aqua Expeditions' renowned consultant chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino. Share your day's experiences with fellow guests, marking a perfect start to your Galapagos Islands adventure.

Day 2: El Barranco | Bahia Darwin, Genovesa Island

This morning, wake up on the other side of the equator and venture to Bahia Darwin’s coralline beach for hiking and snorkeling. After enjoying a delicious lunch, explore Genovesa Island with a tender ride along the volcanic rocks of El Barranco. Observe fur seals resting inside rock crevices. A 1.5 km hike inland will take you to the lava fields to spot red-footed boobies, great frigatebirds, and Galapagos storm petrels.

After dinner, head to the lower deck Beach Club for a private movie screening with your family. Consider watching the Planet Earth documentary on the Galapagos Islands, the adventurous Master and Commander, or simply gaze at the starlit skies from the sun deck.

Day 3: Bahia Sullivan, Santiago Island | Sombrero Chino Island

Start the morning early with a workout or a guided meditation on the sun deck followed by a refreshing breakfast. The first excursion of the day will take you to Santiago Island with a dry landing at Bahía Sullivan to discover recent Pahoehoe lava flows.
Activities: Hiking

After a sumptuous lunch and lecture from one of the expert naturalist guide onboard Aqua Mare, 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.
Activities: Snorkeling

Day 4: Bartolome Island | Cerro Dragon, Santa Cruz Island

With an early morning anchor at Bartolome 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 you sail towards Santa Cruz Island.

Activities: Hiking

The afternoon excursion takes you to Cerro Dragón or Dragon Hill, so named because in 1975 it was one of the only places on 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.

Day 5: Manzanillo Giant Tortoise Reserve | 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 the 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: Punta Suarez, Bahia Gardner | Islote Osborn, Española Island

Rise and shine to a guided meditation on the upper deck before disembarking in Punta Suarez 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, marine iguanas, and the unique waved albatross.

In the afternoon, 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 the bar to socialize over Happy Hour with a glass of special Aqua Bloody Mare as the crew prepares for departure to your next anchorage.

Day 7: Sante Fe Island | 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, spot land iguanas, lava lizards, mockingbirds, and Darwin’s finches. After the visit, take advantage of the last full day in the Galapagos Islands by snorkeling, kayaking, or standup 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 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.

Day 8: Los Gemelos, Santa Cruz Island | Disembark

  • 1 Breakfast
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 the help of the expert naturalist guides you may spot short-eared owls, or if lucky, a vermilion flycatcher.

Activities: Hiking

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.

Ship/Hotel

Aqua Mare

Aqua Mare Beach Club
Aqua Mare TopDeck Sunbed
Aqua Mare Dining Area

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
$10,500 2-3 travelers
Aqua Mare Owner's Suite
Owner's Suite
Located on the main deck, a grand suite like this rarely becomes available unless you charter an entire superyacht. For the exceptional few booking the Owner’s Suite on Aqua Mare, this is one way to assure a trip of a lifetime. At 80 square meters, this luxurious cabin leaves every hotel suite behind. The Owner’s Suite boasts a California king-size bed and multiple closets that will make your home closet envious with its grand beam-to-beam size. Eight large windows plus two more in the bathroom complete that extra over-the-top luxury. 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). The bathroom features a large double shower, separate toilet, and vanity with sofa for added comfort. Additional features include a large hydraulic 40" TV hidden from view, two armchairs, and veneer craftsmanship of the highest standards. It has a separate fresh intake valve and is a suite is made for an A-list guest who expects only the best of the best.
Aqua Mare Cabin 2
Category II
This 26 square meter cabin is located on the Main Deck and is among the first suites to be booked. A comfortable king-sized bed faces a large window, allowing you to enjoy spectacular views from your bed. Two custom built-in armchairs provide space to catch up on reading or plan for your next excursions. The en-suite bathroom has a walk-in shower and plenty of counter space and storage capacity. A separate closet area provides some privacy for the early riser in the couple. An automatic built-in popup TV entertains you in case you want to catch up on your latest Netflix episodes that can be air-played onto the large 40-inch screen. Raw silk wall panels ensure a high level of luxury.
Aqua Mare Category III cabins
Category III
Located on the lower deck via an elegant circular staircase, this cabin is very quiet. It has a good amount of light streaming in through two oval portholes. Fitted with a queen-sized bed, incredible veneer panels, and suede ceiling panels, this suite is luxurious. Tucked in the corner is a stylish leather desk complete with a comfortable bamboo armchair. Like all suites, it also boasts a flat-screen TV seamlessly built into one of the walls, complete with an Apple TV for air playing your pre-downloaded TV shows or streaming your music to the in-room sound system. The bathroom spans the entire width of the cabin and is illuminated via its porthole. Double sinks and plenty of storage space provide room enough for two. A large walk-in shower and armchair in the bathroom are also a clear indication of the spaciousness of this superyacht.
Aqua Mare Category IV cabin
Category IV
For those wanting a twin cabin that is located on the lower deck, this is the perfect fit. If you're traveling with family, there is also the option to transform it into a triple cabin. Two large lower twin beds and one beautifully tucked-in Pullman accommodate three adults comfortably. Two portholes and one in the bathroom provide natural light throughout the cabin. A cozy leather-clad desk adds comfort with its elegant bamboo chair. The same craftsmanship is present in all our cabins and this suite shows off the versatility of the Italian CRN yard. The spacious bathroom is fitted with top-of-the-line finishing including Italian marble and veneers.
Aqua Mare Cabin 5
Category V
Located on the Bridge Deck, this suite complete with a queen-sized 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 a comfortable bamboo writing chair. A great room with plenty of natural light and a wonderful private view from the large panoramic window.

Notes

Single supplement: 75% in addition to adult rate on all departures, 100% in addition to adult rate on Christmas and New Year departures.
Included
  • 7 Breakfasts, 7 Lunches, 7 Dinners
  • 7 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Laundry Service
  • Non-alcoholic beverages.
  • Group transfers between vessel on recommended flights
  • All available non-motorized water sports
  • All meals while on board
  • Small-group excursions with expert guides.
  • Internet connection (intermittent depends on locations)
  • Galapagos Park entrance fee 
  • Use of snorkeling equipment, wet suits, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards.
Excluded
  • Gratuities
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Visa
  • Private Transfers
  • Boutique purchases
  • Cocktails
  • Massage services

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The trip was terrific with great planning on your part. Most of the adventures were not mainstream and somewhat off the beaten path which made it especially enjoyable!! We felt taken care of and you all were readily available to respond to questions and issues. I would highly recommend your company and friends have already expressed interest based on our pictures and excitement.
Gale Cantor
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