Combine unparalleled natural beauty, exotic wildlife, and remarkable history on board luxury expedition superyacht, Aqua Mare, for the ultimate exploration of the Galapagos Islands.
This 7-night voyage uncovers the delights of the eastern islands, which are smaller and older than the western islands, and boast well-developed, greener vegetation. Wildlife opportunities here are aplenty, with waved albatross, red-footed boobies, playful penguins and dense colonies of land iguanas, to name a few.
Each day offers a new adventure, led by an expert expedition team and dedicated naturalist guides. Explore sites such as the Charles Darwin Research Station and the giant tortoise reserve, where you can find out more about incredible conservation projects. Encounter exotic marine wildlife on daily Zodiac excursions, such as sea turtle, sea lion and marine iguana, or embark on guided hiking adventures for panoramic views.
Stay on board the luxurious oasis of Aqua Mare, featuring just seven, spacious, individually designed guest suites, accommodating no more than 16 guests. Sophisticated and contemporary in style, the vessel features a sun deck with panoramic dining, outdoor barbecue area and 6-person hot tub. Designed for adventure, the expedition yacht is equipped with snorkelling equipment, kayaks and paddleboards.
Typical Itinerary
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Day 1:
Embarkation
On arrival at Baltra airport, you're met and transferred to meet your expedition superyacht.
This afternoon, head out on your first excursion to the beautiful white beach of Bahia Borrero, on the northern part of Santa Cruz. You may be able to see Darwin’s finches, cactus finches, and small ground finches nestled in the coastal vegetation. This evening, indulge in a sumptuous dinner, marking the perfect start to your Galapagos adventure.
Accommodation: Aqua Mare, 7-nights
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Day 2:
Genovesa
This morning, you wake up on the other side of the equator and head over to Bahia Darwin’s coralline beach for hiking and snorkelling.
After lunch, explore Genovesa Island with a tender ride along the volcanic rocks of El Barranco. Look out for fur seals resting inside rock crevices, and on an inland hike to the lava fields, you may see red-footed boobies, great frigatebirds and Galapagos storm petrels.
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Day 3:
Santiago & Sombrero Chino
Today, visit
Santiago Island to discover recent Pahoehoe lava flows at Bahı́a Sullivan. After a tasty lunch, and lecture from one of the expert naturalist guides, you visit 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. Return to the yacht for evening sundowners and dinner.
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Day 4:
Bartolome & Santa Cruz
With an early morning anchor at Bartolomé Island, enjoy 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.
Your afternoon excursion takes you to Cerro Dragón or Dragon Hill, so named because in 1975 it was one of the few places in the Santa Cruz Island where scientists could still find a healthy population of land iguanas.
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Day 5:
Santa Cruz
This morning, 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 with luck, Galapagos rails.
This afternoon, visit Darwin Station and National Park headquarters to observe tortoises and enjoy some free time in Puerto Ayora.
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Day 6:
Espanola
Disembark 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.
This afternoon, see playful sea lions and many species of reef fish on a tender ride to a beautiful array of nearby islets. Later, you also visit Bahı́a Gardner, an outstanding coralline sand beach that boasts one of the biggest colonies of sea lions in the Galapagos Islands.
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Day 7:
Santa Fe & Plaza Sur
Santa Fe is one of the oldest islands in the Galapagos, at around 3.6 million years old. Here you can see land iguanas, lava lizards, mockingbirds, and Darwin’s finches. This afternoon sail to Plaza Sur Island, a small, but diverse islet. Enjoy a two-hour hiking excursion led by your guide to discover unique landforms.
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Day 8:
Disembark, visit Los Gemelos and transfer to the airport
Begin your last day with a luxurious breakfast before bidding farewell to the Aqua Mare crew. Enjoy a final short excursion to the highlands of Santa Cruz, to the twin craters of Los Gemelos, a remarkable location surrounded by lush vegetation. After, you're escorted to Baltra Island for your onward travel arrangements.
Please note: Exact itinerary and duration will depend on your departure date and local conditions.
OPTIONAL EXTENSIONS
To make the most of your time in Ecuador, why not add an extension to your Galápagos adventure? Wander through the colonial streets and lively markets of
Quito, journey deep into the
Ecuadorian Amazon for a rainforest experience rich in wildlife or unwind in the
Andean cloud forests. These are just a few suggestions, and you can
ask us for ideas or more information on how to tailor your trip beyond the islands.
LUXURY VESSEL
