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Galapagos seaside

West Galapagos

Santa Cruz - Baltra - Example 8 Day Cruise aboard Aqua Mare
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Sailing from Puerto Ayora, this 8-day voyage takes you across some of the archipelago’s most volcanically active islands for extraordinary explorations amid shield volcanoes and basalt lava flows. Swim with sea lions against the stunning backdrop of a volcanic red sand beach at Rábida Island, witness the legendary mating dance of blue-footed boobies at Seymour Norte, and marvel at white-tipped reef sharks and sea turtles in the shallow waters of Caleta Tortuga Negra.
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Highlights
  • Enjoy the majestic landscapes of Isabela Island.
  • Explore the cove and surroundings at Darwin Lake.
  • Visit Playa Espumilla, a well-known breeding ground for sea turtles
  • Discover Rábida Island, also known as the red island.
Activity Level: Relaxed
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Puerto Ayora | Manzanillo Ranch and Highlands | Embark

  • Ship
  • 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Once you arrive at the airport, meet the team and be escorted on a cross-island van and ferry transfer of approximately 1.5 hours to Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island. On the way there, enjoy a delicious outdoor lunch at a Giant Tortoise Reserve, followed by your first excursion to the highlands of Santa Cruz.

Receive a warm welcome aboard Aqua Mare, the Galapagos Islands’ first 50m luxury superyacht with the 16-strong crew, and be treated with the utmost attention courtesy of a 1:1 crew-to-guest ratio. Furthermore, a waterproof bag designed for storing your belongings during wet landings and a water bottle is included as part of your welcome gift.

In the evening, have some leisure time to explore the main town of Puerto Ayora. It is recommended to stroll 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, then to indulge in your first taste of fresh seafood dining in the Galapagos Islands.

Day 2: Punta Cormorant | Bahía Post Office | Mirador De La Baronesa, Floreana Island

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
For your second morning in the Galapagos Islands, 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. 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.

Day 3: Punta Moreno | Bahía Urbina, Isabela Island

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
After a night of sailing, the morning sees a 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 you 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, embark on a dinghy ride to observe marine iguanas, flightless cormorants, and penguins among other species.
Activities: Panga ride

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. 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 4: Punta Espinoza, Fernandina Island | Caleta Tagus, Isabela Island

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Start the morning early with a workout on the sun deck at the 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. It is possible to come across Galapagos penguins, Galapagos hawks, and snakes as well. Spend the morning on shore with the option to snorkel before returning to the yacht for a sumptuous lunch.
Activities: Snorkeling

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, 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 four double kayaks, snorkeling, stand-up paddle boarding, or a ride on 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 the captain as you cross the equatorial line twice.

Day 5: Puerta Egas, Playa Espumilla | Caleta Bucanero, Santiago Island

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
This morning, 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, visit Playa Espumilla instead, a golden sandy beach that is a well-known breeding ground for sea turtles.
Activities: Snorkeling, Paddle Boarding

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. 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 the special Aqua Bloody Mare as the crew prepares for departure to your next adventure.

Day 6: Rábida Island | Caleta Tortuga Negra, Santa Cruz Island

  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
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. Hike and take out one of the double kayaks, stand-up paddle boards, or snorkel, as well as observe sea lions that have made their home on the beach.
Activities: Hiking

After a delicious lunch, you can listen to an afternoon lecture presented by 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 may spot green sea turtles, as well as blacktip and Galapagos sharks. End this glorious day by discovering more of signature cuisine courtesy of Chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino.
Activities: Panga ride

Day 7: North Seymour Island | Mosquera Island

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
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, head back to the yacht for a delicious lunch aboard Aqua Mare.

For the afternoon excursion, hop on to one of your tenders for a wet landing on 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, 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 a curated wine list.

Day 8: Daphne Island | Baltra Island | Disembark

  • 1 Breakfast
The last day begins with a luxurious breakfast set against the morning sunrise. Enjoy the views from Aqua Mare as you circumnavigate Daphne Island before making your way to Baltra Island for disembarkation. Bid farewell to the crew and your beautiful home for the past week.

You can expect to be accompanied to the airport for your return trip to the mainland and onward journey home, while you carry with you all the cherished memories of this unforgettable experience.

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
Aqua Mare Owner's Suite
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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

Map

When to Go

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Good to ideal period to travel, and many people choose to visit at this time.

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This was my first experience with Adventure Life - and I couldn't have been more pleased with the trip. The guides and local staff in both Buenos Aires and Uruguay were terrific - extremely helpful and accommodating. I really enjoyed meeting the friendly staff in Buenos Aires in person (I left my bags with them for the afternoon).
Karen Snider
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